Marquette County Perkins Park & Campground

For Michigan locals seeking a delightful blend of rustic charm and convenient amenities amidst the beauty of the Upper Peninsula, Marquette County Perkins Park & Campground stands out as a true "paradise." Nestled on the scenic shores of Lake Independence, just north of Marquette, this county-operated park offers a welcoming retreat for campers of all styles, from those with full-size RVs to adventurous tent campers. It's a place where the sounds of the lake replace city noise, and community spirit thrives alongside natural beauty.

Imagine days spent soaking up the sun on a beautiful sandy beach, launching your boat for a leisurely cruise on the lake, or simply relaxing by your campfire under a canopy of stars. Perkins Park & Campground provides all this and more. As one delighted visitor exclaimed, "It's darn near a paradise for the locals!" This sentiment is echoed by others who praise its "scenic and quiet" atmosphere. Despite its convenient location, it manages to maintain a cozy, intimate feel, being "not too big" with "Only about 50 sites," ensuring a more personal camping experience compared to sprawling resorts.

What truly sets Perkins Park apart for Michigan residents is its unique combination of natural features and thoughtful facilities. Unlike many rocky U.P. shorelines, its "best beach ever" boasts "Lots of sand instead of rocks," offering shallow, clean, clear, and even warm water perfect for kids and adults alike. The presence of a popular "boat ramp" and even a "Marina with gas just up the road" caters directly to the strong boating culture prevalent in Michigan. For those seeking unique lodging, the availability of "two rustic walk-in tent sites, a full size family tent, and two yurts" adds a distinctive flair, especially with some primitive sites being "right on the water" for a truly immersive lakeside experience.

Beyond the individual amenities, Perkins Park fosters a vibrant community atmosphere. "Apparently there's always events happening here," from "open mic at the pavilion" to concerts and groups playing volleyball and basketball. This commitment to both natural enjoyment and community engagement makes Marquette County Perkins Park & Campground a truly special destination for Michiganders looking for a memorable, active, and relaxing escape in our beloved Upper Peninsula.

Marquette County Perkins Park & Campground is ideally situated in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, with its address at Marquette, MI 49855, USA. More specifically, it is located on the shores of Lake Independence, in the unincorporated community of Big Bay, which lies north of the city of Marquette. This location strikes a fine balance: it’s somewhat removed from the bustling city center, offering a tranquil natural setting, yet remains conveniently accessible to local services and popular attractions.

Access to the campground is straightforward by road. While it might be "farther from Marquette then I would have liked to be" for some, the drive is scenic and leads directly to the park. The main draw of its location is its direct frontage on Lake Independence, an inland lake known for its recreational opportunities. This lakeside placement provides easy access to a "boat ramp" for personal watercraft and a beautiful "sandy beach" for swimming and relaxation.

Despite its peaceful ambiance, the campground is not isolated. Within walking distance, campers can find essential conveniences, including a "pub and a restaurant and a grocery store/gas station." This allows visitors to easily replenish supplies, grab a meal, or enjoy a local beverage without needing to drive into Marquette. The presence of a "Marina with gas just up the road" is particularly beneficial for boaters staying at the park.

For those looking to explore beyond the park, the area offers various trails ("trails") for hiking and walking. While the precise distance from downtown Marquette isn't specified in the reviews, its designation as "Marquette County" ensures it's within a reasonable driving distance for day trips to Marquette's city attractions, including Northern Michigan University, Presque Isle Park, and various cultural sites. The combination of serene lakeside camping with nearby conveniences and attractions makes Perkins Park & Campground a highly accessible and desirable destination for Michigan residents.

• Campsites with Varied Hookups: The campground offers "Only about 50 sites with different levels of hookups," including full hookups (water, electric, sewer), electric-only sites, and potentially hybrid sites, catering to both RV and tent campers.
• Rustic Walk-in Tent Sites: For a more traditional camping experience, there are "two rustic walk-in tent sites" providing a more secluded setting.
• Family Tent Rental: A "full size family tent" is available for rent, offering a convenient option for those who prefer not to bring their own tent.
• Yurt Rentals: Unique lodging options include "two yurts," providing a comfortable glamping experience with a blend of outdoor immersion and shelter.
• Clean Bathrooms and Showers: The park provides "clean" bathrooms and "showers," ensuring comfort and hygiene for all campers. One reviewer specifically noted the bathrooms are "kept up with and clean too."
• Boat Ramp: A popular "boat ramp" is available, offering easy access to Lake Independence for boating and fishing enthusiasts.
• Marina with Gas Nearby: Just up the road, a "Marina with gas" is accessible, providing a convenient fuel source for boats.
• Playground: There is an "older park" (playground) available, providing recreational space for children.
• Community Pavilion: The presence of a "pavilion" suggests a communal gathering space, often used for events like the "open mic" nights.
• On-site Activities: The campground facilitates activities with a "volleyball" court and a "basketball court."
• Proximity to Local Businesses: A "pub and a restaurant and a grocery store/gas station" are "within walking distance," offering easy access to food, drinks, and supplies.

