Tahquamenon Falls State Park
RV Guide
Introduction
Tahquamenon Falls State Park offers exceptional RV camping across multiple campgrounds within its nearly 50,000 acres, featuring one of the largest waterfalls east of the Mississippi River, over 35 miles of trails, and four miles of Lake Superior shoreline. The Hemlock and Portage campgrounds provide modern amenities with electrical hookups, while Sault Ste. Marie RV rentals and Marquette camper van options offer prime access to this iconic Upper Peninsula destination that welcomes over 500,000 visitors annually with year-round activities from kayaking the amber-colored Tahquamenon River to snowmobiling through pristine winter trails.
What Makes Tahquamenon Falls State Park the Ultimate RV Destination?
Visit Tahquamenon Falls State Park in Paradise, Michigan, and you'll find breathtaking waterfalls and beautiful shorelines with RV and rustic camping at your fingertips. Michigan's Upper Peninsula is plentiful with natural beauty, and when you step out of your RV at Tahquamenon Falls State Park, you're in for a unique treat.
The Upper Falls features a drop of nearly 50 feet, and at more than 200 feet across, the water flows at more than 50,000 gallons per second. Many campers refer to them as "The Root Beer Falls" because the amber-colored water cascading over the falls resembles root beer. The river's distinctive amber hue comes from tannins leached from cedar, spruce, and hemlock trees in the swamps drained by the river, and the extremely soft water churned by the falls creates the river's trademark large amounts of foam.
Hike four miles downstream and you will arrive at the Lower Falls, five smaller falls that cascade around an island. The Lower Falls can be viewed from the riverbank, the all-accessible Ronald A. Olson Island Bridge over the Tahquamenon River, or by a rowboat rented from the park concession. Spanning over 13 miles and 48,000 acres, Tahquamenon Falls State Park is the second-largest state park in the Michigan Department of Natural Resources system.
The park also has about four miles of shoreline on Lake Superior at the mouth of the Tahquamenon River. Even though this popular park features multiple campgrounds and receives over 500,000 visitors a year, you'll find peaceful spots throughout this vast wilderness. The North Country Trail travels 16 miles within the park, including a route between the Upper and Lower Falls.
You'll love the variety of outdoor activities available at the park no matter what time you drive your RV through the entrance. During the warmer months, you can enjoy hiking, fishing, and canoeing. If you don't mind the cold, the snowy Upper Michigan winters are perfect for snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing. Year-round activities include photography, wildlife viewing, and even hunting in designated areas.
RV Rentals in Tahquamenon Falls State Park
Transportation
Driving
One of the benefits of visiting Michigan's Upper Peninsula is crossing the Mackinac Bridge, a very large suspension bridge spanning the Straits of Mackinac to connect the Upper and Lower Peninsulas. Or, you can drive through Wisconsin and enter Michigan's Upper Peninsula from the western side. Either way, you will head towards Michigan's Eastern Upper Peninsula and reach the Tahquamenon Scenic Byway (M-123). The Byway passes natural wonders, breweries, wild animal sanctuaries, waterfalls, museums, lighthouses, and miles of Lake Superior shoreline.
From the south, take I-75 north across the Mackinac Bridge into Michigan's Upper Peninsula. Continue north on M-123 (the Tahquamenon Scenic Byway) toward Paradise. The park entrance is well-marked along M-123. From Sault Ste. Marie, drive approximately 60 miles west on M-28 to Newberry, then take M-123 north for about 25 miles to the park. The scenic drive showcases the natural beauty of the Upper Peninsula with pristine forests and occasional wildlife sightings.
The campground roads within Tahquamenon Falls State Park are well-maintained and can accommodate most RV sizes. However, it's important to check specific campground restrictions before arrival, as some areas have tighter turning radii and tree cover that may challenge larger rigs.
Where Are the Best Gateway Cities for RV Rentals?
Sault Ste. Marie Gateway Access: Sault Ste. Marie RV rentals position you perfectly for exploring Tahquamenon Falls State Park and the entire Eastern Upper Peninsula. Located approximately 75 miles northeast of the park, "The Soo" offers the closest major city access with full services, RV dealerships, and supply stores. This gateway also provides opportunities to explore the famous Soo Locks and enjoy views of international shipping traffic between Lake Superior and Lake Huron.
Marquette Western Access: Marquette RV rentals serve as an excellent base for multi-destination Upper Peninsula adventures. As the cultural and economic center of the UP, Marquette sits approximately 100 miles west of Tahquamenon Falls, making it ideal for travelers combining visits to Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore and other western UP attractions.
Parking
You can park your RV at designated campsites throughout the park's multiple campground areas. Day-use parking is available at both the Upper Falls and Lower Falls areas, though RV parking may be limited during peak summer weekends. The Upper Falls area features a larger parking lot that can accommodate most RV sizes. The Lower Falls parking area is smaller but still accessible for RVs under 36 feet. Overflow parking is available during busy periods.
