Van Riper State Park

Alexandria

2023-09

This is a beautiful state park. Super friendly staff. We stayed on the rustic camp side. The middle sites are really close together so no real privacy but we stayed through part of the week and the camp basically emptied out on Sunday which was nice, so the rest of our time felt more private. The pit toilets are extremely clean and don't even smell. They do have showers and regular toilets on the modern campground which isn't far.Lake michigamme was really pretty and the water wasn't too cold. They have a nice playground, skate/bike park and some cool trails to walk. The river trail is a 1.5 mile loop which takes you to a scenic overlook and that was amazing ! Overall we had a great stay here and we will definitely be coming back.

Jemry Marie

2023-09

This is a nice state park, was packed when we went. Our site was nice sized, not too close to either site on the sides. The bathrooms are modern with newer looking showers that were clean and had hot water. There are hiking trails across the road from the park. Craig Lake State Park is close by offering beautiful scenery, trails, wild blueberries, and water activities.

Cathryn Giunta

2023-09

We loved this park. Yes, there are some roots on some of the lots, and some of the lots are not very level, but everything else was great. The restrooms and showers were very well maintained. The beach has a great playground and a separate swing set. There's also a kids' bike track. The beach has a nice bathhouse with plenty of showers and a washer and dryer for longer-term campers.

Stephanie Vollmer

2023-10

Very nice trail system. Took about 2.5 hours to walk all of the trails. Trails are in good shape, did not look they they were used a lot and there were a few places that the trail was over grown which was nice though and gave it more of a feeling of just walking though the woods off trail.Restrooms: There are some if you go though the river trail or go to the campground

Jennifer Bartley

2023-08

Stayed at the campsite for one night during possibly the biggest camping weekend of the year.It was really cold, but we stayed at site 111 and it gave us plenty of space. It was close to the trail leading to rustic sites which was not ideal since a short cut literally led directly through the campsite, but once set up no one bothered us.I wasn’t expecting much from the trails, but wow was the overlook great. I didn’t wear hiking shoes but I definitely should have because the overlook loop definitely gets rocky at some parts. Barely saw anyone and it was a nice hike from the campsite.Overall had a good time and would recommend if you want to stay somewhere close to Marquette 👍

Albert Emery

2023-05

I loved the experience at this park. It was clean with a very nice camping area. It looked like the pavilion was pretty new. One of the cool things about the pavilion was that it was up on sort of a hill. So you could look down at the beach.Even though I did not stay at this park, the convenience seemed to be a strong attribute. The beach, picnic area, and playground were not that far from the campground.As for the beach, the water had a sort of rusty color. It looked clean though, as did the rest of the beach.At one point, a lady asked me if I had quarters for the washing machine. So I assume that they have a spot to wash and dry your clothes.Inside of the campground, the spots are pretty spacious for a state park. They are not on top of each other.Overall, this is a beautiful state park and would highly recommend if you can get in.Playground: Many spots for kids to play

Julie LaCombe

2023-08

Great state park! Well maintained, bathroom, showers clean. Great beach area. Liked the location of this park because it is centrally located so we could also do day trips!

Todd Korabik

2022-05

Van Riper State Park is one of the nicest State Parks we have ever stayed at. It’s a great park for family’s. The staff takes great care of things. The bathhouse was always clean and stocked, the beach raked each morning, the sites were very large. My kids loved the bike tracks, two large playgrounds, and the sand bar. The lake is large and well marked. The lake was really warm and the hiking trails across the street offer great views of the area. Well worth the long drive we made.

Stewart

2023-07

Warm shallow water was welcome. We went on the free weekend but still very few people were there. The Staff was great to deal with. Great facilities very clean Bought a years pass and will sure take the canoe back for fishing.

Joe Johnson

2023-08

A clean, quiet campground with beach access. Playground, showers and bathrooms. Firepits and spacious campsites. 6 min to nearest store. Decent distance to easily explore nearby towns and sights.Playground: Large playground down by the beach area. Additional swing sets and volleyball.Dog-friendliness: Mustvstay on leash at all times

Brian Koch

2023-07

While on a 7 day backpacking trip in the Porcupine Mountains, we decided to stay here last minute on our way home. The camp site was clean, showers were hot and clean, and bathrooms were clean. There is even a small beach access. We were able to set up our 4 tents and still had more than enough room for the truck, fire pit, and picnic table. Our only small complaint was that the water had a distinct taste that none of us liked, bring a filter.

Robert Corliss

2023-09

Very beautiful area with hiking trails to the north. Well managed campground with both rustic and regular hookup sites. Lake is very large with rivers to explore on kayaks. They also have those available to rent.

James Renner

2023-08

Love van riper! Awesome faculty and never had problems with other campers, we stay here often. Very reasonable prices for full hookup compared to other campgrounds

Kate Geisen

2023-07

The girl in the registration booth was friendly. The campground is very clean and the facilities are nice. The park has a nice sand beach along Lake Michigamme for swimming. The campground has a lot of sites with little separation, but they’re good-sized. It has a playground, and it looked like the camp hosts had a variety of fun programs for kids.

