Anybody camp in the UP of Michigan

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todpod

todpod

Golden Member
Nov 10, 2001
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We are talking about a big camping trip with the kiddies in 2013, it would be about a 10 hour drive there (from western pa) and thought in would be cool to see the big three great lakes. Would like to camp fairly close along the shore of the lakes. Anybody familiar with the area that knows good spots.
 
Analog

Analog

Lifer
Jan 7, 2002
12,755
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todpod said:
We are talking about a big camping trip with the kiddies in 2013, it would be about a 10 hour drive there (from western pa) and thought in would be cool to see the big three great lakes. Would like to camp fairly close along the shore of the lakes. Anybody familiar with the area that knows good spots.
Click to expand...

Last summer we did a trip into the UP, camped (with tents) in several spots along the shore in Michigan. We then headed south along lake Michigan and took the Ferry across from Wisconsin back to Michigan. During this trip, we toured an old copper mine, got to actually prospect and keep copper nuggets (the kids loved that). We saw the iron ore strip mine in Palmer, and the great Iron Ore unloading dock in Marquette on Lake Superior. Part of our goal was to hike to the highest point in Michigan, which is near Lake Superior in the Porcupine Mountains.

Years ago, we circumnavigated Lake Superior, camping all along the north shore in Canada, then ferrying to Isle Royale, spending a week there and continuing back through Minnesota and Michigan.

So, my picks, if you've never been there:

From east to west:

1. Paradise area
2. Pictured Rocks Nat'l Lakeshore
3. Marquette area - some neat cliff diving just north of the city
4. Keewenaw Peninsula & Ontanogan - Copper mines etc
5. Isle Royale Nat'l Park (must ferry from the Keewenaw and back)
6. Porcupine Mountains - Highest point in Michigan, tons of trails

All of the above are on Lake Superior. Do what you think is fun. Our day excursion into Marquette and the cliff diving was an unexpected highlight.

Isle Royal is a trip unto itself, and is all primitive camping. Some of the best pike fishing in my life there (all from shore).

The UP is full of black flies and mosquitoes, so be ready for that. Lake Superior is cold, and holds its own weather patterns. Be ready for anything.

Many of the beaches on Superior hold semi precious agates which are fun to find.

Let me know what you're specifically interested in and I'd be glad to help.

:)
 
todpod

todpod

Golden Member
Nov 10, 2001
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We are just start the early planning, I would like to camp along all 3 lakes at some point along the trip Maybe catching Huron on the way up. Isle Royale (esp the pike fishing) sounds cool, would I be able to take the trailer on the ferry, its about 15 feet long. Thanks for the help, I am sure I will have more questions as we continue planning. Gonna work out the bugs this summer in the Allegheny National Forest.
 
B

bobdole369

Diamond Member
Dec 15, 2004
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Wish I could help specifically, but I can only tell you that there are portions up there that are incredibly remote. I envy you, maybe one day during our eventual retreat from society (traveling by van or RV across the country - working odd jobs) will I one day make it up there. I understand it is unbelievably beautiful.
 
IronWing

IronWing

No Lifer
Jul 20, 2001
73,122
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Late September/early November is best for the UP. Yes, it is cold in the morning but no bugs.
 
todpod

todpod

Golden Member
Nov 10, 2001
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its gonna have to be in the summer because of school, would be nice with no bugs.
 
cardiac

cardiac

Platinum Member
Oct 9, 1999
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Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore west of Traverse City is right on Lake Michigan and has an awesome campground. Straits State Park has a great campground too. It is in St. Ignace, right at the Straits of Mackinac. Over on the other side, by Lake Superior, near Ontanogon, MI, is Porcupine Mountain Wilderness State Park. Campsites are small, but the views are unbelievable...
 
rhino56

rhino56

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Oct 6, 2004
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i know some really great spots up there, one where i used to run my boats, very remote on lake MI, very few people ever go there. I typically had the entire beach to myself.

take US 2 to Gould city, make a right and follow Gould city road all the way to the end which is right at Lake Mi. You can hike down the shoreline as far as you want or camp right at the end. watch out for bears though, it is the middle of nowhere. One cool thing is you can walk out about a 1/4 before it gets above waist deep.
 
Analog

Analog

Lifer
Jan 7, 2002
12,755
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todpod said:
We are just start the early planning, I would like to camp along all 3 lakes at some point along the trip Maybe catching Huron on the way up. Isle Royale (esp the pike fishing) sounds cool, would I be able to take the trailer on the ferry, its about 15 feet long. Thanks for the help, I am sure I will have more questions as we continue planning. Gonna work out the bugs this summer in the Allegheny National Forest.
Click to expand...

