*The Sunday of Memorial Day and Labor Day weekends is subject to the weekend rate. They've become popular for recreational purposes in the United States in the past few decades, especially in the Midwest where harsh weather calls for protection from the elements. ]more. Sitting in a real chair, playing a game of cards by lantern lightwhile a wood-burning stove kept the yurt warm enough for some of us to don T-shirts, then snuggling into a sleeping bag to sleep comfortably on a bedwith a mattress (and a sleeping pad for extra comfort). Or take in the vista of the shoreline from one of the kayaks available to guests. I had never been to Porcupine Mountains State Park, but Domonick had spent one night out there two summers prior. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Located on 100 acres of natural splendor with scenic views of the mountains and the countryside in the heart of the Pocono Mountains, Chestnut Lake . - Ski in/out on Wolverine Trails The parks Visitor Center is closed in the winter, so you must check in at the Park Headquarters,33303 Headquarters Road, Ontonagon, Mich., which is open 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily (note that its in the eastern time zone) and is about 340 miles north of Milwaukee. Youll take various boardwalks along the ridgeline where youll see Lake of the Clouds snuggled amid a valley of trees in one direction. I havent been to the Upper Peninsula part of Michigan yet, but it looks dreamy. With 60,000 acres of old-growth forest, snaking rivers, spectacular vistas, and picturesque waterfalls, the Porkies will impress the most avid traveler. One of the rustic cabins in the Porcupine Mountains - Hard to believe this runs $68.00 a night. The trail affords a beautiful view of Lake Superior. This is a pet-friendly accommodation! TIP: Bring bear spray or wear a bear bell when hiking especially when alone or backpacking deep in the woods. The Porkies area has so much to offer! Park. Sylvania Wilderness and Really appreciate the bench & clothes hooks in the entry. They must remain quiet and on no more than a six-foot leash. 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. E is . Road Entry points to the Wildlife enthusiasts like that the vicinity hosts a large black . A second alternative for cozy accommodations in winter are the camper cabins. We hiked a few miles of it, before turning around and plan to hit this one in its entirety on a separate trip. It is the highest point in the park and the observation deck has outstanding views especially in the fall! There are 18 rustic cabins and a few yurts located inside the park. Would highly recommend. The coffee percolator took evenlonger, soIfired upmybackpacking stoveand camping French pressfor a quicker jolt. This is a great base for touring the area. Welcome to the Michigan DNR's official Facebook page for the. We camped at Porcupine Mountains - Union Bay Modern Campground in a Fifth Wheel. The Majestic Treehouse in Walhalla, SC. Please note that the DNR map mileages are in kilometers, not miles! Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park also offers rustic yurts. Discover a selection of 24 vacation rentals in Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park, US that are perfect for your trip. Its the only modern campground in the state park with water, electric, flush toilets, and hot showers. The yurts are popular, especially on weekends, so reserve early. Reservations and more information can be found at. Renters should bring their own bedding, cookware, flashlights and cookstove. The campground hosts had hot chocolate, coffee, donuts, and homemade cookies every morning under a tent which was MUCH appreciated on our rainy days! Are the Porcupine Mountains real mountains? It had everything our family needed, and I appreciated not having to bring toilet paper, shampoo, dish soap or dishwasher detergent. Luxurious, indeed. Heat is provided from a propane furnace or woodstove, but yurts do not have electricity. Fax (906) 885-5798. Do not miss waterfall chasing when you are in the Porkies. Ontonagon County has more than 100 waterfalls, many that are beautiful year-round. What I like most about Porcupine Mountain State Park is that you can enjoy the beauty of the area whether you are limited on time or have all the time in the world. Box 1, Ontonagon, Michigan 49953 Loved having the 3 bathrooms as our group consisted of myself, my husband and 4 additional guys plus our dog. Whether spring cooperates or not, we've got outdoor activities aplenty in March. This season the early snows were so sparse that the ski hill didn't open until January 17th - the latest on record. DOWNLOAD THE APP: Get the latest news, sports and Cool temperatures arrive in early September. Enter by April 10. Wood for an outside fire must be collected from down sources. Check out this 16.3-mile out-and-back trail near White Pine, Michigan. Each outfitted with a metal ring, but with no other amenities. Because of its hilly topography, 35,000 acres of the park weren't. These three parks, along with Fayette State Historic Park and Proud Lake State