This season the early snows were so sparse that the ski hill didn't open until January 17th - the latest on record. Winter, spring, summer, or fall, Porcupine Mountains Rustic Cabins provide a close-up view of the awesome Porkies the affectionate moniker Yoopers give to this small Michigan range. TIP: Bring bear spray or wear a bear bell when hiking especially when alone or backpacking deep in the woods. You can hop on at the Porcupine Mountains Sports Complex (the ski hill) located half a mile west of the Union Bay Campground along County Road 107. Whether youre traveling with friends, family, or even pets, Vrbo vacation homes have the best amenities for hanging out with the people that matter most, including WiFi and air conditioning. Completely Furnished Call 1-800-447-2757 or see midnrreservations.com . Urban, a park interpreter who leads snowshoe hikes,toldour group of about a dozenthat if the weather were clear, we would be able to see Lake Superior. The yurts are popular, especially on weekends, so reserve early. Camping in the Porkies is an adventure, whether you prefer a forest yurt, rustic cabin, modern RV site, or backcountry camping in the heart of the woods. In the summer you can find trees, lakes, hikers, mountain bikers, birds, bears and mosquitoes. The highlands of the park were created more than a billion years ago during periods of volcanic activity, later being shaped by moving glaciers. While there are plenty of impressive places to experience fall color in Michigan, Porcupine Mountain State Park is one of the best. All Rights Reserved. Mini-cabins can sleep four people on bunk beds and generally cost $35 per night during the winter months. Sipping warm cider I didnt have tohaul in orprepare,next to a fire I didnt have to buildor maintain, as light snow fell beautifully on a lantern-lit trailthose areall the best parts of winter camping without any of the work. We l For those who enjoy winter in the UP and skiing at the Porkies, this is a great place. Historical Museums Photo 4, Rocky shoreline of Lake Superior. 2023 Mountain View Lodges. I had never been to Porcupine Mountains State Park, but Domonick had spent one night out there two summers prior. It's home to a 35,000-acre old-growth forest, roaring waterfalls, miles of rivers and streams, more than 90 miles of hiking trails, a modern and rustic campground, backcountry camping, the Lake Superior shoreline and unrivaled vistas. We soon joined up with the Log CampTrail, an easy cross-country ski trail, and passed the trails warming shelter before making our way to the East Vista, where Urbansaid on a clear day you can see all the way to Ontonagon, about 15 miles east. The lantern-lit ski, snowshoe and hike is held from 6 to 9 p.m. every Saturday in January and February. Contact Us, 2023 Porcupine Mountains and Ontonagon Area Convention & Visitors Bureau. . The yurts are popular, especially on weekends, so reserve early. Atthe top,we followed Urban along the edge of one of theskiruns,thenheadedoff trail and into deep, fresh powder in the woods. Outdoorsmen will appreciate the hunting, fishing, and boating. Road Entry points to the (Pro tip: Always invite friends camping who are better camp cooks than you are.). Skiing & Snowmobiling About a 5-10 mile drive to Porkies where we x-country skied. Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park: Yurt Converts! The image is even more pronounced in the winter with leafless trees popping out of a blanket of white. The Escarpment Trail in Porcupine Mountain State Park is going on our list of favorite hikes in the Midwest. Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park 33303 Headquarters Road, Ontonagon, MI 49953 Visit Website Reservations Contact Map Amenities Accessible Travel + Leaflet What's Nearby Outdoors Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park More Info We use cookies on this site to enhance your user experience. - Ski waxing platform We had everything we needed in the kitchen, little perks like a Keurig and toiletries in case we forgot anything. Camping & Hiking If youre interested in booking a campsite or yurt yourself, visit https://www.midnrreservations.com/. On our first Yurt experience, we spent only 1-night, and we both agreed that this was definitely not enough time. Both yurts are available for rent year-round and are accessible for people with disabilities. tent combo that would last you several years. And this one is no different. When you check in, we will provide all you need to make your vacation one to