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Top Campgrounds and RV Parks in Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore

There’s a reason that Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore is listed as one of the best RV trips to take in Michigan: it was the very first national lakeshore in the United States, and the park’s 42 miles of rugged coastline is one of the most stunning lakeshores in the country.

Located in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore borders the southern shore of Lake Superior. It stretches from the town of Munising to Grand Marais, not far from the Canadian border of Ontario. Being in the Upper Peninsula means the area surrounding the lakeshore is fairly rural, and you can get to it from either Wisconsin or lower Michigan.

The park itself doesn’t look like your typical lakeshore. Colorful, 500 million-year-old sandstone cliffs tower over the massive, brilliant blue Lake Superior. Just a short hike inland will take you to countless impressive waterfalls, lakes, and gorges. In the summer, the weather is pleasant — not cold, but not overly hot. It gets very cold in the winter, and although the area is open to the public, heavy snowfall can make it very difficult to access.

It’s important to note that lakeshore contains many dirt and gravel roads that may be difficult for some vehicles to access, so make sure you bring a map along with you.

Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore is best seen from the water. There are a number of different ways to do this. You can rent kayaks and canoes in Munising and paddle in if you’re particularly fit and experienced. However, for those who prefer to relax and let someone else do the work, the town of Munising offers several lake cruises that take visitors in boats to see the cliffs of this national lakeshore up close. Finally, you can rent your own pontoon and see the lake at your own pace.

If you’re making an RV road trip out of your vacation to Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, there are plenty of things to see with an RV in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. Munising, the nearest town, is very small but does offer a handful of great restaurants and shops as well as tour operators. There’s even a shop that serves up traditional Upper Peninsula pasties. Marquette, about an hour west of Munising, is more populated and offers a wider variety of restaurants, bars, and shops.

A couple hours to the east of Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, you’ll find Tahquamenon Falls State Park, home to on one of the largest waterfalls east of the Mississippi. For anyone dreaming of a little elevation, the Porcupine Mountains are just three hours west.

Oswald’s Bear Ranch is a must see for any animal lovers in the family. Dean Oswald created this sanctuary to take care of abandoned and injured bear cubs in Michigan. It’s a great way to experience these magnificent creatures up close.

There are plenty of great campgrounds and RV parks to choose from in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. To help you find the best place to camp during your trip, here’s a list of the top 10 campgrounds and RV parks near Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore.

Wandering Wheels Campground

Wandering Wheels Campground is one of the closest campgrounds and RV parks to the Pictured Rocks tiol Lakeshore. It sits just 3 miles from Munising, the entrance to the tiol lakeshore. The park itself offers boat tours of Pictured Rocks. Aside from the lakeshore and the town of Munising, you’re close to so many beautiful attractions in the Upper Peninsula, such as the Alger Underwater Preserve, Grand Island, and Seney Wildlife Refuge.

Why You’ll Love Wandering Wheels Campground

This charming family campground is the perfect starting point for exploring the great outdoors of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. Even the camp itself has 440 acres of trails to hike and bike, along with a large heated outdoor pool, a playground, horseshoe, and more. If you want to combine Munising, Pictured Rocks, and Grand Island, there really is no better place to do it from.

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Bay Furnace Campground

If you want to sleep at the entrance to Pictured Rocks tiol Lakeshore, this is the place to do it. Bay Furce Campground is located right on the shores of Lake Superior, within walking distance of some of the area’s stunning waterfalls. You also have the town of Munising just 5 miles away, as well as Grand Island, and boat tours right at your doorstep.

Why You’ll Love Bay Furnace Campground

This rustic, minimal campground is the best way to experience the wild outdoors along the shores of Lake Superior. What it lacks in amenities, it makes up for in serene beauty and proximity to multiple tural wonders of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. You’ll find countless opportunities for recreation, from trout and salmon fishing to hiking Grand Island (which can be reached by a 10-minute ferry ride), kayaking, and swimming. There are plenty of picnic and grilling areas, and campsites are spacious and well-shaded.

