Introduction Craig Lake State Park is the most remote state park in the system. It spans over 6,900 acres in Baraga County. Craig Lake is a wilderness area and access into the park is somewhat of an adventure. Vehicles with high ground clearance are recommended due to the rocky conditions of the road. The park contains six full lakes and numerous small ponds along with a variety of wildlife such as deer, black bear, beaver, loons, and a portion of the Upper Peninsula moose herd. Craig Lake is 374 acres and features six islands and high granite bluffs along its northern shoreline.

History Craig Lake State Park and thousands of surrounding acres were originally purchased by Fred Miller of the Miller Brewing family in the early 1950's. He named the lakes after his two sons (Craig and Teddy) and daughter (Claire). Miller built two cabins, a three bedroom lodge, and a six-bunk cabin. Miller and one of his sons died in a plane crash in 1954 and the property was sold to a logging company in Marquette. The State of Michigan acquired the land in 1966.

Camping and Day Use Camping at Craig Lake is for backpackers only. There is a self-registration drop pipe at the entrance to the trail system. There are no designated campsites, but camping is allowed throughout the park, with exception to the immediate cabin area.

Rustic Cabins The two Miller cabins, excellent for small and large groups, are located in the middle of the woods, about a two-mile hike from the parking area. The cabins have no electricity, a hand pump for water, and an outhouse toilet. There is also a grill for cooking and a fire circle. Firewood for heat is provided by the park. The smaller cabin will sleep six and the larger cabin sleeps 14. The cabins are open to the public, weather permitting, from May 15th to October 15th.

Fishing and Boating Craig Lake is renowned for its muskellunge, bass, walleye, and northern pike fishing. Clair Lake has an excellent fishery for smallmouth bass. Due to the park's pristine qualities and wilderness designation, motorized boats are not permitted. There are several portages, ideal for canoes, to each of the lakes. Keewaydin Lake offers a boat launch and does allow motorboats. Fishing by artificial lure only.

Hunting Craig Lake State Park is open to hunting for all species following regular State Regulations between September 15 and March 31.

The terrain is mixed hardwoods and swamp offering ideal habitat for deer, bearsquirrel, rabbit, and grouse. The park is also open to trapping, providing excellent muskrat, beaver, and mink populations.

Please be careful of other State Park visitors to ensure a safe successful hunt.

Off-road vehicle (ORV) use is prohibited in park and recreation areas, including for the retrieval of game. All users are reminded that private property is interspersed within many of the park and recreation area properties. It is the responsibility of all users to determine where they are and to stay off private property.

State Park and Recreation Area lands are used by a variety of users engaged in differing activities. The property and its use is a shared resource. Please respect everyone's use of the land.

Winter Activities With nine months of snow conditions, snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing are all popular activities in the park.

Trail Information Craig Lake State Park offers some of the most rugged trails in Michigan. There is an eight-mile trail that loops around Craig Lake and offers some great opportunities to view wildlife, fauna, and the lakeshore. A 7.5 mile section of the North Country Trail system runs through the park. The trail covers some very rough terrain, but is well worth the effort.

Trail Information There is a paved path that provides a pleasant stroll through the woods that runs along the shoreline of Duck Lake and it is a relaxing spot for a walk anytime of the year.

Location The main road into the park is Keewaydin Lake Road, which is eight miles west of the Van Riper State Park entrance on US-41 / M-28. An unmarked network of logging roads lead to the parking areas of Keewaydin, Craig, and Teddy Lakes.

Craig Lake- Rustic - (906) 339-4461, $9.00, Rustic Site

Last revised 07/10/02