I just found out that due to some scheduling stuff at work, I'll be swapping some days with our other night shift guy here in a few weeks, that will result in me working 7 nights straight, but then getting a full week off. My son and I have been considering a canoe camping/fishing trip for a while, and when looking at options we discovered Craig Lake State Park.

We're about 6 hours south of the bridge, and have been to the UP a bunch of times, but never to this particular park. Supposedly it's the most remote state park in the Michigan system which is exactly what we're looking for. It's not too far from Marquette, so I was hoping YooperSigs or one of our other UP members might be able to provide some insight.

Some of the things I was wondering were:

Whats the political/covid situation up there right now? I know Whitmer had pretty much shut down the state earlier in the year...they're not going to arrest or fine Indiana people for going up there right now, are they?

I've heard the road to get back there is long and pretty sketchy. Just how bad is it? I've been to Crisp Point Lighthouse before...we did that in a FWD minivan, and it wasn't too bad. How does this road compare to that one? We'd be driving my Silverado, which is RWD...will we have any problems with that?

What's the utilization like in September? Do you think we'll have any problems getting a campsite? That's a long way to drive to find everything full.

How is the bug situation this year? We've had trips in the past when they've been hardly noticeable, and others where they've been unbearable. What should I expect in mid-September?

Any tips or info on issues I haven't thought of would also be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance!

quote:

Craig Lake State Park

Not from there but did a little googlization, looks like a very nice place, they have Yurts and Cabins for rent, from what I read it has a 6 month lead, but wouldn't hurt to call to insure you have a place locked down. Didn't say about camping spaces.

Yurts look like a cool place to stay



Found a link to the Park, shows a lot of info including the rates for vehicles, park entry, camping etc.

http://www.shorelinevisitorsgu...aig-lake-state-park/

Yeah, I saw those. We're planning on back-country camping at one of the canoe-in sites...not reserve-able, so I'm counting on there not being a lot of competition for them.

This year has been kinda weird with outdoor activities, because the Covid has cancelled a lot of peoples' other plans, so attendance is way up...at least that's been my experience other places. I've never had any use for commercialized attractions like theme parks, cruises, sporting events, etc...but this year I'm wishing they were all still open so that people would stay away from the stuff I like to do!

Craig Lake:
1- Bugs are about average for the Yoop. Which is to say bring bug juice! Should be less in September.
2- The road back to the Park is navigable by your pickup. It is comparable to the Crisp Point trip and narrow.
3- There are several other lakes in the area you can explore, too.
4- You might want to see if Van Riper State Park has camping available for your stay.
5- Just have a mask handy. We are full of tourists right now and they are doing fine.
6- The last time I was at Van Riper, the info/Attendant booth was closed. So that might affect you getting access to Craig Lake. You may want to call Van Riper and see if they are contactable by phone.
7- I cant say how busy the park may be.
8- Other lakes in the area that you may want to check out near Craig Lake:
Crooked Lake.
Keewadin Lake.
And there are those who drive up County Road 607 (Pesheekee Grade) and launch canoes on the river and paddle down to Michigamme Lake.
And this area is in the heart of UP Moose country!
Stop and see me on your way by!

This message has been edited. Last edited by: YooperSigs,

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Yeah, I saw those. We're planning on back-country camping at one of the canoe-in sites...not reserve-able, so I'm counting on there not being a lot of competition for them.

Figured you had, imagine the park staff would be the best intel source on crowds.

Camping and outdoor things are on the up of course with COVID, probably the only good thing that has come from the situation.

As Yooper stated Van Riper State Park seems to be the controlling contact point.

Found the MI DNR COVID info on rules and closings here

https://www.michigan.gov/dnr

Thanks for the info! I was actually considering portaging the canoe from Craig Lake to Crooked Lake, because it looks like there are a number of sites there. And that's good info about Van Riper State Park...I'll try giving them a call before we go to see if they have availability info.

If it works out I'll let you know...we could try and stop by to say hi. We'd almost definitely be going through Marquette...Google maps says it's quicker to go the other way through Wisconsin, but I despise driving through Chicago. I thought about stopping and seeing if I can talk my son into jumping off Black Rock into Lake Superior in Presque Isle park. My wife and I did it a couple of years ago, and it was fun...but that was July not September .

^^^^^ You could drive up the western edge of Michigan and take the ferry across Lake Michigan (SS Badger) -- Ludington, MI to Manitowoc, WI. That's an interesting ride and lets you continue through Wisconsin without going through Chicago.

flashguy

If you need more info, my e-mail address is here on my contact page. Let me know when you are coming up. I often ride my motorcycle out Michigamme way so its no problem to meet up.

Ive been to crisp point twice now. Last fall in my PHEV Mitsubishi Outlander, easy ride through the woods.

The mask thing is like most places, required around people inside, not so much outside. Once inside, sip that beer or eat, mask off. Is the Son old enough for the Ore Dock or Black Rocks in Marquette?

The bugs are hardly a thing in September, ticks too, could be a very few. It’s been busy in the Yoop this Summer, Pictured Rocks 7% above a record in July.

Since I haven’t been there in over 12 years, look into a side trip to Thomas Lake. Half of it is in Craig Lake Park, right turn off park road. If you see a yellow gate, it ‘should’ be unlocked. The road may be to brushy for your truck, possibly to far to carry a canoe.

There is a better road to a few camps on the East side, could be better access, land private though. Thomas Lake is known for the best fishing of the bunch, check regs, no live bait, release only last I looked.

Another backup idea is King Lake, off US-41, further West. King Lake offers a wilderness setting, good road access, rustic campground, fairly good panfish action. The lake is shallow, good for a canoe, due to shallow rocks scattered around.

Just some ideas.

Awesome, thanks guys! Some great ideas and possible fallback options here...always know I can count on the forum! Yooper, I'll let you know if it works out and we end up getting to do it...it would be cool to meet up.

Well, unfortunately the schedule change fell through, and I won't be getting a week off after all, so the trip won't be happening this month. It's still on my list, though, and we'll definitely try to get it done eventually.