Pete’s Lake Campground, Munising, MI – Aug 22 & 23, 2013
It was late morning by the time we were all packed up and were ready to leave Copper Harbor. We had about a 3.5 hour drive to our next stop at Pete’s Lake campground just south of Munising, MI. We planned to stay here just one night to break up the drive and also so I could ride the Bruno’s Run Trail.
By the time we got to L’ Anse everyone was starving so we pulled into the Burger King for lunch. Reid was happy to be out of his car seat because he had some secret business to take care of under the table. Good thing it was not busy in the dinning area.
Pete’s Lake Campground:
From the Hiawatha National Forest Webpage: “Pete`s Lake campground is surrounded by many lakes and offers much in the way of camping, hiking, biking, fishing, swimming, boating, and picnicking. All roads are black topped (perfect for bike riding). The Campground boasts a large Day Use Area with two picnic areas, a swimming beach, and an accessible fishing pier. ”
We found this campsite in one of my favorite books: Michigan’s Best Campgrounds: A Guide to the Best 150 Public Campgrounds in the Great Lakes State
The view of Pete’s Lake from behind our campsite. The fishing pier and swimming area are at the top of the photo. The Lake is 190 acres and is surrounded entirely by National Forest Land. Motorized boating is permitted and there is a boat launch near the day use area.
Looking up the road from our campsite.
According to a sign across from our site all of the Beech trees had to be removed from the campground in the winter of 2012 because of Beech Bark Disease. There was plenty of firewood left on the ground as a result of this cut.
Helping stock the wood pile.
Kayaking on Pete’s Lake:
After dinner we launched our kayaks right from our campsite.
By this time of the evening the one boat that was pulling tubes in circles had gone in and other than a fishing boat we had the water all to ourselves.
Looking back towards the fishing pier from the west shore of the lake.
By the time we were heading back the sun was starting to set. It is about a 3 mile paddle following the shore of Pete’s Lake.
Twilight back at our campsite.
After paddling it was time for crazy s’ mores.
We woke up to cool and misty morning by the lake.
Mountain Biking Bruno’s Run:
Right away in the morning I jumped on the bike and headed out on Bruno’s Run Trail. I must say that after riding for most of the week up in Copper Harbor this trail was a little bit of a let down. Although, what trail wouldn’t be when compared to the riding up in the Keweenaw. The sandy single track surrounded by ferns felt a lot like riding in northern lower Michigan. It was a good ride passing by many lakes and streams. I probably wouldn’t make a special trip just to ride this trail, but if I am in the area I would try it again.
From the Forest Service Website: “The Bruno’s Run Trail offers a 9 mile (14.48 km) loop ideal for hiking and mountain biking in spring, summer and fall and snow shoeing in winter. Although the trail is not groomed in winter for cross-country skiing, it does offer a suitable source for experienced skiers who prefer to break their own way. The trail winds its way past a host of small lakes etched in this relatively young glacial plain, taking hikers, bicyclists, snowshoers and skiers over gently rolling country. Further along, the trail runs over foothills, along overlooks and through valleys. The many lakes and streams in the area as well as a variety of trees and other plants make it likely that those traveling the trail will spot wildlife or tracks. ”
All of the maps and information on the trail have it as a 9 mile loop, but my GPS tracked it at a 10 mile ride. It took about 1 hour and 10 minutes to complete the loop.
Print the Bruno’s Run Trail Map >>
While I was gone the kids kept busy working on their log cabin.
By the time I finished the ride it was warming up nicely so we biked over to the swimming area to cool off.
The water was clear and warm. The sandy bottom dropped off fairly quick and it was at least 8 feet deep out by the edge of the swimming area. After about an hour of swimming it was time to eat lunch, pack up and move on. The kids were having a great time in the water and were not happy about having to leave. Especially Reid, he let us and the rest of the campground hear about it all the way back to the campsite. Yes, this time we were those people with the loud crying kid.
After this episode I am sure everyone was happy to see us pullout a short time later. From here it was back over the bridge and on to Cheboygan State Park for the weekend.
Continue along with us to our next stop at Cheboygan State Park >>
Our Favorites:
We purchased this hammock right before our bike camping trip because I knew that comfortable places to sit are hard to come by on this kind of adventure.
Since then the kids have spent countless hours sitting in and fighting over this hammock. It is comfortable, lightweight, easy to setup and we also found that it dries fast after leaving it out in the rain for the night. It has been a great addition to our camping arsenal. We may have to buy a second one just so we can have a chance to relax in it.
Click here to find Double Nylon Hammocks on Amazon >>
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