City of Houghton RV Park

For Michiganders who live for the open road and the comfort of their RV, finding that perfect combination of scenic beauty, convenient access, and modern amenities is key to a memorable getaway. Look no further than the City of Houghton RV Park, a true gem nestled right on the shores of the picturesque Portage Canal in Houghton, MI. This isn't just a place to park your rig; it's a thoughtfully designed destination that offers stunning waterfront views, easy access to vibrant downtown Houghton, and all the comforts you need for a relaxing and adventurous stay in Michigan's captivating Upper Peninsula.

The City of Houghton RV Park is renowned for its exceptional location and its commitment to providing a top-tier experience for RVers. Guests consistently praise its convenience, the beautiful waterside setting, and the friendly, courteous staff who go the extra mile to ensure a pleasant visit. Imagine stepping out of your RV onto a paved site, with no dirt to track in, and being greeted by the serene waters of the canal, perhaps even catching a spectacular sunset. Whether you’re looking to explore the historic charm of Houghton, enjoy water activities, or simply relax by the fire, this RV park offers the perfect blend of natural beauty and urban accessibility, making it an ideal base for your Michigan adventures.

The City of Houghton RV Park is ideally situated at 1100 W Lakeshore Dr, Houghton, MI 49931, USA. This prime waterfront location along the Portage Canal is a major draw, offering direct access to the water and breathtaking views. What makes this location truly exceptional for Michiganders is its remarkable accessibility to downtown Houghton. The park is conveniently located within walking distance of the downtown restaurant and shopping area. There's a flat, lit waterfront trail, approximately half a mile long, that leads directly from the RV park to the heart of Houghton, allowing guests to easily explore local eateries, unique shops, taverns, brewpubs, and cultural attractions on foot.

Beyond the immediate downtown area, larger stores like Walmart and various shopping centers are located within a 3-mile radius, ensuring that all your supply needs are easily met without venturing too far. This blend of scenic waterfront seclusion and urban convenience is a rare find in the Upper Peninsula. For those arriving by RV, the park's paved vehicle areas mean no concern of tracking dirt into your rig, a small but significant comfort that many RVers appreciate. The park is open from May through October, making it a perfect seasonal retreat. While some GPS systems may direct you improperly, following the signs on the highways will lead you directly to this well-regarded destination.

The City of Houghton RV Park provides a comprehensive list of services and amenities designed to make your RV camping experience as comfortable and convenient as possible.

• Full Hookups: All sites come equipped with water and sewer connections.
• Electrical Service: Sites offer 20-30-50 amp electric service to accommodate various RV needs.
• Paved Sites: All vehicle areas and sites are paved, ensuring cleanliness and stability.
• Satellite TV: Cable TV with 16 channels is available at all sites.
• Wi-Fi: Complimentary Wi-Fi access is provided throughout the park.
• Picnic Table & Park Bench: Most sites include a picnic table and a park bench for outdoor dining and relaxation.
• Fire Rings: Fire rings are available at most sites for enjoyable campfires.
• BBQ Grills: Some sites also feature barbecue grills for cooking.
• Individual Pavilions/Decks: A highlight mentioned by guests, many sites boast a small pavilion or wooden deck directly on the canal, providing a private shaded area and excellent views.
• Laundry Facilities: While not explicitly stated on the city website, a review mentions "inexpensive washer and dryer," suggesting on-site laundry facilities, which is a common amenity for RV parks.
• Pet-Friendly: Pets are welcome, with the expectation that dogs are leashed, their messes cleaned up, and they do not disturb other guests with excessive barking.
• RV Wash Service: Washing vehicles on-site is allowed for a fee ($10 for RV, $5 for car).
• Firewood for Purchase: To help reduce the spread of invasive insects, campers are asked not to bring outside wood, but firewood is available for purchase in the park.

The City of Houghton RV Park truly stands out for several key features and highlights that enhance the camping experience for its guests.

