03 reviewsPrice
Free
Booking
Walk-in Only
Sites
Varies
Season
May 1 - October 31
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Check Policy
Price
Free
Booking
Walk-in Only
Sites
Varies
Season
May 1 - October 31
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Check Policy
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Learn more about alerts →Elk Canoe Campground
650 North Michigan Ave. Baldwin, MI 49304
Paddlers and fly fishers will get the most out of this. The Pere Marquette is a designated National Scenic River with cold, clear water and good trout runs. Weekdays in July or August are quiet even at peak season. Bring all your own water, there's none on site.
No potable water and no hookups make this a genuine roughing-it situation. If restrooms and a spigot are your baseline, this spot won't have them. Hikers will also find little reason to come, as there are no trails mentioned in the area.
Reference information about Elk Canoe Campground sourced from official USFS records and forestcamping.com. View official recreation.gov page →
<p><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/usfs-hmnf/albums/72157661592998190" title="Pere Marquette National Scenic River"><img alt="Pere Marquette National Scenic River" height="240" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/746/23505085752_82c8d5f150_z.jpg" width="320" /></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p><p>This campground is located in the middle of the 66-mile Scenic portion of the river. The camps are set back from the river in openings within a forested setting. As paddlers travel down the river they will see many meadows and locations to fish. Some campers will park at Upper Branch Bridge and walk to the campsites from there. This is a very popular fishing area.</p><p><a href="https://go.usa.gov/x9h9r" target="external"><strong>Brochure with Map</strong></a>: This brochure is set to print on 11 x 17 paper, landscape (wide) orientation. To print on 8 1/2 x 11 paper set the print area to "shrink to printable area", this will make the text on the page smaller.</p><p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/usfs-hmnf/albums/72157661592998190" target="external"><strong>Flickr Photo Album</strong> </a></p>
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Summer delivers the most reliable paddling conditions, with daytime highs generally between 65 and 85°F and cool nights in the 50s and 60s. River access is easiest during these months, and evening firefly displays are common. July and August weekends draw local weekenders, but weekdays stay quiet. Spring brings wildflowers and active trout fishing. Fall turns the surrounding forest crimson and gold. The campground closes for winter when snow covers the ground and the river runs cold.
Summer has most reliable paddling conditions and is the peak season for fishing/canoeing.
Elk Canoe Campground provides restrooms but lacks potable water, requiring campers to bring their own. The campground is set back from the Pere Marquette National Scenic River within forested openings, adding to its rustic charm.
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