Deer Park Campgrounds

Lake Superior Campground
(906) 293-5131. No reservations.

Lake Superior State Forest Campground is the most in demand of the U.P.'s rustic campgrounds. It lies right along Lake Superior shoreline, and each of the 18 sites has its own path through the tall oaks and pines to the agate beach. This family has been coming here for the past 25 years.

Of all the rustic state forest campgrounds, this is one of the most beautiful and popular. It's right by a long agate beach that's not overused, made of rocks and sand. The campground is perched up from the beach, separated by low dunes forested with oak and pine. They help shield the campsites from a wind off the lake that can be very, very cold indeed. Campers can walk directly from most of the 18 shady campsites to the beach. Sites are big enough for small trailers. It's relaxing just to sit here and listen to the waves. The campground is on the North Country Trail segment that forms a 7.6-mile loop with the Blind Sucker Pathway. Road noise can be heard from nearby H-58. To get a site, it's best to come midweek or even earlier.

PERCH LAKE CAMPGROUND
(906) 293-5131. Not reservable. http://michigan.gov/dnr/parksandtrails
This shady red pine forest has 35 sites on two loops. Twelve of the best sites in this popular, quiet state forest campground are on a bluff overlooking Perch Lake, one of the area's larger inland lakes. They are well separated, but without shrubby landscape buffers. The concrete boat launch is down below. Fishing is for largemouth bass and bluegill. Perch Lake is just a mile off the road from Newberry to Deer Park. This location is handy for touring or for fishing for steelhead and brook trout at the state's High Bridge boat launch and at the campground and boat launch on the Two Hearted River, two miles south of here. 1.5 miles north of the 39-mile Pine Ridge ATV and motorcycle trail.

BLIND SUCKER #2 CAMPGROUND
906) 293-5131. Not reservable.
This 32-site rustic campground is desirable because of its shady, scenic setting along the flooding of the Blind Sucker River, close to Lake Superior but away from its often cold winds. A boat launch lets boaters with small and medium-size boats explore the river flooding, pass rock bass fishing stumps, and get out on the river's south side to pick blueberries on exposed sand ridges. Swimming in the river is possible, though there's no real beach area. About 20 sites are on the river. Fishing is for pike, rock bass, bluegill, and perch.

MUSKALLONGE LAKE STATE PARK
(906) 658-3338. Reservations: (800) 44-PARKS; http://www.midnrreservations.com/

Muskallonge Lake State Park

Muskallonge Lake is a destination campground even for people from Wisconsin and Minnesota because it has a remote feeling—and hot showers. It's on a large inland lake near a wild, beautiful stretch of Lake Superior. Breezes off the big lake reduce bugs. It has 159 modern campsites with flush toilets, 20 & 30 amp electricity, and a playground. They are on and just north of Muskallonge Lake. Currently $18/night. Lawns and planted trees make for a suburban setting. A few sites look out onto the lake. A 1.5-mile trail loop goes from the campground along Lake Superior and back, connecting with a beautiful stretch of the North Country Trail. Reserve by mid-May or earlier for a good selection of summer dates.

Pretty Lake Campground
(906) 293-5131. Not reservable. http://michigan.gov/dnr/parksandtrails

Pretty Lake Rustic Campground is one of the state's favorites. A sand beach circles the 47-acre, 60-foot-deep clear lake. The well-protected 18 campsites are nestled among mature white pines and hardwoods. And 5 sites are even more secluded, requiring a short hike. Paddlers can portage to 4 other nearby pristine lakes.

1#Of all the fine rustic state forest campgrounds on inland lakes in northern Luce County, Pretty Lake stands out. It enjoys an especially beautiful, serene setting in a mature pine and hardwood forest on Pretty Lake, with its sandy beach. It's especially beautiful in fall color season. The 18 rustic campsites (no running water or electricity) are very secluded, and over half are on the lakeshore. There's usually a campground host in summer. A large, open area is for group campfires. Pretty Lake is a quiet area – canoes only, no motors. Five small lakes are linked by short canoe portages. Clusters of three canoe campsites are at every portage and one other location on Beaver House Lake. Lake Superior at Deer Park is under 10 miles away, with pristine, secluded public lakeshore close at hand. No wonder the campground often fills up in summer. More spots open up Tuesday through Thursday. Availability is good in September, and fall fishing and duck hunting is excellent.

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