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 the visit, there are 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 likes to enjoy 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.
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 that want to experience Tahquamenon Falls camping can book the Rivermouth Group Use Area, which is a special campground reserved for groups that require up to 50 campsites. It’s a unique and innovative option for tours that are traveling through the Upper Peninsula.
The area is described as a semi-modern campground, and it has limited amenities that are 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 consists of 72 campsites, all of which offer 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 it’s 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.
Newberry Campground
The Newberry Campground is located in the heart of Newberry Michigan and 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 to enjoy — a heated outdoor pool, arcade games, horseshoe rings, a basketball court, a playground, and more.
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 Michigan. 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 that feature 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 who are 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 is 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.
- Consider renting an Arrive Outdoors kit. These prepackaged kits are designed to provide the outdoor recreational winter gear that campers need to safely enjoy the outdoors during cold, icy, and snowy Upper Peninsula winters.
Frequently Asked Questions About Tahquamenon Falls Camping
How much is it to camp at Tahquamenon Falls?
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.
Which is better: Upper or Lower Tahquamenon Falls?
Both the Upper Falls and Lower Falls are breathtaking sites and worth visiting. Those who only plan to visit one set of falls will likely choose the Upper Falls because it’s the larger, more powerful, and more well-known of the two.
The Lower Falls is located about a 4-mile hike to the northeast. It consists of a series of five smaller falls that circle an island. However, the entire Upper and Lower Tahquamenon Falls trail is about 10 miles long.
Are the Tahquamenon Falls open to the public?
Yes, the Tahquamenon Falls are open to the public. Visitors who are interested in seeing the falls can enter Tahquamenon Falls State Park to experience the waterfalls for themselves.
Do you have to pay to see Tahquamenon Falls?
Visitors who are interested in seeing the Upper and Lower Tahquamenon Falls will have to pay to enter Tahquamenon Falls State Park. Michigan residents must purchase a Recreational Passport.
When purchased in advance, the passport costs $12 per vehicle and $6 per motorcycle. If purchased on-location, the annual passport costs $17 per vehicle and $11 per motorcycle. Out-of-state visitors can purchase a daily ticket for $9 or an annual pass for $31.
Explore All of the Tahquamenon Falls Area
Tahquamenon Falls camping isn’t the only way that you can spend several days exploring Tahquamenon Falls State Park. You can choose from Tahquamenon Falls hotels and other lodging options too.
And, 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.