Public Transportation
Public transportation is not available within Tahquamenon Falls State Park. The nearest towns with limited services are Paradise (11 miles south) and Newberry (30 miles south). Once inside the park, driving is the primary mode of transportation between the Upper Falls, Lower Falls, and Rivermouth areas due to distances of 4-13 miles between major sites.
Campgrounds and parking in Tahquamenon Falls State Park
Campsites in Tahquamenon Falls State Park
Reservations camping
Rivermouth Campgrounds
Rivermouth Modern Campground is located along the Tahquamenon River near its mouth at Lake Superior, offering spectacular sunset river views and proximity to Lake Superior's shoreline. This campground provides a more remote and scenic setting compared to the Lower Falls campgrounds, situated about 13 miles from the Lower Falls area.
All sites feature 30-amp electrical service with some 50-amp options. The campground can accommodate RVs and trailers up to 40 feet at most sites. Each site includes a picnic table, fire ring, and parking pad. The modern facilities include flush toilets, hot showers, laundry facilities, and a sanitation station, all operating seasonally from mid-May through mid-October.
Campers staying at Rivermouth have direct access to Lake Superior beaches and the Tahquamenon River for fishing and boating. The location offers excellent opportunities for photography, especially during sunrise and sunset over the water. The campground is well-maintained with spacious sites that provide more privacy than some of the interior campgrounds.
Rivermouth Pines Rustic Campground is located along the Tahquamenon River and features stunning sunset river views. Sites are shaded by red pines overhead, with a mostly open understory and sandy surface ideal for tent campers, van campers, or compact RVs. This campground offers a more primitive experience for those seeking a closer connection to nature.
The campground is considered seasonally semi-modern, as water spigots are generally available mid-May through the second Sunday in October, as temperatures allow. Vault toilets are located throughout the campground. During the camping season, guests also have access to the restroom and shower facilities at the nearby Rivermouth Modern Campground, about a 10-minute walk or short drive away.
When restrooms close for the season and water spigots are turned off, the campground becomes fully rustic, and water must be brought in or is available at the park headquarters located between the Lower and Upper Falls. A sanitation station and recycling are available seasonally. Sites can accommodate smaller RVs and trailers, though the rustic nature and lack of hookups make this campground better suited for self-contained units or tent camping.
Each site features a picnic table, fire ring, and cleared tent or camping area. The wooded, riverside setting provides excellent privacy and a peaceful atmosphere, with many sites offering water views. This campground is ideal for anglers, photographers, and those seeking a more secluded camping experience.
Hemlock and Portage Campgrounds
Hemlock Campground (Lower Falls Modern - Loop 1)
Hemlock Campground is part of the Lower Falls Modern Campground complex and offers the most developed camping experience in the park. Located about one mile from the Lower Falls, all sites feature 30-amp electrical service, with some 50-amp sites available. The campground is generally more shaded than the Portage loop, nestled among mature hemlock and mixed hardwood forests.
Sites can accommodate RVs and trailers, with most sites suitable for rigs up to 40 feet in length. Each site includes a picnic table, fire ring with grill grate, and paved or gravel parking pad. The campground provides access to the park's extensive hiking trail system, including trailheads for the North Country Trail.
Modern amenities include flush toilets, hot showers (coin-operated), and a dump station available seasonally from mid-May through mid-October. A sanitation station with potable water and two lanes serves campers throughout the camping season. The campground remains open year-round, making it an excellent choice for winter RV camping enthusiasts who want electrical hookups for heating.
Portage Campground (Lower Falls Modern - Loop 2)
Portage Campground, the second loop of the Lower Falls Modern Campground, is located near the Tahquamenon River about a quarter-mile from the Lower Falls. This campground loop features an accessible modern toilet and shower building and several accessible campsites. All sites provide 30-amp electrical service, with select 50-amp sites available.
A few sites offer direct river views, and the campground loop is generally sunnier and more open than the Hemlock loop, making it ideal for solar panel users and those who prefer less shade. The proximity to the Lower Falls makes this an excellent base for exploring the cascades, with easy access to boat and canoe rentals at the concession.
Sites accommodate RVs up to 40 feet in most locations, with pull-through and back-in options available. Each site features standard amenities including picnic tables, fire rings, and cleared parking areas. Modern facilities include flush toilets, hot showers, and laundry facilities operating from mid-May through mid-October.
Alternate camping
Backcountry Camping
For adventurous campers, Tahquamenon Falls State Park offers backcountry camping opportunities along the North Country Trail and in designated remote areas. These primitive sites provide true wilderness experiences with no facilities. Backcountry camping requires proper planning, bear-proof food storage, and Leave No Trace principles. Permits may be required for overnight stays.
Explore more RV parks and campgrounds across North America for your next adventure.
