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RE: Lake Superior Circle Tour
We did the Circle Tour late summer 2009.
We started by dropping off our son at school in Houghton, MI. We stayed at the Houghton City park right in toen on the river. Full hookups required due to no restrooms. A bit tight. We also have stayed at the Hancock county park west of Hancock along the river, and McClain SP on the west coast of the Keewanaw Pennisula when we have gone back to take him to/from school. Also have stopped at Straits SP in St Ignace (less touristy than the lower side of bridge), and near Seney at Big Cedar CG. Small, on river, canoe livery (enjoyed canoe trip).
Other places we enjoy in the UP as we make our many trips back to school - Lake Muskallong SP east of Grand Marais, Munising City park west of town near the Pictured Rocks - campground on the lake.
Next stop was at the Appostle Islands in Wisc. @ Apostle Islands Area CG (private) very few campers, across road from marina & lake. Wonderful views. Owners said they can be busy with kayackers but we had none while there.
Next was Gooseberry Falls SP in MN. Larger park. No hook ups, large sites with trees seperating each. Wonderful hiking & biking trails along the coast. Waterfalls & lighthouses nearby. Nice park.
Next was Grand MArias City Campground & Marina. On edge of town, can walk into town (path goes through campground to public pool). Overlooks marina. Large cg, more open. Nearby visit the Grand Portage site & waterfalls. Jumping off point to Boundary Waters area.
Next was at Thurder Bay in Ontario at Sleeping Giant Prov. Park. Large park, many sites. We had one near boat ramp - large site with elect. Some areas tight for large rigs. Nice park. Watched the loons.
Next was Pukaskwa National Park on the east shore of Lake Superior. Small campground with electric & nice large sites. Great hiking trails. We loved the park - very different environment than what we experienced elsewhere in UP (due to heavy rains off lake). Nice little coves & bays to explore. Remote though.
Last stop was Ann-Osborne in Sault Ste. Marie in MI. CG along river to watch boats going by. But we were unable to get a site there. Sites off river are open. Nothing special - typical private CG.
What we enjoyed is how the north shore of Lake Superior reminded us of New England coast - many coves & bays & granite cliffs & rugged shoreline. Watch for moose crossings (many signs posted - never saw one). Our best areas were the Northshore in MN, and the National Park in Canada. Crossing the border was no problem - busier back into MI. All 2 lane road so take your time, some wonderful small towns to stop at. We spent a couple of days at Gooseberry & Grand MArias. Wished we stayed more at Pukaskwa & Sleeping Giant. Not many attractions or resorts (water parks, etc) but a lot of the great out of doors. You can get a patch when you completed the tour also.
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campingchessies
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05/22/12 10:49am |
RV Parks, National Parks, State Campgrounds & More
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RE: whitewater rafting in Glacier NP
We did one several years ago. It went along the same stretches of the river that portions of the movie River Wild with Meryl Streep was filmed (scene where her husband sets up the trap to rescue them). The trip was relatively mild (late June/early July) and only a couple of "rapids" mostly easy float. Many warnings about falling in due to extreme cold temperature of river.
We have taken a couple of other raft trips, our best so far has been the New River in W. Va. We also taken the Colorado near Moab, a longer trip and a few more rapids, but still relatively calm (was initially worried with all the dire warnings the outfitters kept making - "people have just died here!" but never experienced anything of highrisk).
FOr the Montana trip I cannot recall who we used as the rafting outfitter, but they were out of the west side of the park.
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campingchessies
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04/24/12 11:08am |
RV Parks, National Parks, State Campgrounds & More
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RE: Upper Michigan Cinnamon Rolls and White Fish
In Houghton there is the Suomi Bakery & Resturant. It serves the standards plus Finnish items as well. It is off the main street towards the river. Small place with goo breakfast. They do sell sticky rolls also.
We always stop at Gustafson's Smoked FIsh along US2 heading along the north shore of Lake Michigan towards the bridge. Also agree with the other posts regarding Munising - several places there. It makes for a great snack to eat sitting at a beach (although we have eaten in the truck as we drive - a bit of a mess & smells).
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campingchessies
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04/24/12 11:04am |
RV Parks, National Parks, State Campgrounds & More
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RE: Fort Wilderness at Disney
You can also have your purchases made in the parks delivered to the trading posts in the campground for your pickup upon your return back to your RV - saves having to carry the packages around all day. We do not rent a golfcart, it is great for bikes. Been there at Thanksgiving several times (relatives in area) they start to decorate the park for Christmas - very interesting to see how it changes each night. The parks were not that busy the week after.
