Lower Falls Portage Campground

For those of us in Michigan, Tahquamenon Falls State Park holds a special place in our hearts. It’s a true gem of the Upper Peninsula, offering majestic waterfalls, serene natural beauty, and a chance to truly disconnect. At the heart of this incredible park lies the Lower Falls Portage Campground, an ideal base for exploring everything the region has to offer. As one happy camper noted, "We loved it here. Site was just electric but they have water to fill up with in the park. Wood was $6/ bundle. They have a nice gift shop. The site we had was very big and spaced nicely apart from other sites." This feedback perfectly encapsulates the balance of convenience and natural immersion that this campground provides, making it a truly desirable destination for Michiganders seeking an unforgettable outdoor adventure.

The beauty of the Lower Falls Portage Campground extends beyond its well-maintained sites. It’s the direct access to the "beautiful" Lower Falls and the opportunity to "walk all the way to the bridge and the island in the river" that truly sets it apart. Imagine waking up surrounded by the sounds of nature, knowing that stunning boardwalks and trails await right outside your campsite. Reviewers consistently praise the "clean and separate" showers, "beautiful paths," and "great signage," all contributing to an easy and enjoyable stay. Plus, with the Upper Falls area just a short drive away, complete with its own brewery and food truck, this campground offers the perfect blend of wilderness charm and convenient comforts. It truly is "Highly recommended!" for anyone looking to experience the best of the U.P.

Lower Falls Portage Campground is a highly popular and well-regarded camping facility situated within the iconic Tahquamenon Falls State Park in Paradise, Michigan. This modern campground is a key component of Michigan's second-largest state park, offering campers direct access to the breathtaking Lower Falls of the Tahquamenon River. It is designed to provide a comfortable and convenient camping experience while allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the vast natural beauty of the Upper Peninsula.

The campground is one of two loops (Portage and Hemlock) within the Lower Falls Modern Campground area, known for its spacious sites and essential amenities. It caters primarily to RV and trailer campers, offering electrical hookups, with some sites providing 50-amp service. A significant highlight is the presence of clean and modern restroom and shower facilities, which are often praised by visitors. Beyond the individual campsites, the campground’s appeal lies in its immediate proximity to the Lower Falls, with well-maintained boardwalks and trails leading directly to this impressive natural wonder and the island within the river. Furthermore, its location offers easy access to the Upper Falls and other park amenities, including dining options and a gift shop, making it an excellent base for exploring the diverse attractions of the Tahquamenon Falls region.

Lower Falls Portage Campground is ideally located at 6999 N Lower Campground Ln, Paradise, MI 49768, USA. This address places it directly within Tahquamenon Falls State Park, specifically near the Lower Falls area. Its strategic position makes it an exceptional base for exploring one of Michigan's most famous natural attractions.

Accessibility to the campground is straightforward via paved roads within the state park, ensuring easy navigation for all types of vehicles, including large RVs and trailers. The campground is situated about a quarter-mile from the Lower Falls, allowing for convenient walks or short drives to the main attractions. Reviewers note "Beautiful paths, signage was great and very well kept," indicating that moving around the park and between features is very easy and enjoyable.

The campground's location offers direct walking access to the Lower Falls, including the impressive stainless steel bridge leading to the island in the river. This proximity means campers can easily explore the falls, rent rowboats (available seasonally from park concessions), and utilize the park's day-use facilities like the gift shop and café. While the campground is nestled in a natural setting, it remains well-connected. The Upper Falls area, which features a brewery and a BBQ food truck, is just a short drive away, often accessible via a fee-based shuttle service during peak season, providing even more convenience for campers who wish to explore both major waterfall sites. For those concerned about connectivity, the Hemlock loop, another section of the Lower Falls Modern Campground, is noted for having "the best place in the Lower Falls for cellphone service."

Lower Falls Portage Campground, as part of Tahquamenon Falls State Park, provides a comprehensive range of modern camping services and facilities designed to enhance guest comfort and convenience in a natural setting.