Isle Royale is strictly primitive camping, no vehicles allowed. The ferry across lake Michigan does allow any size vehicle/trailer.

You mentioned a boat, there are many opportunities to canoe, and in the Porkies, many people kayak along the shore of Superior.
 
todpod

todpod

Golden Member
Nov 10, 2001
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I kinda gathered from that Isle Royale was no cars after I looked it up and check they ferry. So probably a no go this trip. I am thinking Sleeping bear ,to sunset bay or pictured rocks then back to th LP and find a place along Lake Huron and then either Home or cross over to Canada and camp along lake Erie, then back to the United States and camp along Lake Ontario. It would be cool to catch all 5 great lakes in one trip. That may not be possible.
 
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todpod

todpod

Golden Member
Nov 10, 2001
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So a little more about our rig to travel with. We are planning on getting a pickup this spring something along the lines of this http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.j...0&address=16214&max_price=17000&seller_type=b .

The our trailer is a boat trailer that is in the process of being converted to a cargo trailer that will be completed this spring. This summer we will see how this all works before we make the big trip. Keep the suggestions coming they are quite helpful. Any info on crossing to Canada and camping along lake Erie would be helpful too/
 
S

stahlhart

Super Moderator Graphics Cards
Dec 21, 2010
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Tahquamenon Falls and Grand Marais are interesting UP stops, if you're in the area.
 
cardiac

cardiac

Platinum Member
Oct 9, 1999
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stahlhart said:
Tahquamenon Falls and Grand Marais are interesting UP stops, if you're in the area.
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Grand Marais is the end all for snowmobiling. Used to go there every other year back in the 80's. Perfect snow as far as I am concerned...
 
IronWing

IronWing

No Lifer
Jul 20, 2001
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Don't miss Bishop Baraga

5746435.jpg
 
rhino56

rhino56

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Oct 6, 2004
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stahlhart said:
Tahquamenon Falls and Grand Marais are interesting UP stops, if you're in the area.
Click to expand...

yeah the falls are awesome, kitchitikipi springs is really cool too. The beach on whitefish point is really cool too. Just so many incredible places in the UP
 
todpod

todpod

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Nov 10, 2001
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I appreciate all the information. I think that we will try and hit all the great lakes as part of the adventure. Erie will be easy to include. I think we will try and camp on the Canadian side of Huron then over to North Bay, Ont and then to the Eastern side of Lake Ontario. Its just planning enough time to get it in without running to crazy.
 
J

jaha2000

Senior member
Jul 28, 2008
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Dont forget you need passports now to cross the border into Canada!
My suggestions would mirror that of the above. Porcupine Mountains, Sleeping Bear, pictured rocks. Keep in mind that almost all the camping in the UP is primitive. Most places dont have showers.
As far as including all the lakes in 1 trip this would be my suggestion. Depending how far west you are in pa, you could take 90 east up to Buffalo and cross the border at the falls. This avoids the most boring drive in the world across the Ohio Turnpike. Drive to Sarnia and then head north in Michigan. The bridge is a must, and you can camp on the island, i would recommend that as well. Again, tent camping though.
Pretty sure there are a number of us here from MI, (I live in Kalamazoo) that would be more than happy to help you out
 
todpod

todpod

Golden Member
Nov 10, 2001
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I know about the passports. Lake Ontario is making the big journey tough trying to fit every thing in, even in three weeks which I am not sure I can swing. What about Lake Huron camp Sites towards the southern end . I can get there fairly quickly from here, probably 6 hours, then to sleeping bear, then to the UP
 
todpod

todpod

Golden Member
Nov 10, 2001
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Looked at the cost of passports, that will cost us $750, I think we will stay in the US. That will cover our camping fees and then some.
 
clamum

clamum

Lifer
Feb 13, 2003
26,256
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Nice post Analog! OP, Analog's post is good as well as others in here.

My suggestions have been pretty much already mentioned. Summer will definitely be nicer weather here but yeah, there's lots of mosquitoes around at that time. Fall is the best IMO, no bugs and the leaves changing color are beautiful.
 
sygyzy

sygyzy

Lifer
Oct 21, 2000
14,001
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I haven't camped there but while you are visiting, be sure to pick up some pasties, one of my favorite meals ever!
 
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