Clear Lake Campground

For Michiganders, the Upper Peninsula holds a special place in our hearts – a wilder, more serene side of our state, perfect for escaping the everyday hustle. When it comes to finding a comfortable and welcoming base for your UP adventures, Clear Lake Campground in Dafter, MI, offers a charming and practical solution. This is a campground that prides itself on being a "great little campground," providing a friendly atmosphere, essential amenities, and a clean environment for both short stops and longer stays.

Clear Lake Campground isn't about sprawling luxury, but rather about delivering a genuine camping experience with a strong sense of community. It’s the kind of place where, as one reviewer happily noted, you might be "welcomed with open arms" and even "immediately invited to join them" at a campground potluck, even as a newcomer. This warmth and hospitality are hallmarks of a truly friendly establishment, making it an excellent choice for families, couples, or solo travelers looking to connect with fellow campers and enjoy the simple pleasures of the outdoors. Its focus on cleanliness and practical facilities ensures a comfortable stay, allowing you to fully embrace the beauty of Michigan's Upper Peninsula.

Clear Lake Campground is conveniently located at 13301 S Mackinac Trail, Dafter, MI 49724, USA. This placement makes it an excellent stopping point or a base for exploring the eastern Upper Peninsula. Dafter is a small, unincorporated community located just southwest of Sault Ste. Marie, the oldest city in Michigan and home to the famous Soo Locks.

The campground's position along S Mackinac Trail provides easy access for vehicles of all sizes, including large RVs. It's a straightforward drive from major routes, ensuring that your journey to relaxation is as smooth as possible. From this location, you're only a short drive away from a wealth of attractions. The historic Soo Locks, where massive freighters pass between Lake Superior and Lake Huron, are a must-see. Nearby Sault Ste. Marie also offers museums, restaurants, and other city amenities. For those heading further into the UP, Clear Lake Campground serves as a fantastic gateway, making it both accessible for a quick overnight stay and a strategic hub for exploring the wider region, including Drummond Island, Tahquamenon Falls, and Whitefish Point.

Clear Lake Campground focuses on providing the core services that campers truly need for a comfortable and convenient stay:

• Campsites: Offers a range of campsites suitable for various needs, accommodating both tents and RVs. Reviewers indicate sites are well-maintained.
• Full Hookups (RV Sites): While specific details on amperage (e.g., 30/50 amp) aren't detailed in reviews, the campground provides sites with essential hookups for RVs, ensuring access to power and water.
• Hot Showers: A highly appreciated amenity, ensuring campers can enjoy a comfortable, warm shower after a day of outdoor activities.
• Clean Bathrooms: Consistently praised by guests for their cleanliness, providing a pleasant experience for all campers.
• Laundry Facilities: A convenient on-site laundry area is available, which is particularly beneficial for longer stays, allowing campers to refresh their clothes.
• Friendly Staff/Owners: Reviewers highlight the welcoming and accommodating nature of the campground staff, contributing significantly to a positive experience.

Clear Lake Campground distinguishes itself with several key features and highlights that enhance the camping experience:

• Welcoming Atmosphere: The campground is noted for its exceptionally friendly environment. Reviewers often mention immediate invitations to community events like potlucks, fostering a sense of belonging even for first-time visitors.
• Exceptional Cleanliness: Guests frequently commend the pristine condition of the facilities, especially the bathrooms and showers. This dedication to cleanliness ensures a pleasant and comfortable stay for everyone.
• Affordable Pricing: At approximately $32.00 per night for a site (cash only, as noted by a reviewer), Clear Lake Campground offers excellent value, making it a very budget-friendly option for exploring the Upper Peninsula.
• Convenient Location: Its proximity to Sault Ste. Marie and major UP attractions like the Soo Locks, Tahquamenon Falls, and Whitefish Point makes it a strategic base for exploration without being in a bustling urban center.
• Small Campground Feel: Despite its practical amenities, it retains a "great little campground" feel, suggesting a more intimate and less overwhelming environment than larger resorts.
• Cash Only Payment: While a specific detail, the "cash only" policy is a key operational feature that campers should be aware of and plan for, simplifying transactions on-site.
• Security Measures: The campground implements security protocols, such as requiring check-in upon re-entry. While some guests find this inconvenient without mirror tags or visitor passes, it demonstrates a commitment to guest safety and control over who is on the premises.

Clear Lake Campground's primary "special offer" is its consistent and affordable pricing. At around $32.00 a night (cash only), it positions itself as an excellent value option for campers seeking essential amenities without inflated costs. This straightforward pricing model means that rather than offering fluctuating discounts, the campground provides a reliably budget-friendly rate year-round. This is particularly beneficial for Michiganders looking to stretch their vacation dollars while still enjoying a clean, friendly, and well-located camping spot in the Upper Peninsula. While specific seasonal promotions are not explicitly detailed in public reviews, the overall value proposition of the campground itself serves as a continuous draw for those seeking an economical yet comfortable stay. It's always a good idea to confirm current rates when calling to inquire about availability.

Ready to plan your trip to Clear Lake Campground? Here’s how you can get in touch:

• Address: 13301 S Mackinac Trail, Dafter, MI 49724, USA
• Phone: (906) 635-0201
• Mobile Phone: +1 906-635-0201

It's always recommended to call ahead, especially for longer stays or during peak season, to check availability and ensure you're prepared for the cash-only payment policy.

For Michiganders, Clear Lake Campground in Dafter presents an excellent choice for a quintessential Upper Peninsula camping experience. Its location near Sault Ste. Marie makes it a practical and accessible gateway to the eastern UP, allowing locals to easily explore attractions like the Soo Locks, Tahquamenon Falls, and Lake Superior's beautiful shoreline. This convenience means less time traveling and more time enjoying the natural beauty and unique culture of the northern reaches of our state. The fact that it's a "great little campground" with a reputation for being exceptionally friendly and welcoming is a significant draw for locals. The anecdote about being invited to a potluck exemplifies the community spirit often sought by Michiganders in their outdoor adventures.

Furthermore, the affordability of Clear Lake Campground, at approximately $32.00 a night (cash only), makes it an incredibly attractive option for budget-conscious families or individuals. This allows more of your hard-earned money to go towards experiencing the UP's unique attractions rather than just accommodation. The consistent praise for its cleanliness, especially the hot showers and well-maintained bathrooms, addresses key concerns for any camper, ensuring a comfortable stay even with basic amenities. While some campers might find the re-entry check-in and visitor fees less convenient, these measures are implemented for security, which can also be seen as a benefit for overall guest safety and peace of mind. Ultimately, Clear Lake Campground offers a no-frills, clean, friendly, and affordable base for Michiganders looking to truly immerse themselves in the genuine camping experience of the Upper Peninsula, making it a highly suitable and appealing choice for local adventurers.