Gitche Gumee RV Park and Campground

gitche gumee rv park & campground

For Michiganders, the Upper Peninsula is synonymous with unparalleled natural beauty, rugged landscapes, and genuine outdoor experiences. When planning a camping trip "Up North," many seek a place that offers more than just a site to park; they desire a destination with character, access to iconic natural wonders, and a relaxed atmosphere. Gitche Gumee RV Park and Campground, located near Marquette, stands out as a truly unique and personality-filled destination that delivers on these desires, promising a memorable stay filled with natural beauty and unexpected delights.

Gitche Gumee RV Park and Campground isn't your average cookie-cutter camping spot. It's a place infused with the vision and personal touches of its owner, Jeff Glass, who has built and nurtured the park over decades. This dedication creates a distinctive environment that guests often describe as "unique and personality filled," offering a relaxed and comfortable atmosphere that encourages exploration and enjoyment of the surrounding wilderness. From its prime location near Lake Superior to its on-site brewery, Gitche Gumee aims to provide a camping experience that is as memorable as the stunning Upper Peninsula itself.

The location of Gitche Gumee RV Park and Campground is a significant asset, perfectly balancing accessibility with proximity to Michigan's most iconic natural attractions. You’ll find this distinctive campground at 2048 M-28, Marquette, MI 49855, USA. This address places it directly on M-28, a major highway connecting key towns and natural areas across the Upper Peninsula. Its position ensures easy navigation for RVers and campers coming from various directions within Michigan and beyond.

One of the most appealing aspects of Gitche Gumee's location is its immediate proximity to Lake Superior. The campground is situated "short walk across the street to a sandy beach where you can build a fire RIGHT ON THE BEACH!" This unparalleled access to the majestic Great Lake means stunning sunsets and the opportunity for shoreline activities are just steps away. Furthermore, the park is a "short distance to Marquette and Munising," placing guests within easy reach of urban amenities, diverse dining options, cultural attractions, and the breathtaking Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. The reviews also highlight that "Hiking, biking, and 4x4 trails are behind park. The North Country Trail parallels the park," offering endless opportunities for outdoor adventure right from your campsite.

Gitche Gumee RV Park and Campground offers a blend of essential services and unique amenities, catering to RVers and campers who appreciate a relaxed, somewhat rustic, yet comfortable experience. While some facilities may have seasonal operating hours, the core services are designed to enhance your stay. Here's a look at what you can expect:

• Full Hook-Up Sites: The park provides full hook-up RV sites (20/30/50 amp electric, water, sewer), ensuring convenience for all sizes of RVs, including large rigs.
• Spacious Sites: Reviewers consistently praise the generous size of the sites, with some pull-throughs being described as "the largest pull throughs I’ve ever seen!" The sites are wooded, offering privacy and a natural setting.
• Restrooms and Showers: Available for guest use, though some reviews note they are older, they are functional. It's important to note that the availability of these facilities, along with the brewery, may be limited to "peak season" as per some reviews.
• Laundry Facility: On-site laundry is available for guests, providing convenience for longer stays.
• Self-Service RV Wash: A useful amenity for keeping your rig clean during your travels.
• Wi-Fi Access: Free Wi-Fi is advertised as available, though reviews suggest it might be strongest in common areas like the office or lodge.
• Cable TV: Some sources mention cable TV availability with numerous channels, adding an entertainment option for downtime.
• Pet-Friendly: The campground welcomes pets, allowing furry family members to join the adventure (leash rules apply).
• Campfires: Guests can enjoy campfires at their individual sites or, uniquely, "RIGHT ON THE BEACH" across the highway.
• Water Quality Note: Guests should be aware that the well water at the campground can be "rich with iron" or "rusty/beige," as noted by several reviewers. Bringing a full tank of fresh water is a recommended tip for those sensitive to iron-rich water.

Gitche Gumee RV Park and Campground truly shines with its unique features and highlights, setting it apart from more conventional camping destinations. The "unique and personality filled campground" is clearly a reflection of the owner's vision and personal touches, creating a distinctive atmosphere that resonates with many. Here are some of the standout aspects:

• On-Site Brewery: A fantastic surprise for many guests, the campground boasts its own brewery (Red Pine Brewery), offering handcrafted beers like Amber Red Ale and Lunar Shock Belgium witbier. This unique amenity provides a wonderful spot to relax and socialize after a day of exploring, though its operation may be seasonal.
• Lake Superior Beach Access: Direct, short walk access to a beautiful sandy beach on Lake Superior is a major highlight. The ability to build campfires right on the beach for sunset views is a particularly cherished experience, offering "beautiful sunsets."
• Extensive Trail Access: "Hiking, biking, and 4x4 trails are behind park. The North Country Trail parallels the park." This offers endless opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts to explore the vast wilderness of the Upper Peninsula directly from the campground.
• Quirky and Rustic Charm: The campground has a "rustic and authentic campground feel," described as "cute and quirky with handmade sculptures all over" and "lots of art and signs." This unique character appeals to those looking for an experience beyond typical chain campgrounds.
• Stargazing Opportunities: The "quiet darkness at night makes it a perfect place for stargazing," a true treat for those escaping city lights.
• Owner's Personal Touch: Reviews frequently mention "Ranger Jeff and Crystal" (the owner, Jeff Glass, and possibly a key staff member or partner), praising their hospitality, friendliness, and the owner's long-standing dedication to building the park. This personal involvement fosters a welcoming and comfortable atmosphere.
• Large Pull-Through Sites: The exceptionally large and well-spaced sites ensure privacy and comfort, even for big rigs, a significant advantage for RVers.
• Log Buildings & Lodge: The presence of "All log buildings" including a lodge/recreation room (which may feature a pool table and TV/projector screen) adds to the rustic charm and provides communal spaces, although some facilities like a "Fudge Factory" or "Movie Theater" may be remnants of past offerings.
• Wildlife Sightings: "Sandhill Cranes fly by sounding like something prehistoric," adding to the natural immersion.

For reservations or more information about Gitche Gumee RV Park and Campground, you can use the following contact details:

• Address: 2048 M-28, Marquette, MI 49855, USA
• Phone: (906) 249-9102
• Mobile Phone: +1 906-249-9102

Given the unique nature of the campground and the personal involvement of the owner, calling directly for inquiries about availability, specific site features, and seasonal amenity operations is highly recommended. You may also find more information on their website, gitchegumeepark.com, though details can vary. It is important to note that some reviews indicate that credit cards may not always be accepted, so it's wise to confirm payment methods.

In conclusion, Gitche Gumee RV Park and Campground offers a truly distinctive and appealing camping experience for Michiganders seeking an authentic Upper Peninsula adventure. For locals, its suitability lies in its prime location near Marquette and directly across from a beautiful Lake Superior beach where campfires are permitted. The campground's unique character, shaped by the owner's personal touches over decades, creates a relaxed, comfortable, and quirky atmosphere that stands apart from standard RV parks. The unexpectedly delightful on-site brewery adds a significant bonus for adult campers.

Despite some considerations like the iron content in the water and seasonal operation of certain facilities, the generous site sizes, direct access to hiking and ATV trails, and the exceptional stargazing opportunities make it a compelling choice. If you're a Michigan resident looking for a campground that combines rustic charm with essential amenities, offers unparalleled access to Lake Superior, and provides a base for exploring the vast wilderness of the Upper Peninsula, Gitche Gumee RV Park and Campground is a unique destination that promises a memorable and comfortable escape. It's a place where you'll want to return again and again.

Gitche Gumee RV Park and Campground

2048 M-28, Marquette, MI 49855, USA