When is a good time to go camping in UP Mi

May and June can be a problem if and when the small black flies are out. Mosquitos are also a problem early summer, but are around most of the time. The insect conditions are pretty much the same as other northern states throughout the summer months. In other words, just be prepared and do not over-worry about it.

I lived in Marquette back in the 80's and tent camped with my family. July and August are fine, even with kids. Up until a few years ago I lived in the northern lower peninsula and we RV'd extensively in the U.P. I've been swimming in Lake Superior in July and have found it perfectly fine and I've also found it extremely cold. If it's a warm summer the water will generally be swimmable.

If you're along the Lake Michigan shoreline you'll find the water great, especially after the 4th of July. Lake Michigan areas and Lake Superior areas can differ quite a bit relative to water temps and overall weather. In fact, it can also affect insect issues due to lake breezes or shore breezes. If the breeze is off the lake it will keep insects somewhat at bay. The mosquitos like to come out at dusk as breezes calm down. The Manistique shoreline area is very nice throughout the summer.

With all that being said, I would suggest that a late summer trip would be the nicest summer weather (barring any rain). Late August/early September would be my favorite time.

As a kid, we stayed at a rental on south shore of Lake Manistique. It also had a large campground. Very nice.

Pre Memorial Day or post Labor Day are very hit and miss for weather. Plus a lot of places may be closed or have limited hours of operation.

I have been camping in the UP many many times. Latest was the last week of August this year. I will be going again in February (but not camping because no campgrounds are open). Will be doing snowshoeing and other winter sports. In my experience, there is never a bad time. In summer Mosquito repellant will probably be required, not a big deal. Some of my favorite places are Tahquamenon Falls, Pictured Rocks, Porcupine Mountains and Keweenaw Peninsula. Camping near any of the lake shore areas it will likely be windy, it's the nature of the beast. If you plan on going swimming, the water won't warm up until the end of August at the earliest. The UP is a different kind of place. If the wind along the lakeshore or the mosquitoes are going to ruin your day, don't go. For us, we love it, we take the good with the bad and go there as often as we can.

Any time.

I agree with tatest about the usual definition but you must have a reason for picking those places.

Having lived in WI & MN for 32 years I grew to love Fall there. And been to the the U P many times. Living there we could go and enjoy the Fall colors and we accustomed to the weather.

Of your choices I would go right after Labor Day.

Summer weather is June-July-August, it can start getting cool and wet by September. If going into the woods, later is better, as more of the blood sucking insects that feed on you for reproduction will have completed that part of their life cycle. They are most hungry early in summer.

U.P. for me means the Lake Superior shore and iron mining country around Marquette, so I don't have references for other parts of the U.P. In Marquette I like the Travel Park close to the Superior shore.