Get up close and personal with the legendary Keweenaw wilderness at the campgrounds near Houghton, MI. Whether you prefer a rustic state-forest campground (we love the one at Emily Lake) to RV parks with full hookups and free Wi-Fi, it’s a breeze to find the perfect campsite.
Campgrounds in Houghton, MI
Looking to stay close to the action? There’s just one campground in Houghton city limits; the next-closest option south of the bridge is 8 miles away in Chassell.
1. City of Houghton RV Park
The City of Houghton RV Park is the most popular campground near Houghton, MI, and for good reason — most campsites are perched on the banks above Portage Lake, giving you a stunning view of the water. The sunsets over the lake are spectacular, especially during the summer months.
Quick campground facts:
- 25 paved RV sites (no tents or pop-up trailers allowed)
- Full hookups
- Wi-Fi and satellite TV
- Picnic shelter and campfire ring at each site
Make sure to call as soon as booking opens in late April — start dialing the moment the office opens, and plan to be on hold for a while — especially if you’re planning to stay for a month or more. The campground doesn’t offer online booking. For 2023, sites are $1200 per month, $315 per week, and $50 per night.
If you want the best Michigan summer sunset views, choose sites #16-22. Avoid #11-15; they’re not on the water. No matter which site you get, you’ll love the peaceful atmosphere and ultra-friendly staff.
The Houghton City RV park is adjacent to the Houghton Waterfront Park, which has an ice cream shop, watersports rentals, and the legendary Chutes and Ladders park (your kids will never forget it). Downtown Houghton is a little over 1 mile east, and you can walk or bike there easily on the Houghton Waterfront Trail.
2. Green Light Resort & Campground
The rustic Greenlight Resort & Campground is tucked away on one end of Chassell, Michigan, about 8 miles from Houghton. It’s located in an industrial area, but the campground itself is tucked away into the trees. It’s very small and quiet, and located far enough from the highway to mitigate road noise. Call (906) 523-4417 to book.
Sites offer:
- Fire pits
- Electric hookups
Although the campground doesn’t have much in the way of amenities, it’s a quick drive from Chassell Beach. There, you’ll find a small beach, modern bathrooms, a picnic area, and a playground.
Campgrounds Near Houghton, MI
While there’s limited camping in Houghton, there are plenty of options nearby. These campgrounds are all located within 35 miles of Houghton. (Our favorites are #6 and #7.) Each one offers a completely different experience, giving you plenty of ways to enjoy the Michigan outdoors.
3. Agate Beach Campground
Perched on the shore of Lake Superior about 24 miles from Houghton, Agate Beach campground is the perfect spot to get away for a few days. It offers a variety of rustic sites. Choose from two areas — the main camping area (above) or the sites along the camp road (below). The main area is ideal for large groups; sites near the road tend to have more privacy.
Agate Beach campground offers:
- Rustic sites (no electricity)
- Picnic tablets
- Fire pits
- Pit toilets
- Drinking water
Sites are $20 per night and available on a first-come, first-served basis.
The campground is located in Agate Beach Park, which is home to one of the most beautiful beaches near Houghton, MI. If you need a change of pace, head down the shore to explore the beach at Misery Bay.
4. Twin Lakes State Park
Twin Lakes State Park is located 24 miles south of Houghton. The campground is large and busy, with minimal privacy; it tends to attract families and groups. If you don’t mind the company, it’s a pleasant place to camp. Since it’s in the middle of the Keweenaw, it tends to be warmer and less windy.
Campground features include:
- Electric hookups
- Modern bathrooms
- Drinking water
- Dump station
- Picnic tables
- Fire rings
- Dumpsters
The campground also has showers, but they’re pretty dark and dated.
The campground sits on the banks of Lake Roland, which is always buzzing with boats. If you want to cool off, head down to the sandy beach (above).
Campsites at Twin Lakes State Park usually start around $27 per night, and online booking is available.
