Campground Recommendations

[djoyner]

I am planning my first roadtrip of the year and I need some route advice/recommendations.

I will be traveling from Virginia to Mackinaw City then through Wisconsin, Minnesota to Fargo via US Route 2. On the way back home, I will be going through Nebraska, Iowa, Illinois and Kentucky.

I plan to pull my Tear (with my bike) and stay at state/national parks and campgrounds along the route.

For those of you who live/have traveled this route, any suggestions on campgrounds, state/national parks would be most appreciated.

Here is a link to my proposed route in Mapquest:



Thanks.

[Vedette]

Great looking Route.
Draw a line from your Iawo line to Detroit and you will and you will have the northern part of our trip last Summer.
If you are at all into cars... make sure you get over to Kalamazoo Mi. and go to the Gillmore Museum. or The Henry Ford MNuseum in Dearborn.
We enjoyed the Upper Penninsula of Michigan.
But I hate to say There was not much out there to see.....came back west disappointed.
Noticed from your map you have not been to the Northwest?
I know you are a long ways away! But you might want to put those white States on you "Bucket List" (plus B.C.)
Some of the prettiest country you will ever see.
Not that I am doing a tourism promotion here.....just trying to help you out!!

[djoyner]

Great looking Route.
Draw a line from your Iawo line to Detroit and you will and you will have the northern part of our trip last Summer.
If you are at all into cars... make sure you get over to Kalamazoo Mi. and go to the Gillmore Museum. or The Henry Ford MNuseum in Dearborn.
We enjoyed the Upper Penninsula of Michigan.
But I hate to say There was not much out there to see.....came back west disappointed.
Noticed from your map you have not been to the Northwest?
I know you are a long ways away! But you might want to put those white States on you "Bucket List" (plus B.C.)
Some of the prettiest country you will ever see.
Not that I am doing a tourism promotion here.....just trying to help you out!!

Thanks Vedette. I love cars (especially classics) almost as much as I love old motorcycles!

Speaking of the Northwest, it is on my Bucket List for 2014 (maybe even this year). The primary purpose of building my Tear was to travel to and camp in Yellowstone, Yosemite, and Glacier NP. I also plan to travel through Oregon, Washington and Idaho to complete my map.

It is a long trip to the 'Great Northwest; and I plan to make this a 3 or 4 week trip at a minimum. I've ridden my motorcycle(s) to all of the states on my map (and to the Quebec and Ontario provinces). I've been told by several folks that you haven't lived until you've ridden the Pacific Coast Highway and other areas of the northwest.

[GerryS]

For the mackinaw area, I highly recommend Mill Creek Campground. Make a reservation early, and you'll want to get a spot by the lake, near the pool/showers.

The campground is a regular place for us now....we've been there twice, and a looking forward to going there again next summer. They do have a view of the bridge, and all the usual amenities.

For your southern indiana swing, Clifty falls state park is awesome. Although a little off your proposed path....

[Verna]

Turkey Run State Park in west-central Indiana (south of Crawfordsville, IN) is an excellent park. Lots of rolling hills, lots of trees, lots to do in the area around the park.

I agree with Gerry about Clifty Falls State Park in Southeastern Indiana (across the Ohio River from Louisville, KY). The sites are large, there's lots of wildlife, clean restrooms, rolling hills, and do try to see the water falls in the park.

[djoyner]

For the mackinaw area, I highly recommend Mill Creek Campground. Make a reservation early, and you'll want to get a spot by the lake, near the pool/showers.
The campground is a regular place for us now....we've been there twice, and a looking forward to going there again next summer. They do have a view of the bridge, and all the usual amenities.
For your southern indiana swing, Clifty falls state park is awesome. Although a little off your proposed path....

Thanks Gerry. I will take your advice and make a reservation at Mill Creek. I looked at their website and it looks like a nice place in a good location.

Turkey Run State Park in west-central Indiana (south of Crawfordsville, IN) is an excellent park. Lots of rolling hills, lots of trees, lots to do in the area around the park.
I agree with Gerry about Clifty Falls State Park in Southeastern Indiana (across the Ohio River from Louisville, KY). The sites are large, there's lots of wildlife, clean restrooms, rolling hills, and do try to see the water falls in the park.

Thanks Verna. I may consider modifying my route a bit to include either Turkey Run or Clifty Falls state park.