• Electrical Service: All sites in the Portage loop have 30-amp service, and some sites also offer 50-amp service, catering to various RV and trailer needs. While individual water connections aren't at every site, "they have water to fill up with in the park," conveniently available.
• Modern Restrooms and Showers: A significant highlight, the campground features "clean and separate from the bathrooms" shower facilities and an "ADA-accessible modern toilet and shower building." These facilities are well-maintained and provide a comfortable experience.
• Sanitation Station: A seasonal sanitation station is available at the Lower Falls campground entrance for RV waste disposal, with potable water available at this location as well. A fee is assessed for those not camping at Tahquamenon Falls.
• Firewood Sales: Firewood is conveniently available for purchase, with a vendor at both campground entrances during certain hours in season, and a "24 hour firewood vending machine" located at the Lower Falls parking area. "Wood was $6/ bundle" as noted by a reviewer.
• Spacious and Well-Spaced Sites: Campers appreciate that "The site we had was very big and spaced nicely apart from other sites," offering a sense of privacy and room to relax.
• Picnic Tables and Fire Rings: Each campsite is equipped with a picnic table and a fire ring, essential for outdoor dining and enjoying campfires.
• Gift Shop and Concessions: The Lower Falls day-use area, easily accessible from the campground, features a "nice gift shop" and other park concessions, including a café and boat rentals (seasonal).
• Playground: There is a small playground in the Portage loop, with a play structure on a woodchipped surface, providing recreation for younger campers.
• North Country Trail Access: Direct access to the North Country Trail is available from the Portage campground loop, offering extensive hiking opportunities.
• Winter Camping: Portions of the campground are open for winter camping, with the Portage loop available for hike-in camping during the colder months (first-come, first-served self-registration).

Lower Falls Portage Campground offers a plethora of features and highlights that make it an outstanding destination for campers in Michigan's Upper Peninsula:

• Direct Access to Lower Falls: The most prominent highlight is its immediate and easy access to the stunning Lower Falls of the Tahquamenon River. Campers can take "Beautiful paths" and boardwalks to explore the falls, including the impressive "stainless steel bridge" leading to the island in the river, which is a definite "must see."
• Proximity to Upper Falls and Amenities: While at the Lower Falls, campers are also conveniently close to the majestic Upper Falls, just a short drive away. The Upper Falls area features a "brewery (with sit down menu) and a BBQ food truck," adding a unique culinary and social dimension to a wilderness trip.
• Spacious and Private Sites: Campers consistently praise the "very big and spaced nicely apart from other sites," offering a sense of privacy and room to relax, a welcome change from many crowded campgrounds.
• Modern and Clean Facilities: The campground boasts "clean and separate from the bathrooms" showers and "ADA-accessible modern toilet and shower building," ensuring a comfortable and hygienic experience. These well-maintained facilities are a significant advantage for campers.
• Family-Friendly Environment: The park, and by extension the campground, is inherently family-friendly, offering boardwalks for easy walks, opportunities for boat rentals at the Lower Falls, and a playground within the campground loop.
• Excellent Hiking Opportunities: With "Beautiful paths" and "signage was great and very well kept," the campground provides direct access to extensive hiking trails, including the North Country Trail. The option to hike between the Lower and Upper Falls is also popular.
• Concessions and Gift Shop On-Site: The presence of a gift shop, café, and boat rentals at the Lower Falls day-use area provides convenient access to necessities and recreational equipment without needing to leave the park.
• "Highly Recommended" Experience: The overall consensus from visitors, expressed as "Highly recommended!" and "Beautiful park!", speaks volumes about the quality and enjoyability of a stay at Lower Falls Portage Campground.
• Winter Camping Opportunities: For the more adventurous, portions of the Portage loop are open for hike-in winter camping, allowing for unique cold-weather experiences in the snow-covered park.

