Central UP
Best Camping Near Laughing Whitefish Falls
A hidden gem — 100-foot plunge into a limestone gorge off the beaten path
About Laughing Whitefish Falls
Laughing Whitefish Falls is one of the UP's genuinely underrated waterfalls. The Laughing Whitefish River drops about 100 feet in stages over an ancient limestone reef, carving a gorge that's narrow and deep and full of spray. The state scenic site has a 0.8-mile trail from the parking area — easy enough, though the final stairs down to the base are steep. It sits between Munising and Marquette on an unpaved road, which filters out casual visitors. If you're doing the UP properly, this is the deviation that makes a good trip a great one.
Campgrounds Near Laughing Whitefish Falls
Vetted campgrounds within the Laughing Whitefish Falls area — from state park sites to private full-hookup RV parks.
AuTrain Lake Campground
Best base camp east of Laughing Whitefish Falls. On AuTrain Lake with canoe launch.
Book on Recreation.gov →Laughing Whitefish Falls Scenic Site (roadside)
No on-site camping. Nearest campground is Little Presque Isle (Marquette, 30 min west).
Book on Hipcamp →Trails Near Laughing Whitefish Falls
Laughing Whitefish Falls Trail
Mostly flat trail through northern hardwood forest to the 100-foot falls. Steep stairs at the end to the base.
Laughing Whitefish River Gorge Walk
Follow the gorge downstream from the falls through a narrow limestone canyon. Slippery — wear grip shoes.
Gear up for the trail
Don't forget the essentials
Bear spray, trekking poles, headlamp, and moisture-wicking layers — must-haves for UP trails. Quick links to Amazon for the most-searched UP camping gear.
* Amazon affiliate links — NorthPass earns a small commission. Prices and availability may vary.
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