Tourist Park Marquette | Marquette

Marquette Tourist Park is a well-established, 40-acre city-owned campground located in Marquette, Michigan, positioned along the scenic Dead River. This campground serves as a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts and travelers seeking a nature-rich experience in the Upper Peninsula region.

Facilities and Amenities

The park offers a broad range of camping options suitable for various preferences and camping styles. There are approximately 110 campsites in total, which are divided into several types: primitive tent sites, electric sites, and full hook-up sites. These options accommodate everything from traditional tent campers to RV travelers requiring electricity, water, and sewer connections.

Each campsite is equipped with basic amenities such as picnic tables and barbecue pits, enabling visitors to enjoy outdoor meals comfortably. For convenience, the campground features modern restrooms and hot showers, providing a clean and comfortable experience in a natural setting. Families with children benefit from a playground area within the park, making it a family-friendly environment.

Recreational Opportunities

Marquette Tourist Park is not just a place for camping; it serves as a hub for a wide range of outdoor activities. The park provides direct access to hiking trails that wind through the surrounding natural landscapes, ideal for those who enjoy walking, jogging, or birdwatching.

For cycling enthusiasts, the park is adjacent to the city’s multi-use bike path, allowing smooth and scenic rides along well-maintained trails. Additionally, it is connected to the Noquemanon Trail Network, an extensive system of mountain biking and cross-country skiing trails, offering more adventurous and challenging routes.

Water-based activities are also a highlight, thanks to the park’s location along the Dead River. Visitors can enjoy swimming in designated beach areas or launch kayaks and small boats, making it an excellent spot for paddling and relaxing by the water.

Seasonality and Reservation Details

The park operates seasonally, typically from late May through mid-October. For the 2025 season, the official opening date is May 23, with operations continuing until October 19. Reservations for campsites open early in the year, beginning January 2, 2025, allowing campers to plan well in advance.

The cost structure is designed to offer flexibility for various budgets and camping preferences:

Primitive or tent-only sites are priced at $30 per night.

Electric sites with power access cost $45 per night.

Full hook-up sites, providing electricity, water, and sewer, are available at $55 per night.

A reservation fee of $7 applies to all bookings, with a maximum stay limit of 14 consecutive nights. After a 14-night stay, campers must take a minimum 48-hour break before returning to ensure availability for others. Cancellation policies require that cancellations be made at least 72 hours before the scheduled arrival to receive a refund, minus a $20 cancellation fee.

Special Events and Community Engagement

Marquette Tourist Park is more than just a campground; it is a cultural venue that hosts the annual Hiawatha Traditional Music Festival each July. This longstanding event, dating back to 1984, celebrates traditional and acoustic music, featuring performances by national, regional, and local artists. The festival attracts a diverse crowd of music lovers and contributes to the park’s vibrant community atmosphere during the summer.

Overall Experience

Visitors to Marquette Tourist Park can expect a well-maintained, accessible, and scenic campground that balances natural beauty with convenient amenities. Its diverse range of camping options, combined with ample recreational activities and cultural events, make it an ideal destination for families, solo travelers, and outdoor enthusiasts alike. The park’s connection to the broader network of trails and waterways enhances its appeal as a versatile outdoor hub in Marquette.