About Tahquamenon Falls State Park
Tahquamenon Falls State Park is home to the most dramatic waterfalls in Michigan and one of the most impressive waterfall systems in the eastern United States. The Upper Falls — 200 feet wide and dropping nearly 50 feet — is the second largest waterfall east of the Mississippi River by volume. The water's distinctive amber color comes from the tannins leached from cedar swamps upstream — completely natural and one of the park's most striking visual features.
The park covers 50,000 acres along the Tahquamenon River between the towns of Paradise and Newberry in Michigan's eastern Upper Peninsula. With 300 campsites spread across the Lower Falls and Rivermouth camping areas, it is one of the largest camping operations in the Michigan state park system. Sites book fast at the 6-month window on MiDNRReservations.com — the combination of spectacular scenery and relatively accessible location makes this a top destination for UP camping.
Tahquamenon Falls is one of the most visited state parks in the Upper Peninsula. Sites closest to the Upper Falls area and along the river book first. The rowboat rental area near the Lower Falls is the park's signature experience — reserve your campsite early to ensure you get time at this iconic part of the park.
The Two Falls — Upper and Lower
Upper Falls
The Upper Falls is the main attraction — a 200-foot wide curtain of amber water dropping nearly 50 feet into the gorge below. The falls are accessible from a series of overlook platforms connected by a paved trail. The sight is impressive in all seasons but peak flow in spring (May-June) after snowmelt is the most dramatic. A brewery and restaurant operate at the Upper Falls area.
Lower Falls
The Lower Falls consists of a series of smaller falls separated by an island. The unique feature here is the rowboat rental — you row a boat from the mainland to the island and walk between the two sets of falls. This is the signature Tahquamenon experience and one of the most memorable activities in any Michigan state park. Rowboats are rented by the hour from the dock near the Lower Falls campground.
The rowboat rental at the Lower Falls has a finite number of boats and lines form quickly on summer mornings. Camp near the Lower Falls campground and get to the rental dock before 9 AM on peak season weekends. Weekday mornings and September visits eliminate the wait almost entirely.
Campground Areas
| Campground | Sites | Hookups | Best For | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lower Falls Modern Campground | 188 | Electric 20/30 amp, some 50 amp | Main campground, most amenities — Hemlock (year-round) & Portage loops | Near the Lower Falls and boat rental |
| Rivermouth Modern Campground | 72 | Electric, some 50 amp | Where the Tahquamenon River meets Whitefish Bay | Park's Rivermouth Unit, near Whitefish Bay |
| Rivermouth Rustic Campground | 36 | Vault toilets, seasonal water (mid-May–mid-Oct) | Tent campers, quieter | Rivermouth Unit |
| Rivermouth Pines Camper Cabin | 1 | Electric, heated | Cabin campers — sleeps 7, ADA accessible | Rivermouth Unit |
| Backcountry Sites | 3 | No hookups | Hike-in campers — 1-5 miles from trailheads | Dispersed, includes Clark Lake Trail Camp |
The Rivermouth Unit, near where the Tahquamenon River meets Whitefish Bay, is a separate camping area from the Lower Falls campground — it includes Rivermouth Modern Campground (72 electric sites), Rivermouth Rustic Campground (36 sites, seasonal water), and the Rivermouth Pines Camper Cabin. It’s a good option for campers who want a quieter base near Lake Superior rather than staying near the falls themselves.
Trails and Activities
The park has over 15 miles of trails connecting the Upper and Lower Falls areas. The River Trail follows the Tahquamenon River between the two falls — a 4-mile one-way hike through beautiful riverside forest. Many campers hike from their campground to the Lower Falls, row across to the island, then continue to the Upper Falls on the trail for a full-day experience.
Fishing in the Tahquamenon River is excellent for brook trout, northern pike, and walleye. Clark Lake, reached via the Clark Lake Loop trail, offers good fishing access within the park. Swimming is not recommended in the river near the falls due to current.
How to Get a Reservation
Reservations open on MiDNRReservations.com at 8:00 AM Eastern (weekdays) or 9:00 AM Eastern (weekends), exactly 6 months before your arrival date. Lower Falls Modern Campground's Hemlock loop (open year-round) is the most competitive — request these first. The Portage loop and Rivermouth Modern Campground are slightly less competitive but still fill quickly for summer weekends.
What to Know Before You Camp
Distance from Major Cities
Tahquamenon Falls is remote by Lower Peninsula standards — it is approximately 3.5 hours from the Mackinac Bridge and 5-6 hours from Detroit or Grand Rapids. Plan your drive accordingly and fuel up before reaching the Paradise/Newberry area. The park's remoteness is part of its appeal but requires planning.
Season and Weather
The campground is open from early May through late October. The eastern Upper Peninsula sees significant snowfall and cold temperatures even in late spring and early fall. Bring layers even in July — nights can drop into the low 40s°F. The falls are accessible year-round as a day use area.
Directions
The Upper Falls entrance is located at 41382 W M-123, Paradise, MI 49768. From I-75, take exit 352 and head north on M-123 through Newberry and Paradise to the park entrance. The drive from the Mackinac Bridge is approximately 90 minutes.