Craig Lake State Park - Champion, MI

Attraction: Craig Lake State Park
Location: 851 County Road AKE, Champion, MI 49814
Industry: State Park
Website: https://www.michigan.gov/recsearch/parks/craiglake

Adventure begins before you even reach Craig Lake State Park – Michigan’s most remote wilderness destination that spans over 9,700 acres of pristine Upper Peninsula backcountry.

This extraordinary park offers an authentic wilderness experience that feels worlds away from civilization, complete with six pristine lakes, historic cabins, and the chance to spot Michigan’s elusive moose population in their natural habitat.

What makes Craig Lake truly special is its fascinating history as the former private retreat of Frederick Miller, president of Miller Brewing Company.

Miller built rustic cabins in the 1940s that are still available for rent today, and he named three of the park’s most beautiful lakes – Craig, Claire, and Teddy – after his beloved children.

The park became public land in 1956, but it has retained that exclusive, untouched feeling that made it Miller’s perfect wilderness escape.

Wilderness Activities & Adventures

Lake Exploration: You’ll discover six stunning lakes perfect for paddling adventures, with Craig Lake itself covering 374 acres and featuring dramatic granite bluffs and six scenic islands. Keewaydin Lake stands out as the only lake allowing motorized boats, while the others offer peaceful canoe and kayak experiences with crystal-clear waters reflecting the surrounding wilderness.

Fishing Paradise: The fishing here is exceptional, with each lake offering different species and experiences. You’ll find excellent smallmouth bass fishing at Clair Lake, though you’ll need to portage about half a mile uphill to reach this first-class fishery. Craig Lake and the other waters hold northern pike, walleye, crappie, and the occasional musky. Special artificial lure regulations apply, making the fishing experience both challenging and rewarding.

Hiking the North Country Trail: The park features rugged hiking opportunities including an eight-mile loop around Craig Lake that showcases spectacular wilderness scenery and wildlife viewing opportunities. A 7.5-mile section of the famous North Country National Scenic Trail cuts through the park, offering some of the most challenging and beautiful terrain in Michigan’s trail system.

Wildlife Watching: You’ll have incredible opportunities to spot Michigan’s diverse wildlife, including the park’s famous moose population that spends spring through fall seasons here. Loons, bald eagles, black bears, beavers, and white-tailed deer are commonly seen, making every visit feel like a nature documentary come to life.

Backcountry Camping: The park offers 22 designated backcountry campsites accessible only by hiking or paddling, ranging from a short 0.2-mile walk to epic 6-7 mile adventures into the deep wilderness. Each site provides a fire ring and an authentic backcountry experience where you’ll fall asleep to loon calls and wake up to mist rolling off pristine lake waters.

Race To Stop A Nuclear Meltdown Or Solve A Murder Mystery At Michigan Escape Games In Davison

Discover More

Historic Accommodations & Atmosphere

Miller’s Historic Cabins: You can stay in the same rustic cabins that Frederick Miller built for his family retreats, requiring a two-mile hike through the woods to reach these historic gems. The larger cabin sleeps up to 14 people and features a stone fireplace, woodstove with cooktop, and three bedrooms, while the smaller cabin accommodates six guests. Both come with hand-pump water, vault toilets, and that authentic wilderness cabin experience with no electricity.

Yurt & Modern Options: The park offers a unique yurt at Teddy Lake that requires a quarter-mile hike in summer but becomes a 3.5-mile snowshoe or ski adventure in winter. These circular tent-like structures provide a comfortable middle ground between tent camping and cabin stays, sleeping five to seven adults with modern amenities.

Pristine Wilderness Setting: The atmosphere here is pure Upper Peninsula wilderness – dense forests, granite outcroppings, and that profound silence you can only find in truly remote places. You’ll experience the magic of morning mist rising from mirror-like lakes, the haunting call of loons echoing across the water, and nights so dark the stars seem close enough to touch.

Planning Your Adventure

Access Challenge: Getting to Craig Lake is an adventure itself, requiring a 6-8 mile drive on rough dirt roads with potholes, rocks, and washouts. The Michigan DNR strongly recommends high-clearance vehicles and four-wheel drive, though some visitors have successfully made it in regular cars by driving very slowly and carefully. This challenging access is what keeps the park truly remote and special.

Pricing & Passes: You’ll need a Michigan Recreation Passport for vehicle entry, which costs $11 for residents when purchased at the park or $16 for the annual version. Non-residents pay $9 for daily entrance. Backcountry camping fees are $15 per night, while the historic cabins rent for reasonable rates considering their unique character and location.

Best Times to Visit: Summer months from June through August offer the warmest weather and full park accessibility, though you’ll find fewer crowds in early spring and fall. Winter transforms the park into a snowy wonderland accessible by snowmobile, cross-country skiing, or snowshoeing, but road access becomes impossible from November through May.

Essential Preparations: Come prepared for a true wilderness experience – bring your own food, water purification, camping gear, and bear-safe food storage. Cell phone service is nonexistent, so download maps and let others know your plans. The nearest facilities are at Van Riper State Park where you’ll check in for camping reservations.

Craig Lake State Park
📍 851 County Road AKE, Champion, MI 49814