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campingchessies
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03/20/12 01:25pm |
RV Parks, National Parks, State Campgrounds & More
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RE: Sleeping Bear Dunes, MI
We go to the UP twice a year - our son goes to school in Houghton at MTU.
We have also vacationed several times in the UP.
Some of our favorites -
Muskallonge State Park - on water (Muskallong Lake) and across road from Lake Superior. The smaller lake is good (warm) for swimming.
Munising RV Park - near Pictured Rocks. Some sites on the water. Close to town.
For a good view of the Bridge - Straits SP. Also I find it easier/less crowded to catch the ferries to Mackinac Island thand from St Ignace side.
McClain in the Keewanw - sites overlooking water (not on water - shore of Lake Superior).
Last summer we stayed in a private cg across from Seney wildlife refuge. OK cg. On the river. Rented canoes & took a tour of the refuge.
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campingchessies
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03/14/12 10:03am |
RV Parks, National Parks, State Campgrounds & More
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RE: Cherry Hill Campground in DC
Our last trip to DC a few years ago we were greatly frustrated by the varying rules regarding backpacks - some places allowed, some did not, so in some instances we had to leave one person outside to watch the bags while everyone else went in (Bureau of Engraving, Washington Monument, White House display some that I remember). This was a few years after 9/11 so maybe security was tighter then.
Also for lunch, many of the large government buildings have large public food courts in them (Lefant Plaza, Reagan commerce center, old post office, train station if I recall correctly). Allows variety for fussy kids, relatively cheap (cheaper than the concession vans on the street), and AC convenience close by. Several blocks north of the mall closer to the arena & convention center are more resturants and more reasonable (still higher than normal neighborhood).
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campingchessies
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02/29/12 02:09pm |
RV Parks, National Parks, State Campgrounds & More
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RE: First long distance trip planned
We have taken some long trips with our kids over the years - From MI to ME, FLA, YNP, GC.
I love driving, so I have no issue putting in long days (12-16 hrs) to cover the distance quicker - sooner we get to location the better. But to help along the way, we make lunch stops at parks or scenic locals away from th einterstate for a bit longer & enjoyable break, and have dinner at a moderate sit-down resturant as a reward to the family for riding so long. But once at the location we usually stay in place as much as possible.
When we know we will be travelling through areas of greater interest, we do allow more time to stop & explore.
We average 50miles/hr. Reservations help to control ourselves also - keep to somewhat of a schedule (drive too late, linger too long) so this can be a benefit also. We never go without reservations at our destinations, after driving for several days will be very disappointing not having a place to stay.
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campingchessies
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02/29/12 01:21pm |
RV Parks, National Parks, State Campgrounds & More
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RE: Upper Michigan
Muskallonge State Park is on Lake Muskallonge and across the street from Lake Superior.
We had a site right on the inland lake, water much warmer (able to swim) and a ez walk to the big lake.
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campingchessies
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02/03/12 12:02pm |
RV Parks, National Parks, State Campgrounds & More
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RE: Chattanooga Campgrounds
We also stayed at Cloudland Canyon SP this past summer. Not crowded at al.. Some nice hiking trails, and not too far out from the city. We enjoyed our stay.
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campingchessies
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02/03/12 12:00pm |
RV Parks, National Parks, State Campgrounds & More
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RE: Help planning Mich-Arizona trip in mid-to-late June
We made this trip in 2006.
We live near A2. We hate going through Chicago, so we dropped down to Indianapolis 1st then head west from there. Stayed in a private CG in Illinois (name?). I love to drive and long days are not an issue for me or family - we want to get to the destination quickly and spend as many days there. So next day we made it Limon Colo (planning on stopping in Kansas but made great time).
Our 1st vacation stop was at Ridgway SP north of Durango. Loved it. We drove to Silverton & took the train 1 way back to Durango, bus back to Silverton to get our truck, then drove back to the CG. Great scenery.
We stayed 2-3 nights.
We then stayed at the Grand Canyon North Rim. Slower pace & less crowded. May not have the famous views everyone knows from the South Rim, but we still enjoyed our time. We took some of the more remote drives out to Tuweep & Pt Sublime - no one else there & great views. Drive is a bit iffy in spots - only go if your vehicle is 4x4.
We then moved to Zion and stayed at Watchman CG in the park with a sight on the river. Our favorite part of the trip. Did some of the hikes - Narrows, Angles Leap. Easier park to see & do. Did a day trip out to Bryce Canyon. Walked the rim trail, but wanted to do more. Stayed at Zion for 4 days.
