Soldier Lake Campground

For those of us who call Michigan home, the call of the wild, especially in our magnificent Upper Peninsula, is a familiar and comforting sound. If you're yearning for a genuine, rustic camping experience where the sounds of nature truly prevail, Soldier Lake Campground is a destination that should be high on your list. Nestled within the expansive beauty of the Hiawatha National Forest, this campground offers a remote and relaxing escape from the everyday, providing the perfect setting for Michiganders to unplug and reconnect with the natural world.

As local enthusiasts ourselves, we appreciate campgrounds that offer a true sense of tranquility and an authentic outdoor adventure. Soldier Lake Campground delivers on this, providing a primitive yet comfortable environment where you can enjoy the pristine waters of Soldier Lake and the surrounding lush forest. This article aims to give you a detailed overview of what makes Soldier Lake Campground a fantastic choice for your next Michigan camping trip, from its peaceful location to the array of features that ensure a memorable stay.

Location and Accessibility

Soldier Lake Campground is conveniently located at Fs 3138, Raco, MI 49781, USA, deep within the scenic Hiawatha National Forest in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. Despite its wonderfully remote feel, it's surprisingly accessible, especially for those venturing into the U.P. from other parts of the state. The road leading into the campground, which circles the lake, is paved and well-maintained, making it manageable even for those towing larger travel trailers up to 30 feet or more. This easy access allows Michiganders to transition quickly from highway travel to the peaceful ambiance of the forest.

While Soldier Lake Campground offers a sense of being truly "away from it all," it's not entirely isolated. It can be accessed from M-28, a major route that connects to many of the Upper Peninsula's best sightseeing opportunities. The closest town, Strongs, is just about 7 miles west, offering basic services like a fuel station, restaurants, and a general store for any last-minute necessities. This balance of remoteness and convenient access makes Soldier Lake Campground an ideal spot for locals looking for both solitude and practicality in their camping adventures.

Services Offered

• Potable Water: Community water is readily available and easily accessible throughout the campground. However, it's worth noting that the water has a high iron content, which can cause it to turn yellow and potentially stain if left to sit. Campers with RVs are advised to use a filter and a "water bandit" if they plan to fill their tanks to protect their RV faucets.
• Pit Toilets: The campground is equipped with clean and well-maintained pit toilets.
• Picnic Tables: Each campsite comes with a picnic table for your convenience.
• Fire Rings: Every site is also equipped with a fire ring, perfect for campfires and cooking.
• Designated Swimming Area: There's a nice spot for swimming, with a sandy beach, ideal for wading and sunbathing.
• Vault Toilets: In addition to the pit toilets, vault toilets are available, particularly near the picnic and day-use areas.
• Change Houses: Located near the picnic area, change houses provide a convenient spot after a swim.
• Day-Use Picnic Areas: Two large picnic areas with tables and grills are available for day visitors or larger groups.

Features / Highlights

• Primitive Camping Experience: Soldier Lake Campground offers a truly primitive setting, free from electric hookups or a dump station, allowing campers to fully immerse themselves in nature.
• Beautiful Lake Setting: The campground surrounds the picturesque 15-acre Soldier Lake, offering stunning views and a tranquil atmosphere.
• Non-Motorized Boating: Soldier Lake is ideal for non-motorized watercraft like kayaks and canoes. Some sites, like site 8, offer easy access to the sandy shore to slide a kayak down.
• Excellent Fishing: The lake is abundant with bass and yellow perch, making it a great spot for anglers looking for a relaxing day of fishing.
• Spacious and Private Sites: Many sites are generously sized, providing ample room for tents and larger RVs (up to 30 feet or more), and are often well-isolated from neighbors, offering a sense of privacy.
• First-Come, First-Served Availability: While reservations can be made, many sites are often available on a first-come, first-served basis, especially during midweek, offering flexibility for spontaneous trips.
• North Country National Scenic Trail Access: The campground provides direct access to the North Country National Scenic Trail, a vast trail system perfect for hiking and backpacking enthusiasts.
• Generators Allowed (with Quiet Hours): While primitive, generators are permitted, subject to typical quiet hours, offering a balance for those who need a bit of power.
• Spotty Digital TV and Cell Signal: Embrace the digital detox! While some spotty digital TV channels might be available on clear days, Verizon data tends to be weak and slow, encouraging a true disconnection from screens.
• Scenic Forest Setting: Campsites are nestled among beautiful red pine, aspen, and maple trees, offering ample shade and a classic Upper Peninsula forest ambiance.
• Wildlife Viewing: The area is known for abundant wildlife, providing opportunities to spot deer, beavers, and other local fauna.

Promotions or Special Offers

Soldier Lake Campground, being part of the Hiawatha National Forest, operates under the national recreation system. As such, direct promotional offers or special discounts from the campground itself are typically not available in the way a private business might offer them. However, federal recreation passes such as the Golden Age Pass or America the Beautiful Pass are generally accepted and can provide discounted rates on campsite fees. For current pricing, availability, and to make reservations, campers should consult Recreation.gov, which is the official booking platform. The site fees are approximately $24 per night, with a discounted rate of around $10 for those with accepted federal recreation passes. It's always advisable to check Recreation.gov or contact the forest service directly for the most up-to-date information on fees and any potential savings.

Contact Information

For inquiries and reservations regarding Soldier Lake Campground, you can use the following contact details:

• Address: Fs 3138, Raco, MI 49781, USA
• Phone for campground inquiries: (906) 643-7900 (Hiawatha National Forest office) or (906) 203-9872 (as listed on Recreation.gov).
• National Reservation System (Recreation.gov) Phone: (877) 444-6777 or (877) 833-6777 (TTY)

While the campground doesn't have a direct on-site phone, the Hiawatha National Forest office and the Recreation.gov phone numbers are your best resources for planning your trip and securing a spot at Soldier Lake.

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

For Michiganders, Soldier Lake Campground is more than just a place to pitch a tent; it’s an invitation to experience the authentic, untamed beauty of our beloved Upper Peninsula. What makes it particularly suitable for locals is its ideal blend of accessible wilderness. We cherish our state's natural landscapes, and Soldier Lake delivers a truly primitive camping experience without being overly difficult to reach, even with larger RVs. The paved road in ensures a smoother journey, allowing you to quickly shed the stresses of daily life and embrace the tranquility of the forest.

This campground caters to our local desire for peace and quiet, far removed from highway noise, offering a true sense of remoteness. The large, often private sites mean you can enjoy your space, whether you’re a family with kids running around or a couple seeking a romantic escape. The presence of Soldier Lake itself provides opportunities for fishing, swimming, and non-motorized boating, appealing to our love for water activities. And for those who enjoy stretching their legs, direct access to the North Country National Scenic Trail is an undeniable draw, allowing us to explore our vast state on foot.

While the primitive nature of the campground means no electric hookups or dump stations, it’s precisely this simplicity that many Michiganders seek—a chance to disconnect and truly be in nature. The availability of clean pit toilets and potable water ensures basic comforts, while the overall well-maintained nature of the grounds reflects the care taken for our public lands. Soldier Lake Campground isn’t about luxury; it’s about genuine outdoor adventure, peaceful moments by the campfire, and the opportunity to build lasting memories in Michigan’s breathtaking Upper Peninsula. It’s an authentic slice of Pure Michigan, waiting for you to discover.