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Otter Lake Campground

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This is another Munising area campground, and it sits on the shores of the small but lovely Otter Lake. It’s just minutes from Munising, the Pictured Rocks tiol Lakeshore, and the ferry to Grand Island. At the same time, it’s in a secluded area, providing a quiet, peaceful atmosphere.

Why You’ll Love Otter Lake Campground

Not only is this a great, family-friendly location for visitors to the Pictured Rocks tiol Lakeshore, but this campground is also one of the few in the area that offers camping year-round. They have plenty of activities and recreation to entertain you and the whole family. Take one of their canoe, row boat, or paddles boat rentals out on Otter Lake, or enjoy some friendly competition on their sand volleyball court. If you’ve got the dog with you, there’s a great dog-walking trail to take them out on too.

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Munising Tourist Park Campground

This Munising campground sits on the picturesque shores of Lake Superior just 3 miles west of downtown Munising. It’s also under an hour away from Marquette, Grand Marais, and Taquamenon Falls, and the campground does organized day trips to all three so that you don’t have to luck your trailer behind you to get there. Apart from Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, you’ll find plenty to do in the area, including snowmobiling trails, Alger Falls, the Bayshore Marina, and Sand Point Beach.

Why You’ll Love Munising Tourist Park Campground

Munising Tourist Park Campground is one of the most well-reviewed campgrounds in the area for a reason. The owners go above and beyond to make sure that visitors have a fantastic stay, from recommending the best boat trips in the area to setting up organized day tours of nearby sites for campers. Being that the campground is right on Lake Superior, the campsites are scenic and tranquil, and there’s no shortage of things to do.

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Pete’s Lake Campground

Nestled on the shores of Pete’s Lake, in the heart of Michigan’s Hiawatha National Forest and within walking distance of several other lakes, this lovely campground is surrounded by outdoor recreation and scenic views. While it’s fairly remote, removed from local towns and attractions, it’s only a 20 minute driving to Munising and Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore.

Why You’ll Love Pete’s Lake Campground

This lakeside campground is so beautiful you’ll think you stepped into a photograph. It’s the best place to get the true wilderness experience, and the lake also offers phenomenal fishing. Enjoy boating around, swimming and relaxing on the beach, or walking one of several long hiking trails on site that pass by multiple lakes when you’re not off visiting Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore.

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Hurricane River Campground

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This one-of-a-kind campground sits where the Hurricane River meets Lake Superior at the north end of Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, just minutes from Grand Marais. You’ll find shipwreck remains, the Au Sable Point Light, numerous trails, and the national lakeshore itself all within walking distance of your campsite.

Why You’ll Love Hurricane River Campground

For folks who want to stay along the national lakeshore, this is a great campground to do it. It’s situated in the heart of Pictured Rocks within walking distance of many of its most beautiful attractions. Wake up in the morning and take a walk out to Lake Superior for a morning swim — it doesn’t get much better than that. Though the amenities are minimal and it is at least 15 minutes to Munising, the remote location is worth it.

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AuTrain Lake Campground

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On the south end of Au Train Lake, you’ll find this lovely campground in a scenic, peaceful setting. The lake is an active destination with several campgrounds and resorts lining its shores. Just over a mile up the road lies Au Train Bay on Lake Superior, and Grand Island and Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore are just 20 miles to the east. Au Train, the closest nearby town, is 10 minutes from this campground.

Why You’ll Love AuTrain Lake Campground

This campground is a true gem in the wilderness. Not only is it minutes from Lake Superior and Pictured Rocks, but the area surrounding Au Train lake is equally stunning. You’ll find rolling hills, wetlands, and forested areas with a diverse array of flora. The lake is large enough to accommodate a number of boating activities, including water skiing and fishing. There is evening a birding trail on-site, and the nearby Buck Bay offers a wildlife viewing platform.

