Otter Lake Campground

The Great Outdoors

While camping at Otter Lake Campground in Munising, you can spend some time in Hiawatha National Forest in Manistique Your temporary home in the wilderness is also a great place to explore and spend the day. Whether you want to go lake-hopping, search for the various lighthouses that are within the forest, or go exploring on the network of more than 100 miles of trails, there is plenty to enjoy. Hiawatha has shorelines on both Lake Superior and Lake Michigan, making for a unique maritime destination. Whether you plan to spend the day swimming in the cool and clear lake waters or backpack from one lakeshore to the other, the stunning beauty of Hiawatha truly encapsulates Michigan’s majesty.On the shores of Lake Superior sits the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore in Munising, Michigan. With unique cliffs weathered away by the constant presence of Lake Superior, dramatic waterfalls that spill into the Great Lake itself, miles of trails over the shoreline and through the forests, there is no shortage of adventure at Pictured Rocks. You can join a paddling trip along the smaller lakes; experienced paddlers can embark on a sea-kayak excursion on Lake Superior. Or instead, you can join a motorized boat tour of the scenic shorelines of Pictured Rocks. If you’d rather stay dry, there are roughly 100 miles of trails just waiting to be explored, filled with waterfalls, beaches, and various geologic formations.Those looking to enjoy something a little more secluded can head to Escanaba River State Forest near Escanaba. On the shores of Lake Michigan, near the border with Wisconsin, Escanaba River State Forest is a second-growth forest that welcomes adventurers. Not quite as frequented as some of its neighbors, you are sure to enjoy a quiet day among the pine trees of Michigan as you explore the trails of the forest. You can also enjoy fishing along the shores of the Cedar River and try your luck at catching some local trout or bass.

Explore the City

Thanks to the seemingly endless shorelines of the Great Lakes, it isn’t surprising to learn that the Great Lakes region was once filled with freight ships. You can learn more about this unique period of history at the Marquette Maritime Museum. This museum and lighthouse are only open during the warmer months, but if your travel plans align, it is a truly unique experience. You’ll learn about the perils of boating on the Great Lakes, the industries of the area that relied on these means, and about the history of the lighthouse.Lovers of science, technology, and industry should plan a visit to the Michigan Iron Industry Museum. Near the site of the Lake Superior region’s first iron forge, the museum showcases a variety of permanent and temporary exhibits to highlight the triumphs and challenges of the iron industry. Visitors are also encouraged to watch the short film that documents the life of ironworkers at the height of the iron industry.Bear lovers who book an RV in Alger County will delight in a visit to the Oswald Bear Ranch. The ranch works to protect and nurture individual black bears that have been injured, raised in illegal circumstances, or are otherwise not expected to survive in the wild. The largest bear rehabilitation in the country, Oswald Bear Ranch takes pride in caring for their black bears and getting them as healthy as possible.There are several gas stations and grocery stores within easy driving distance of the RV campground at Otter Lake. However, for a wider variety to choose from, you can head north to the nearby town of Marquette.Thanks to Michigan’s well-known snowy winters, it is sometimes easy to forget that some of the best apple crops in the country come out of the Great Lake State. Make sure you either pick up a bushel of apples or indulge in some apple pie during your stay in Michigan. These delicious fruits will be just the fuel you need to keep your hikes and explorations moving.