Moved to Moab and stayed at Deadhorse SP. Great park. Wonderful views. Visited Arches NP & Canyonland NP. Family was a bit worn down by the heat at this point but still enjoyed it.
Drove back through Colo, Neb, Iowa, with stops along the way.
PM me if you want details or more info.
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campingchessies
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01/11/12 03:14pm |
RV Parks, National Parks, State Campgrounds & More
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RE: Upper Peninsula for First Timers
We make 2 trips a year to the UP to take our son to college at MTU in Houghton. We have driven across the UP many times, but I still love it.
Last fall we stopped near Seney Wildlife area in the middle of the UP. Not much else around, but you can hike refuge, and rent canoes/kayaks, also can ride bikes in the refuge.
We laso have vacationed in the UP several times when our kids were younger, both on the east side and west side. The east side has many activities & easier to drive to, you can go out on Mackinaw Island for aday, ride the bikes, visit the Taquamanen Falls, visit the Soo Locks, WhitefishPoint for shipwreck museums, visit St. Ignace & Mackinac City (cross the bridge).
Stay near Munising & visit Pictured Rocks, you can hike & take a sightseeing cruise, explore the area some.
The west in more vast = more driving. The Keewanaw area you can tour old copper mines, mountain bike trails, hunt for ghost towns, see Calamet & the old mining town. The Porkies are a ways away which would make for long day trip to see that area. As previous post stated, a lot of hiking available there - one of my childhood memories were the family hikes in the park.
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campingchessies
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01/11/12 03:01pm |
RV Parks, National Parks, State Campgrounds & More
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RE: Upper Peninsula, MI
We travel to the UP twoce each year - our son goes to school at MTu in Houghton, so each April & August we are either picking up or dropping off. We always add a few days to the trip to enjoy some of the UP.
Last August we stayed at Munising City Park, just west of town. most sites right on the shore of Lake Superior, some HWY noise (small 2 lane hwy), great location to see the area, OK cg, I think it had FHU, there were many large rigs there - plenty of room.
In Houghton is the City RV park right on the river, many sites right on the water - each with a patio that hangs out over the water some. Only FHU sites, no restrooms available (other than next door at the city park/picnic area). Small park with only a few sites, close to town. Great location to explore the Keewanaw, even a day trip to the Porkies.
Im Hancock is the county park. Do not know if it has FHUs. Some sites big enough for large rigs. Further out is McClain SP - great views of Lake Superior, only electric.
We have stopped at the Straits SP before - wonderful view of bridge - good location to see St Ignace & less crowded ferries to the island.
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campingchessies
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01/06/12 08:28am |
RV Parks, National Parks, State Campgrounds & More
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RE: Yosemite Accomadations - Unable to Camp - Lodging?
Thanks for the info.
We think we found a cabin/house to rent inside the park for a "decent" price. Looking forward to trip. Meeting my BIL who lives in LA who will join us for a few days at the park doing some hiking & sightseeing. Unfortunately the time of year is not the best for waterfalls. We added this destination on to a trip we're making to see the Kick-Off classic football game in Dallas with Bama vs UMich, with my brother & SIL.
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campingchessies
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01/06/12 08:08am |
RV Parks, National Parks, State Campgrounds & More
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Yosemite Accomadations - Unable to Camp - Lodging?
We are planning on traveling to Yosemite beginning of September but are unable to camp, so we are looking for a nice rustic cabin or similar accomadation for rental for a week. I know this is an RV site, but thought some of you may have been there and/or seen or know of such a place. We wish we could take our RV but do not have time this year to make the drive let alone stay for any decent time. Thanks!
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campingchessies
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01/03/12 01:38pm |
RV Parks, National Parks, State Campgrounds & More
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RE: Bar Harbor Maine
We stayed at Lamoine SP off the island 6 years ago. It worked well for us because we also explored up & down the coast some. A surprise was the other part of Acadia across the bay from Bar Harbor - no crowds and great views.
It had showers but no electric, park on the water but I do not think any sites were. We did not find traffic to be too bad - other than the 4th when we went up Cadillac Mtn to watch fireworks.
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campingchessies
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11/04/11 12:39pm |
RV Parks, National Parks, State Campgrounds & More
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RE: Family trip to Yellowstone NP, any advice?
We went 7 years ago when our kids were 15 & 13. Left the day school let out for the summer in mid-June. We found no issue with crowds, at times found ourselves all alone on some of the walkways, never had issue with a parking spot. We stayed at Madison, went into W Yellowstone for showers ($$). We entered via the Beartooth while towing, greatest experience ever and glad we did it. Kids loved Lamar valley spotting wolves, all the thermals, and a day trip to Tetons. We did the chuckwagon dinner out of Roosevelt (if I remember correctly). Fun experience - food so-so.