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Jack Pine Lodge Campground

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Jack Pine Lodge Campground sits along Highway 94 in the Hiawatha National Forest, giving visitors easy access to nature and wildlife. You’ll find dozens of waterfalls, streams, and lakes nearby, and Munising and Pictured Rocks are just 25 miles to the north, and Manistique is 20 miles to the south.

Why You’ll Love Jack Pine Lodge Campground

Jack Pine Lodge is a little oasis in the middle of the Hiawatha forest with everything you need to be comfortable and content. Their bar and grill serves up delicious food and ice cold beer all day and night and offers billiards, a juke box, and tons of fun events, from motorcycle poker to pig roasts. Snowmobile trails start at your doorstep and lead you all throughout the forest, and you also have access to cross country skiing, snow shoeing, hunting and fishing.

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Woodland Park Campground

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Located in Grand Marais on the north end of Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, this campground enjoys its very own stretch of Lake Superior beach. It’s also located in the center of the small town of Grand Marais, home to several restaurants, a brewery, the Gitchee Gumee Museum, and a couple shops. Walk a few minutes along the beach, and you’re in Pictured Rocks at the entrance to its most beloved waterfalls and monuments.

Why You’ll Love Woodland Park Campground

With the tiny, historic town of Grand Marais at your doorstep, three different places from which to access the agate beaches and national lakeshore, and the major natural monuments of Pictured Rocks all within walking distance, the location of this campground can’t be beaten. On top of that, it has all the necessary amenities, and it’s very affordable. While Munising, on the other side of Pictured Rocks, has more to offer, many campers prefer the idyllic scenery in Grand Marais.

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Twelvemile Beach Campground

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This National Park Service park is one of the few campgrounds located directly on the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, at mile twelve. While it’s closer to the Grand Marais side of the lakeshore, it’s only about 20 minutes from Munising.

Why You’ll Love Twelvemile Beach Campground

This slice of rustic paradise is truly awesome, offering visitors little in terms of amenities but one of the best hidden spots along the entire lakeshore. Big, rolling dunes highlight the lake views and are perfect places to perch your chairs in the evening for some of the best sunsets in the area. While the campground is set up for tent camping, there is enough space for a motorhome, even a large one. However, given its beauty, this campground fills up fast each morning, so arrive early.

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Munising/Picture Rocks KOA KOA Logo

Like most KOA campgrounds, the Pictured Rocks KOA is a fully developed campsite with amenities similar to what you would expect from a hotel. The site has an emphasis on and benefits for senior citizens and most of the facilities are handicap accessible. The park is a great idea for family get-togethers and reunions since persons of all ages will find plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy.

Why You’ll Love Munising/Picture Rocks KOA

Guests have easy access to Pictured Rocks Park, home to the most beautiful and unique rock formations on Lake Superior. It is an excellent site for those who want to get out in ture while still having a great level of comfort. It is one of many Upper Peninsula RV parks in the area, but it offers superior options in addition to its location, such as a pool, mini golf and other outdoor sports. Wi-Fi is available.

What People Are Saying About Munising/Picture Rocks KOA

“Well-stocked convenience store with camping supplies” – Tollan, Google Reviews

“Nice campground in a beautiful setting.” Jenny, Google Reviews

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In Summary

The Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore is one of the most stunning gems in the United States and a great way to experience the beauty of the Great Lakes. From deeply forested campgrounds with skiing and snowmobiling to campgrounds in quaint, historic Michigan towns, to sites right along the national lakeshore, this list offers a bit of everything.

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Explore other Campgrounds & RV Parks near Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to camp in Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore?

The top 10 campgrounds we selected all show daily, weekly and monthly rates for you. Pricing will vary.

How much does it cost to RV park in Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore?

Pricing will vary. The top 10 RV Parks we selected all display daily, weekly and monthly rates for you.

How long can you stay at an RV Park in Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore?

Staying at an RV Park for a long period of time will vary on the campground & RV Park you choose. View our post for more information.

Are there pet friendly RV Parks & Campgrounds in Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore?

Yes. The majority of campgrounds we selected in this blog allow pets.