Rippling River Resort: Your Marquette Getaway for All Seasons

Rippling River Resort Introduce

Are you a Michigander yearning for an exceptional outdoor escape, a place where the beauty of the Upper Peninsula meets comfort and convenience? Rippling River Resort in Marquette, Michigan, offers a versatile camping experience, whether you prefer the rustic charm of a tent site, the convenience of an RV spot with full hookups, or the luxury of a cozy cabin. Nestled directly on the flowing waters of the Carp River and just minutes from downtown Marquette, this resort provides a unique blend of secluded natural beauty and easy access to local attractions. It's a destination designed for adventure, relaxation, and creating unforgettable memories for every type of Michigan explorer.

The allure of a perfect getaway often lies in its ability to cater to diverse preferences, and Rippling River Resort excels in offering options for all. With its over 37 acres of property, it provides ample space for various camping styles, ensuring that every guest finds their ideal spot. The commitment to offering a range of accommodations, from simple tent sites to well-equipped RV spots and luxurious cabins, underscores its dedication to being a comprehensive outdoor hospitality provider. While some rustic elements, like the distance of tent sites from facilities, might present minor challenges, the overall experience is geared towards maximizing enjoyment of the stunning Michigan environment.

Rippling River Resort positions itself as more than just a campground; it’s a vibrant hub for outdoor enthusiasts looking to explore the natural wonders around Marquette. The ownership's dedication to making it a "deluxe place to stay" and their continuous efforts to enhance guest experiences are evident in the amenities and activities available. From enjoying the lodge's offerings to relaxing by the river, the resort strives to provide a fulfilling experience that encourages repeat visits and a deep appreciation for Michigan’s unique landscape. It’s a place where adventure and relaxation can truly coexist, inviting you to discover your favorite way to unwind in the U.P.

Rippling River Resort is strategically located at 4321 M-553, Marquette, MI 49855, USA. This address places it in a highly desirable spot, offering immediate access to the natural beauty of the Carp River and surrounding trails, while being remarkably close to the vibrant city of Marquette. Just a few minutes' drive (or a short bike ride) will take you to downtown Marquette, providing convenient access to a wide array of local restaurants, breweries, shops, and cultural attractions. This balance of secluded outdoor immersion and urban accessibility is a key advantage for guests.

The accessibility of Rippling River Resort is excellent, with M-553 providing a straightforward route for vehicles of all sizes, including large RVs. Its proximity to Marquette Mountain is a significant highlight, offering ski-in/ski-out access in winter and direct access to extensive mountain biking, hiking, and snowshoeing trails in warmer months. This makes it an ideal base for year-round outdoor activities. Furthermore, being close to Lake Superior provides additional opportunities for exploring the Great Lakes shoreline and its numerous attractions. Whether you're arriving from across Michigan or another state, the resort's convenient location ensures an easy journey to a destination that truly puts the best of Marquette's outdoor and urban experiences within reach.

Rippling River Resort prides itself on offering a wide array of services and amenities, designed to cater to various camping preferences and ensure a comfortable stay. While reviews note some inconsistencies in bathroom maintenance for rustic sites, the general consensus points to a well-equipped facility with a strong commitment to guest comfort in many areas.

Diverse Accommodation Options: The resort offers rustic tent sites, full hookup RV sites (with 30/50 amp electric, water, and sewer connections), and luxury log cabins, accommodating various camping styles and needs.
Lodge & Camp Store: The central lodge serves as a hub, featuring a well-stocked camp store with essentials, snacks, cold drinks, and a great selection of local craft beers and wine.
Junkfish Tavern & Pizzeria: An on-site bar and pizzeria, Junkfish Tavern, offers signature cocktails, local craft beer, and specialty pizzas, with options for dining on their heated deck overlooking the Carp River or even delivery to campsites.
Heated Outdoor Pool & Hot Tub: Guests can enjoy a seasonal outdoor pool (open May to September) and a year-round hot tub, perfect for relaxation after a day of activities.
Guest Laundry Room: On-site laundry facilities are available for guest convenience, especially beneficial for longer stays.
Bathrooms & Showers: Private showers (some with heated floors) and individual bathrooms are available, though consistency in cleanliness can vary (as noted in some reviews).
Complimentary Wi-Fi: Wi-Fi is available, particularly strong at the lodge, allowing guests to stay connected.
Dump Station: An RV dump station is available for convenient waste disposal (seasonal for water/sewer connections).
Pet-Friendly: The resort welcomes pets, making it a great option for those traveling with their furry companions.

Beyond its comprehensive services, Rippling River Resort boasts a range of features and highlights that enhance the overall guest experience, creating a memorable stay amidst Michigan's natural beauty and recreational opportunities. These aspects contribute significantly to its appeal as a premier destination.