remember! Porcupine Mountains State Park, established in 1945, is just one of Michigans 103 state parks (Michigan state parks boast 28 million annual visitors!). Enter by April 10. Reservations. Three of the cabins and 4 yurts are open during winter for skiing or snowshoeing. Nice Beachfront Hotel with a Pool and Free Breakfast, 20 CAMPING ACCESSORIES WE CANT CAMP WITHOUT, Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park Map. There are 18 rustic cabins and a few yurts located inside the park. The park is home to 35,000 acres ofold-growthforest one ofthe largest tractsof northern hardwoodsin the Great Lakes region. Most cabins and yurts require a 1 - 4 mile hike to reach and accomodate from 2 to 6 campers. -- If you'd been thinking about planning a trip to Michigan's Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park this winter, better act fast. This looks absolutely beautiful for fall foliage! Four of the parks 18 backcountry cabins are available for rent in the winter, with similar amenities to the yurts. This is a popular trail for birding, hiking, and walking, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day. My three friends and Ihad lucked outon mild, but snowy, weather during our weekend trip. A third choice for state park winter lodging is known as the mini-cabin. The Union Bay West yurt is50 yards past the East yurt. Really appreciate the bench & clothes hooks in the entry. No pit toilets or water. to do that while still enjoying a backcountry experience. These cabins do not have luxurious soft beds, indoor heating, and a shower, but they are a step up from a tent. The fire had died in the middle of the night, but the yurt stayed warmer than a tent would have, and it warmed up quickly after we restarted it. The yurt has a bow saw and ax. Even with snowshoes, we were sinking. 1. We stayed in the Union Bay East yurt. The Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park is 60,000 acres of old-growth timber and trails located on the south shore of Lake Superior in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. This guide will go over the best time to visit, lodging options, must-do hiking trails, the best waterfalls, and frequently asked questions below. No running water or electricity is provided. Only the east side is generator-friendly. The bunk beds have sheet-less mattresses, and I brought a fitted sheet for each of us to put our sleeping bags on. With almost 60,000 acres of forested mountains, woodlands, and waterfalls on the southern brim of Lake Superior, Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park is Michigans largestand wildeststate park. This year we reserved 2-nights with the ambition to see more of the park. Yurts. The Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park is 9 miles away along Lake Superior, offering skiing, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, hiking and waterfalls. Wet snow clung to the trees, which disappeared in a gray mist to the northeast. Since its construction, the cabin has been used as temporary housing by Forest Service rangers while they were . Whereas Colorado has jagged peaks reaching 14,000 feet to the heavens, our Midwest mountains are only 2,000 feet high. If your trip coincides with fall foliage and a weekend, make sure to check out the annual fall color lift ride. Yurt: Four yurts are available.To make a reservation visit www.midnrreservations.com or call 1 . 420 Friendly for 21&up. 9/27/10, 4:15 AM Anonymous said. Known as Copper Country, the area is infused with Mining history, wilderness, wildlife, whitetail deer, and black bear. Campsites and cabins can book up fast over summer and holiday weekends, so reserve at least three months in advance. Later, we would scoot down the bluff to explore the icy shoreline,pocked with ice canoes and other formations. week stay in a cabin could pay for a very nice sleeping bag and Book unique cabins, vacation rentals, and more on Airbnb. We had our sightsset on a less ambitious trek, a 2-mile, guided off-trailsnowshoe hike down the mountain. We followed that back to the ski hill parking area, where we parted ways. See breakdown of pricing on second booking page. One of our most popular camping options. Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall, we offer the true four season vacation experience you deserve. Find Scipio, UT undeveloped land for sale. Other cabins and yurts are a hike in. (906) 885-5275 or (906) 885-5276. The yurts look especially cool. For those looking for deep powder for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing or other winter fun including a weekly lantern-lit ski, snowshoe and hike the Porcupine Mountains do not disappoint. Follow her on Twitter at @chelseylew and@TravelMJS and Facebook at Journal Sentinel Travel. campgrounds of Voyageurs Whether youre heading to the lakeshore in summer or hitting the ski slopes in winter, the Porcupine Mountains Wilderness welcomes adventurers through all four seasons. 906-885-5275 (63) $15/night for 1-6 people Porcupine Mountains Presque Isle-Rustic 800-447-2757 (50) $17 Porcupine Mountains Rustic Cabins 800-447-2757 (19) $68 Porcupine Mountains Union Bay-Modern 800-447-2757 (100) $28 or $20 (off-season . State Route 321. Visit the undisturbed landscape of Michigans Western Upper Peninsula on the largest of the Great Lakes, Lake Superior! It was built in 1914 after a previous structure burned down, and was remodeled by the Civilian Conservation Corps in 1934. Ski area with 14 runs Shovel included! Call1-800-447-2757 or see, Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. A listing of other accommodations bookable through Michigan.gov/dnr can be found here our home-sweet-home is on page 23. Luxurious, indeed. Both snowmobilers and cross country skiers can easily access the mini-cabin at North Higgins Lake State Park and Fort Wilkins State Historic Park. Snowmobiles can be ridden directly to the brand-new camper cabin at Van Riper State Park, which is perched on the shoreline of Lake Michigamme, while the camper cabin at Fort Wilkins Historic State Park is located near a snowmobile trail and cross country ski trails. The Porkies area has so much to offer! Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park - the Porkies | Silver City MI A backcountry camping permit is required. Campsite reservations open six months in advance. The Presque Isle River trail is dog-friendly, but you must keep them on a leash. - Jotul woodstove with wood supplied Author: Karel Hayes Publisher: ISBN: 9780892727506 Size: 34.90 MB Format: PDF, ePub, Mobi View: 1997 Get Book Disclaimer: This site does not store any files on its server.We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Are there bears in the Porcupine Mountains? Discover a selection of 24 vacation rentals in Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park, US that are perfect for your trip. Amazing star gazing and Northern Lights potential! You can check Porkiesfestival.org for details. Its 5.2 miles round-trip and will take you from the highest point in the park to a quiet lake and scenic waterway. Hiking, fishing, and boating are a few of the activities available here. Mild temperaturesoutsidehelped us avoid the freezing cold end of the spectrum. DVD! Carolyn and I had the pleasure to re-visit Porcupine Mountains State Park this past March and do some more winter Yurt Camping. Refrigerator/Microwave/ect If you ever read the words escarpment along with a hiking trail, know its going to be fantastic views. In the summer, she said,dense foliage partially obscures the view, which is why its important to see your favorite places in all seasons there's always something new to see. They cost $68 per night, and entrance to the park for non-residents is$9 per day or $34 for the year. Find the perfect yurt in Michigan, secluded . Also included is a short We carried all the supplies we would need for the trip. The Cabin Up North is a log home nestled on 3.5 acres on the pristine shoreline of Lake Superior with 1000 feet of private beach. Its the only modern campground in the state park with water, electric, flush toilets, and hot showers. Great Lakes beach safety. I would like to receive news, exclusive offers, and fun updates from Hipcamp. Escape from the fast paced, hectic world and discover the quiet, serene wilderness of the Porcupine Mountains From there, it wasless than half a milewalkto the yurt, perched on a small bluff above Lake Superior. Clean & cozy couples cabin close to the Porcupine mountains~Rustic yet modern, Cozy White Pine Home - 10 Mi to Porcupine Mtn, Lots of amenities, close to Lake Superior and Porcupine Mountains. At roughly 60,000 acres, Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park is Michigans largest state park and one of the few remaining large wilderness areas in the Midwest. Katie Urbanpausedat a hillside lookout in the Porcupine Mountains of Michigan's Upper Peninsula. The communication was very appreciated, as well as the welcome basket, the Moon Pies were a hit. video tour of the Fernberg The cabin will remain . Many of our yurts are also found underneath some of the darkest skies in Utah, so don't forget your telescope! iPod. DVD to order! The trail affords a beautiful view of Lake Superior. To Reserve a Cabin Contact Park Headquarters weekdays between 8 AM and 4:30 PM Eastern at (906) 885-5275. The easy stroll will take you to a pier that looks out over the crystal blue water. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Porcupine Mountains State Snowmobilescan cruise up the final6milesup to the overlook, butit would take a super fitsnowshoeror skier to make the 12-mile roundtrip,withmore than600 feet of elevationgain on the way there. It has 2 bedrooms and handy features including a fireplace and towels. We ran out of time to hike this one, but its on our list for the next trip. The rustic cabins at Sleeper State Park do have electricity. Click the iPod to order. Some of the best views are found at the Summit Peak Observation Tower and the Lake of the Clouds, but more than 90 miles of trails also await for hiking, biking, skiing, and snowshoeing, depending on the season. The area getsnearly200 inches of snow every winter,almost guaranteeing white stuff for winter adventures. Mountain View Lodges & Galleryis the newest resort in The Wilds of Michigan! Reservations for Michigan campgrounds, including the yurts, are accepted six months in advance. Discover Lake Superior, scenic trails & more. The home was spotless and very comfortableit met our needs perfectly. The yurts include two sets of bunk beds,. With coveted electrical service and fairly modern toilets, Porcupine Mountains Union Bay Campground keeps it pretty contemporary. Difficulty: Moderate on the way down, Strenuous on the way back up. The best of Michigan's Lake Superior North Country PORCUPINE MOUNTAINS WILDERNESS STATE PARK PORCUPINE MOUNTAINS WILDERNESS STATE PARK 33303 Headquarters Rd. As you stand overlooking the untouched tree-covered land, itll amaze you that such an area still exists in the Midwest. website builders I love to travel all over the world, but Michigan's Upper Peninsula is my most favorite place! This is a great base for touring the area. They must remain quiet and on no more than a six-foot leash. It is the highest point in the park and the observation deck has outstanding views especially in the fall! Visitors should plan to provide their own bedding, cookware and camp stove. more, Reservations for Michigan campgrounds, including the yurts, are accepted six months in advance. Especially in winter when a sturdy wall blocks out a bitter wind a tad better than a tent wall. We also brought our sleeping pads which turned out to be a good move since the mattresses were not soft. The Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park is most popular between May and October when temperatures are comfortable and theres no snow on the ground. Vacation Log Home On Lake Superior - Please contact owner for available dates Silver City, MI, US 8 Guests 3 Bedrooms 2 Bathrooms from USD 299 View Deal 7. With wood-burning stoves andbunkbeds, the Union Bayyurts are a great way to introducebeginnersto winter camping andprovide a touch of luxury for experienced winter warriors. Bottles of beer on a winter "backpacking" trip? Camper cabins also are available in winter at the following state parks with groomed cross country ski trails: Mitchell, Tahquamenon Falls, Port Crescent and Proud Lake. A one Free Wednesday pricing (winter only) is reflected in the AVERAGE PER NIGHT COST (WHICH INCLUDES WEDNESDAY) and is already factored in to the final price. . July and August have mild temperatures in the upper 70s, but near the lake can be much cooler so wear layers. Dates Guests Guests AdultsAges 16 or above ChildrenAges 3-15 Any pets? Backcountry campsites stay open year-round, but road access may be limited through winter. The Big Carp River Trail is a long out and back that begins high on the bluff at the Lake of the Clouds overlook and descends down into the river valley all the way to Lake Superior. During our trek, the winds were high and waves were up. If you havenot visited the Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park in Silver City, Michigan, make this theyear for your Michigan vacation! You can reserve Porcupine Mountains campsites and lodging via the Michigan State Park & Harbor Reservations website. CJ'S Cabin, just a few miles from the beach and the Porkies. Definitely burned off all that mac and cheese! Host was very My family gathered for a long weekend at this beautiful property on the shore