Best Camping in and near Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore

94% (33 reviews)

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore adventure.

Sandstone cliffs and wild beaches fringe America’s first National Lakeshore.

Popular ways to camp

Community favorites near Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore

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Public campgrounds in the park
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Stay at a public campground in Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore

Top-rated campgrounds near Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore

96%

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Surf Camp on Lake Michigan

1 site · RV, Tent10 acres · Manistique, MI

Best Hipcamp in Michigan Finalist Just 20 minutes from Kitch-iti-kipi, surf camp is the quintessential U.P. hideaway. Located on Lake Michigan’s Garden Peninsula, the east-facing beach is perfect for watching sunrises with your morning coffee. Enjoy evening campfires tucked in a cedar grove or take the kayak for a paddle to have an authentic Michigan experience. Perfect for writing or meditation retreats and family getaways. Conveniently located, it's a short drive to Kitch-iti-kipi (Big Spring), Fayette State Historic Park, and an easy day trip to Marquette or Pictured Rocks in Munising. The camper on site will be locked, but feel free to tent, car camp, or bring your own RV here as well. The site includes a self-contained privy. No electricity or water hookups make this a rustic experience.

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(351)

Explore the U.P. from here!

5 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents5 acres · Newberry, MI

A simple PRIVATE and affordable campsite should be this easy! Two choices: Come sleep in a levitating tent already set up, at Sites 2,3, and 4. (Room for your own tent too if you prefer) OR Your own camper or tent. (Site1) in a quiet, private location. Campsite neighbors are out of sight, you have privacy here! All sites have their own private entrances, you can’t see any sites or buildings, and they are very spaced-out. My location is situated PERFECTLY central to the major UP attractions Pictured Rocks, Tahquamenon Falls and Kitchittikippi. And there’s even a convenience store within walking distance! Showers are also available in town (Pickelmans gas station).

98%

(86)

Elli's Lazy Days Resort & Campground

13 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents8 acres · Manistique, MI

Beautiful campground located on the Westshore of Indian Lake in Manistique, MI near Big Springs ( Kitch-iti-kipi), Hiawatha National Forest and many ATV/Snowmobile trails.

96%

(26)

Weidenhamer Lodge

6 sites · RVs, Tents10 acres · Gould City, MI

Beautiful spot on Lake Milakokia (1,956 acres) featuring walleye, perch, pike, and suckers with the most amazing sunrises as well as sunsets. Tahquamenon Falls, Kitchitikipi, Pictured Rocks Lakeshore, and the Mackinac Bridge all within an hours drive. Very quiet property. Pets welcomed but must be on a leash and attended at all times. Bars, restaurants, and dispensaries near by.

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(49)

AuTrain RV Sites By Pictured Rocks

4 sites · Lodging, RVs5 acres · Au Train, MI

These RV sites are located in a wooded area on the West Side of AuTrain Lake! Each RV site has full electric hookup, sewer, water, wifi, picnic table, firepit and chairs! The RV sites are drive through making this a relaxing stay! Just 2.5 miles from Lake Superior and 15 miles from Munising and the start of the Pictured Rocks Shoreline! You will be able to kick back and relax! The adventures are all around in this centrally located area!

94%

(397)

Superior Times Resort & Campground

33 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents15 acres · Au Train, MI

Hello, and welcome to Superior Times Resort and Campground! We would like to take a moment and introduce ourselves. Our names are Tom and Heather Holmstrom. We were married in 2016 and have four children as part of our blended family. We are both originally from the Upper Peninsula. Superior Times Resort and Campground was the result of us wanting to do something “outside of the box” that would allow us to raise our family and show them there is more out there than the traditional path. We also wanted showcase our love and respect for the beauty of the Upper Peninsula; the area that many refer to as “God’s Country.” In December of 2016, we mistakenly pulled into the driveway of this property. At that time, it was known as Coleman’s Paradise Resort. There was a For Sale sign marking the property. We both knew at that point our fate was sealed to become this property’s new owners. We learned that this property had been a family vacation destination for nearly 100 years. We could only imagine the special memories that had been made here over the years! We wanted to become a part of that deep history. Through the many years of the resort’s history, the owners had changed and the cabins were showing true signs of their age. We knew there was A LOT of work that simply had to be done. On a wing and prayer, we somehow made this great resort ours. In April of 2017, we opened what we named Superior Times Resort and Campground. We pulled up or sleeves and went to work! Thank you for choosing us and allowing us to be part of the memories that you create here. We know that you work hard for your own money, as we do. Knowing that you chose our resort to support, means a lot to our Superior Times and Resort family team. We truly appreciate your loyalty and give special thanks to our returning customers. There is nothing more rewarding to us than a return visit! It means to us that we have exceeded your expectations. Thank you for considering us for your next vacation! Tom and Heather Holmstrom