Private Campgrounds
If you prefer additional amenities or if Tahquamenon Falls State Park campgrounds are fully booked, several private campgrounds operate near Paradise and Newberry. Newberry Campground, located about 30 minutes south, features large, shaded full hookup RV campsites, tent camping sites, and rental cabins with amenities including 24-hour laundry, bathhouse, convenience store, and free Wi-Fi.
Shivering Timbers Family Campground bills itself as the closest private camp to Tahquamenon Falls at just 3 miles away. They offer primitive tent and van sites, small RV spots, fire rings, picnic tables, water spigots, and portable toilets in a rustic setting surrounded by state land.
Seasonal activities in Tahquamenon Falls State Park
In-Season
Fishing
Avid fishermen will love the many fishing holes in the Tahquamenon area. Take your bait and pole to the Lower Falls, and you may catch some northern pike, muskellunge, walleye, yellow perch, or smallmouth bass.
Fish along the river or in the frigid waters of Lake Superior, and you can bring your own boat or rent one from a local vendor. Fishing licenses are available from the General Store on-site. You will also find live bait and a small selection of fishing poles available.
Visiting the Falls
An RV trip to this incredible state park wouldn't be complete without a visit to the falls. The Upper Falls can be viewed from the nature trail down to the falls. There is also an observation platform for an up-close view that is ADA-accessible for all to enjoy. The Lower Falls is visible from the island and rowboats can be rented from the park concession.
When you are hiking to the falls from your campsite, don’t forget to look up and take in the numerous species of nesting birds.
Boating and Canoeing
Thanks to the beautiful scenery around the falls and the park, guests are sure to want to ride a boat or canoe along the shoreline. There is a location to rent boats, kayaks, and canoes by the Lower Falls concession during peak season. Also, there is an accessible boat launch in the Rivermouth area with limited parking.
Did you enjoy reading this guide? For more Michigan Upper Peninsula adventures, check out our Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore guide.
Hiking
Lace up your hiking boots if you want to see portions of the park that are rarely seen by the public. The park has over 35 miles of hiking trails including the North Country Scenic Trail that crosses 16 miles within the park including the trail between the Upper and Lower Falls. This trail is part of a larger network of trails spanning the distance from North Dakota to New York, and it even crosses through the neighboring Brule River State Forest in Wisconsin before it reaches the Michigan area.
You may see an occasional moose feeding in the wet areas of the park. Other area wildlife includes black bears, coyotes, otter, deer, fox, porcupines, beaver, and mink. Look up to see the many bird species including pileated woodpeckers, spruce grouse, bald eagles, waterfowl, and songbirds. With so many creatures to see during your hike, you won't want to leave your camera or binoculars in the camper.
Off-Season
Geocaching
Guests are also welcome to participate in the new outdoor adventure, geocaching. Similar to a treasure or scavenger hunt, geocaching involves the search for "caches" of various sizes using hints, GPS, and trivia clues. This activity is a great way to get everyone on your trip out and about, and it is a fun bonding activity because it requires a little bit of creativity, teamwork, and curiosity.
This is an activity that only requires a cell phone or GPS and a pen for signing the finders log usually contained within the cache. There are a handful of caches located in or around the Tahquamenon Falls State Park, so make sure to grab a water and sunscreen as you head out in search of the cache. Geocaching is a global phenomenon, so don't let the fun stop at this park, rather, take it with you on your cross country RV trips in the future. This is a great way to break up a trip as well as a way to enjoy the journey, not just your destination.
Hunting
Avid hunters come from miles around to enjoy the thrill of the hunt at Tahquamenon Falls State Park. Area game includes white-tailed deer, black bear, elk, and turkey, small game, and waterfowl. However, there are many rules and regulations about hunting on state land so be sure you have the proper license and know the rules before heading out.
There are several "no hunting" areas near the campsites and recreation areas that are clearly sign posted, and if in violation of this, visitors could be charged or removed from the park. Be sure to keep an eye out for these areas, and it might not be a bad idea to bring a map of the park with these areas noted.
Snowmobiling
If you love speed and snow, then snowmobiling is right for you! Hitch your trailer to your RV and load up your snowmobiles because you are headed for fun.
There are over 200 miles of snowmobile trails available as long as there is enough snow. Snowmobiles are only allowed on designated trails with a minimum of four inches of snow. Riders can hike to the falls area from the main parking lots and enjoy the miles of marked trails available.
Cross-Country Skiing and Snow-Shoeing
Enjoy a winter wonderland while you get your cardio on. Warm up during the cold winter months with some cross-country skiing or snowshoeing. The park features over four miles of regularly groomed ski trails and is also open to backcountry skiing. Snowshoeing, another highly popular winter sport in Upper Michigan, and it is allowed anywhere that is open to the public. Be sure to walk next to the ski tracks when using trails maintained for cross-country skiing.
