Perkins Park Campground & Picnic Area

For those of us living in Michigan, especially those who cherish the state's incredible natural beauty, the Upper Peninsula holds a special allure. Among its many treasures, Perkins Park Campground & Picnic Area in Big Bay, MI, stands out as an exceptional destination for a memorable outdoor adventure. Nestled on the scenic shores of Lake Independence, this Marquette County Park offers a diverse range of camping experiences, from modern full hook-up sites to serene rustic options, ensuring there's a perfect spot for every kind of camper.

Perkins Park is more than just a campground; it’s a vibrant hub for recreation and relaxation. Whether you're looking to cast a line into the clear waters of Lake Independence, soak up the sun on a sandy beach, explore scenic hiking trails, or simply unwind by a crackling campfire, this park provides the ideal setting. It perfectly blends the tranquility of nature with convenient amenities, making it a favorite among Michigan families, anglers, and outdoor enthusiasts seeking both comfort and adventure in the U.P.

The park's commitment to providing a high-quality experience is evident in its well-maintained facilities and diverse offerings. It's a place where childhood memories are made on the playground, where families share meals at picnic tables, and where the beauty of Lake Independence provides a stunning backdrop to every moment. Perkins Park Campground & Picnic Area truly embodies the spirit of Michigan's outdoor lifestyle, inviting everyone to discover the joys of lakeside living in the heart of the Upper Peninsula.

Perkins Park Campground & Picnic Area is located in the charming, unincorporated community of Big Bay, MI 49855, USA, within Marquette County. This puts it approximately 30 minutes north of the city of Marquette, a regional hub in the Upper Peninsula. Its precise location on the shores of Lake Independence offers campers picturesque views and direct access to the water.

Accessibility to Perkins Park is generally straightforward. From Marquette, the primary route is County Road 550 (CR-550), which runs north directly to Big Bay. The drive is scenic, winding through forests and offering glimpses of Lake Superior. Once in Big Bay, the park is well-signposted and easy to find, situated directly on the lake. While the park itself is nestled in a natural setting, its proximity to Big Bay means that essential services like a general store, gas station, and a few dining options are within easy reach, sometimes even walking distance from the park entrance. This convenient balance of rustic beauty and nearby amenities makes Perkins Park particularly appealing to a wide range of campers. It's remote enough to feel like a true escape, yet close enough to a small community to provide convenience when needed.

• Diverse Campsites: Perkins Park offers a wide range of campsites, totaling over 70 sites. These include full hook-up sites with 50-amp electricity, water, and sewer connections for RVs; electric-only sites; and rustic, primitive lakeside sites for tent campers. Many sites feature picnic tables and fire pits.

• Modern Restrooms and Hot Showers: The campground provides modern, well-maintained restroom facilities with hot showers, a highly valued amenity for many campers, ensuring comfort after a day of outdoor activities.

• Boat Launch and Fishing Pier: For water enthusiasts, the park features a convenient boat launch providing direct access to Lake Independence. There’s also a fishing pier, perfect for casting a line without needing a boat.

• Sandy Swimming Beach: A dedicated sandy beach area on Lake Independence offers a safe and enjoyable spot for swimming and sunbathing, complete with a pavilion, volleyball, and ping-pong nearby.

• Picnic Areas and Rentable Pavilion: Numerous picnic tables are scattered throughout the park, ideal for day use or campers. A larger pavilion is available for rent, suitable for group gatherings and events.

• Playground: A designated playground area ensures that younger campers have a fun and safe place to play.

• Dump Station: A sanitary dump station is available on-site for RVs to dispose of wastewater properly, with a strict policy against discharging wastewater onto the ground.

• On-Site RV Service and Storage: For RV campers, there are options for secure RV storage and self-service RV wash facilities, adding to the convenience.

• Pet-Friendly: Pets are welcome at the campground but must be restrained at all times, kept quiet, and waste disposed of properly. Specific restrictions apply to pets on the swimming beach, playground, and in buildings.

• Lakeside Location on Lake Independence: The primary highlight of Perkins Park is its prime location directly on Lake Independence. This beautiful inland lake offers exceptional opportunities for swimming, boating, kayaking, and fishing, making it a true water-lover's paradise. The lake is known for good fishing, providing a rewarding experience for anglers.

• Variety of Campsite Experiences: With a mix of full hook-up sites, electric-only sites, and rustic tent sites, Perkins Park caters to a broad spectrum of camping preferences. This allows families with large RVs, as well as those seeking a more traditional tent camping experience, to find their ideal spot. Some sites are even right on the water, offering stunning views and easy lake access.

• Well-Maintained Facilities: Despite its natural setting, the campground is noted for its cleanliness and upkeep. Reviews frequently mention the well-maintained bathrooms and showers with hot water, which significantly enhance the camping experience.

