Craig Lake State Park is the most remote in Michigan's state park system, spanning more than 9,700 acres in Baraga and Marquette counties. The park is home to hike-in backcountry campsites (reservations only), yurts, rustic cabins, many miles of trail, including the North Country Trail, six lakes, and a variety of wildlife. Visitors may be lucky enough to see the elusive moose that spend their spring, summer and fall seasons within the park.
The park boasts six lakes, three named after Miller Brewing Company heirs. Numerous smaller ponds and wildlife like deer, bears, beavers, loons, and moose call it home. Craig Lake is 374 acres and features six islands and high granite bluffs along its northern shoreline. In keeping with the Miller theme, a nearby lake located northwest of the park is named High Life Lake.
In 2022, the U.P. Land Conservancy gifted nearly 1,300 acres of pristine highlands wilderness to the park, which includes three parcels that made up the conservancy's Peshekee Headwaters Nature Preserve along the eastern edge of the park.
The park's rugged and natural beauty can make access into the park somewhat challenging. Vehicles with high-ground clearance and four-wheel drive are strongly recommended due to the rocky conditions of the road. Park coordinates are 46.539928, -88.135487. The park is located one mile west of Michigamme. Follow signs on Craig Lake Road for 8 miles.
There is an accessible boating access site on Keewaydin Lake.
There are great fishing opportunities in the park’s six lakes. Please keep in mind that Craig Lake has special fishing regulations. Please check the Michigan Fishing Guide.
Hunting is allowed in the state park; however, you should call this park directly to inquire about any special rules, concerns or considerations.
Metal detecting is allowed in certain park areas. Please consult the park map for designated locations and review applicable regulations. Only registered campers can metal detect in campgrounds.
Paddling is a popular activity on the park’s six lakes. There is an undeveloped canoe launch on Craig Lake near the park entrance. You can portage (carry) from Craig Lake to both Clair and Crooked lakes.
Pets are allowed along any of the park’s shoreline. Pets must always be on a 6-foot leash and under an owner’s immediate control. All pet waste must be properly disposed of in trash receptacles.
The Teddy Lake Yurt and Small Rustic Cabin are pet friendly. There is an additional fee of $10 per night/pet/cabin. Up to two pets (cats and dogs only) are allowed.
Snowmobile Trail No. 8 crosses through the park.
Craig Lake is home to the 374-acre Craig Lake, Keewaydin Lake (the only lake in the park that allows motorized boating) and four other inland lakes.
There are 22 designated backcountry campsites in Craig Lake State Park. The shortest hike to a reservation-only campsite is .2 miles, and the longest hike is 6-7 miles. Backcountry campsites are reservation-only sites.
Campsites are numbered and have a fire ring. The maximum number of campers per site is six. Bear bags must be suspended at least 12 feet above the ground and far enough from the tree to prevent an animal from reaching or jumping on it.
You must check-in for your campsite and obtain your camper pass at Van Riper State Park. Please check-in at the campground office, not at park headquarters.
The park's snow season typically takes place between Nov. 1-May 15. The roads are not maintained during this time and all roads into the park are impassable to vehicles.
22
Secluded in the dense forest surrounding Keewaydin Lake, the 20-foot-diameter yurt sleeps six people and is outfitted with two bunk beds (one set of twin bunks, one set of full bunks), an armoire, tables and chairs and a woodstove (for heat) with a cooktop. Running water and electricity are not available, but a vault toilet is located nearby.
A canoe is provided for yurt guests. Two paddles and two adult-sized life jackets are also provided mid-May to mid-October. Canoes are not available in the winter months.
Firewood is provided Sept. 15 to June 1 for the indoor woodstove only.
Guests must bring their own linens, towels and cookware.
Guess can bring their own water, or they can filter water from the lake.
From November to mid-May, all roads into the park are impassable by vehicles. The yurt is located 4.8 miles (one-way) from the closest plowed parking lot and is only accessible via hiking, snowshoeing, skiing or snowmobiling. Please be prepared for ALL possible scenarios. We do not recommend that you attempt this trek at dusk. Cell phone coverage is limited to non-existent throughout the entire park.
1
Secluded in the dense forest surrounding Teddy Lake, the 16-foot-diameter yurt sleeps four people and is outfitted with bunk beds, mattresses and a wood stove. Running water and electricity are not provided, but a vault toilet is located nearby.
The yurt is pet friendly. There is an additional fee of $10 per night/pet/cabin. Up to two pets (cats and dogs only) are allowed.
A canoe is provided for yurt guests. Two paddles and two adult-sized life jackets are also provided mid-May to mid-October. Canoes are not available in the winter months.
Firewood is provided Sept. 15 to June 1 for the indoor woodstove only.
Guests must bring their own linens, towels and cookware.
Guess can bring their own water or they can filter water from the lake.
From November to mid-May, all roads into the park are impassable by vehicles. The yurt is located 4.8 miles (one-way) from the closest plowed parking lot and is only accessible via hiking, snowshoeing, skiing or snowmobiling. Please be prepared for ALL possible scenarios. We do not recommend that you attempt this trek at dusk. Cell phone coverage is limited to non-existent throughout the entire park.
1
These historic cabins - often referred to as the Old Miller cabins - require a 2-mile hike along the Main Trail.
Large cabin: accommodates 14 people
The cabin features a stone fireplace and woodstove that has a cooktop. There are three bedrooms that include a total of four sets of twin bunks, two futon couches, a kitchen and dining table, and chairs. There is wood provided for indoor heating and cooking Sept. 15 to June 1.
There are two canoes available for guests and available at the cabin.
There is no electricity or running water, but there is hand pump that has potable water.
Guests must bring their own linens, towels and cookware.
Small cabin: accommodates eight people
The small cabin is pet friendly. There is an additional fee of $10 per night/pet/cabin. Up to two pets (cats and dogs only) are allowed.
The cabin is equipped with a woodstove for heat, one large bedroom with three log bunk beds and one full-size log bed, a kitchen counter, and table and chairs. There is wood provided for indoor heating and cooking Sept. 15 to June 1.
There are two canoes available for guests and available at the cabin.
There is no electricity or running water, but there is hand pump for potable water.
Guests must bring their own linens, towels and cookware.
2
While there aren't any upcoming park events listed at this time, you can check out the DNR's calendar of events.
The park also offers weekly nature programs not listed in the online calendar.
