From left, Joe Thiel, CEO Innovate Marquette SmartZone, Marty Fittante, CEO InvestUP, Tim Piirala, co-owner of Kona Hills, Devin Mahoney, co-owner, Jeremy Johnson, co-owner, Sara Johnson, Director of Operations and Marketing, State Sen. Ed McBroom, Cal Lindquist, Executive Director Superior Watershed Partnership, Greg Schuetter, VP People’s State Bank of Munising and Rick Nebel, CEO People’s State Bank of Munising gather for a ribbon cutting ceremony at Kona Hills Campground last Friday. (Courtesy photo)

MARQUETTE — There is a new campground in the Upper Peninsula, as the Marquette-based Kona Hills Campground is now taking reservations.

The campground, located at 2102 U.S. 41 S, between Marquette and Harvey, gave friends and family a sneak preview last weekend after a ribbon cutting ceremony that saw nearly 250 people visit the new campground.

“We have been overwhelmed by the public support and community response, and Kona Hills Campground began its first day of public reservations with around 80 bookings for nearly 200 camping nights for our inaugural season,” said Jeremy Johnson, cofounder and co-owner of Kona Hills Campground. “Our reservations have come from all over the Upper Peninsula and downstate, around the Midwest, and even as far away as Arizona and Massachusetts, which proves there is a strong market for a rustic campground for people who love camping.”

The 80-acre, 40-site campground features walk-in and drive-in locations and boasts views of the southern Huron Mountain range, Presque Isle and Marquette along its location 200 feet above Lake Superior.

“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 Johnson. “Developing Kona Hills Campground with conservation and preservation in mind, and now sharing it with the world, is a dream come true.”

The campgrounds owners, Johnson, Devin Mahoney and Tim Piirala are all Marquette natives who credit the office of State Sen. Ed McBroom with helping to get the ball rolling on the new campsite.

“Kona Hills Campground is a perfect example of innovation, conservation and providing a resource that addresses an unmet need in the Marquette area,” said Sen. McBroom in a press release. “As a student at Northern Michigan University, and during the time I’ve had the honor of representing Marquette as a senator, I have spent countless hours exploring the beauty of its great outdoors. Kona Hills Campground is a wonderful addition to the Marquette landscape.”

The 40 campsites at Kona Hills cost $30 per night and have amenities such as walled fire rings and picnic tables at each site. Of the 40 sites, eight of them are vehicle friendly.

The campground features a water pump, portable toilets and firewood available for purchase.

Going forward, Kona Hills plans to build permanent bathhouses and other amenities after the 2025 camping season concludes.

A full list of amenities, things to do, maps and a link to book a campsite can be found online at www.campkonahills.com

Randy Crouch can be reached at 906-228-2500. His email address is rcrouch@miningjournal.net