Your Guide to the Best Tahquamenon Falls Camping Options + Winter Camping Tips
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The Tahquamenon Falls are one of the best attractions in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. While the Upper and Lower Falls are certainly worth a visit, there are also many things to do in Tahquamenon Falls State Park.
For an immersive experience, Tahquamenon Falls camping is the best option.
Whether you’re an RV camper who enjoys modern conveniences while exploring the great outdoors or you prefer the rugged, rustic experience of roughing it, camping options that suit your style are available near the Tahquamenon Falls.
Tahquamenon Falls Campgrounds: In the State Park
The most convenient place to camp near Michigan’s largest waterfalls is inside Tahquamenon Falls State Park. The Michigan Department of Natural Resources operates several campgrounds within the Michigan state park boundaries for the ideal Tahquamenon Falls camping experience.
The camping fees at Tahquamenon Falls State Park vary based on the campground that you choose and the type of campsite that you prefer. Sites with full RV hookups cost more, for instance, than rustic, backcountry campsites with fewer modern conveniences.
Backcountry Camping at Tahquamenon Falls
If you enjoy a rugged adventure, you’ll love that there are three dispersed camping Upper Peninsula Michigan options in this park. All of them are located along the North Country Trail and feature a picnic table, fire ring, bear bag, and latrine.
The Lodge
For the most convenient and luxurious camping experience (aka Upper Peninsula glamping at Tahquamenon Falls), consider booking a stay at the lodge.
With three bedrooms that sleep up to eight people, it’s centrally located between the Upper and Lower Falls. The lodge is fully equipped to provide a home-like experience in the heart of this beautiful park.
Lower Falls Campground
One of the largest campgrounds in the park is the Lower Falls Modern Campground. It boasts 188 campsites, all of which have 30-amp hookups. A select few sites have 50-amp hookups too.
With two campground loops at this Tahquamenon Falls campground location, you can choose between shady spots, sun-filled sites, and campsites with riverfront views.
Rivermouth Group Use Area
Large groups wanting to experience Tahquamenon Falls camping can book the Rivermouth Group Use Area, a special campground reserved for groups that require up to 50 campsites. It’s a unique and innovative option for tours that travel through the Upper Peninsula.
The area is described as a semi-modern campground with limited amenities available seasonally. During the summer, you can use some of the modern amenities at other nearby campgrounds.
Rivermouth Campground
The Rivermouth Modern Campground is one of the most popular spots for camping near Tahquamenon Falls. This modern campground has 72 campsites, all with 30-amp service.
It’s a family-friendly campground where most campers bike around the loop to enjoy the various amenities, such as the playground and fishing platform.
Rivermouth Pines Camper Cabin
If you’re searching for a Tahquamenon Falls camping experience that combines modern comfort with rustic adventure, the Rivermouth Pines Camper Cabin is a unique option.
This rustic cabin is situated in a tranquil riverfront spot and offers peace, privacy, and a sense of adventure. The two bedrooms sleep up to seven guests. In addition to offering a secluded yet comfortable place to stay, this cabin has a fire pit and a picnic table out front.
There’s no running water in the cabin, but water spigots are available seasonally. During the offseason, water must be brought into the cabin.
Rivermouth Pines Campground
The Rivermouth Pines Campground is a smaller, quieter campground that’s known for its amazing sunset riverfront views. This semi-modern campground has 36 sites and is a favorite among those who prefer tent camping.
The quiet nature of this campground lends itself to wildlife spotting. You may see bald eagles, beavers, and waterfowl during your stay.
Upper Peninsula Campgrounds for Camping Near Tahquamenon Falls
While the Michigan DNR operates several campgrounds inside the boundaries of Tahquamenon Falls State Park, experienced campers who prefer the amenities and features of private campgrounds in the Upper Peninsula will be pleased to know that there are several Upper Peninsula campgrounds within driving distance of Tahquamenon Falls.
Visitors interested in seeing the Upper and Lower Tahquamenon Falls have to pay to enter Tahquamenon Falls State Park. Michigan residents must purchase a Recreational Passport.
Newberry Campground
The Newberry Campground in the heart of Newberry Michigan, is known locally as the “Gateway to Tahquamenon Falls.”
This modern campground is just a short 40-minute drive from the entrance of Tahquamenon Falls State Park, making it an ideal place to stay if you want to visit the falls and enjoy all that the Upper Peninsula has to offer.
Known for its peaceful atmosphere and family-friendly amenities, this campground is perfect for all styles of Tahquamenon Falls camping. There are tent sites and full hookup sites for RVs, and you can choose locations within the campground that suit your personal preferences. From shady spots to sun-drenched locations, there’s something for everyone at the Newberry Campground.
In addition to having meticulously-maintained campsites, this campground has a variety of amenities, including a heated outdoor pool, arcade games, horseshoe rings, a basketball court, and a playground.
The restrooms, showers, laundry facilities, and dump station are all open 24 hours per day, so you’ll feel comfortable and at home throughout your stay.
Kritter’s Northcountry Campground & Cabins
Kritter’s Northcountry Campground & Cabins is another private campground in Newberry. It’s just about a 1-hour drive from Tahquamenon Falls State Park.
This campground is known for its scenic campsites and quiet atmosphere. In addition to having campsites for tents and RVs, it has comfortable camper cabins with modern amenities. If you stay in the camper cabins, you can enjoy all of the campground’s amenities.
With a large pavilion for gatherings and play areas for the youngest campers, this campground is an ideal option for seasoned campers searching for a tranquil Tahquamenon Falls camping experience in the heart of the Upper Peninsula.
Winter Camping in Tahquamenon Falls State Park
Tahquamenon Falls State Park is one of just a handful of state parks in Michigan that offer winter camping. Many campers find that one of the most magical — and underrated — times of year to visit the Tahquamenon Falls in winter.
When snow and ice dominate the Upper Peninsula landscape, the waterfalls showcase their magnificent power and infinite beauty. In fact, they become two of the most beautiful frozen waterfalls in Michigan. Not to mention, there are far fewer visitors, so your visit is more intimate and peaceful.
The Michigan DNR can provide up-to-the-minute information about which campsites are open at a particular time during the winter. It’s worth noting that the open campgrounds may have limited access to amenities.
For example, the bathrooms and sanitizing stations in many campgrounds are only available during the peak summer and early fall seasons. These tips can help you make the most of your Tahquamenon Falls camping experience during winter:
- Reserve your site in advance, and confirm that the campground you prefer is open for winter camping. Note that there may be different options available for lodging, such as geodesic domes, during the winter season.
- Pack appropriately for winter weather, and always be prepared for an emergency. Winters in the Upper Peninsula are notoriously harsh and sometimes unpredictable. You’ll want to be prepared with layers of warm clothing, battery-operated emergency equipment, prepackaged food, and water.
Explore All of the Tahquamenon Falls Area
Tahquamenon Falls camping isn’t the only way you can spend several days exploring Tahquamenon Falls State Park. You can choose from Tahquamenon Falls hotels and other lodging options, too.
If you really want to make the most of your stay, take a drive on the M-123 Tahquamenon Scenic Byway. There are several points of interest on this highway and even more nearby, such as Crisp Point Lighthouse and the Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum at Whitefish Point.