Direct Riverfront Access to Carp River: The resort sits directly on the Carp River, providing stunning views and opportunities for sitting by the river, fishing, or simply enjoying the tranquil sounds of the water.
Ski-in/Ski-out Access to Marquette Mountain: In winter, guests can enjoy direct access to Marquette Mountain for downhill skiing, a unique highlight for winter sports enthusiasts.
Direct Access to Trails: The resort offers direct access to miles of mountain biking, hiking, snowmobile, and snowshoeing trails, perfect for outdoor adventurers in all seasons.
Private & Spacious Sites: Each campsite (tent or RV) includes a picnic table and fire pit, providing private spaces for outdoor dining and campfires. RV sites are often wide and spacious.
Family-Friendly Activities: The resort features a playground, a 9-hole mini-golf course, bocce ball, gaga ball, and horseshoes, offering entertainment for all ages.
Beautiful Lodge & Patio: The lodge is described as "adorable" with a "really nice patio" and ample seating, providing a comfortable space for socializing, dining, or relaxing.
Live Music & Events: The Junkfish Tavern occasionally hosts live music, adding to the lively atmosphere and entertainment options.
Luxury Log Cabins: For those seeking more upscale accommodations, the beautiful and comfortable luxury log cabins offer a premium stay with amenities like kitchenettes, private balconies/patios, and access to all resort features.
Open Year-Round: The resort is open year-round, allowing guests to experience the beauty of Marquette in every season, from summer adventures to winter sports.

For more information, to check availability, or to make a reservation at Rippling River Resort, you can easily connect with their team. They are available to assist with planning your stay and answering any questions you may have about their facilities, accommodations, or local attractions. We recommend reaching out directly for the most current details.

Address: 4321 M-553, Marquette, MI 49855, USA

Phone: (906) 273-2259

Mobile Phone: +1 906-273-2259

In conclusion, for locals in Michigan, Rippling River Resort in Marquette stands out as an exceptional and versatile destination for outdoor recreation and relaxation. Its prime location directly on the Carp River and with ski-in/ski-out access to Marquette Mountain makes it incredibly suitable for year-round adventures, from summer hiking and biking to winter skiing and snowshoeing. For Michiganders seeking a getaway that blends the tranquility of nature with resort-style amenities, this campground offers an appealing package.

While some minor issues regarding bathroom maintenance for rustic sites have been noted, the overall positive feedback on the charming lodge, the exciting pool and hot tub, the on-site dining at Junkfish Tavern, and the ample recreational activities highlights its strong appeal. Whether you're looking for a rustic tent camping experience, a convenient RV spot with full hookups, or a luxurious cabin stay, Rippling River Resort provides a robust option for an unforgettable Michigan adventure. Its commitment to providing a diverse and engaging experience makes it a highly suitable choice for any local looking to explore the beauty and excitement of the Upper Peninsula.

Rippling River Resort Photos

Rippling River Resort Location

Rippling River Resort

Michigan Marquette County Marquette Michigan 553

4321 M-553, Marquette, MI 49855, USA

Rippling River Resort Reviews

We stayed three nights in a rustic tent site. This was our first time to Rippling River Resort and Marquette.Pros:The lodge was adorable! It had everything you could have possibly needed available for purchase. We didn’t try the pizza but it looked amazing. The beer options in the lodge were great and our kids loved the pool and the hot tub. There was also a really nice patio at the lodge with a good amount of seating.Cons:The rustic tent sites were far from the bathrooms. Especially in the middle of the night with kids, it was tough. The bathrooms and showers were disgusting. I had read reviews from other visitors stating the bathroom and showers were clean but that was not our experience during our visit. Not only were they not clean, consistently at least one would be out of either hand soap or toilet paper. I’m very grateful we brought shower shoes or we wouldn’t have been able to shower while we were there.
Jun 30, 2025 · Sara Vanderpool
This was our first time staying at Rippling River Campground and we spent four days there and really enjoyed our time and loved our site (#34)! The lodge was awesome and we had a blast sitting down by the river! Our only complaint was the state of the bathrooms during our stay. We appreciated having private showers and they were set up nice, but both the shower rooms (which included a toilet in each of them) and the individual bathrooms weren’t cleaned or maintained well (empty/broken soap dispensers, no toilet paper, garbages that needed emptying, etc.). The site fee is on the higher end and the rest of the facilities were great, but more attention needs to be given to the bathrooms/showers!!
Jun 30, 2025 · Tammy Farley
I stayed here over the last weekend in the rustic tent sites. Very secluded, right on the river! The employees were awesome. Facilities were clean. Location to the South Trails is as close as can be. I had a great weekend!!
Jun 02, 2025 · Chad Brinker
Number 1 issue, management! The manager was incredibly unwilling to work with us. We arrived before check in. Management would not let us check in early although the site was empty. Our site had problems and when we requested to move sites management stated they were all booked which was not the case. Secondly, the sites are very unleveled and some sites have the sewer running up hill. Thirdly (not a facilities issue), the guest were surprising very rude which caught me off guard given most “campers” and kind and cordial. The amenities like the restaurant, bar, hiking trails, and river were super cool but they were not worth the lack of service. We camp a lot, and all over the US, and we have never encountered such a rough situation with guest and management. We will not be back.
Jun 26, 2025 · Mattie Barry
What an amazing campground! From the beautiful views while siting at your campsite to the amazing staff, this place has it all. The bathrooms and showers are clean and well maintained. The lodge is warm and welcoming with a fireplace, bar and outdoor seating area that offers great views and music. You can do everything right from Rippling River Resort and never need to leave unless it was to bike or hike. All of the staff is amazing, however I have to call out Kenzie! She went above and beyond and always had a smile and a great attitude. Can’t wait until our next visit!
May 05, 2025 · Kyle Romanuk