Mclain Campground

4.39

203 reviews

Mclain Campground

Quick Facts

Price

$22 - $30/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

98 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

No Service

Pets

Allowed

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

Opens Michigan DNR site

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Quick Facts

Price

$22 - $30/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

98 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

No Service

Pets

Allowed

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

Opens Michigan DNR site

Get Directions

Mclain Campground

$22.00 - $30.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Nightly fee $30; $22 off-season.

Standard Site Fee$0.00

Hookup Site Fee$0.00

Premium Site Fee$0.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00

Group Site Fee$0.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

Total Campsite Fees$0.00

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Michigan

Provider

(800) 447-2757

What Campers Say

4.39

Recommended

Based on 203 reviews

924 Google reviews

Most mentioned

restroomslakebeachstaff

Some mention

mosquitoes

"Reviews are overwhelmingly positive: campers praise the spectacular Lake Superior location, sunsets, large well-spaced sites, friendly staff, and generally clean facilities. Several reviews note very limited or no cell/data service and some variability in site quality."

Read all reviews

Fees & Passes at Mclain Campground

$22 - $30/night

Campsite fees

Prices verified December 13, 2025

Prices may vary by season and site type. Always confirm current rates on the official Michigan DNR website.

Best Time to Camp at Mclain Campground

Lake Superior's cooling influence creates a refreshing microclimate here, even during summer's warmest days—perfect for active campers who appreciate comfortable temperatures for hiking and exploring. The ever-present lake breeze keeps things pleasant, though smart campers pack layers for cool evenings and windier days. Fall transforms the campground into a serene retreat with fewer visitors and crisp, colorful days. Summer campers near the sheltered wetland areas should come prepared with bug spray during calmer periods when mosquitoes emerge, though the lakeside breezes typically keep them at bay.

Spring (Mar-May)

Wildflowers bloom, mild temperatures, fewer crowds. Great for hiking and photography.

Best

Summer (Jun-Aug)

Peak season with warm weather, perfect for water activities. Book early.

Fall (Sep-Nov)

Beautiful fall colors, cooler temps, quieter campgrounds. Ideal for peaceful trips.

Winter (Dec-Feb)

Off-season, limited services. Check for closures before visiting.

Planning Tips

About Mclain Campground

Perched along Lake Superior's stunning south shore on Michigan's Keweenaw Peninsula, McLain Campground welcomes you with spacious, open sites that put you just steps from sandy beaches and sweeping lake vistas. This modern, family-friendly retreat features full amenities including a bathhouse and showers, making it the perfect peaceful home base for your Upper Peninsula adventures in the Houghton-Hancock region.

Modern campground with developed facilities, electricity, bathhouse/showers, and some cabin lodging.

Weather and SeasonsLake Superior's cooling influence creates a refreshing microclimate here, even during summer's warmest days—perfect for active campers who appreciate comfortable temperatures for hiking and exploring. The ever-present lake breeze keeps things pleasant, though smart campers pack layers for cool evenings and windier days. Fall transforms the campground into a serene retreat with fewer visitors and crisp, colorful days. Summer campers near the sheltered wetland areas should come prepared with bug spray during calmer periods when mosquitoes emerge, though the lakeside breezes typically keep them at bay.

Natural Features and SceneryWake up to the endless blue of Lake Superior stretching to the horizon from your campsite. Miles of sandy and pebbly shoreline invite morning beach walks among sun-bleached driftwood, while dramatic dunes and bluff-like formations frame the water's edge. Several prime sites offer front-row seats to Lake Superior's legendary sunsets painting the sky in brilliant oranges and pinks. Inland sites nestle against tranquil wetlands and open grassy meadows, where you might spot local wildlife or pick wild berries. The historic lighthouse standing sentinel nearby adds a touch of maritime charm to your lakeside escape.

Geological RegionKeweenaw Peninsula, Lake Superior shoreline

Campsite details

Total Campsites98 campsites

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive are not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsMIDNRReservations.com

Accomodation available

Cabin lodgingCabin lodging is available for campers seeking a more sheltered and comfortable experience. These enclosed accommodations offer protection from the elements and are ideal for those who prefer not to camp in tents.

Amenities available

Showers

Potable water

Dump station

Flush toilets

Vault toilets

Electricity hookups

Activities you can enjoy

Typical lakeshore state-park activities centered on Lake Superior access, short trails, family-friendly beach use, and kayaking/boating.

Hiking

Short, easy hiking trails within the park, including lakeshore trails and inland trails near Bear Lake/marsh.

Swimming

Designated small swimming area on Lake Superior; beaches are rocky and water is cold (Lake Superior).

Biking

Boating

Campground rules

Pets are allowed

Hazards

General hazardsShoreline erosion has created 15–20 ft drops in places—exercise caution near eroded banks, especially with children. Back-loop sites adjacent to wetlands can have very heavy mosquito activity; some sites are steep or rooty and may be difficult to level for tents or RVs.

Weather at Mclain Campground

°F

Dec 13

Saturday

Moderate snow fall

Precipitation: 0.4%

Humidity: 75%

Wind: 19.4 mph

Moderate snow fall

Weather History

Weather data powered by Open-Meteo

Detailed 7-Day Forecast

Reveal forecast

Good to know

Common complaintsLimited or no cell/data coverage (several reviewers); some sites are uneven, sloped, or rooty making tent camping or leveling RVs difficult; bathhouse can be far from some sites and may be closed midday for cleaning; buggy/back sites near wetlands can have heavy mosquitoes; erosion along some lakefront areas.

Campground Map

Mclain Campground

Reviews from booking and map sources

4.4

203 reviews

Recommended

Mclain Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews

Reviews are overwhelmingly positive: campers praise the spectacular Lake Superior location, sunsets, large well-spaced sites, friendly staff, and generally clean facilities. Several reviews note very limited or no cell/data service and some variability in site quality.

Review Summaries

Based on 203 reviews

What Campers Love

Beautiful Lake Superior beaches and sunsets; many sites with direct or short walks to the lake; well-maintained restrooms/bathhouse when open; friendly and helpful park staff; family- and...

Based on 203 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Reserve a lake-side site for best views and easier beach access; bring extension cords (electric posts may be 40–60' away and located in the woods), leveling blocks for RVs, and plenty of bug spray...

Based on 203 reviews