The best camping near Van Riper State Park

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Van Riper State Park adventure.

Discover Van Riper State Park's natural beauty and outdoor fun.

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Community favorites near Van Riper State Park

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Public campgrounds in the park
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Stay at a public campground in Van Riper State Park

Top-rated campgrounds near Van Riper State Park

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Bear Tree Homestead

3 sites · Lodging50 acres · Trowbridge Park, MI

Bear Tree Homestead is nestled among the cliffs and ravines which drains the south face of Hogback Mountain located in Marquette Township Michigan. Hogback Mountain is one of the larger rock formations in the Huron Range, a surprisingly rugged, and diverse region of low mountains carved by glaciers. Each cabin is hand-built of log and stone using traditional Scandinavian building tools and techniques. Our buildings, gardens, and pastures are integrated into the forested landscape and are not your typical homestead. One of the most wonderful things we have to offer is the accessibility to thousands of protected acres surrounding us and the trails that bisect them. We are located 8 miles from downtown Marquette in Michigan's Upper Peninsula where there are many great restaurants, shops, and brewpubs. However, once you drive into Bear Tree Homestead and settle in you will not want to leave.

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Lake Superior Beach Perfection

1 site · RV, Tent1 acre · Lake Linden, MI

What more do you need than a private camping site and your 125' of your own pristine Lake Superior beachfront access? Well, there is the need of a fire ring so we added that, too! Everything else you will to bring to enjoy the million dollar views. Oh, and on the opposite side of the camping site is quiet slough which is great for smooth water paddling and exploring. Down the gravel road about 1/3 miles are logging roads to hike, bike and explore. OHV trails are a couple miles away but check local maps for detailed information. Intentionally being minimalists beyond a fire ring and picnic table, there is a port-a-john (of humble means) to make your stay comfortable. You will need to bring your own firewood if you desire a campfire.

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Heritage Hills

6 sites · RVs, Tents21 acres · Ishpeming, MI

Heritage Hills isn't called Heritage Hills for nothing! It's situated on 21 acres of what was the original Wawonowin Country Club, a 9-hole golf course that was built in the early 1800s and then closed in the mid 1960s. And now we have a beautiful mix of hardwoods and pines, forests and fields with multiplied non-motorized trails accessible right off the property. The very popular RAMBA bike trails are literally an ‘stones throw’ away! Our biggest site, Fairway Field is big enough for group camping that horse campers love, and one site, the Homestead, with an electric hookup. We don’t have a dump station or trash cans so please pack in and pack out. Phone signal is good throughout the area and we are close to civilization for necessities and only 20 minutes from Marquette. So much stuff to do in this area!

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Private Wooded Camping on the Lake

1 site · RV, Tent5 acres · L'anse, MI

Learn more about this land:Camp only feet from the lake. Go kayaking boating fishing hiking . Restaurant/ bar grill only 1 Mile away. Porta potty for tent campers. Launch your small boat or canoe right from the site. Many scenic sites nearby.

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Northern Oasis

7 sites · RVs, Tents10 acres · Negaunee, MI

Our property is located between Marquette and Negaunee, in Michigans Upper Peninsula. We are approx 8 miles from the shores of beautiful Lake Superior and 53 miles from Pictured Rocks National Park. We are about 4.5 miles off of US 41 nestled in a quiet forest like setting. We built our home here in 2019 and are continually making improvements to the land. We tap our trees for maple syrup in the spring-you will drive by our "sugar shack" and raise chickens in our very nice coop -no roosters to awaken you! Come and enjoy some peace and quiet at our Northern Oasis! We are near rivers for fishing and kayaking ( kayaks and canoe for rent on this site-see extras! ) We are on the route of the Ore to Shore Mountain Bike epic and not far from the North Country Trail. We have options of open sites and a few more private wooded sites. There are at least two or three areas for campers and several choices for tents and/or hammocks. We have a communal/central fire pit, picnic table area as well as a larger fire pit with picnic table closer to house. There is fire wood available on this site -see "extras" or for purchase when you get here! If you don't like what is available when you arrive please don't hesitate to contact us-we do have other options! There are yard games, extra chairs and a small table in the red shed. This can also be used as a storm shelter if needed! There is an outhouse and a "port-a-john" on site.