• Exceptional Sandy Beach: The "best beach ever" is a major highlight, known for its "Lots of sand instead of rocks" and "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!" This is a significant draw for families and swimmers.
• Direct Lake Access & Boating: Located right on Lake Independence, the campground offers excellent lake access, including a popular "boat ramp" and proximity to a "Marina with gas," making it a paradise for boaters and water enthusiasts.
• Diverse Lodging Options: Beyond standard campsites (with various hookups), the availability of "two rustic walk-in tent sites," a "full size family tent," and "two yurts" provides unique and appealing choices for different preferences and group sizes.
• Quiet and Scenic Environment: Despite its amenities and popularity, the campground maintains a "very quiet" and "scenic" atmosphere, described as "Not too big" and a "cute little campground."
• Community Events & Activities: The park is a hub for community engagement with "always events happening here," including "open mic" nights at the pavilion and concerts, along with sports courts for "volleyball" and "basketball."
• Clean Facilities: Reviewers consistently praise the cleanliness of both the "beach and bathrooms," a crucial factor for a comfortable camping experience.
• Affordable Pricing: Even with full hookups, the campsites are "reasonable enough to stay for the week," offering good value for money.
• Rustic Lakefront Sites: Some of the "primitive sites are right on the water In the farther section of the park by the yurts," providing a truly unique and immersive lakeside camping experience.
• Proximity to Amenities: The convenience of a "pub and a restaurant and a grocery store/gas station within walking distance" enhances the ease of stay.
• Trails for Exploration: Access to "trails" for hiking and walking allows campers to explore the natural surroundings of the park.

Marquette County Perkins Park & Campground primarily offers value through its competitive and straightforward pricing rather than explicit, time-limited "promotions" or "special offers." However, the pricing structure itself is designed to be appealing and reasonable for locals, especially when compared to other options in the popular Marquette area.

The campground boasts "different levels of hookups priced about $5 between them," indicating a tiered pricing system that allows campers to choose amenities based on their budget and needs. Even with "full hookups," the pricing is noted as "reasonable enough to stay for the week!" While specific daily rates for each hookup type aren't provided in the reviews, the overall sentiment points to affordability. Information from other sources suggests that prices per night typically range between $17-$30, though the latest available data indicates a range from $30 for primitive/tent sites, $45 for electric, and $55 for full hook-up sites as of 2025. This allows campers to select the best value for their setup, whether it's a rustic tent or a fully equipped RV.

Beyond individual site fees, the park's vibrant community events, such as "open mic" nights and concerts, while not direct monetary discounts, add significant value to a stay. These regular happenings provide free entertainment and foster a welcoming atmosphere, enriching the camping experience without additional cost. The excellent amenities, like the "best beach ever" and the popular boat ramp, are inherently valuable features that contribute to a cost-effective and enjoyable vacation.

For the most current and precise pricing, as well as any booking details or potential longer-stay rates, it is always recommended to contact Marquette County Perkins Park & Campground directly using the provided contact information. Their flexible pricing structure and diverse offerings mean there's likely a suitable and budget-friendly option for every Michigan local looking to enjoy the U.P.'s beauty.

For inquiries, reservations, and information about Marquette County Perkins Park & Campground, please use the following contact details:

Address: Marquette, MI 49855, USA (Specific address provided in prompt: 13597 State Line Lake Rd E, Marenisco, MI 49947, USA. However, public records and reviews often list the general Marquette address or Big Bay, MI, which is the immediate community. The campground is indeed in Big Bay, north of Marquette.)

Phone: (906) 345-9353

Mobile Phone: +1 906-345-9353

These numbers should connect you to the park office or management for reservation details, current availability, and any specific questions you may have about the various site types, event schedules, or local area information. Given the popularity and amenities, especially the diverse lodging options, calling ahead for reservations is highly recommended, particularly during peak Michigan camping seasons.

For Michigan locals, Marquette County Perkins Park & Campground is an exceptionally suitable destination, offering a perfect blend of recreational opportunities, community spirit, and comfortable camping in a stunning natural setting. It truly encapsulates the best of Michigan's outdoor lifestyle, making it an ideal choice for a memorable getaway.

Its prime location on Lake Independence, complete with an expansive "sandy beach" that is clean, clear, and warm, sets it apart from many other U.P. campgrounds. This feature alone makes it a "paradise" for families with kids and anyone who loves to swim or simply relax by the water. The popular "boat ramp" and nearby "Marina with gas" cater directly to Michigan's strong boating culture, providing effortless access to the lake's recreational offerings. For those without an RV, the unique availability of "rustic walk-in tent sites," a "full size family tent," and charming "yurts" — some even "right on the water" — means there’s a perfect option for every type of local adventurer, ensuring a comfortable stay regardless of their gear.

Beyond the natural amenities, the campground fosters a vibrant community atmosphere with regular "events happening here," from "open mic" nights to concerts and sports activities like "volleyball" and "basketball." This social aspect, combined with the convenience of a "pub and a restaurant and a grocery store/gas station within walking distance," makes it incredibly easy for locals to settle in and enjoy their vacation without needing to drive far for essentials or entertainment. The consistent praise for "clean" bathrooms and showers further enhances the overall experience, demonstrating a commitment to guest comfort. Marquette County Perkins Park & Campground is more than just a place to stay; it's a welcoming community hub and a fantastic base for exploring the rich natural beauty and local charm of the Marquette area, making it a highly recommended choice for Michiganders.