Spending the evening sitting on a log by a crackling fire, after an afternoon spent walking lovely nature trails. Being lulled to sleep by the sound of gentle waves as you camp along the shore of Lake Huron. Waking to a glorious day on the sunrise coast. If this sounds like a great way to spend some quality time with yourself, Negwegon State Park in Michigan’s lower peninsula is the place to be.

This park has been preserved in a rustic state. Visitors can hike, enjoy the beach, bird watch, and just enjoy nature far from the crowded campgrounds and trails found at more developed parks.

The park website has trail and campground information:

https://www2.dnr.state.mi.us/parksandtrails/Details.aspx?id=476&type=SPRK

Getting To Negwegon

The roads leading to Negwegon State Park are dirt. The highway department recommends traveling in a vehicle with four-wheel drive. They do occasionally grade the park access road, so it is better than in the past. The idea is to maintain a rustic atmosphere. I have a small SUV and had no problem. Just be careful and drive slowly.

Take US Highway 23 north to East Black River Road. Turn right and continue east for 3.8 miles. Then, turn left onto Sand Hill Trail and continue north for 2.7 miles. This is a winding, narrow dirt road, so use caution. Finally, turn right at Negwegon Park Road. In 1.2 miles, you will reach the parking lot.

Negwegon Trails

Potawatomi Trail

This is a loop trail that traverses stands of white pine and cedar trees and along the shores of Lake Huron. It’s an easy fun walk. There can be poison ivy during the summer months, but just watch where you step and stay on the trail and you should be fine.

Algonquin Trail

This forest trail winds through stands of white birch and fir trees and along the coast of Lake Huron. Back country campsites one and two can be accessed via this trail. It is an easy 3.7 miles long.

Chippewa Trail

This 3.1-mile trail takes you through a forest of maple, aspen, and birch. Follow it to the rocky South Point for a fantastic view of Lake Huron. Campsites three and four can be reached by the Chippewa trail.

Negwegon Camping

Negwegon State Park has four rustic campsites. Distance from the parking lot varies from 1.1 to 2.2 miles. All are secluded and beautiful. Gather only downed and dead firewood. You will probably need to walk a bit from to the edge of your site or just beyond to find enough.

Neqwegon Site 1

You must backpack to each site. I chose site one, bluebell, only 1.1 miles from the parking lot. It had two large logs near the fire pit, so I didn’t need a camp chair. Nicely sheltered, it was a perfect backdrop for a pleasant evening.

If I’m not in snake country, and the weather is nice, I love to “cowboy” camp, aka under the stars, with no tent. My visit was in late spring, and it was perfect weather. This made it easy to put my sleeping pad on the sand close to the lake.

Negwegon Sites 2 and 3

Site 2 – Twin Pines is 1.6 miles from the parking lot. Site 3 – Pewabic is 1.8 miles away. Both are fairly sheltered and scenic.

Negwegon Site 4

Site 4 – South Point is a 2.2 mile walk from the parking lot. This is going to be beautiful, but won’t give much shelter from the wind.

Attractions Near Negwegon

Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary

The Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary and the Great Lakes Maritime Heritage Center have lots of activities for exploring the history and nature of the area.

Visit the many exhibits at the maritime center. Take a glass bottom boat ride. Explore the seasonal mooring of shipwreck sites.

Visit the website here: https://thunderbay.noaa.gov/visit/

Unique Shopping

If you are traveling from the south along US Highway 23, I recommend two great stops. They are both in Linwood, Michigan, about two hours south of Negwegon.

Williams Cheese has a wide variety of yummy cheese treats. You can find them 998 N Huron Rd, Linwood, MI. https://williamscheese.com/

Frank’s Great Outdoors is a fun place to shop for outdoor gear. They have plenty of camping, fishing and hunting equipment, clothing and souvenirs. https://www.franksgreatoutdoors.com/

That’s it for now, until next time don’t forget to get some dirt under your boots!

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