[Roly Nelson]

I've traveled most of that route in my motorhome, some years ago, during our lighthouse tour. If you have a bit of extra time, and you are interested, swing north from Duluth and visit the most photographed lighthouse in the nation, situated high on a cliff on the Superior West shore. It's called the Split Rock LH, look it up. My experience in cross country travel is a bit different from most. I inquire with the locals to see where we should camp, since my schedule was such that we never knew how far we would travel in a day. (the beautiful part of being retired). Good luck.
Roly

[Backroads4me]

If you're looking for a more primitive, quiet, and way out in the middle of nowhere-ness atmosphere, Courtney Lake campground in the upper penn. of Michigan would fit the bill. It's located south of Highway 38, maybe 5+ miles or so east of the tiny town of Mass City (a few small businesses and a BP gas station/store), and is in the Ottawa National Forest. Bob has stayed there numerous times in the past (while mineral collecting in the area) and doesn't remember a time when it was ever full. He and I were there a couple of years ago, on Labor Day weekend and of the 22 sites, maybe 6 besides our's were occupied.

From Highway 38 to the campground, it's gravel road. No electric hookups. Basic pit toilets. Apparently doesn't appeal to the really big RV's as Bob can't remember ever seeing one there. Nice trail around the crystal clear lake, big swimming beach. We really enjoyed the blissful solitude and quiet!

There's quite a few remote, primitive campgrounds scattered around the Ottawa NF, you're allowed to boondock in it too.

Quick link to the Courtney Lake website: http://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/ottawa/r ... ecid=12325

[pete42]

you said you wanted to stay at state parks one such park is straits sp just over the mackinaw bridge turn right toward St Ignace.
park over looks the mackinaw bridge and the straits very nice I've stayed there several times.
from St Ignace you can take the water ferry over to Makinac island loads of stuff to do and no cars allowed only horses and bikes.http://www.mackinacisland.org
the west side of mich. has loads of stuff from sand dunes,to Florida like beaches so don't stay on the interstate all the time head over to the west side then up to mackinaw east side sucks.
pete

[Bogo]

From D to E on your map, go along the northern roads on the UP of Michigan, hug the Superior shore line. There are lots of places along there and in Wisconsin. I'm more familiar with the campgrounds in Vilas County WI as I went to them lots as a kid. We loved the peace and quiet of the campgrounds at Crystal Lake, but then Better Homes and Gardens named it one of the 20 best campgrounds... After that it was hard to find a spot. We also camped allot at the Lake Muskellunge campground. Of course that was over 40 years ago... So things may have changed since then.

You'll be close to the North Shore of Lake Superior. I think it would be more fun to head up along the coast from Duluth, MN to Grand Marais, MN, and then backtrack a bit and go west to Ely, MN. From Ely, head up to International Falls, MN. If you go further up the Superior North Shore to the Grand Portage State Park which has the highest falls in MN. Camping is available in Grand Portage, MN and the park on the Canadian side. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grand_Portage_State_Park All along the North Shore there are waterfalls, and campgrounds. The UP of Michigan, Northern Wisconsin, and Northern Minnesota are rich with state and federal parks, and forests. Many have camping as recreation is a major industry up there. Forgive me if I don't make recommendations as it has been over a decade since I've camped up there.

While you are up there in Northern MN, look for Aurora at night. Magnetic North, which the Aurora display is centered on, is on that side of the North Pole. Spaceweather has info on Aurora. http://spaceweather.com/

[djoyner]

I've traveled most of that route in my motorhome, some years ago, during our lighthouse tour. If you have a bit of extra time, and you are interested, swing north from Duluth and visit the most photographed lighthouse in the nation, situated high on a cliff on the Superior West shore. It's called the Split Rock LH, look it up. My experience in cross country travel is a bit different from most. I inquire with the locals to see where we should camp, since my schedule was such that we never knew how far we would travel in a day. (the beautiful part of being retired). Good luck.
Roly

Roly, thanks for the tip on the lighthouse tour. I rode to Canada last year and did a tour of some of the lighthouses in the New England states.

