Few things bring me more joy than an extended weekend in one of the beautiful state parks in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. There is a shift that happens the second you cross over the Mackinac Bridge and into the U.P. The air gets a little cooler, the pines smell a little richer, and time naturally slows down.

For our five-day escape into the U.P., we chose Van Riper State Park near Michigamme as our home base.

If you’re looking for the gateway to the wilds of the U.P., this is your perfect home base. The park itself is 1,100 acres and contains both the shoreline of Lake Michigamme and the Peshekee River.

Camping options include:

• 143 modern sites
• 39 rustic sites
• A rustic river cabin right on the Peshekee River
• 2 Mini Cabins
• Group campground

The campground also has a boat launch for those looking for some time on Lake Michigamme and a few hiking trails right within the park. The North Country Trail passes nearby through Craig Lake State Park for those looking for a full day on the trails.

This was Dakota’s first tent camping trip and he had a blast! He loved hanging out around the campfire after day of hiking and waterfalls. The park is pet-friendly, except for the shower house/rest room.

What I Liked

I loved the easy access to all types of trails right from the campground.

Located off of US-41, Van Riper State Park is conveniently located near L’Anse and Marquette. It is the perfect location for exploring the area without having to drive hours.

There are plenty of waterfalls in the surrounding area, which is always a plus for me when planning a trip.

The campground itself was clean and well maintained.

What Could Be Improved

The sites didn’t have enough privacy dividers between them.

Some of the sites are small. Most were decent-sized.

Final Thoughts

Five days in the Upper Peninsula always seems to fly. The access to surrounding day trips, hikes, and cascades makes it a perfect location for a basecamp. It delivers that classic northwoods magic.

If you’re planning a trip north and want a place that gives you a little bit of everything, pack the camp gear and book a few nights here. You won’t regret it.

Visit Van Riper State Park for more information.