Park, also offer groomed networks of cross country ski trails adjacent to or near the modern lodges. Yurts offer visitors both a unique and comfortable experience. Soon the terrain began to flatten, and we joined theNonesuch Trail, rated as an intermediate cross-country ski trail. Wet snow clung to the trees, which disappeared in a gray mist to the northeast. Unique inns, bed-and-breakfasts and VRBO experiences combined with top-notch quality hotels like Holiday Inn Express, Hampton Inn and Comfort Inn and Suites along with some great cabin and yurt . This is one of my favorite places to stay in the upper peninsula of Michigan. - Ski waxing platform The park provides woodfor the yurts stoves, but youmustcollectdowned wood if you want afire outside. Cookware is available at Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park. Before it got dark, we foraged in the nearby woods for campfire wood. The park is home to 35,000 acres ofold-growthforest one ofthe largest tractsof northern hardwoodsin the Great Lakes region. Depending on the time of year-black flies. You can also call1-800-447-2757 24 hours before you arrive to get the combination code for your yurt. Do this early, some cabins are reserved up to a year ahead. 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. 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. Mini-cabins can sleep four people on bunk beds and generally cost $35 per night during the winter months. Depending on the season, you can hike, swim, canoe, or ski in this beautiful area in Michigan. The parks developed campgrounds are open from May through October, with first-come, first-served camping only in November. Photo 5, Photo Courtesy @shelbydiamondstar Photo 7, Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park. We stayed at the Porcupine Mountains Union Bay Campground and the hosts made it one of our favorite stays during our van camping trip. Its a good hike to get inside the park. The leaves were just starting to change on our visit and it was raining, yet it is another favorite. On March 25, you can step into spring with Porcupine Pat at Sweet Arrow Lake. It really is a wonderful area to explore all seasons but we love fall!! Tracy Ridge. The views kept getting better and better as we continued on the high rocky cliffside. The Porcupine Mountains Ski Area normally receives 140 to 200 inches of snow a year. Sunsets are phenomenol and is really pretty location and Park is super cool check it out The host, Sally, is awesome to work with and communication was quick and helpful. 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). Ontonagon, Michigan 49953 Phone: 906-885-5275 Reservations: 800-447-2757 Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park is 15 miles west of Ontonagon in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. Potential renters should check with the individual park for the included amenities and prices. Sign up for the Porcupine Mountains E-newsletter! Porcupine Mountains: Deer Yard & Superior Loop Buy the $.99 downloadable map! They cost $68 per night, and entrance to the park for non-residents is$9 per day or $34 for the year. The two-bedroom cabins boast fully equipped kitchens,screen porches, BBQ grills, CATV, phones, and WIFI. The cabin will remain . Since its construction, the cabin has been used as temporary housing by Forest Service rangers while they were . Hoeft, Ludington, McLain, Muskegon, Port Crescent and Sleeper. Are dogs allowed in Porcupine Mountains State Park? While there are plenty of impressive places to experience fall color in Michigan, Porcupine Mountain State Park is one of the best. Find the perfect yurt in Michigan, secluded . A one Sign up for our Travel newsletter for ideas on things to do around Wisconsin and the Midwest delivered to your inbox. Porcupine Mountains State Park, established in 1945, is just one of Michigan's 103 state parks (Michigan state parks boast 28 million annual visitors!). Waters Canoe Area, the Known as Copper Country, the area is infused with Mining history, wilderness, wildlife, whitetail deer, and black bear. From 22 house rentals to 9 cabin rentals, find the best place to stay with your family and friends to discover the Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park area. Follow along the east and west sides of the Presque Isle River to pass a series of cascading waterfalls: Manabezo Falls, Manido Falls, and Nawadaha Falls. This is a popular trail for birding, hiking, and walking, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day. All Hosts should review and adhere to these standards around providing a positive Hipcamp experience, being a thoughtful neighbor, and serving as a responsible citizen. website builders Rejoice in the solitary snowy splendor that is the Porcupine Mountains this winter. Photo 4, Rocky shoreline of Lake Superior. -- FEATURES -- PORCUPINE MOUNTAINS WILDERNESS STATE PARK PORCUPINE MOUNTAINS WILDERNESS STATE PARK 33303 Headquarters Rd. Seems a bit steep for no electricity, water or showers. But they are a group of small mountains nonetheless and in a section of one of the oldest