100%

(32)

Forest Overlooking River

7 sites · RVs, Tents360 acres · Gladstone, MI

Learn more about this land:Beautiful backwoods birch forest with campfire spots on the edge of Rapid River. We’re within the hour of pictured Rocks National Park and many other beautiful places to visit...We’re only 2.5 miles off of main hwy, US 41 , We have kayaks, four wheelers and hiking /biking roads and trails available for guest..

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(148)

High Swamp Camp

9 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents40 acres · Seney, MI

🌲Quiet🌲Dark🌲Private🌲Nature🌲Luxury🌲 🌲WI-FI🌲Laundry🌲Site 2 Group Discounts🌲 🌲Warm Water Swimming In Grand Marais Bay🌲 🌲Backpack Camping Basecamp🌲 Very Close To The Pictured Rocks! Large Private Campsites! Flush-T. & Shower! Site 2 Group Disc.! Electric & Water Site! Guest room available. 1/4 mile from ORV Trail-88. Miles of Hiking Trails. Close to the Fox River Trout Stream. Close to the Seney National Wildlife Refuge. 1.5 hours to the Tahquamenon Falls. 1.5 hours to the Big Springs. 2 hours to Mackinaw Island. 2 hours to the Soo Locks. For Info. or off-season lodging... Message 'Chris'.

100%

(3)

Gitche Gumee Trailside Micro cabin

1 site · Lodging60 acres · Marquette, MI

A stone’s throw from the North County Trail system (MM MI-287.5) discover your boujee hippie micro-cabin, a cozy Lake Superior retreat nestled within the beautiful Gitche Gumee RV Park. The rustic comfortable amenities will ease the need to be in the mix of the Marquette Maze. A mere 8.5 miles from downtown Marquette – jump onto the Iron Ore Heritage Trail for an easy ride into town for the Saturday and Wednesday Farmers Market. Walk across M-28 at the campground entrance to find the secret beach- over to 2.0 miles of sand beach with prime open-water swimming. But don’t underestimate Lake Superior – She will transform from millpond flat to a 5’0” break in 15 minutes – calling heavy water lovers ; ) Build a beach fire and wait for the Borealis to reveal itself – smell the north. Enjoy the on-site Red Pine Brewery tasting room for a horn of Amber Red Ale or Lunar Shock Belgium witbier before you drift off to dreams of Valhalla. Bathroom and showers located out your front door at the Gitchee Gumee Campground bath house. The loft sleeps two in a full bed with a full hide-a-bed/couch below for a friend. Check current water conditions live on www.inwoodtownship.org - “Road Conditions of the U.P. (MDOT cameras)” – take a peek 24/7/365 day or night. Room details: Two (2) full beds (loft up/hide-a-bed/couch down) 5 gallons of filtered drinking water Sheets, blankets and pillows Coffee and Tea tray Small refrigerator Microwave Toaster Oven Electric water kettle French Press High top table Three (3) wrought iron chairs Wood stove Air conditioning Ceiling fan Electric Space heater Pet Friendly Outdoor grill and fire pit NO WIFI, NO TV Hiking, Mtn-biking, Snowmobile, Side-by-side, snowshoe, XC-Ski trail access from the Boujee Hippie Oasis. Fall and Winter availability with alternative bathroom service. The North Country Trail runs directly through the campground. Lake LeVasseur is a short hike (2.0 miles). Lakenenland Sculpture Park 5.0 miles East on the North Country Trail. For winter adventure the Iron Ore Heritage Trail and Michigan Snowmobile Trail (417) parallels the North Country Trail all the way to Munising.

