Coach
Central TX
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Joined: 01/21/2003
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Would like your guidance on choosing a base camp for exploring the Keweenaw Peninsula and Porcupine Mountains. Planning ahead for next year, so the current weather and season isn't an issue. Our criteria:
- Spacious and big-rig friendly
- Reasonably quiet
- Must have electricity. Full hookup is nice, but if no sewer, then should have reasonably clean bathhouse / showers.
- Big bonus points for good hiking very nearby
So far I'm looking at:
- Baraga State Park
- Mclain State Park
- Porcupine Mountain Wilderness State Park
- River Pines (private campground in Ontonagon)
Would prefer to park once and explore via toad (unless you strongly suggest against it). That's why Copper Harbor isn't on the list. After this stop we'll head down to Door County, WI, which gives Baraga an edge, but we'll go somewhere else if highly recommended to do so.
Whatayathink? Thanks.
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sch911
Rochester Hills, MI
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Joined: 04/13/2003
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We enjoyed Baraga State Park last 4th of July. Could see several fireworks shows across Big Bay Be advised that Michigan State parks do not have water or sewer on site. Most have 30A service and you'll have to tote your water in jugs from the faucet to the camper, or unhook and go to the dump site.
Good Luck....
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RRUGG
Newaygo, MI,USA
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Copper Harbor is not out of the question from Baraga. Also a very nice state park ( can't remember the name ) west out of Calumet over on the shore.
RRUGG
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Parrothead Mike
SW Michigan
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If you want to be located between the Keweenaw Peninsula and the Porkies you might want to camp at Twin Lakes State Park. It's right on M-26 south of Houghton/Hancock. There isn't much around there except the park, but you are right between the two areas you're talking about. I use to live in the U.P. and traveled that area fairly often. Baraga State Park isn't bad, but you're located on U.S.41, which is a much busier highway than M-26, although there are more attractions nearby the Keweenaw Bay area.
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tomdrobin
Perry, MI
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Joined: 06/20/2003
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McClain State Park is my personal favorite. Awesome sunsets over Lake Superior. It also makes a nice day trip up to Copper Harbor. There are two routes from McClain to Copper Harbor. Brockway mountain drive and along the shoreline. I would recommend experiencing each, one going and the other coming back.
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mikefrommichigan
Grand Rapids, MI
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Joined: 06/09/2003
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Keeweenaw Peninsula - you certainly caught my attention!!!
Copper Harbor is my favorite place to vacation in Michigan. Visit www.copperharbor.org for info.
There are a couple of campgrounds in Copper Harbor. Ft. Wilkins State Park (Elec. hookups only but they have a dump station and water is available at a few locations thru the campground) and Lake Fanny Hoe Campground has full hookups. If you stay at the S.P. stay at the West campground. They have some really nice and large paved pull thru sites right across from Lake Fanny Hoe and the dump station is located at the west campground (more convenient if you have a sewer tote tank for dumping). Here is a link to to the MI dnr website camping info: http://www.michigan.gov/dnr/0,1607,7-153-10365---,00.html S.P. is cheaper than Lake Fanny Hoe Campground.
Brockway Mountain Drive in Copper Harbor is a must do. Some awe-inspiring views on top of the mountain. Many logging and hiking/biking trails in the area. If you decide to bike or hike it, visit the Keeweenaw Adventure Co. in "downtown" Copper Harbor for trail maps and advice on difficulty of trails. Take a look at "More Pictures" below for some pictures of Copper Harbor and a biking trail that I went on.
There is Ft. Wilkins between the east and west campgrounds easily within biking or walking distance.
South of Copper Harbor is the Delaware copper mine. Minimal entrance fee, self guided tour. Good thing to do on a rainy day. There is also another mine, Quincy mine just out of Hancock as you head north on 41. Never visited it but will someday. I guess they have an operable steam hoist that raises you and lowers you into the mine.
Take the road to Eagle Harbor - it has some breath taking views of Lake Superior as you drive along the coast.
Basically anywhere you drive around up in the area is really scenic and relaxing. I've been to Porcuipine mtns before, but Copper Harbor is my home-away-from-home 
p.s. - Beware of the bugs in the early season. I've hit the biting black flies just right one year the first part of June and they are relentless especially right by the lake shore.
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fantasy islander
Grosse Ile, MI 48138 U.S.A
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We stayed at Baraga S.P. when we explored the western U.P. It's relatively convenient to Copper Harbor and the Porkies and south, if you need a single base of operations. It's still a lot of driving. We did as you are planning - left the motorhome at Baraga and drove the car. If you are not going to stay over anywhere, you'll need to be on the road early. Lots of miles, lots to see. Access uptravel.com for good ideas.
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AAFD
Michigan
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It is really beautiful country up their! Dress warm, they have had snow already!
KC
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Coach
Central TX
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Joined: 01/21/2003
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Thanks. Sounds like Baraga or Twin Lakes are most convenient if I want to try to cover Cooper Harbor through the Porkies from one location. McLain sure sounds nice too, but it's a pretty good drive from the Porkies.
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