mountain chains in the world. With more than 90 trails, there are many options to get out and explore. A trip to Michigans Upper Peninsula is not complete without a visit to Porcupine Mountain State Park. We stayed in the Union Bay East yurt. Hotels, resorts and cabins | Porcupine Mountains lodging information STAY IN THE LOOP Sign up for the Porcupine Mountains E-newsletter! It's easy to fall in love with backpacking in Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park, affectionately known as the Porkies. Shewas right. Alsoluxurious? After our jaunt, Domonick made us a gourmet backpacker dinner of macaroni and cheese! The Porkies hug the southern shore of Lake Superior in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. This beautiful log cabin has 3 bedrooms and two baths and [. Why Visit?Listen to the Wilds of Michigan. Contact Chelsey Lewis atclewis@journalsentinel.com. The yurt has a bow saw and ax. Cancellation policies will be enforced. Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall, we offer the true four season vacation experience you deserve. The Porkies are laced with almost 110 miles of trails that wind past cascades, streams full of brook trout, 63 backcountry campsites, 18 walk-in cabins and yurts and a nearly endless number of panoramic views that rival anything seen south of the Mackinac Bridge. We had everything we needed in the kitchen, little perks like a Keurig and toiletries in case we forgot anything. July and August have mild temperatures in the upper 70s, but near the lake can be much cooler so wear layers. week stay in a cabin could pay for a very nice sleeping bag and But firstwe took in our cozy abode for the weekend. Details: WebHome Porcupine Mountains Yurt Camping: Part 2. Winter visitors to Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park will find ski trails that are groomed and track set for skiers, and snowmobiles are allowed on designated trails in the park. The roof of the structure was blown off during the July 21 windstorm. Cell phone service may be patchy, but the Visitor Center has wifi. The 12th annual Porcupine Mountains Music Festival will take place on Aug 26-28, 2016 where top notch performers from all over the country and abroad will be there. Whereas Colorado has jagged peaks reaching 14,000 feet to the heavens, our Midwest mountains are only 2,000 feet high. We will receive a commission at no additional charge to you if you book through our link. Only the east side is generator-friendly. Park facilities include a Visitor Center, restrooms, and picnic areas. The tree roots can be a nuisance trying to level. 2023 Michigan Economic Development Corporation. Our universal files play on any computer or video Reservations. With coveted electrical service and fairly modern toilets, Porcupine Mountains Union Bay Campground keeps it pretty contemporary. 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. The yurts are popular, especially on weekends, so reserve early. The yurts can sleep four people and are equipped with bunk beds, mattresses, a wood stove, fire circle, cookware, utensils, and an outhouse. 1 Bathroom (234) Cozy White Pine Home - 10 Mi to Porcupine Mtn That road provides access to the Lake of the Clouds overlook in warm-weather months, but its only plowed to the ski area in winter. Camping & Hiking The winter yurt and cabin reservations fill up really fast, so the only . The house was very well appointed and very well stocked. Learn more about camping here. Ontonagon, MI 49953. These small, one-room cabins are located within established campgrounds and have electricity and heat. Visit the undisturbed landscape of Michigans Western Upper Peninsula on the largest of the Great Lakes, Lake Superior! We're David & Angela (Dang), a married couple obsessed with travel. The cabins are equipped with standard furniture including a wood stove, bunk beds, mattresses, tables, chairs, cookware, utensils, and an outhouse. In my world, thats luxury, andif I wantedto introduce someone to winter camping,our weekend yurt adventureis how I would do it. Winter brings snow, XC skiers, snow, alpine skiers, snow, snowshoers, ice, and snow. Porcupine Mountains Loop. In the winter, when the parks black bears are hibernating, you can cook inside the yurt. The region receives more than 200 inches of snow annually, so there are plenty of ways to get out and play, whether you're swooshing down a scenic ski hill or snowshoeing through the silent, serene trails of the Porcupine Mountains Continue reading "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. Check your inbox or spam folder to confirm your subscription. You can choose from backcountry sites, rustic cabins, wilderness yurts, and the Kaug Wudjoo Modern Lodge. There was no electricity (bring a head lamp!) . Difficulty: Moderate on the way down, Strenuous on the way back up. Urban pointed outironwood trees,white cedars and hemlocks. Call1-800-447-2757 or see, Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. Required fields are marked *. Reservations for Michigan campgrounds, including the yurts, are accepted six months in advance.