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Perkins Park (Marquette County Park)
Overview
Perkins Park offers a serene camping experience nestled along the shores of Lake Independence in the Upper Peninsula. As a Marquette County park, it provides a well-maintained gateway to the rugged beauty of Big Bay. Visitors will find a peaceful atmosphere where the sounds of the forest meet the gentle lapping of the lake, making it a premier destination for those exploring Michigan’s north country.
Location & Surroundings
Situated approximately 25 miles north of Marquette, the park is located in the small, historic community of Big Bay. The surrounding landscape is defined by dense hardwood forests and the nearby expanse of Lake Superior. This remote setting offers a true escape from urban noise, providing campers with clear night skies and immediate access to the diverse ecosystems of the Huron Mountains region.
Amenities & Park Features
The campground caters to various camping styles with 72 designated sites. RV travelers can choose from full hookup sites or electric-only options depending on their needs. The park features a sandy swimming beach, a convenient boat launch, and a dedicated fishing pier. Modern conveniences include clean restroom and shower facilities, a playground for children, and several miles of hiking trails that wind through the property.
Nearby Attractions & Things to Do
Adventure awaits just outside the park gates. Visitors often tour the Big Bay Point Lighthouse or hike to the breathtaking Yellow Dog Falls. Lake Independence is renowned for its excellent fishing, particularly for walleye and perch. For those seeking the "big water," public access points to Lake Superior are only a short drive away, offering pebble-lined shores and dramatic vistas.
Who This Park Is Best For
This park is an ideal fit for outdoor enthusiasts who prefer a quiet, natural setting over a busy resort environment. It is perfect for families who enjoy lake-based recreation like swimming and kayaking. Because of its location, it serves as an excellent base camp for hikers and photographers looking to capture the raw, seasonal beauty of the Michigan Upper Peninsula.
Amenities
- Recreational Facilities
- Policies
- Other Amenities & Services
- Recreation Nearby (within 10 miles)
- Facility
- Internet
- On-Site Rentals
- Sites
User Reviews
Gwen Bagley
We had a WONDERFUL stay here. We really enjoyed being on an inland lake and in a great location to explore the UP. The price was really good and we were excited there were spots available.
Mary Smith
What a beautiful campground for a small county spot! Features a beautiful and kid friendly beach and lake front. Lots of fun hills to ride bikes around too! We were at a spot that would have been much more suitable for an RV, VERY hilly for a tent. The office was lovely to work with, they even offered for us to change sites, but we had already set up camp. If tenting, sites south of the bathhouse nearest the office are recommended!
Kari Ihlenfeldt
Great place! Peaceful, mostly shaded sites. Great beach with a big swimming area. We will be back. Picture from site 34.
Kristie Brettman
Great campground with everything from full hook ups to primitive sites. Quiet during the week and much busier on the weekends. Boat launch, fishing pier, beach, fish cleaning house, play ground and several bathrooms throughout the grounds. Very nice staff who work very hard to keep the campgrounds looking great. We would definitely return. We camped in site 33. There is also an ice cream shop within walking distance.
Richard Enoch
Great campground. Nice facilities and staff. Beach and playground are nice for the kids.
Alex de la Torre
This is a beautiful campground! I stay here almost every time I come up to the UP in the summer. You get a beautiful site right by Lake Independence for a very reasonable price. They do not nickle and dime you like the State Parks do. Convenient to Marquette, Negaunee, Ishpeming, etc. Make sure you stop a Lawry's for a pasty and Ralph's for a cudughi before coming here.
Robert Daniels
Price was great and so was the lake. Trails were great too. I wish there was a little more to do for the kids but overall a great time.
Michael Scott
This is a cute little campground.😃 Not very big, Only about 50 sites with different levels of hookups💧⚡💩 priced about $5 between them, but even with full hookups it is reasonable enough to stay for the week! They also have two rustic walk-in tent sites, a full size family tent, and two yurts! 😱 And trails🥾🚶♀️ I'm not sure how I ended up here. I think somebody told me about it at a previous campground 🤔 It's farther from Marquette then I would have liked to be, but sometimes it's just one of those wonderful finds 🥰 It's scenic and quiet. Not too big. No pool or anything fancy except for the part about the beach 🏖️and the lake and the boat ramp 🤩 It's darn near a paradise for the locals! There was a whole group here playing volleyball earlier. 🏐 There's also a basketball court🏀And the boat ramp 🚤is very popular. There's even a Marina with ⛽ gas just up the road. Apparently there's always events happening here. First and third Thursdays is an open mic 🎤 at the pavilion. There's a concert later this month. They have trails.🚶♀️ But the 🏖️ beach is the big draw. It's very nice. Lots of sand instead of rocks like others I've seen. Also this is my first opportunity since lake Ontario to actually camp on the lake! 😀 Some of the primitive sites are right on the water In the farther section of the park by the yurts. There is a pub and a restaurant and a grocery store/gas station within walking distance.
Emi Morrison
Perkins Park has the best beach ever. Shallow water for the kids but when you get out to the boueys it’s deep enough to swim. Water is clean, clear and warm! Beach and bathrooms are kept up with and clean too. Showers are available and there is an older park. Campsites itself are wonderful. We have a family camping week every year and have always had wonderful experiences!
T Phe
A wonderful campground for families! We just stayed 7 days in a Yurt with 2 young kids and although no electricity was so much fun! The beach is beautiful and clean, kids loved the park and riding bikes with all the others staying. Bathrooms were clean and nice showers. Staff was very helpful and friendly, stopping daily to see how things were going. Great general store across the street with everything you could need , plus laundromat and restaurant! Thanks for a great week! See ya next year😊