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Hemlock Ridge Homestead

3 sites · Lodging10 acres · Marquette, MI

Welcome to the Hemlock Ridge Homestead! This custom log home built in the early 2000's was a dream of mine since I was 8 years old. Our family lives here year round and absolutely love it. These sites are on a seasonal road so travel in and out can be impeded at times due to weather or external forces, such as tree falls, wash outs, etc. This is a self sufficient homestead in the making. Our garden has progressed greatly, and our fruit tree orchards are starting to produce. The free range chickens are fun and quirky, offering farm fresh eggs. We just opened our second site, the Prairieview Chalet 2024 summer. Both sites offer great amenities. The Acorn Retreat cabin includes a hot tub, gas weber grill and other amenities. The bouchee outhouse is shared by both sites and is cleaned regularly. The new Prairieview Chalet is an exceptional adventurers haven! It has all the things you want after a day(s) out in the wilderness, with amenities like a hot shower, fully stocked kitchen, linens and more. Our property reflects our love of the land and space. We are always making improvements, such as the timber framed chicken coop. We now have a ping pong table for our guests, and still offer farm fresh eggs. Our motto is to make every place better than we found it and hope our guests will do the same. This is a zen, quiet place to heal, reflect and refill your cup of life:)

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Chocolay River

91 sites · RVs, Tents10 acres · Marquette, MI

Our 75 camp sites are located conveniently near Lakes Superior off M28 right by Ojibwa Casino-Marquette, NMU Golf Course, and the ATV trail heads. Check out Things to Do for more information. 80 foot camp sites All pull through sites Full hookups at every site – electric, water, sewer Tent sites also available

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Constellation Farmstead

5 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents120 acres · Pelkie, MI

Learn more about this land: Welcome to Constellation Farmstead. We are a multi-faceted agritourism destination combining farming, homesteading and leisure. We are located in a quaint and quiet area of the Western Upper Peninsula of Michigan. We currently have camping space available both for tents and camping with an RV. For animals we currently have 3 pigs, 12 chickens, a handful of ducks and 8 of the softest rabbits you will ever meet. We also have a husky named Lakota who is always on leash with us as well as 2 cats, one of which spends much of his time outside. Our hiking trails are open, and markers are being added. You are welcome to hike through our property on your own or we are always happy to join. Our disc golf course will be open with t pads and baskets once the ground is firm enough to get everything set up! In the years to come, our beautiful barn will become a venue for weddings as well as a suite and rentable rooms where you can stay. We’ll also be continuing to grow our family farm, orchard and of course our growing array of animals for you to visit. For guests we also have a community fire pit in our yard and host fires most nights that we have guests. We also have a sauna that we heat up many nights so feel to let us know if these things interest you.

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Da Sugarbush on Stanley Lake

7 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents9 acres · Iron River, MI

You'll be camping on our Stanley lake sugarbush property. Lakefront sites have power and water - are located in a grassy clearing on the shores of Stanley Lake. ABSOLUTELY NO CHARGING OF ELECTRIC VEHICLES ON PROPERTY!! Primitive sites are amongst the maple trees of our sugarbush operation, within walking distance of the lake. These sites do not yet have water or electricity, but water is available from spigots at the lake clearing. Stanley lake is just shy of 400 acres, known for walleye and bass. It is an all sports lake with no limited wake hours. Feel free to roam our woods - you will notice the blue maple lines come to an end at our east and west property lines, as well as a no trespassing sign on the lake clearing to the west line. Deer here are plentiful, and you can often get them to eat from your hand, provided you have apples. Iron county has a tremendous ORV/snowmobile trail system. You can drive your machine right from our property to the trails. There are two golf courses in the area, as well as a vast bicycle trail system. Ski Brule ski hills and sporting clay operation are a few miles from the property. Countless acres of public land for recreation!

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Bear Lake Meets da Yellow Dog

3 sites · Lodging10 acres · Marquette, MI

The land around Bear Lake was divided into 10-acre parcels in the 1970s using an original logging trail. Logging artifacts have been found on the property. The Yellow Dog River is a legendary trout stream, and many artists have found that the river satisfies their need for the wild. We are 20 miles (app) north of Marquette, which is my home town. It is a destination for bikers, skiiers, and outdoor rec folk! There are so many things to see and do in Marquette, so make sure to plan enough time to check out the town! Also, just six miles to our north is historic Big Bay. A lumber town back in the day, it is full of history. Check out the Thunder Bay Inn, where parts of Anatomy of a Murder, starring Jimmy Stewart and Lee Remick were filmed. Don't miss going to the Lumberjack to see where the actual murder took place, either! You will find good eats and perhaps even some live music at either establishment. You'll also find everything you need in the way of groceries, and gas at Cram's General Store, where there's also a laundromat. Burns landing has the historic Burns family home renovated in a park setting, and a public beach access to mighty Lake Superior. Yellow Dog falls is a short drive on Co. Road 510, and on the way be sure to climb Thomas Rock overlook. There are new bike trails if you're into that as well! Stay awhile. You'll be glad you did! We strive to offer peace and serenity to our guests, and love to share these woods with those needing tranquility and respite from a busy world. In this sensitive environmental area, we have only two sites to keep traffic down, enhance our visitors experience, and to protect the wildlife here. Unplug with us, eh!