As Lower Falls Portage Campground is an integral part of Tahquamenon Falls State Park, managed by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR), it operates under the state's standardized pricing and reservation system rather than offering typical commercial "promotions" or "special offers."

However, for Michigan residents, the most significant "promotion" or cost-saving benefit for accessing state parks and campgrounds is the Michigan Recreation Passport. This annual pass, available for a modest fee when you renew your license plate, provides year-round vehicle access to all Michigan state parks and recreation areas, including Tahquamenon Falls State Park and its campgrounds. For anyone planning multiple visits to state parks or extended stays, the Recreation Passport offers substantial value and acts as the primary access benefit.

Camping fees for sites with electrical hookups, such as those at Lower Falls Portage Campground, are set by the DNR. While individual discounts on nightly rates for general campers are not common, specific programs may offer reduced fees for certain groups, such as seniors or individuals with disabilities. It is always recommended to check the official Michigan DNR website (Michigan.gov/DNR) or Recreation.gov (where reservations are made) for the most current information on fees, policies, and any specific program benefits.

While not a "promotion" on camping fees, a valuable convenience for campers is the readily available firewood. As noted in a review, "Wood was $6/ bundle," and there's a "24 hour firewood vending machine" at the Lower Falls parking area, which provides a practical solution for campfires, saving campers a trip to find wood. Additionally, the park provides a fee-based shuttle service between the Upper and Lower Falls during peak season, which, while not free, offers a convenient way to explore both areas without moving your vehicle.

For reservations, inquiries, or to learn more about Lower Falls Portage Campground within Tahquamenon Falls State Park, here is the direct contact information:

Address:
6999 N Lower Campground Ln, Paradise, MI 49768, USA

Phone Number (Michigan DNR Central Reservations - Toll-Free):
(800) 447-2757

Mobile Phone (This is the same toll-free number for DNR state park reservations):
+1 800-447-2757

It is highly recommended to make reservations for Lower Falls Portage Campground well in advance, especially for peak seasons (summer and fall color tours), as it is a very popular destination and sites fill up quickly. Reservations are managed through the statewide Recreation.gov system, which can be accessed online or by calling the toll-free number provided. For general park information or to inquire about current conditions within Tahquamenon Falls State Park, calling the main park office might also be an option, though the central reservation line is the primary contact for camping bookings.

For Michiganders, Lower Falls Portage Campground at Tahquamenon Falls State Park is far more than just a place to pitch a tent; it’s an iconic Michigan experience that perfectly blends natural wonder with modern comfort. Its suitability for locals stems from its unparalleled access to one of our state’s crown jewels, combined with amenities that make camping truly enjoyable.

Firstly, the immediate and direct access to the "beautiful" Lower Falls is an incredible draw. Being able to take "easy and enjoyable" walks on "well kept" boardwalks to the island and bridge at the falls means we can truly immerse ourselves in this unique natural spectacle without significant effort. This proximity to such a beloved landmark makes it an ideal base for exploring the Tahquamenon River and its surrounding beauty, a familiar and cherished landscape for many of us.

Secondly, the campground's emphasis on comfort—with "very big and spaced nicely apart" sites, "clean and separate" showers, and electrical hookups—ensures that even those who appreciate a bit more convenience can fully enjoy the wilderness. This balance allows families, including those with younger children, to have a relaxed and hygienic camping experience. The nearby attractions like the Upper Falls brewery and food truck also offer a taste of local flavor and a convenient option for a meal out, adding to the overall appeal.

Finally, as a Michigan State Park, it aligns perfectly with our state's commitment to preserving and providing access to natural resources. Utilizing the Michigan Recreation Passport makes visits both affordable and convenient for residents, encouraging us to explore and appreciate the incredible outdoor opportunities within our own backyard. Lower Falls Portage Campground truly offers a "Highly recommended!" experience, making it a prime choice for any Michigander seeking a memorable, comfortable, and deeply connected adventure in the heart of the Upper Peninsula.