Explore Craig Lake State Park in MI

Craig Lake State Park spans more than 6900 acres in eastern Baraga County. According to the DNR, Craig Lake State Park is considered the most remote state park in Michigan. It is a wilderness area, and access to the park itself can be adventurous. The park contains six full lakes and numerous ponds. Wildlife abounds within the park, and deer, bear, beaver, loons, and moose may be seen. Craig Lake is 374 acres and features six islands and high granite bluffs along its northern shore.

Hiking Around the Park

Craig Lake State Park offers some of the most rugged trails in Michigan. An 8-mile trail loops around Craig Lake and provides opportunities to view wildlife, fauna, and the lakeshore. A 7.5-mile section of the North Country Trail runs through the park and covers some rough terrain, and the 8-mile loop around Craig Lake covers a portion of the North Country Trail. The North Country Trail, conceived in the mid-1960s, runs 3200 miles in length, linking New York’s Adirondack Mountains with the Missouri River in North Dakota. Today nearly half of the trail is open for public use.

Check Out Keewaydin Lake

Keewaydin Lake is a very secluded lake within the park with a narrow winding firm dirt road leading in. A cement ramp and loading dock make for easy access to this beautiful little lake. There are a vault toilet, picnic table, and fire pit with plenty of parking area. Pike, Musky, walleye, and panfish inhabit the waters of Keewaydin Lake. This is the only lake in the park that allows for motorized boats. All other lakes within the park do not allow motorized boats. Canoes are suggested. For fishing, the lake artificial lures only. Artificial lures are construed to include any form of commonly accepted fishing lure. No live, dead, preserved bait or organic food substance of any type may be used or possessed. These exceptions to the general regulations apply to Craig Lake State Park water: Clair, Crooked, Craig, Keewaydin, Nelligan, Teddy, and Thomas Lakes.

Camping at the Park

While camping is allowed in the park, there are no designated campgrounds. Camps are required to be 150 ft minimum from the water’s edge. A fee of $9.00 for rustic camping applies; use the self-registration drop pipe at the entrance to the trail system or check at the park headquarters for payment. Remember when camping out that you take great care to secure your backpacks at night to discourage any interested bear from feeding on your food. Park officials encourage that when camping, hang all food and valuable items on a rope between two trees at least 25-30 ft above the ground and at least 100 ft away from your camp. Do not feed the bears, and do not cook food inside your tent.

Lodging at the Park

A three-bedroom lodge and a six-bunk cabin built by Fred Miller of the Miller Brewing Company are excellent for small and large groups. A two-mile hike from the parking area, the cabins are in the middle of the woods. There is no electricity, but the cabins have a hand pump for water, a vault toilet, a cooking grill, and a fire ring. Firewood for heat is provided by the park staff. The smaller cabin sleeps six, and the larger cabin sleeps 14. Cabins are open, weather permitting, from May 15 to October 15.

Entrance Fees to the Park

Michigan Resident Vehicle Passport When Purchased: with Annual Plate Renewal via Secretary of State $11 at State Parks (Valid Until Next Vehicle Registration) $16

Michigan Resident Motorcycle Passport When Purchased: with Annual Plate Renewal via Secretary of State $ 6 at State Parks (Valid Until Next Vehicle Registration) $11

Non-Resident Annual Pass $33

Non-Resident Daily Pass $  9

Camping Rates

Backcountry Campsite
$15 per night

Large Rustic Cabin
$90 per night

Small Rustic Cabin
$68 per night

Keewaydin Lake Yurt
$68 per night

Teddy Lake Yurt
$68 per night

*Please Note: Pricing is Subject to Change at Any Time.

To Reserve Your Stay

Backcountry campsites at Craig Lake State Park are available on a first-come first-serve basis. Advance reservations for overnight lodging or day-use shelters can be made up to one year in advance. Reservations can be made 24/7 by visiting www.midnrreservations.com or Mon-Fri: 8am–8pm, or Sat-Sun: 9am–5pm by calling 1-800-44PARKS (1-800-447-2757).

Craig Lake State Park Gallery

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More Information

Log on to: www.michigan.gov/craiglake

Write: Craig Lake State Park
851 County Road Ake • Champion, MI 49841

Call: (906) 339-4461

Twitter: @craiglakestpk • Facebook: CraigLakeSP