During the Great Depression of the 1930s, Civilian Conservation Corps camps near Raco and Strongs gave employment to young men from Hamtramck and Detroit. In the Hiawatha National Forest, then now, they worked on projects like pine plantations, tourist campgrounds, road-building, stream improvement projects, fish planting, and fire suppression. A self-guided auto of CCC sites of places near Raco and Sault Ste. Marie can be found online by searching "Civilian Conservation Corps Hiawatha National Forest" and then choosing "Sault Ste. Marie."
THIS PART SHOULD GO AS AN INTRO FOR CAMPGROUNDS
Two National Forest campgrounds that almost never fill are handy to M-28: Soldier Lake Campground and Three Lakes Campground. Both enjoy a good central location for touring the Straits and Mackinac Island, the Lake Michigan beaches along U.S. 2, the Soo Locks, Tahquamenon Falls, Whitefish Point, and the Seney National Wildlife Refuge.
Back to Sault Ste. Marie
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RACO
RESTAURANTS,
LODGINGS
& CAMPGROUNDS
These are our choices, not ads.
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RACO
RESTAURANTS
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RACO
LODGINGS
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RACO
CAMPGROUNDS
See also: Bay Mills/Brimley, Sault Ste. Marie, Paradise.
SOLDIER LAKE CAMPGROUND
(906) 635-5311. Not reservable
Right off M-28 but away from highway noise, this Hiawatha National Forest campground is used mostly by overnighters. It hardly ever fills up, even on holiday weekends. 44 nonreservable, rustic sites (no showers, electricity, or flush toilets) almost surround a small 15-acre lake on which motors are prohibited. This is a place where campers who want seclusion can hardly see their neighbors. 24 sites are virtually on the water, not separated by a road, and all are close to it. There's a sandy beach and picnic area. The large, partially enclosed log shelter from the CCC era has a fireplace for cold weather. A trail winds around the lake. A quarter-mile connector between sites 38 and 39 leads to the North Country Trail.
South off M-28 via an entrance drive 5 miles east of Strongs or 7 miles west of Raco. $10. Open from mid-May 15 into mid-October. Handicap access: call. Dogs permitted on 6-foot leash
THREE LAKES CAMPGROUND
(906) 635-5311. Not reservable.
A central but peaceful location on 19-acre Walker Lake is the chief asset of this 28-site Hiawatha National Forest campground. Its liability: more bugs than usual early in the season. From July through September it's better. 21 sites have immediate lake access. Anglers are the chief users. Perch are caught in Walker Lake. No motors are allowed. A picnic area is across the lake from the campgrounds. West across Forest Rd. 3142 is Whitemarsh Lake, with perch, pike, bass, and bullheads.
On Forest Road 3142, 2 miles south of M-28 at Strongs. $9. Open from mid-May 15 into mid-Oct. Handicap access: call.
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