• Recreational Activities Galore: Beyond the lake, the park and surrounding area provide abundant recreational opportunities. Two trails run through the park, including a wetland platform and a lakeshore trail that parallels Lake Independence and the old Lake Superior and Ishpeming Railroad Line, offering unique historical insights. The area is also excellent for hiking, biking, and exploring nearby attractions like Alder Falls and Yellow Dog River Falls.

• Proximity to Big Bay Point Lighthouse: A short drive away, the historic Big Bay Point Lighthouse offers a glimpse into local maritime history. While it operates as a B&B, its exterior and the surrounding views are still a worthwhile visit.

• Family-Friendly Atmosphere: With a playground, sandy beach, and safe swimming areas, Perkins Park is an ideal destination for families with children, ensuring entertainment for all ages.

• Opportunity for Northern Lights Viewing: Due to its relatively northern latitude and reduced light pollution compared to urban areas, some lucky campers have even reported seeing the Northern Lights from the campground, adding a magical dimension to the experience.

• Historical Significance: The area around Big Bay has a rich lumbering history, and elements like old rail ties visible on trails serve as reminders of this heritage, adding an educational layer to outdoor exploration.

While Perkins Park Campground & Picnic Area is a Marquette County Park and may not always feature extensive "promotions" in the same vein as private resorts, it often provides value through its competitive pricing and occasional deals, particularly for extended stays or during specific seasons.

Based on available information, county parks sometimes offer discounts for longer bookings or during non-peak seasons. For instance, specific sources indicate potential savings for staying 3, 4, or 5 nights, often applicable to weeknights. For example, a "Stay 5 nights and get 30% off weeknights" or "Stay 3 nights and get 15% off your weekday stay" might be available, usually requiring a promo code and subject to limited availability and blackout dates, especially around holidays. Additionally, some camping platforms list special offers like "Extend The Fun," providing discounts on Thursday or Sunday nights when added to a weekend stay during non-peak times.

Military and First Responder discounts are also sometimes offered, providing a percentage off weekday stays as a token of appreciation. It is always recommended to check the official Marquette County Parks website, or contact the park directly, for the most current information on rates, availability, and any specific promotions. Booking in advance, especially for full hook-up sites during peak season, is highly recommended due to the park's popularity.

For specific inquiries, reservations, or more detailed information about Perkins Park Campground & Picnic Area, you can use the following contact methods:

• Address: Big Bay, MI 49855, USA

• Phone: (906) 345-9353

It is advisable to call ahead, especially if you have specific questions about site availability, amenities, or current policies, as some information might change seasonally. While a physical address is provided, general park inquiries often go through the main Marquette County Parks and Recreation office or the park host on-site.

Perkins Park Campground & Picnic Area is an exceptional destination for Michigan locals, embodying the very best of what our state's outdoor recreation has to offer. Its suitability for residents stems from its perfect blend of natural beauty, diverse amenities, and accessibility within the beloved Upper Peninsula.

For starters, the park's location on Lake Independence is a significant draw. Michigan residents appreciate direct access to pristine freshwater lakes, and Perkins Park delivers with a beautiful sandy beach, a boat launch, and excellent fishing opportunities. Whether you own a pontoon boat, a fishing vessel, or simply enjoy swimming and kayaking, the lake provides endless possibilities for water-based fun that resonates deeply with our state's identity as "The Great Lakes State."

The variety of campsites, from full hook-up RV sites to rustic tent sites, means that Perkins Park can accommodate a wide range of camping styles and budgets, making it accessible to more Michigan families. This flexibility allows locals to choose the experience that best suits their needs, whether it's a comfortable RV getaway or a more traditional, back-to-nature tenting adventure. The presence of modern, clean restrooms and hot showers, as highlighted by numerous positive reviews, ensures a comfortable stay for all.

Furthermore, Perkins Park serves as an excellent basecamp for exploring the broader Marquette County area. The surrounding wilderness offers extensive hiking and biking trails, appealing to Michigan's active outdoor community. The short drive to Marquette provides access to additional attractions, dining, and supplies, offering a convenient balance of remote natural immersion and nearby urban amenities. This means locals can enjoy a true escape without feeling entirely cut off from necessities.

The family-friendly environment, complete with a playground and safe swimming areas, makes it an ideal spot for parents looking to introduce their children to the joys of camping and outdoor exploration. Many Michigan families seek destinations where memories can be created, and Perkins Park, with its diverse activities and welcoming atmosphere, perfectly fits that bill.

In essence, Perkins Park Campground & Picnic Area is more than just a place to pitch a tent; it’s a quintessential Michigan outdoor experience. It reflects our state's passion for lakes, forests, and communal outdoor activities, offering a well-rounded and deeply satisfying retreat for locals seeking to embrace the natural wonders of the Upper Peninsula.