Camping & RV Parks in Marquette County: Campgrounds, Tips & Maps

Marquette County, Michigan, boasts scenic camping, from rustic sites to modern RV parks. Whether you prefer parks or campgrounds with full hookups, there’s an option for every camping style. With a range of amenities and access to hiking trails, beaches, and outdoor activities, explore Upper Peninsula camping near Marquette, MI.

The Rundown

• Marquette County offers a wide range of camping experiences from tent camping and RV full hookups to glamping and cabins.
• Popular campgrounds fill early in summer and fall, so reservations should be booked well in advance.
• Responsible camping involves practicing fire safety, following Leave No Trace, and minimizing environmental impact, which helps protect Marquette’s forests, campgrounds, and lakeshores.

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Featured Upper Peninsula Camping Sites and RV Parks 

Whether you’re looking for a family-friendly location close to town or a peaceful forest escape, there is something for everyone in Marquette, MI. These are some recommended spots:

Marquette Tourist Park

Marquette Tourist Park is a family-friendly campground offering over 100 electric sites and 38 full-hookup RV sites, all within the city limits. The campground connects directly to the Noquemanon Trail Network (NTN), the North Country Trail, and the Iron Ore Heritage Trail (IOHT), giving campers easy access to hiking and biking right from their site. Set on 40 wooded acres along the Dead River, the park features modern restrooms, picnic areas, and close proximity to Lake Superior beaches and multi-use paths for walking and biking.

Rippling River Resort

Rippling River Resort offers a mix of rustic tent sites, glamping setups, luxury cabins, and full electric-RV hookups. Set along the flowing Carp River, the resort spans 57 wooded acres and provides direct access to hiking, biking, and winter ski trails. Guests can unwind in the heated outdoor pool or enjoy the year-round outdoor hot tub after a day of exploration. The resort offers modern bathhouses, a convenient on-site general store, and proximity to Marquette Mountain and NTN South Trails.

Raging River Resort

Raging River Resort offers secluded camping, glamping, and cabins with direct access to 150+ miles of NTN singletrack from your campsite. Explore waterfalls, private lakes and rock climbing, or just sit back and relax along the scenic Carp River.

Van Riper State Park

Van Riper State Park stands out for its 1,100 acres, plus 1.5 miles of shoreline on Lake Michigamme. The park has over 146 camping and RV sites and an extensive trail system for hiking, biking, and water views. Both rustic and modern cabins are available, along with ample tent sites, making it suitable for a wide variety of campers.

Nearby Options by Town

Located near Big Bay, Perkins Park Campground offers 72 campsites, lifeguards on patrol, and modern bathrooms and showers. There’s also a walking trail and observation deck for your enjoyment. In the town of Republic, Northern Lights Campground is a smaller spot with 12 spacious, rustic sites and water hookups for RVs.

In Ishpeming, the Brasswire Campground is known as a haven for those seeking a balanced weekend of rest and adventure. The Range Area Mountain Bike Association (RAMBA) trail network runs through the campground, in addition to the Iron Ore Heritage Trail (IOHT), providing boundless opportunities for hiking, mountain biking, or trail running. Another option along US-41 in Marquette is Kona Hills Campground, a privately owned, state-licensed campground located adjacent to the Welcome Center. With 80 acres to explore and no electrical hookups, you’re in store for a rustic camping experience. 

Reservations and Seasons

Most campgrounds and RV parks in Marquette County operate on a seasonal schedule, opening in May and closing in October, with some locations offering limited winter RV availability. Because the peak summer months and the fall color season fill up quickly, especially at popular sites like Marquette Tourist Park and Rippling River Resort, booking reservations early is strongly recommended.

Before you go

Camp Responsibly

Campers are encouraged to follow Leave No Trace principles, which include taking your trash with you, staying on designated trails, and using established fire rings responsibly. Local guidelines emphasize careful fire safety, as poorly managed fires can harm sensitive forest environments. Camp responsibly in permitted areas, as some public lands restrict dispersed camping or have seasonal closures.

Plan Your Upper Peninsula Camping Trip

Make Marquette County your basecamp for U.P. day trips, enjoy nearby boating, fishing, and swimming, or head downtown to explore local dining, breweries, and shopping. Plan your trip!

FAQs About Upper Peninsula Camping and RV Parks

What should I pack for camping in the Upper Peninsula?

The weather in the U.P. can shift quickly - we recommend packing warm layers, rain gear, bug spray, and extra insulation for cool nights. 

Are pets allowed at local campgrounds?

Most Marquette County campgrounds allow dogs, but it's best to check before reserving your site. Be sure to follow Leave No Trace and clean up after your pup, and keep your pet leashed per Michigan law.

What campgrounds are closest to biking and hiking trails?

Marquette Tourist Park near town connects to the Noquemanon Trail Network, North Country Trail, and Iron Ore Heritage Trail. The Rippling and Raging River Resorts are walking distance of Marquette Mountain and the NTN South Trails. On the West End, Brasswire Campground in Ishpeming is located on the RAMBA trails and minutes from IOHT.

Are there RV campgrounds with full hookups in Marquette County?

Rippling River Resort, Perkins Park, Chocolay River, Country Village, Farquar Metsa, Gitchee Gumee, and Tall Pines all offer sites with full hookups.

Are campfires allowed at Marquette County campgrounds?

Campfires must be contained in designated fire rings at parks and recreation areas. Always check local burn restrictions beforehand. To minimize the spread of invasive species, don't bring wood from more than 50 miles away from Marquette County.

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