5. Krupp’s Resort Campground
The Krupp’s Resort Campground is essentially just a big field. However, it’s well-maintained and located right next to M-26 about 25 miles from Houghton. Sites are $30-$50 per night, and you can book online using the Krupp’s website.
Krupp’s offers:
- 5 full-hookup RV sites
- 10 electric-only RV/tent sites
- Free Wi-Fi
- Picnic table
- Campfire ring
The best part? You’ll be camping in walking distance to the famous Krupp’s Mini Mart, which sells ice cream and freshly baked pasties. Your site comes with water access, and Twin Lakes State Park is just down the road.
6. Emily Lake State Forest Campground
The Emily Lake State Forest Campground is one of the best campgrounds near Houghton, MI — and the most beautiful. It’s hidden away in an impossibly lush forest, just 2.7 miles from Krupp’s and 27 miles from Houghton. With just 9 sites, it’s always peaceful and quiet.
The campground features:
- Picnic tables
- Campfire rings
- Boat launch
- Trash cans
- Pit toilets
This is a state forest campground, so it’s rustic; you won’t find electricity, but there is water available. Sites are relatively small, so it’s a good fit for tents and smaller trailers. The best site is #6 — it has a beautiful view of Emily Lake.
Campsites at the Emily Lake State Forest campground are $20 per night and available on a first-come, first-served basis. The road in is dirt, but it’s well-graded and accessible for most RVs.
7. L’Anse Township Park Campground
The L’Anse Township Park and Campground is one of the most peaceful campgrounds near Houghton, MI. It’s hidden away in the forest a few minutes outside the tiny town of L’Anse, within easy reach of a grocery store and gas station. Choose from 30 sites, each tucked under towering trees. Tents and RVs are both welcome.
- Electrical hookups (20, 30, and 50 amp)
- Free Wi-Fi
- On-site dump station
- Playground
- Shower building
- Picnic shelter
- Nature trails
For 2023, nightly rates are $20 for tent sites and $30 for RV sites. For convenience, the campground offers online booking.
Here’s the best part about the L’Anse Township Park Campground — you can walk down a short trail and across the road to access a lovely beach on Lake Superior. Make sure to bring sturdy shoes; the shoreline is rocky, The beach also has picnic tables and grills, so you can have dinner with a view.
8. Baraga State Park Campground
The Baraga State Park campground is always busy; tent campers and RVers come to sleep under the tall trees. This spot tends to attract people who love the experience of camping — at any given hour, you’ll find families strolling along park roads or hanging out by the campfire.
- Picnic table and fire ring at each site
- Modern bathrooms and showers
- Shaded picnic area
- Playground
- Dump station
There’s not much to do in the park itself; it’s camping-only. However, Lake Superior is just across the road, and you’ll find plenty of hiking trails nearby. If you’re bringing an ORV, the motorized trails are close by.
The Baraga State Park campground sits 29 miles from Houghton. Sites start a $24 per night, and the park offers online booking. Keep in mind that the highway runs right by the campground; if possible, try to get a site on the far side for a quieter experience.
Things to Know About the Campgrounds Near Houghton, MI
As you can see, there are a very limited number of campgrounds near Houghton, MI. For the best possible experience, it’s important to plan ahead.
Tips for Camping in Houghton, MI:
- Book early. If you’re thinking about staying for a long time, or if you need a full-hookup RV site, make sure to book in advance — sites tend to fill up quickly, especially on weekends. For first-come, first-served campgrounds, try to arrive as early as possible.
- Pack bug spray. Summers in Houghton bring out the of mosquitoes and flies. Bring strong bug spray, and consider packing a screen tent for more comfortable outdoor dining.
- Bring warm layers. Evenings can be cold, especially if you’re staying at a campground on Lake Superior.
- Watch firewood rules. Many campgrounds prohibit you from gathering firewood. Most spots offer firewood for sale; you’ll also find little self-service firewood stations on many local roads.