If you're looking for a more primitive, quiet, and way out in the middle of nowhere-ness atmosphere, Courtney Lake campground in the upper penn. of Michigan would fit the bill. It's located south of Highway 38, maybe 5+ miles or so east of the tiny town of Mass City (a few small businesses and a BP gas station/store), and is in the Ottawa National Forest. Bob has stayed …

Backroads4me, thanks for the info on primitive camping. I may try that in the future, but I think I’ll stick to the campgrounds with shore power for my first major trip. I appreciate the suggestion nevertheless.

you said you wanted to stay at state parks one such park is straits sp just over the mackinaw bridge turn right toward St Ignace.
park over looks the mackinaw bridge and the straits very nice I've stayed there several times.
from St Ignace you can take the water ferry over to Makinac island loads of stuff to do and no cars allowed only horses and bikes.http://www.mackinacisland.org
the west side of mich. has loads of stuff from sand dunes,to Florida like beaches so don't stay on the interstate all the time head over to the west side then up to mackinaw east side sucks.
pete

Pete, I will be staying at the Mill Creek campgrounds while in the Mackinaw City area, but thanks for the info on western Michigan.

From D to E on your map, go along the northern roads on the UP of Michigan, hug the Superior shore line.
You'll be close to the North Shore of Lake Superior. I think it would be more fun to head up along the coast from Duluth, MN to Grand Marais, MN, and then backtrack a bit and go west to Ely, MN
While you are up there in Northern MN, look for Aurora at night. Magnetic North, which the Aurora display is centered on, is on that side of the North Pole. Spaceweather has info on Aurora. http://spaceweather.com/

Bogo, thanks for the info. I will seriously consider the route from Duluth. I have two weeks allotted for this trip, so some of my decisions will be made when I get up in the morning. I am compiling a list of suggested attractions, scenic roads, etc. based on the suggestions from this thread.

[jandmz]

At "I" you may want to cut east on I64 out of Lexington, KY. At Winchester, KY, take the Bert T Combs Parkway. Get off at the Slade, KY exit and you are at the gateway to the Red River Gorge. There are a couple campgrounds at the Natural Bridge State Park to the south on Rt 11. We have stayed at Middlefork. The sites are a bit small and close, but B12, B13 and B14 are OK sites.

The state park is a bit touristy, with a lodge, gift shop, cable car ride etc., but the real attraction is on the north side of the parkway (15 min from campground). The Red River Gorge in the Daniel Boone National Forest has over 100 natural rock arches, some 2 ft holes in the wall, and some huge. It is worth the effort to take the hike to Gray's Arch, and take the trail that gets you to the bottom of the arch. Princess Arch is also worth the hike.

You may want to spend several days there. We have spent two separate weeks there, and only scratched the surface.

Enjoy your trip.

[djoyner]

At "I" you may want to cut east on I64 out of Lexington, KY. At Winchester, KY, take the Bert T Combs Parkway. Get off at the Slade, KY exit and you are at the gateway to the Red River Gorge. There are a couple campgrounds at the Natural Bridge State Park to the south on Rt 11. We have stayed at Middlefork. The sites are a bit small and close, but B12, B13 and B14 are OK sites.

The state park is a bit touristy, with a lodge, gift shop, cable car ride etc., but the real attraction is on the north side of the parkway (15 min from campground). The Red River Gorge in the Daniel Boone National Forest has over 100 natural rock arches, some 2 ft holes in the wall, and some huge. It is worth the effort to take the hike to Gray's Arch, and take the trail that gets you to the bottom of the arch. Princess Arch is also worth the hike.

You may want to spend several days there. We have spent two separate weeks there, and only scratched the surface.

Enjoy your trip.

Thanks jandmz, I've been meaning to get over to the New River Gorge (especially considering it's only a couple hundred miles from my house).

[jandmz]

Thanks jandmz, I've been meaning to get over to the New River Gorge (especially considering it's only a couple hundred miles from my house).

Ah!!! Two different places... ...New River is where people go for white water rafting. Red River Gorge is a hiking, camping and rock climbing destination... Red River Gorge is only about 50 miles east of Lexington, KY.

[djoyner]

Thanks jandmz, I've been meaning to get over to the New River Gorge (especially considering it's only a couple hundred miles from my house).

Ah!!! Two different places... ...New River is where people go for white water rafting. Red River Gorge is a hiking, camping and rock climbing destination... Red River Gorge is only about 50 miles east of Lexington, KY.

Right you are! Red River is on my route back to Virginia.

Thanks again.