Tiarra Lehtinen

2022-05

I've grown up in the area and have so many fond memories swimming and playing at Champion Beach as a kid. 20 some years later and it's hardly changed. My husband and I first rented the Pesheke Rustic cabin for our honeymoon in October of 2019. Was nearly as magical as my actual wedding day. There was a slight hiccup in booking details with a very kind and all too regretful Professor from Wisconsin who lavished and won me over with chocolate in the end 🙃 The park offered us a free night and we always have an amazing little get away together when we rent the cabins there. Highly recommend!

Dominic Sumner

2023-08

We have gone to this state park for a few years now. We love it that it's not super close to bigger cities so we can actually enjoy the outdoors. Great park for kids with playgrounds and a skate park. And close enough to Wisconsin to do a "beer run".

Stephen Gibas

2023-05

Beautiful state park , perfect for a fall vacation , or color tour. Centrally located to branch out for different sights. Many lakes for fishing or boating. If your lucky you may see a moose or hear a wolf howl.Restrooms: Nice and cleanDog-friendliness: Dog friendly but in need of a dedicated dog beach for our furry family members

Nate

2021-05

Awesome state park campground. Van Riper beautiful park with a fantastic beach on Lake Michigamme. I found all the bathrooms and even the vault toilets to be very clean. A few miles of bike trails is nice too! We enjoyed our stay.

Angela McColly

2023-08

BEST CAMPING EXPERIENCE with good sites. Absolutely ❤️ this park. Highly recommend and will definitely be back.Restrooms: Vaulted restroom by campsite were very bad smelling in the morning but got better throughout the day.

Leann Debrock

2023-09

This was our first experience at Van Riper, but we really enjoyed it!! The beach was beautiful, great angle for sunsets, although we didn't have bikes, this was the first park we have been to that had a bike park/course..... it looked fun, and a lot of kids were enjoying it. We were lucky enough to enjoy fantastic star-gazing..... bathrooms were nice and well kept. Although we didn't have time, I liked that kayak rental was an option. Our younger son did enjoy a couple of the park programs. It was a very nice experience, leaving us interested in coming back to explore more 🌞

Jacob Miller

2019-05

I’ve been coming to this state park since I was a kid. Staff is super friendly and the lake is great to swim in. Beautiful sunsets on Lake Michigamme! Only thing that can be annoying is the wait at the station. Sometimes there can be a long line. But I think that’s normal for any state park during peak season.

sophie miles

2020-05

We were at site 23 in the Rustic Camping area. The back was surrounded by trees. The outhouses were close but no smell. No grate over fire pit bring one to place inside the pit, too big to place one over the top. Resident chipmunk who came to check for food in the am, so cute. We named him Chip just so you know lol. Great site. Not too loud even on July 4th, but I guess that depends on who you get as neighbors. Mainly families and quieter groups of adults. Would def return. The lake is nice, not super clear water though if thats what you want. Tinge of red and some algae (its a lake). We showered at the RV site, clean enough and so nice to have access to. There was a sign that told us to pack up coolers and anything of value due to theft, so we just put it in our cars, no issues. Folding chairs etc left out and not taken.Visit Sugarloaf Mtn if you can

Jeffrey Freeman

2023-07

Lovely park, excellent campground. Very well maintained. There is some road noise from US 45 but hardly excessive.

roz

2023-05

Always enjoy going here. Wonderful beach, great camping areas, good people. Great harvest fest every year with special events and trick or treating.

Mark VanShark

2023-05

Nice state park. Stayed in a mini cabin, definitely will stay again if in the area. Beautiful beach for sunsets

Andrew Feys

2020-05

Awesome place, but the new ranger is kinda rude. Bathrooms are clean. Awesome sandy beach with a great playground to keep kids busy. Trails across US-41 are great for a short day hike with beautiful scenery. There is a boat launch with a dock and there is decent fishing. There is also a large parking lot to park a car for the day if you have a park pass and just go to the beach. Coming in 2018 in May, there will be a water park on the lake. There is a fee and is kind of expensive.There is also a pavilion and a large grassy are to play yard games. The camp host also has games to borrow. This park also features the explorer program; a program for kids to enjoy learning about nature and make crafts. In September there is harvest fest where you can trick or treat and go on a haunted walk. There is also contests and other activites. This is my favorite state park and I reccomend it strongly for anyone looking to have fun and enjoy the outdoors!

Lindsay Soper

2023-05

Can't wait to go back! Beautiful, spacious site, decent beach and 2 great playgrounds.

Matthew Bell

2023-09

Beautiful campus with mature pine trees spreading out over RV camp. Campsite spacing is adequate, but not super generous for a UP state park. Modern bathrooms were in very nice condition and were cleaned very thoroughly every day. We stayed from Sunday-Saturday in prime summer and the atmosphere was calm and peaceful until Friday night when the camp filled up completely and then it felt pretty tight and not as quiet.

Nici Mauch

2020-05

We stayed 1 night in the newer mini cabin. It was absolutely perfect. We stayed in several mini cabins at MI state parks during a weeklong roadtrip through the UP. This was easily the best one, although all were great. Bathrooms are clean. Campground is beautiful. Staff was incredibly friendly. The floating waterpark is a perfect attraction and tons of fun!

Shannon Yoder

2019-05

Nice Park, but very very crowded. Spaces are small and have very little privacy. Muddy when it rains. The lake is very pretty. If you don't need electricity the primitive sites seem a little bigger.