We’re back experiencing the Porcupine Mountains’ magic. It is more than a great place to visit. The Porcupine Mountains is an immersion into vibrant, hardwood forests filled with streams, trails and views.
A year ago, our time here truly changed our lifestyle travel choice. After a few days in this area of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula (aka “the UP”), we decided to buy a camper. Fast forward a year and camping is how we roll for travel. See: Buying a Camper for Lifetime Adventures for more on buying the camper. Ours is a nuCamp Tab 400 Boondock 2021.
The Porcupine Mountains. What a place to savor and photograph fall’s color shift. As this place truly is magical this time of year, I’m sharing camping spots, photography ideas, experiences of one of Michigan’s epic state parks.
Let the Adventure Begin
What’s the first thing to do? Check in at the DNR Porcupine Mountains Visitor Center for the latest updates, maps and general information. If you’re camping in dispersed areas within the park, this is the spot to check in to get your registration.
FYI: Camping and planning your trip in Michigan State Parks across the state is easy with their online Michigan State Parks Registration System. Multiple campgrounds with varying options exist throughout the Porcupines.
We camped a few days in one of the dispersed (no electrical, water or sewer in these areas) campgrounds in the park. The rustic White Pine Extension was quiet, with only a few camping and tent sites. The spots were fairly easy to park our 19 foot RV. Then, we moved to camp a few days at their Union Bay campground on Lake Superior (electrical).
Where will we camp next year? After more exploring, we’re digging the Presque Isle rustic campground and will follow that with a few nights again at Union Bay.
Experience Porcupine Mountains’ Magic: Hiking, Waterfalls & Photography
Whether you’re a photographer, hiker or nature enthusiast, there’s something for all. With 60,000 acres of views and more views, there’s also roughly 90 miles of trails to explore. From short hikes to longer trails, nature surrounds you. With so many options of views and trails, it’s almost overwhelming as to where to begin.
But, the key to exploring here is to pick a trail. Any trail and start hiking.
When you get started, it’s a place where you want to keep on exploring. Every waterfall, turn around the bend, drive over a hill reveals something new to take in.
With roaring waterfalls, gentle rivers and dabbling streams, visitors have options of hiking, RV and tent camping, Yurts and backcountry camping.
Seeking & Finding Photography Moments
The beauty of photographing this area is the diversity. Sure, we all drive to capture our own version of Lake of the Clouds. A great place to get started in photographing this area. But, the beauty of the Porcupines and photography is that you really ‘find’ moments to photograph. Here’s a few places and ideas to get started:
- Taking in the majestic, iconic view of Lake of the Clouds.
- Finding your own perspective of moss lined streams along the Carp River Trail.
- Experiencing the power of rushing waterfalls heading to Lake Superior
- Looking for amazing light glowing through foliage along the trail paths
- Standing underneath skyscraper trees and look up
- Watching the sunset in Presque Isle or at Union Bay
- Viewing hills of color and long, leading walkways from the Summit Peak trail
- Looking down and finding many varieties of mushrooms in decaying trees, popping up through leaves
As another fall season is winding down, I’m slowly returning home with filled memory cards and fulfilling memories of our time in the Upper Peninsula. I am comforted by the fact that the Porcupine Mountains’ magic stays with us long after we return home.
