Michigan State Parks 100: Craig Lake

UPDATE, AUGUST 2022:
DNR to make Craig Lake State Park backcountry campsites reservation-only
All 22 designated backcountry campsites within Craig Lake State Park will transition to reservation-only sites beginning with the 2023 camping season to help combat park natural resource degradation and make it easier to locate campers in emergency situations.
The 2023 backcountry camping season will run from May 20 through Nov. 1, 2023. Reservations are available six months in advance, which means camping reservations will become available beginning Nov. 20, 2022. Reservations can be made at midnrreservations.com or by calling 1-800-44PARKS.
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The Department of Natural Resources bills Craig Lake State Park as the most remote state park in Michigan. They might be right about this gem in the Upper Peninsula! A seasonal road takes you to a secluded spot known for its outstanding fishing opportunities, hiking and hike-in only camping. Check out our review of the undeveloped land that used to belong to the Miller family of Miller Brewing fame.
#hikecampgo #mistateparks #mistateparks100
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[@Writingman4126]

This is possibly the best (and most helpful) video series I have encountered on the Internet over the last few decades. Thank you very much for all of the work behind it.

[@Trekers]

We worked hard to put this series together and are always happy to hear that people have appreciated it. Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@AVisceralLife]

I did the loop around Craig Lake as a day hike a couple years ago. Beautiful park!

[@chrishaddad7611]

I just discovered your channel yesterday and this is probably the 10th video I've watched! You both do a FANTASTIC job of covering the mitten-state that I love so much! Thank you, and keep up the great work!

[@Trekers]

Thank you so much! We're glad you're enjoying the videos.

[@user-op1tq9ur3t]

thanks guys you rock!!!

[@brokenenglishhiker]

I wanted hike there always. This is good information. Hopefully make a next summer. Sounds awesome. Thank you!!

[@Trekers]

Have fun! Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@the.original.K]

Thanks for this. Heading up next week to hike.

[@Trekers]

We hope you have a great time!

[@cjoutdooradventures4896]

This one has been on my bucket list. Hope to get there this summer!!

[@johnnylightning1491]

Sounds like a good place to go fishing for the day when staying close by. Thanks for another great video.

[@Trekers]

It's well-known for fishing, just be aware of the regulations specific to this park.

[@jacktaylor1030]

As far as the fishing restriction go, I wonder how many people sneak in live bait for fishing. I know of a place that has fishing restrictions like this, and all the local bait stores, say be sure to get some worms for the place, when you tell them where you are going, lmao!!!!

[@xipo199]

Excellent review, I would love to bring my kayak and check it out. I really enjoy your videos.

[@stevelesliehikes]

Great video! Love the review and the history. Looking forward to checking out more 👍👍

[@Trekers]

Learning the history of the parks was one of our favorite things about this project. Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@Just_in_time_outdoors]

You guys are great

[@Trekers]

Thanks -- we're glad you're enjoying our videos!

[@midwestoutdoors3286]

Recently found your channel while researching the Porcupine Mountains. Love the bloopers at the end of the videos 😂

[@Trekers]

Thanks -- glad we can mess up regularly to add those for you. 😆

[@rjbrewer57]

given my devotion miller high life beer I must go!! thank you

[@Trekers]

Ha! That's one of the more interesting reasons we've heard to visit this state park. Thanks for watching and keep on trekin'!

[@craighiebert3384]

Good name for a lake...

[@AspenJacobsen]

Craig Lake is great. I day hiked around the lake a couple years ago. Man is the entrance road long, I mean really long. I wish I had gotten gas first. I was afraid I would run out of gas, but wasn't worried about getting stuck with my Jeep.

[@Trekers]

Yeah, we hear ya on the length of the entrance road. 🥺 It was worth it for finding what's in that park though. Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@survivortechharold6575]

any where you are 7 miles is 7 miles?

[@duenge]

30 years ago, 2 firemen and 2 paramedics went to Craig Lake to get away from it all. We rented the cabin, and canoed all of our gear, damn near swamping the boats...Should have tried 2 trips....One day a storm came out of no where, and we had 3 foot rollers, lightning hit the island and Brian and I couldn't paddle fast enough. Not to be outdone with our story, Rick told us of his experience with aliens that he had on the far side of the lake...And the fishing was non-existent.....But we had a great time....UFO and all...

[@jacktaylor1030]

Sounds like some sad scare stories to keep people from going here.

[@jimnunya2362]

Try Negwegon sometime. ✌

[@Trekers]

Yep, we've been there and it was beautiful. Didn't get to stay as long as we liked so we plan on heading back when we can. Thanks for watching and for the suggestion!

[@csnide6702]

I don't know --- I was at Baraga State Park in 1980 & we had to roll large rocks off the road just to get to it - where a unlocked gate met us at the top of the hill.

[@Trekers]

But Baraga isn't that remote anymore. Although, we do think the warning signs outside of Craig Lake are a bit over the top. LOL Thanks for watching!

[@csnide6702]

@@Trekers apparently .. ! Thanks for the update

[@BrownCLM]

Is it first come first serve for the campsites?

[@Trekers]

Yes, the campsites are first-come, first-served. I believe the two cabins and the yurt can be reserved though. -Ari

[@tysonelite9561]

Do you have to worry about bears when there?

[@Trekers]

There are black bears in the area, so it's always best to be prepared and take precautions with food handling and more.

[@215081]

Do you think a Sonota could make the drive-in?

[@Trekers]

Depending on seasonal conditions, I would say you probably could if you went slow through some of the larger dips and holes on the main road. The day we were there, a few sedans were in the parking lot. My only concern would be if you have any low-slung ground clearance parts on the car. And if it has been raining, you're going to find a lot of mud and some standing water on the access road, as well. We have 4-wheel drive on our van but never used it on the access road. -Ari

[@jacktaylor1030]

I've been to areas where they have 4 wheel drive trails, and I'm always amazed by the people that drive sedans and just regular cars on them. Sometimes I've seen some huge rocks that have been scraped with an ensuing oil leak down the trail. Some folks really just live to have more fun and adventure in the regular family car. They may have to build a bigger parking lot for this place after this video of this Gem place draws more attention to it.😅🤣😂

[@StacyForest738]

Where in Michigan has been the best place to boondock, secluded with a view?

[@Trekers]

We've found boondocking that's secluded but not with a view since it's mostly in the trees. What do you want a view of? Many spots that have nice views aren't secluded.

[@StacyForest738]

@@Trekers Well I would take secluded over a view I think. I just can't stand being packed in like sardines, hearing other peoples talking, radios, etc.

[@Trekers]

If you like boondocking, there are plenty of two tracks in Northwest Michigan if you go into the Manistee National Forest. Another option is to camp at state forest campgrounds, which are smaller and much more private than the state park campgrounds. We stayed at one last weekend and have a video coming out this Sunday on it and that style of camping.

[@StacyForest738]

@@Trekers Oh thank you so much! Looking forward to the video!

[@AVisceralLife]

Mouth of the Huron River is the best place with a view I have found! It is right on Lake Superior in the UP.

[@paulbetka2966]

ANYBODY UPDATE THIS PARK❓❓

[@Trekers]

Is there anything in particular you're wondering about? We can try to find out the answer through our contacts at the Michigan DNR. We do know the DNR is moving all sites to reservation only next year due to higher demand.

[@paulbetka2966]

Nothing particular. Videos couple yrs old😀. That's all.