St Marys River
RV Guide
Introduction
If you're thinking an RV adventure is in your future, consider a trip to St Marys River. It's a great place to enjoy a relaxing holiday. St Marys River is a body of water found in Sault Ste Marie, Michigan. It acts as a drainage point for Lake Superior, running from the popular Whitefish Bay to its resting point in Lake Huron 75 miles away. The river itself acts as an international border dividing the Canadian province of Ontario from the US state of Michigan. Both the province and the state are home to "twin cities" named Sault Ste Marie that are connected by the Sault Ste Marie International Bridge, allowing RV campers to spend some time visiting two different countries during their trip to this wonderful recreational area. The area is also home to the St Marys Rapids where cargo ships were able to travel through the Soo Locks and Sault Ste Marie Canal onto their next destination. The region was first inhabited by the Ojibwe Native Americans who made use of the property for fishing and trading purposes. In 1621, the St Marys River saw its first European traveler in France's Etienne Brule. Mr. Brule's route was retaken in 1641 by two Jesuit priests by the names of Isaac Jogues and Charles Raymbault. These two men are credited with bestowing the twin cities with the name: Sault Ste Marie. Sault has been translated as both "jump" and "rapids"; two apt titles for the region and its geographical features. In 1855, the first lock was constructed. Today, the property is home to five of them; four on the American side and one of Canadian ownership. The area was heavily guarded during the World Wars when it was suspected that the waterway might have been targeted as a port for exploitation by enemy forces. There are several islands that divide the St Marys River into lakes. These islands are accessible to visitors by private boat. Tours can also be arranged. There are many things to see and do during a trip to St Marys River. Some of the most popular activities include swimming, hiking, bird watching, and water sports. The river is also near to many local attractions that are worthy of a day's visit including the SS Valley Camp, Whitefish Bay, and the nearby Soo Locks Park. For a fun adventure that will leave you longing to return, plan a trip to St Marys River. It's an amazing spot for your next RV getaway.
RV Rentals in St Marys River
Transportation
Driving
St Marys River is easy to reach via the Sault Ste Marie International Bridge whether you are traveling from Canada or the United States. Bridge traffic slows considerably but moves along well. All highway routes leading to the river consist of two lanes. Road construction is seen very infrequently. During the winter months, the bridge and all roads are kept free of snow.
Parking
Parking can be found at any of the access points to the river. Some spots do have their own private parking lots while others are more remote with parking done by the side of the road.
Public Transportation
There is no public transportation to St Marys River.
Campgrounds and parking in St Marys River
Campsites in St Marys River
Reservations camping
Aune Osborn Campground
Aune Osborn Campground is open from May 15th through October 15th for RV and tent camping. Reservations are strongly recommended. There are 100 campsites in total; many of which offer full power and water hookups. Of the total number of campsites, 24 of them rest directly on the waterfront with the remaining 76 situated elsewhere on the grounds. Dogs are welcome to join you at Aune Osborn Campground, but in keeping with Michigan law, should remain leashed when not in their family's RV. Among the amenities found at this camping facility include bathrooms, showers, laundry facilities, fire pits, picnic areas, Wifi, two boat launches, a fish cleaning station, and a sewage dump.
Soo Locks Campground
Soo Locks Campground is located in Sault Ste Marie, Michigan, and offers sites for tent and RV camping by reservation between the May 1st and October 20th annually. There are nine pull-through sites and 101 regular sites offering both power and water hookups. Dogs are welcome at this camping facility but must remain on a leash while on the premises.
There are many amenities at this popular campground including a waste disposal station, picnic tables, grills, firewood, Wifi, bathrooms, an on-site store, and a playground.
Among the most popular activities at this campground include fishing, hiking, and picnicking.
Sault Ste Marie KOA Holiday
Sault Ste Marie KOA Holiday is located just across the Sault Ste Marie International Bridge on the Canadian side of the River. This camping facility offers a large number of campsites spread out across the property's 74 acres of densely wooded terrain, affording families lots of privacy during their RV vacation.
This campground houses RV campsites with power hookups and is able to accommodate large trailers and RV rigs. There are several pull-through and back-in sites available for reservation. Also found on the premises for reservation are rustic and deluxe style cabins and tent sites.
