Andrus Lake State Forest Campground

The Great Outdoors

When camping at Andrus Lake State Forest Campground, be sure to explore the neighboring Tahquamenon Falls State Park in Paradise. The second-largest state park in Michigan, Tahquamenon Falls welcomes explorers to hike alongside the Tahquamenon River, travel along the 35 miles of trails, and even partake in several winter recreational activities if that is within your travel plans. The Tahquamenon River is the highlight of the state park, and The Upper Falls are the crown jewel. With a drop of almost 50 feet, The Upper Falls are among the largest waterfalls east of the Mississippi River, making them a must-see when RV camping in the Upper Peninsula. The falls rarely freeze over, so you are sure to capture some stunning photographs if you travel here in the winter. You can also enjoy the hiking trails in the colder months, as they are converted to winter-use trails for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.Those looking for a slightly more relaxed day out can head south to the Sault Ste. Marie State Forest Area near Mackinaw City. On the southern edge of the Upper Peninsula, just before you cross back over the Straits of Mackinac, lies this unique forest area. With hiking trails to explore, beaches to enjoy, and the vast waters of Lake Michigan, there is no shortage of recreational activities. If you brought some fishing gear with you to the Great Lake State, you can set up your pole and try your luck at catching some local bass or trout.One of the Upper Peninsula’s most unique destinations is the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore in Munising. The miles of lakeshore are decorated with unique sandstone formations thanks to years of erosion by Lake Superior’s waves. Due to the potentially rough nature of the lake's waters, experienced kayakers can join a sea kayak group and explore the shoreline from the water. Less experienced kayakers can investigate the other waterways and lakes of the park, many of which also have unique geologic formations. If you’d rather stay on dry land, you can take to the trails and see bluffs, dunes, and various lakeside trails.

Explore the City

The Great Lakes have been navigated for centuries. This constant maritime travel has resulted in several tragedies and lessons learned. You can learn about these experiences at the Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum in Paradise. The museum covers the various shipwrecks that have occurred, the maritime history of the Great Lakes. It also works to showcase the importance of conserving the natural habitats of the Great Lakes.Those who would rather learn about something rooted in the ground can visit the Tahquamenon Logging Museum. You’ll learn all about the logging camps of the early days of the industry, the logging industry’s impact on the Upper Peninsula and Michigan as a whole, and more about what the logging industry does now. Be sure to see if the museum is hosting any events during your travels; you just may stumble upon a Lumberjack Pancake Breakfast or music festival.Lovers of wildlife would be amiss not to visit the Oswald Bear Ranch. Created to rescue black bears that have either been injured, raised in illegal conditions, or otherwise unable to survive in the wild, the ranch is an expansive facility that works tirelessly to guarantee the health and happiness of its furry residents. The best time to visit is during the afternoon feeding; this is when most of the bears will be active.When you're exploring with one of the RV rentals in Chippewa County, you might need to refuel or restock supplies. While there are a couple of options for gas stations and grocery stores in the nearby town of Paradise, you will find even more variety a little farther south along Route 28.When you are enjoying your campground near Lake Superior, take time to enjoy a meal of locally caught freshwater fish. You won’t have to go far to find a local restaurant or diner that serves regional catfish or trout. Whether you like your fish grilled, baked, or broiled, you are sure to enjoy that melt-in-your-mouth tenderness of Great Lakes fish.