of Lake Superior. It's easy to fall in love with backpacking in Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park, affectionately known as the Porkies. Get the amount of space that is right for you, Kick off your hiking boots at these rustic lodgings, Spaces that are more than just a place to sleep. Cool temperatures arrive in early September. Enjoy your exploration around Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park, lovingly nicknamed "The Porkies" by someone who obviously didn't think the park would be self-conscious about its size, psssh. It has 50 rustic sites near the river with vault toilets and hand pumps for water. Aconnector trail links the two Union Bay yurts with the Superior Loop trail, which dumped us onM-107 just east of the entrance to the ski area. It is also nice sometimes to have the flexibility of having a home base and then exploring the surrounding area via snow shoes or trail shoes without having to carry gear. You must supply your own bedding, dishes and cookware. The yurts are equipped with a wood stove with a supply of firewood (there was a small stack in the yurt and a larger pile covered with a tarp a short jaunt away). We stayed at the Porcupine Mountains Union Bay Campground and the hosts made it one of our favorite stays during our van camping trip. Please note that the DNR map mileages are in kilometers, not miles! 2023 Hipcamp, Inc. All rights reserved. These small, one-room cabins are located within established campgrounds and have electricity and heat. Another must-do hike is the Summit Peak Observation Tower. They cost $68 per night, and entrance to the park for non-residents is $9 per day or $34 for the year. The tree roots can be a nuisance trying to level. 2023 Michigan Economic Development Corporation. Reservations can be made by visiting midnrreservations.com or by calling 1-800-44-PARKS (1-800-447-2757). The milk, eggs, pancake mix and waffles were a unique touch and greatly appreciated. Yes, dogs are allowed in the state park, but they may not be left unattended in a vehicle or at the campsite at any time. Clean baths with hot water showers. Hours: May 15 - Oct. 14: Open daily 8 a.m. - 8 p.m. EST Oct. 15 - May 14: Closed for the season Recreation Passport required for entry It's around 8 miles from Ontonagon. Click here to read more about Porcupine Mountains Backpacking. Heat is provided from a propane furnace or woodstove, but yurts do not have electricity. A trip to Michigans Upper Peninsula is not complete without a visit to Porcupine Mountain State Park. Winter brings snow, XC skiers, snow, alpine skiers, snow, snowshoers, ice, and snow. Our subscribers make this reporting possible. After our jaunt, Domonick made us a gourmet backpacker dinner of macaroni and cheese! In the Union Bay campground, there's also a new tiny house that sleeps four and has a kitchen, electricity and heat. When results are available, navigate with up and down arrow keys or explore by touch or swipe gestures. Plus, itwas a more luxurioustrip thanmy past backpacking adventures there, thanks to a yurt we had rented. Besides the wilderness campsites (first come first served) there are also cabins, and a few yurts . . Cable TV & VCR/DVD The Porcupine Mountains Ski Area normally receives 140 to 200 inches of snow a year. The park provides woodfor the yurts stoves, but youmustcollectdowned wood if you want afire outside. The Lake of the Clouds viewing area is also accessible. Sign up for our mailing list to get updates on trip availability and blog posts. All except one require a bit of hiking (1 4 miles) to get to them. Mountain View Lodges offers close proximity to numerous hiking trails, abundant waterfalls, shops, museums and historic sites, Ontonagon County is where history comes to life. Porcupine Cabin. Hipcamp is created with and hope for our future. - Sauna Porcupine Mountains Backcountry Wilderness Yurts Detail Porcupine Mountains Backcountry Wilderness Yurts Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park Phone 800-447-2757 Recreation Passport Required Camp Sites/Fees (4) Overview Map Events Make a Reservation About the Area Seasonal road updates Park roads close Dec. 1 through late spring. Learn more about camping here. Guide to camping at Porcupine Mountain State Park, pictures, maps, descriptions, and links to camping and interesting things to see and do in the Porkies. The park boasts many popular natural attractions, including Lake of the Clouds (with an accessible viewing area), the scenic Presque Isle River corridor.