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Bells Acres Recreational Area

7 sites · RVs, Tents200 acres · Ishpeming, MI

Bells Acres is a large property with abundant history! Originally homesteaded by a Finnish family in the 1800s, we are only the 4th family to own this property. Doc Bell operated his veterinarian practice from this farm starting in 1915, giving his name to the creek running through the property and the lake it feeds. A family from Finland purchased the property from the Bell family in the 1960s and lived on the homestead until 2020 when we purchased it. We hope to continue the tradition of generational homesteading, while sharing this piece of God’s country with you! Our property features a vast variety of terrain for our campers to explore. Our extensive road and trail network will take you to beautiful bluffs, ravines, wetlands, riverbanks, beaver ponds and much more! Wildlife enthusiasts can enjoy the chance to see deer, bear, moose, beavers, coyotes, waterfowl, upland birds, and more! You name it, it is here! Our dark skies allow for amazing views of the stars and northern lights! Guests can explore over 100 acres on and off trail. Part of the trail network is accessible by 2WD vehicles. Paddle upstream a short distance from our river access site to view a breathtaking waterfall on the Escanaba River. Enjoy total serenity as there is minimal “noise” around us. Just nature at its best! Guests are welcome to use the communal pavilion, gas grill, and fire pit near the lake. Kayaks are available for guest use at the river access site. Our authentic Finnish Sauna is available for private rental. We also have a variety of yard games and are continually adding to the amenities available to our guests. Some of our nearby attractions include Black River Falls, Wawanowin Golf Course, Greenwood Reservoir, Iron Ore Heritage Trail, Da Yoopers Tourist Trap, and all that the historic mining communities of Negaunee, Ishpeming and Republic have to offer. We are centrally located to some of the best tourist areas and attractions in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan! 25 miles from Marquette 65 miles from Munising, the gateway to Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore 85 Miles to Bond Falls 110 miles from Kitch-iti-kipi (Big Spring) 125 miles from Lake of the Clouds 135 miles from Copper Harbor 150 miles from Tahquamenon Falls We hope that you will make Bells Acres your base camp for your next adventure! Unplug and unwind with us away from all the hustle and bustle! We are excited to be your host and share what we love about Marquette County and the surrounding areas!

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Lonesome Loon

2 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents1 acre · K I Sawyer, MI

Nestled on the tranquil shores of a picturesque spring-fed lake, our rustic yet charming lakefront lot offers an ideal escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Whether you seek a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled vacation, our property is designed to meet all your needs. Our spacious lakefront lot provides stunning panoramic views, direct access to the water, and a serene environment to relax and unwind. We have a cabin or RV/tent spot available. Check out both sites before booking.

The best camping near Van Riper State Park guide

Overview

About

Sun up to sun down and stay van-stoked at Van Riper State Park. Bordered by half a mile of luscious lake length, this 1055-acre park is waiting for YOU to come and take the plunge into nature. Disconnect all 'pads and phones and pods and connect to the “I” within. The docks here aren’t just good for fishin’. Use them as a stage to align those mixed up chakras, and yoga your morning aches away.

Hike, swim, bike, swim, repeat. It’s all about gratitude folks, find yourself in the North side of the park and you may be rewarded with a moose sighting! Find the effects of fresh air intoxicating? Stay a night, heck a week! Van Riper’s got the C&C (campgrounds & cabins) for your Z's.

When to go

The ideal time to visit Van Riper State Park is during the summer months, from June to August, when the weather is warm and the park is full of life. However, autumn also offers a spectacular display of fall colors. Winters can be harsh and are best suited for snow-based activities, while spring may bring unpredictable weather and muddy trails.

Know before you go

Ensure you have a Recreation Passport for park entry, as it's required for access.
Check the trail conditions before you set out, especially after inclement weather.
Remember to pack out all your trash and leave the park as pristine as you found it.
For those planning to hike, sturdy footwear is recommended due to the varied terrain.
Be aware of park-specific safety guidelines to ensure a safe and enjoyable visit.