Do be prepared for a lot of driving, late nights getting back to the trailer, and some cold weather (we had a brief snow/sleet storm that left an inch or two on ground while there). Try to take some time to hike away from the road & the crowds, if only for a single hike - get a different sense of YNP.
We headed to Glacier afterwards - which was great also.
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campingchessies
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11/04/11 12:28pm |
RV Parks, National Parks, State Campgrounds & More
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RE: Planning UP Michigan, Wisconsin spring trip
We travel to the UP often, our son goes to school at MTU in Houghton. We go at least fall(late August) to move him in and again late April to maove him home for the summer.
One issue to keep in mind is that most CGs do not open until May 1. Some state parks may be open but no facilities (we stay at McClain in April, shower building not yet open until May).
We have also been in the UP during summer, deep fall, and winter (Winter Canrival at MTU).
We also did the circle tour of Lake Superior a couple of years ago after dropping son off for fall semerster (late Aug/early Sept). That trip started with nice weather but before we finished temps were in 40s with cold drizzle.
In Oct we had some snow/sleet at MTU.
You can get some big storms in the UP, it is not limited to areas further south (the many shipwrecks didn't just happen without some help from mother nature).
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campingchessies
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10/04/11 11:08am |
RV Parks, National Parks, State Campgrounds & More
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RE: Michigan Upper Peninsula information
We make 2 trips each year to the UP due to our son going to school in Houghton at MTU. We use the 5er to move his stuff, so we camp on these trips.
Some of the places we like -
We prefer to stay noth of the bridge when visiting Mackinaw Island - less crowded/touristy than Mackinaw City. In St Ignace we always stop at Java Joes for a rest & meal - great owners and good food. East of the bridge in town.
We have stayed at Straits SP in St Ignace & Wilderness SP west of Mackinaw. At Starits you have a nice view of the bridge, easier on/off the road. Wilderness is a bit our of town, but has more beach to walk on.
Last summer we stayed at Munising City Park just west of town. Had a site right on Lake Superior. Quiet park. Close to town & Pictured Rocks area. Did the boat tour - try to take evening tour - better colors due to setting sun.
In Houghton stayed at City PArk right on canal. Had site with small deck built hanging over water. Can walk to town, FHU, but no restrooms/showers. A bit noisey due to being in town, hosts a bit rude.
This spring statyed at Hancock county park north of Hancock. Nice restrooms, some sites on water. It was quiet but early in season (just opened). We stayed at McClain a few times (again later next month). Great view of Lake Superio (not Lake Michigan as stated by earlier post), no sites on water but across park drive. In between Copper Harbor & Houghton.
We did the Quincy Mine tour in Hancock. Very intereting, you go inside mine to see conditions miners worked in. Also visited Calumet, Cooper Harbor, Brock Mtn drive, and explored the area for old ghost mining towns.
Stayed at Twin Lake SP to explore the Porkies & west UP. Adequate, nothing special, was very wet from rains. Do like the Porkies - great hiking.
Lafayette SP has an old mining town to explore and is located on a beautiful bay.
Stop along US2 as it parallels Lake Michigan to go swimming and walk the beach (several miles long public access).
Next month exploring Seney wildlife preserve.
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campingchessies
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07/28/11 11:34am |
RV Parks, National Parks, State Campgrounds & More
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RE: Biking on Mackinaw Island
There is no campground on the island (may be backpacker only?) No vehicles either.
We haved stayed at Wilderness SP on the Mackinaw City side and at Straights on the St Ignace side. We found taking the ferry from St Ignace was more relaxed/easier & less crowded then from Mackinaw City. The ride is a bit longer.
Keep in mind there are a couple large boat races that end at the island in the Summer - Port Huron to Mackinac starts July 23, and the Chicago/Mackinac starts July 15 - these bring big crowds to the island watching th eboats come in over several days.
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campingchessies
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07/08/11 10:58am |
RV Parks, National Parks, State Campgrounds & More
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RE: Staunton/Harrisonburg Va
We stayed at Shenandoah Campground last year. It was a nice campground, the hosts were friendly, and it was quiet. Close to Staunton, which we enjoyed. We came in off the parkway which is a bit more hairy than from the interstate.
We saw several large rigs there. The loop near the dam has several large sites, as well as the loop closest to the beach.
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campingchessies
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06/15/11 12:40pm |
RV Parks, National Parks, State Campgrounds & More
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