Kona Hills Campground opens in Marquette
“As someone who grew up in Marquette, I’ve always looked at this location with a mix of intrigue and reverence for its beauty and spectacular landscape,” said Jeremy Johnson, Kona Hills Campground cofounder and co-owner. “Developing Kona Hills Campground with conservation and preservation in mind, and now sharing it with the world, is a dream come true.”
What’s happening: Kona Hills Campground, an 80-acre, 40-site campground, has opened in Marquette. The campground’s design and layout were completed by Shubbe Consulting and Copper Harbor-based Rock Solid Trail Contracting, known internationally for mountain bike trail design and development.
About the campground: Kona Hills Campground is perched 200 feet above Lake Superior with views of the southern Huron Mountain range, Presque Isle, Marquette and miles of Gitche Gumee. The campground offers a mix of walk-in and drive-in locations, hand-pump potable water from a deep artesian well and portable toilets. Kona Hills Campground is co-owned by Jeremy Johnson, Devin Mahoney and Tim Piirala, all of whom grew up in Marquette. The land was first purchased in 2020 and the campground has received $1.5 million in investment from the founders, Peoples State Bank of Munising and a $100,000 grant from the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development.
What they’re saying: “As someone who grew up in Marquette, I’ve always looked at this location with a mix of intrigue and reverence for its beauty and spectacular landscape,” said Jeremy Johnson, Kona Hills Campground cofounder and co-owner. “Developing Kona Hills Campground with conservation and preservation in mind, and now sharing it with the world, is a dream come true.”
What’s next: Kona Hills Campground began taking public reservations on May 30. After the 2025 season, Kona Hills Campground plans on erecting permanent bathhouses, adding a fully graveled road loop and improved site access and offering glamping for those looking for a more curated and luxurious escape.
Related Articles
Six U.P. organizations awarded America250MI History grants
The America250MI program is a state-level initiative that provides funding to help local historical organizations develop projects as part of the country’s 250th anniversary celebration.
Bay Mills Community College plans state-of-the-art health care facility
The new facility will feature a state-of-the-art nursing simulation lab and an EMT lab, providing hands-on, real-world training for aspiring healthcare professionals.
Michigan Iron Industry Museum closed due to roof damage
The structural damage was caused by heavy snow; the roof is intact but several trustees that bear the roof’s weight began cracking on Feb. 21.