Generator use is not permitted at this campground; however, pets are warmly welcomed but must remain leashed. On site, you will find a dog wash station and a fenced play space for your pooch to enjoy.
Other features at this campground include a playground, laundry facilities, a pavilion with a large screen TV, a camp kitchen, a gift shop, and free Wifi. Bike rentals and mini-golf are available for a fee.
Seasonal activities in St Marys River
In-Season
Swimming
One thing that St Marys River has in abundance is places where families can enjoy a day at the beach. Since the river spans 75 miles in its entirety, you will find lots of coastline to explore and may even be able to snag your own little private piece of sand to claim for the day. In general, lifeguard service is not provided, so families are advised to only enter the river when the waters are not rough.
The beautiful shoreline affords you lots of opportunities to enjoy strolls along the coast where you just might unearth a seaside treasure or two. There is lots of sandy beach to enjoy, so if the mood strikes you can recline on the shore with a good book in one hand and refreshing drink in the other.
Visit Whitefish Bay
Nestled along the eastern portion of Lake Superior, you will find the picturesque Whitefish Bay, a popular destination for visitors to the region. There are many interesting activities to take part in at this lovely recreational area.
Whitefish Bay Lighthouse attracts a lot of visitors each year to enjoy viewing the oldest, still active beacon of its kind in the region. The accompanying living space now contains a museum known as the Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum. The region has seen a number of shipwrecks over the years, and the museum houses artifacts which were discovered after these tragic events. One of the most well-renowned wrecks was that of the SS Edmund Fitzgerald, a sad situation at sea which led to the loss of 29 lives.
Fishing and waters sports are also family favorite activities at Whitefish Bay.
Visit Soo Locks Park
Located in Sault Ste Marie is the Soo Locks Park, an interesting attraction for families looking to enjoy a little recreation for the day. The park offers many different exhibits containing information about the region, and the locks afford families the opportunity to watch trade vessels and other boats passing through on their way to their next destination.
Soo Locks Park is extremely picturesque and has several walking trails families can enjoy perusing at their leisure. There is also a beautiful fountain which is illuminated by lights during the evening hours. When lit for the public to enjoy, the lights move in tune to music.
The landscaping in this park is particularly attractive and is largely comprised of planted flowers and tall maple trees. A Japanese architectural feature known as the "Torii" proudly stands as an archway in the park. This particular element was a gift from Chase S. Osborn, a former governor of Michigan as well as a resident in the region. The Torii was delivered from Ryuo, Japan, to its current resting place in Sault Ste Marie.
Off-Season
Visit SS Valley Camp
The SS Valley Camp is one of several properties that comprise the Sault Historic Sites. You will find there is much to discover at this great local attraction. Built inside a ship formerly deployed as a freighter, the SS Valley Camp now houses a large museum and several hundred exhibits for families to explore.
Among the places you can visit during a trip to SS Valley Camp include Edmund Fitzgerald Memorial Exhibit which pays homage to one of the area's most famous shipwrecks in which 29 lives were lost at sea. There are also several large aquariums which contain many of the species of fish that make the St Marys River their home.
The former crew cabins have been preserved, and tours of the premises are conducted regularly.
For more information about hours of operation and associated fees for entrance and tours, consult the SS Valley Camp website.
Fishing
For those who enjoy angling, fishing opportunities are plentiful at both Whitefish Bay and St Marys River. There are several boat launches in the region, so you can choose from fishing directly from the banks of the river or take your canoe or powerboat out for a spin in search of the catch of the day.
St Marys River is kept well supplied with several popular fish species including whitefish, salmon, walleye, northern pike, and muskellunge. Check with the area you are fishing from to see if fish cleaning stations are available on the premises or if you must fillet your haul back at your campground.
Hiking
With an abundantly long coastline and heavily wooded areas to explore, St Marys River is a great place to indulge your love of hiking. You can choose from several well-marked hiking trails or simply chart a course all your own. The terrain is quite diverse throughout the property, so come prepared with hiking shoes that are up to the challenge of rigorous hiking conditions.
It's always a great idea to tote along a camera as St Marys River is a natural haven for many species of wildlife and birds. You can bring along your binoculars and a naturalist's guide too to help you identify then record your findings.