• Waterfront Location with Great Views: Situated directly on the Portage Canal, offering stunning views of the water, passing boats, and beautiful sunsets.
• Direct Access to Waterfront Trail: Located at the western end of a 4-mile paved, non-motorized waterfront trail, perfect for walking, biking, and jogging directly into downtown Houghton.
• Adjacent to Ray Kestner Waterfront Park: Next door to a large city park featuring a sandy bathing beach, pavilion, picnic tables, fishing piers, a boat launch, and the popular "Chutes and Ladders" play area for kids.
• Walkable to Downtown Houghton: Uniquely convenient, allowing campers to easily walk to a variety of restaurants, shops, taverns, and brewpubs without needing to drive.
• Private Canal-Side Pavilions/Decks: A favorite among guests, these individual covered areas provide a private space to relax, dine, and enjoy the views.
• Dog-Friendly Environment: Welcoming to pets, with clear guidelines to ensure a harmonious stay for all.
• Proximity to Rentals: Portage Paddle Sports, located at the park entrance (Memorial Day to Labor Day), offers bike, kayak, and paddleboard rentals, along with ice cream and concessions.
• Community Events: The adjacent Ray Kestner Waterfront Park hosts various summer events, including Bridgefest in June, Brewfest in late August, and weekly music concerts, providing entertainment options just steps away.
• Courteous and Friendly Staff: Consistently praised in reviews, the park hosts are noted for being super nice, helpful, and accommodating.

While the City of Houghton RV Park maintains a very reasonable pricing structure, specific "promotions or special offers" are not widely advertised in the typical commercial sense. However, the park does offer competitive rates for extended stays, which can be seen as a form of promotion for those planning longer visits:

• Daily Rate: $55 (with a $55 nonrefundable deposit).
• Weekly Rate: $350 (with a $150 nonrefundable deposit).
• Monthly Rate: $1,350 (with a $600 nonrefundable deposit).

These rates, especially for weekly and monthly stays, offer significant savings compared to the daily rate, making it an attractive option for Michiganders looking to establish a longer base in the Copper Country. It's important to note that convenience fees for using credit cards are paid by the user. The primary "offer" of this RV park is its exceptional value for the amenities and prime location it provides, frequently being described as "very reasonably priced" by satisfied guests.

For reservations and direct inquiries about the City of Houghton RV Park, please use the following contact information. Reservations are taken by telephone only, as there is no web-based reservation system.

Address: 1100 W Lakeshore Dr, Houghton, MI 49931, USA

Phone: (906) 482-8745

Mobile Phone: +1 906-482-8745

Reservation Line Hours: The park hosts typically begin taking reservations for the upcoming season in late April. Check-in time is between 1:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. (EST), with checkout at 12:00 noon. If you plan to arrive after 5:00 p.m., instructions and a host's cell phone number will be left on the office door for late check-in arrangements. It is highly recommended to call in advance, especially for summer stays, as this small park with 25 sites is very popular and can fill up quickly.

The City of Houghton RV Park is exceptionally suitable for Michigan locals, embodying the very best of what our state offers for RV enthusiasts. For us, the "convenient and nice campground" located "by the water with great views" is precisely what we seek in an Upper Peninsula getaway. The fact that "all the vehicle areas are paved so there is no concern of tracking dirt into your RV" speaks volumes to the practical comforts that make a trip enjoyable.

Crucially, its prime location allows Michiganders to experience Houghton not just as a stopover, but as a vibrant destination. Being able to easily walk to downtown for restaurants, shops, and entertainment is a major advantage, combining the peace of waterfront camping with urban amenities. The dog-friendly policy and the adjacent Ray Kestner Waterfront Park with its "amazing Chutes and Ladders play area" make it perfect for families and pet owners, allowing everyone to enjoy the Michigan outdoors. The "little pavilion on the canal that each site gets" offers a unique private space to soak in the "beautiful views of the sunset on Portage Canal," truly making it feel like a home away from home. For Michiganders, the City of Houghton RV Park isn't just an RV park; it’s a perfectly situated, well-maintained, and genuinely welcoming gateway to the endless adventures and stunning beauty of the Keweenaw Peninsula and the wider Upper Peninsula. It’s a place we’ll definitely recommend and return to, again and again.