Craig Lake State park is the most remote state park in the system. The park is over 6,900 acres and contains seven lakes and numerous ponds along with a variety of wildlife. Craig Lake itself is 374 acres with six islands. It had high granite bluffs alons its northern shoreline,
Craig Lake's remote setting it a must visit for the avid hiker who seeks trails that are less populated. Loons are a common sight on the lake and if you are lucky you may see Moose or possibly Wolves.
Camping at Craig Lake is for backpackers only. There is a self-registration location at the entrance to the trail system. There are no designated campsites but camping is allowed throughout the park except in the immediate cabin areas. Refer to the Back Country Camping Guide for additional information.
There are two rustic cabins available for rent. The smaller cabin will sleep six and the larger sleeps 14. The cabins are located in the middle of the woods, about a two mike hike from the parking area. The cabins have no electricity, but do have a hand pump for water and an outhouse toilet. There is a grill for cooking and a fire circle. Firewood for heat is provided by the park. The cabins are generally open to the public from May 15th to October 15th.
Practive Leave No Trace techniques. Stay on existing trails and durable surfaces, bury waste 4-6 inches deep and cover. Thank you for carrying out your trash.
The entrance road for the park is about a mile west of the Michigamme Mobil station on U.S. 41/M-28; look for Keewayden Lake Road. Take the left fork in the road at 2.7 miles in, the parking lot is another 3.9 miles.
The access road to Craig Lake State Park is very rugged. Four wheel drive vehicles are not required but vehicles with high ground clearance are recommended. All vehicles should take caution and be aware of the fist-sized stones on the dirt road. Drive slowly and it will be worth it when you get there.
Trail Segments:
There is an 8 mile trail that loops around Craig Lake. This trail offers some great opportunities to view wildlife, fauna, and the lakeshore. The Craig Lake State Park trails are considered to be some of the most rugged trails in Michigan.
A 7.5 mile section of the North Country Trail system passes through the park. The trail covers some rough terrain but it is well worth the effort.
we went to stay at the Keewaydin Yurt and explored the area in Summer 2022, and this was by far the best camping experience we ever had. We are going back on 2nd January 2023 for 4 night's stay and will be taking along a Snow Mobile to have some serious snow fun. Lots of Cross-country skiing and Snow shoeing is on the agenda. Will post review on that trip soon.
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March 14, 2014 - reviewed by Anonymous
What a beautiful place. The first couple of days I was there, I didn't see a soul. It was kind of eerie not hearing any voices except my own voice in my head (and the incessant buzzing of mosquitoes). By the weekend, the canoes showed up. I thought the trails could be marked better in some places. I got a little lost during a hike around the Lake. My only complaint was the sheer number of mosquitoes. I went before and during Fourth of July last year and the mosquitoes and (to a lesser extent) horse flies were impossible to get away from. I am looking to come up again with a canoe and earlier in the year to get away from the mosquitoes. Overall, what an awesome experience for a city guy from Columbus, Oh.
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October 24, 2013 - reviewed by Anonymous
Enjoyed the hike around Craig Lake very scenic, with some rolling hills. For the most part the trail was well marked and maintained. Did not think it was that difficult.
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October 28, 2011 - reviewed by Anonymous
This place is beautiful, but very rugged, so be prepared.
