Sherman Park Campground, Sault Ste. Marie, MI

For those of us in Michigan who cherish the great outdoors, finding the perfect camping spot is always a priority. The Upper Peninsula, with its vast natural beauty, offers a plethora of options, and Sault Ste. Marie holds some true gems. Among them is Sherman Park Campground, a favorite for many locals seeking a blend of rustic charm, spacious sites, and access to a beautiful waterfront.

Sherman Park Campground isn't just another place to pitch a tent or park your RV; it's part of the larger Sherman Park, a significant recreational area right on the upper St. Marys River. This means you're not just getting a campsite; you're gaining access to a city park brimming with amenities, including Sault Ste. Marie's only public beach. It offers a more natural, spread-out camping experience compared to some other campgrounds in the area, providing a sense of space and tranquility that many campers truly value.

This article is specifically for you, our fellow Michiganders, to give you an honest and informative look at Sherman Park Campground. We’ll cover everything from its idyllic location to the features and facilities that make it a compelling choice for your next camping adventure. While it offers a more relaxed approach to camping, with a focus on enjoying nature and the park's wider amenities, understanding its unique aspects will help you plan a fantastic trip. Get ready to explore a campground that offers more than just a place to stay—it offers an experience.

Location and Accessibility

Sherman Park Campground boasts a fantastic location at 3100 Lakeshore Dr, Sault Ste. Marie, MI 49783, USA. This address places it directly on the upper St. Marys River, providing picturesque views and easy access to the waterway. For Michiganders, particularly those traveling from other parts of the Upper Peninsula or downstate, getting to Sherman Park is relatively straightforward.

If you're coming from the south on I-75, you'll take Exit 392 for the I-75 Business Spur towards Sault Ste. Marie. From the business spur, you'll navigate through the city, heading west on Easterday Avenue. You'll then turn right onto W 4th Avenue (which eventually becomes Lakeshore Drive) and follow it along the shoreline until you reach the park entrance. The journey offers a scenic transition from highway travel to the natural beauty of the riverfront.

The campground's location within the larger Sherman Park means campers are steps away from a wide array of public park amenities. This includes the city's only public beach, which is a major draw during the warmer months. While it feels somewhat secluded due to its spacious layout and natural surroundings, it's still conveniently located within Sault Ste. Marie city limits. This provides the benefit of quick access to local shops, restaurants, gas stations, and other essential services should you need them during your stay.

Moreover, being on the upper St. Marys River, the campground offers opportunities to view freighters, albeit from a slightly different perspective than the Soo Locks themselves. It’s a peaceful setting where you can truly connect with the natural environment while still having the conveniences of a nearby city.

Services Offered

Sherman Park Campground offers a range of services designed to make your camping experience comfortable, though it leans towards a more rustic feel for some sites.

Campsites: The campground features a mix of sites. There are 25 designated rustic sites, which typically do not include electric or water hookups, providing a traditional camping experience. Additionally, there are sites available with electric hookups (some 50-amp). Some sites also include water and sewer (full hook-up sites), offering more convenience for RVers.
Restrooms and Showers: Public restrooms and showers are available within Sherman Park for campers' use. This amenity is essential for both tent campers and RVers.
Drinking Water: Drinking water is available within the park, ensuring campers have access to fresh water.
Dump Station: For RV and trailer campers, a dump station is available for waste disposal. For full hook-up sites, sewer connection is provided directly at the site.
Picnic Tables and Fire Rings: Each campsite typically includes a picnic table and a fire ring, perfect for outdoor meals and evening campfires.
Public Beach Access: A significant service is direct access to Sault Ste. Marie's only public beach within Sherman Park, offering swimming and relaxation opportunities on the St. Marys River.
Park Amenities: Beyond the campground, the wider Sherman Park area provides access to a pavilion for rent, a playground, large picnic areas, horseshoe pits, a large outdoor grill, and volleyball courts, all for public use.
Nature Trails: The park also features nature trails, ideal for walks and enjoying the natural surroundings.

Features / Highlights

Sherman Park Campground stands out with several distinct features and highlights that make it a compelling choice for campers in Michigan.

