Exploring Houghton: A Comprehensive Guide to Camping and Outdoor Recreation in Michigan’s Keweenaw Peninsula
By Alex Thompson, Contributing Editor
The rugged beauty of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula has long been a draw for outdoor enthusiasts seeking adventure away from crowded tourist destinations. Nestled along the Keweenaw Waterway, Houghton offers an ideal base for exploring this wilderness playground with a self-contained Class-B RV. This comprehensive guide examines the diverse camping options and recreational activities available in and around Houghton, with special attention to hiking, e-biking, fishing, drone photography, and evening entertainment options.
Camping Options In Houghton
City Campgrounds
Houghton RV Park
Located directly on the waterfront in downtown Houghton, this municipal campground offers 22 sites with stunning views of Portage Lake. While hookups are available, your self-contained Class-B with no need for electrical connections gives you flexibility. The park’s central location is its primary advantage, putting you within walking distance of restaurants, breweries, and the waterfront. Rates run approximately $35-40 per night, and reservations are recommended during peak summer months by calling (906) 482-8745.
McLain State Park
Located just 10 miles northwest of Houghton on M-203, McLain State Park offers 103 modern campsites spread across two loops. The park features 2 miles of sandy beach on Lake Superior, making it popular for sunsets and photography. According to park supervisor @RangerMikeDNR, “The park’s Bear Loop offers more privacy and shade for smaller RVs, while the Pines Loop has better views.” Reservations can be made up to six months in advance through the Michigan DNR website, with rates ranging from $25-35 per night.
Surrounding Area Camping Options
National Forest Campgrounds
Ottawa National Forest
About 30 minutes south of Houghton, the Ottawa National Forest offers several rustic campgrounds perfect for self-contained vehicles:
- Emily Lake Campground: A small, quiet campground with 11 sites near a serene lake, ideal for fishing. No reservations accepted; first-come, first-served at $15 per night.
- Sturgeon River Campground: Features 15 rustic sites along the scenic Sturgeon River. Excellent for kayaking and fishing. First-come, first-served at $15 per night.
Keweenaw National Historical Park Area
Lake Fanny Hooe Resort & Campground
Located near Copper Harbor, approximately 40 miles north of Houghton, this campground offers a mix of RV sites and cabins. While it’s a bit of a drive from Houghton, it provides excellent access to the northern tip of the Keweenaw Peninsula. Rates range from $30-45 per night, and reservations can be made at (906) 289-4451.
Dispersed Camping Options
With your all-wheel-drive Class-B, you have access to numerous dispersed camping opportunities in the area. The Keweenaw Peninsula offers several Forest Service roads where dispersed camping is permitted:
- Hancock Recreation Area: Located about 15 minutes from Houghton, several unmarked pull-offs along Forest Road 510 offer secluded camping spots.
- Gratiot River Road: North of Houghton near Eagle Harbor, this road provides access to primitive camping spots with Lake Superior views.
Local outdoor guide @KeweenawKate notes, “For those with AWD vehicles, the logging roads off Twin Lakes Road offer some of the most private camping with excellent stargazing opportunities. Just remember to practice Leave No Trace principles.”
Recreation Activities
Hiking
The Houghton area boasts numerous hiking trails suitable for all skill levels:
Michigan Tech Trails
This 35+ mile network of multi-use trails is located on the Michigan Technological University campus in Houghton. The trails vary from easy walking paths to more challenging terrain through dense forest. No entry fee is required, making it an excellent option for quick access to nature from town.
Maasto Hiihto & Churning Rapids Trails
Located in Hancock, just across the Portage Lake Lift Bridge from Houghton, these trails offer approximately 25 miles of well-maintained paths through varied terrain. The trails are especially scenic during fall color season (late September to mid-October).
Estivant Pines Nature Sanctuary
About 45 minutes north near Copper Harbor, this 510-acre sanctuary protects the last old-growth white pine stands in Michigan. The 2.5-mile loop trail winds through towering 300-year-old pines, offering a uniquely majestic hiking experience.
E-Bike Riding
Keweenaw Peninsula Trail System
The area features over 100 miles of trails suitable for e-bikes, with varying degrees of difficulty:
- Copper Harbor Mountain Bike Trails: Internationally renowned trails about 40 miles north of Houghton. The IMBA Gold-Level Ride Center offers everything from beginner flow trails to expert-level technical descents.