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Blueberry fields campground

4 sites · RVs60 acres · Marquette, MI

Learn more about this land:Rustic grounds in the works to provide all the things one could want !! You can stay as long as you would like, we just ask you only have 2 tents per site ! We are 7 miles east of Marquette and 30 miles west from pictured rocks national lakeshore ! We are also within 1 mile of public accessible sandy shoreline of lake Supireor

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(100)

Cabin/Campers on Lake

3 sites · Lodging130 acres · Rapid River, MI

Learn more about this land: Cabin on lake with no public access. Camper/RV with large deck on same lake approximately 1200 feet away. Another camper in grassy clearing within the forest, approximately 600 feet away from lake. Owner's home is out of sight and sound 1/4 mile away. Pasture and forest property borders 2500 feet of private lake front. Property also borders the Hiawatha National Forest. Great pike fishing on shallow lake with access to 10' jon boats with oars and single seat kayaks. Life vests available. Cabin is one open room with bunk beds that sleep 4 plus a full size futon. Cooking and dish water is provided by hanging 7 gallon jug over kitchen sinks. No indoor toilets, outhouse available at all three sites. Gas cooking stove and wood burning stove/oven for heat and cooking. Battery powered electric lights. Wood burning interior stove and sauna at cabin. Campers have no interior heat. Water, box of firewood, pots and pans, and utensils provided. Bring food, ice, and drinking water. Bring charcoal and lighter fluid if you want to use small grills outside. Dogs are welcome just not on beds or futon :)

100%

(27)

Doe Creek Hideaway

2 sites · Lodging, Tents39 acres · Engadine, MI

Located in the Eastern Upper Peninsula of Michigan in the small town of Engadine. You will be just a few miles from Lake Michigan and camp beside the tranquil waters of doe creek. There is wildlife traveling through the property and at times make this their home. This is a birding paradise again for those birds migrating through and others making nests and raising their babies. We are a hobby farm, we hay in July, garden during the summer and at times have a variety of farm animals. There is recreation galore including swimming, fishing, boating, skiing, hiking, and biking to name a few very familiar activities to this area.

The best camping near Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore guide

Overview

About

With soaring cliffs, sandy beaches, and distinctive rock formations fringing the south shore of Lake Superior, dramatic views are a guarantee at Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. More than 100 miles of hiking trails lead the way to viewpoints such as Miners Castle, Grand Sable Banks, and Chapel Rock Waterfall, or you can take to the water to swim, boat, or kayak. Camping in the park is a rustic affair, and if you’re feeling even more adventurous, there are plenty of options for backcountry camping. Bring your skis or snowmobile in winter, or try your luck ice fishing on the frozen lake.

Notable campgrounds

Best for lake views: Twelvemile Beach Campground has 36 tent/RV sites, some of which look out over the beach below.
Best for boaters: Little Beaver Lake Campground has just eight sites and a boat ramp, but it’s best suited to RVs under 36 feet.
Best for peace and quiet: Hurricane River Campground has 21 tent/RV sites in a wooded setting, some designated as generator-free.

Tips for snagging a campsite

You can reserve a site at one of three campgrounds or purchase a backcountry camping permit via the Recreation.gov website. No first-come, first-served camping is available.
Campsite reservations open six months in advance. Spots can fill up quickly for summer and holiday weekends, so book as soon as possible, especially if you have a specific site in mind.
Two campsites at each campground are held back for last-minute bookings, and these spots open up two weeks in advance—book quickly to snag one of the spots.

When to go

Outdoor activities can be enjoyed in all four seasons at Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, and the park stays open year-round. Spring through autumn are the best times for hiking and kayaking—time your visit to admire spring wildflowers or blazing fall foliage. Snowfall typically lasts from late November through late April, and some roads and amenities close through winter. The lakeshore campgrounds open from May 15 through October 15.

Know before you go

Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore is on the southeast shore of Lake Superior, a short drive from Munising to the west or Grand Marais to the east.
A per-vehicle admission fee applies, and camping reservation fees also apply.
Facilities include the Munising Falls and Grand Sable Visitor Centers, picnic areas, restrooms, and a small boat ramp. Cell service is unreliable throughout the park, but public wifi is available at the visitor centers.
Bears are present at Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, so keep food and garbage secure at campgrounds and backcountry areas, and follow the park’s bear safety guidelines.
There are accessible campsites, restrooms, and picnic areas at Pictured Rocks. The Munising Falls trail and Sand Point Marsh Trail are also accessible for wheelchairs and strollers.