Spacious Sites: A notable feature is the generous spacing between sites, providing campers with more room and privacy than many other campgrounds. This allows for a more relaxed and less crowded feel.
Waterfront Location: Situated directly on the upper St. Marys River, the campground offers beautiful waterfront views and the unique opportunity to watch freighters pass by. While not as close as the Soo Locks themselves, the river activity adds a dynamic element to the natural scenery.
Public Beach: The inclusion of Sault Ste. Marie's only public beach within Sherman Park is a significant highlight. Campers have direct access to a sandy beach for swimming, sunbathing, or simply enjoying the river views.
Extensive Park Amenities: Beyond just camping, the larger Sherman Park area offers a wealth of amenities for recreational enjoyment. This includes a large playground, picnic areas, horseshoe pits, volleyball courts, and nature trails, ensuring there's plenty to do for all ages.
Rustic and Electric Options: The campground caters to different camping preferences by offering both rustic sites (without hookups) for a more traditional experience and electric sites (some with water and sewer hookups) for those needing more conveniences.
Natural Setting: Despite being within city limits, Sherman Park maintains a rustic and natural feel, with towering pines and maples providing shade and a peaceful ambiance. This balance of nature and proximity to urban amenities is highly valued by many campers.
Family-Friendly Environment: With the playground, beach, and open spaces, the campground and park are well-suited for families looking for an outdoor getaway.

Promotions or Special Offers

As a municipal campground operated by the City of Sault Ste. Marie, Sherman Park Campground typically follows a fixed rate structure rather than offering frequent, wide-ranging promotions like private campgrounds might. However, it's always worth checking directly with the park for the most current pricing and any potential seasonal considerations.

Based on publicly available information, Sherman Park Campground generally offers competitive rates for its sites, categorizing them by hookup availability:

Rustic Sites: These are the most budget-friendly option, ideal for tent campers or RVers who are self-sufficient. Rates are typically lower for rustic sites.
Sewer & Water Sites (No Electric): These sites provide water and sewer hookups but not electricity, offering a mid-range price point.
Full Hook-Up Sites (Electric, Water, Sewer): These are the most convenient sites, often including 50-amp electric service, and are typically the highest priced.

While specific "promotions" are uncommon, the value often comes from the comprehensive amenities available within the larger Sherman Park that are included with your camping stay, such as access to the public beach, playground, and various recreational facilities. It's also possible that during shoulder seasons (early spring or late fall), there might be less demand, potentially offering more flexibility in booking preferred sites, though this is not a guaranteed discount.

For the most accurate and current rate information, including any weekly or monthly rates that might offer a slight saving compared to daily rates, please contact the campground directly.

Contact Information

To make reservations, inquire about site availability, or get the most current information regarding Sherman Park Campground, you can use the following contact details:

Address: 3100 Lakeshore Dr, Sault Ste. Marie, MI 49783, USA

Phone: (906) 632-3268

Mobile Phone: +1 906-632-3268

It is highly recommended to call ahead, especially during peak summer months, as popular campgrounds like Sherman Park can fill up quickly. Direct communication ensures you get the most accurate information on site availability, current rules, and any specific inquiries you might have regarding your stay.

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

For us Michiganders, particularly those in the Upper Peninsula looking for a genuine outdoor escape without venturing too far off the beaten path, Sherman Park Campground in Sault Ste. Marie is an exceptionally suitable choice. It perfectly balances a rustic camping experience with convenient access to urban amenities and a wealth of recreational opportunities within the larger Sherman Park.

One of its strongest appeals for locals is the spaciousness of its sites. Unlike some campgrounds where you feel packed in, Sherman Park offers room to breathe, allowing for a more private and peaceful camping experience. This generous spacing, coupled with the natural setting of towering trees and proximity to the St. Marys River, makes it feel like a true retreat, even though it's within city limits.

The direct access to Sault Ste. Marie's only public beach is a significant draw, especially for families during the summer months. It offers a refreshing way to cool off and enjoy the waterfront. Furthermore, the extensive amenities available within Sherman Park itself—from playgrounds and picnic areas to nature trails and sports courts—mean there’s always something to do, ensuring that campers of all ages remain entertained. This makes it an ideal spot for family vacations, where everyone can find an activity they enjoy.

While some past reviews have noted concerns about generator use, the campground's overall offering of both rustic and electric/full hookup sites caters to diverse camping styles. Its relatively affordable rates, especially considering the included park amenities, make it a great value for a Michigan getaway. For those who appreciate a laid-back camping experience with ample space, direct access to a beautiful beach, and the convenience of being close to the city, Sherman Park Campground remains a top contender for your next Upper Peninsula adventure.