- Tech Trails: In addition to hiking, these trails are excellent for e-bikes, with dedicated mountain biking sections.
- Swedetown Trails: Located in Calumet, 15 miles north of Houghton, offering 25 miles of trails through varied terrain.
Michigan Tech recreation coordinator @TrailsTechMTU advises, “E-bike riders should check trail designations before riding, as some wilderness trails restrict motorized access. The Tech Trails welcome Class 1 e-bikes on most routes.”
Fishing
The Keweenaw Waterway and surrounding lakes offer excellent fishing opportunities:
Portage Lake
Directly accessible from Houghton, this waterway is known for walleye, northern pike, and smallmouth bass. The city dock provides easy fishing access without a boat.
Torch Lake
Located just south of Houghton, this lake is known for its walleye and perch fishing. Multiple public access points are available.
Lake Superior
For more adventurous fishing, charter services operate out of Houghton and Copper Harbor, targeting lake trout, salmon, and whitefish. Local charter captain @SuperiorAngler recommends, “Early morning trolling along the drop-offs near McLain State Park can be particularly productive for lake trout in June and July.”
Michigan fishing licenses can be purchased online through the Michigan DNR or at local outfitters like Northwoods Sporting Goods in Hancock.
Drone Photography
The Keweenaw Peninsula offers spectacular drone photography opportunities, though regulations must be observed:
Recommended Locations
- Brockway Mountain Drive: Between Eagle Harbor and Copper Harbor, offering panoramic views of Lake Superior and the peninsula.
- Quincy Mine: Historic mining structures near Hancock provide unique industrial compositions.
- Hungarian Falls: A series of waterfalls near Lake Linden, about 10 miles from Houghton.
Important: Always check for airspace restrictions using the FAA’s B4UFLY app. Michigan Tech University campus has restricted airspace, and McLain State Park has drone limitations during busy periods. National Forest lands generally permit recreational drone use, but maintain 400ft altitude limits and visual line-of-sight requirements.
Evening Entertainment
After a day of outdoor activities, Houghton offers several options for relaxation and entertainment:
Breweries and Pubs
Keweenaw Brewing Company
Located in downtown Houghton, KBC offers a comfortable taproom with a selection of craft beers. Their Pick Axe Blonde and Widow Maker Black Ale are local favorites. The brewery doesn’t serve food but allows patrons to bring their own.
The Library Restaurant & Brew Pub
A Houghton institution offering house-brewed beers alongside a full menu. Their Red Jacket Amber Ale and seasonal variations draw locals and visitors alike.
Bonfire Continental
A newer addition to the scene, featuring craft cocktails, local beers, and wood-fired pizza in a modern atmosphere.
Live Music
Houghton’s music scene is surprisingly vibrant for a small town:
The Continental Fire Co.
This venue regularly hosts local bands on weekends, focusing on rock, blues, and folk music.
Keweenaw Brewing Company
Features acoustic performers on select evenings, typically Thursdays and Saturdays.
Local musician @KeweenawStrings suggests, “Check the Facebook pages for venues as you get closer to your visit. Summer brings outdoor concerts to the Houghton waterfront on Thursdays, which are perfect for visitors to experience local culture.”
Planning Your Visit
Best Time to Visit
The prime camping season in Houghton runs from late May through early October. September offers a sweet spot of fewer crowds, comfortable temperatures, and the beginning of fall colors. July and August provide the warmest temperatures for water activities, but also bring more visitors.
Practical Tips
- Cell service can be spotty throughout the Keweenaw Peninsula. Download offline maps before venturing to remote areas.
- Houghton’s City Center has a public water fill station for RVs near the waterfront.
- The area can experience significant temperature swings, even in summer. Pack layers, especially for evenings.
- For drone photographers, morning flights typically offer calmer winds off Lake Superior.
As local tourism director @VisitKeweenaw notes, “Houghton serves as the perfect gateway to the Keweenaw Peninsula. With your self-contained RV, you can experience everything from vibrant downtown energy to complete wilderness solitude within minutes of each other.”
Whether you’re casting a line into Portage Lake at dawn, capturing aerial footage of historic copper mining sites, or sampling craft brews after a day of adventure, Houghton offers a perfect blend of outdoor recreation and small-town charm for the self-sufficient RV traveler.
#KeweenawCamping #MichiganAdventure #RVLifestyle
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