South Manistique Lake Campground

The Great Outdoors

Camp in an RV near Germfask and make the short drive northeast to the Tahquamenon Falls State Park, which is home to one of the largest waterfalls in the eastern United States. Sprawling across more than 46,000 acres, the park encompasses not only the Tahquamenon River and its spectacular falls but also a section of the long-distance North Country Trail for Germfask campers wanting a challenging hike. Photograph the golden-brown color of the falls, which results from tannins in the nearby cedar swamps, with rowboats and canoes available for rent to access the lower falls.Camping at the South Manistique Lake Campground is also a good base for visiting the Seney National Wildlife Refuge, which encompasses vast tracts of wetlands and pine forests to the northwest. It’s renowned for the landmark Strangmoor Bog, considered the best surviving example of sub-arctic patterned bog in the country and sculpted by wind and water into parallel strips. The Seney National Wildlife Refuge also provides vital habitat for river otters, moose, and black bears, together with more than 200 bird species that include trumpeter swans, sandhill cranes, and Canada geese.Just over an hour’s drive west of the South Manistique Lake Campground is the Hiawatha National Forest, which encompasses almost 900,000 acres and over 100 miles of shoreline along Lake Michigan and Lake Superior. Historic lighthouses dot the shores, including the Point Iroquois Light and its museum, while a section of the 4,600-mile North Country Trail extends through the forest. Numerous wilderness areas are encompassed within the forest, as are five national Wild and Scenic rivers that include the Indian River and the Sturgeon River. While exploring the woods, keep your eyes peeled for moose, beavers, and river otters, together with sandhill cranes, golden eagles, and hawks.

Exploring the City

The South Manistique Lake Campground is a 20-minute drive from Germfask, where you’ll find a supermarket for stocking up on groceries and a gas station if you need to fill up your motorhome rental. Alternatively, you can make the 90-minute drive to Sault Ste. Marie, where you’ll find a more extensive choice of services and plenty of restaurants if you want to dine out.While you’re visiting Sault Ste. Marie, take time to visit the River of History Museum, which preserves the cultural heritage of the St Marys River system. It details its formation by glaciers, its Native American history, and its use by French fur traders, with a self-monitored audio presentation guiding visitors through the exhibits. A short walk away is the Tower of History, where you can enjoy sweeping views across the city, including the Soo Locks and the waters of Lake Superior. Designated as a National Historic Landmark in 1966, the Soo Locks were first opened in 1855 to allow ships to travel between Lake Superior and the lower Great Lakes.Across the St Marys River in Canadian Sault St. Marie is the Art Gallery of Algoma, where works by regional and international artists are displayed, as well as the Sault Ste. Marie Museum, which occupies an old post office building. Stroll along the 19th-century canal that’s lined with historic red sandstone buildings or admire the collection of vintage aircraft on display at the Canadian Bushplane Heritage Centre. Adjacent lies the Ermatinger Clergue National Historic Site, where two stone homes from the 19th century are preserved, with a modern Heritage Discovery Centre where you can delve into the local history.Whether you want to enjoy the recreational pursuits of South Manistique Lake or explore the museums of Sault Ste. Marie, book an RV in Mackinac County and start planning your next vacation.