River Rapids

In August, I moved from northern Minnesota to the Michigan Upper Peninsula. I was looking for something a little bit different, and these camps seemed to offer it.

(Trout Creek MI)
About three miles down a gravel road I found Ottawa NF-Sparrow Rapids CG. It was a small campground next to Sparrow Creek that I shared with only two other campers.

River Rapids – Sparrow Rapids

A short hike in the woods led to the creek, then followed it upstream. A young couple was frolicking in the water, and further along, a man was fly fishing. A section of the creek had some rapids.

Sparrow Rapids Again

(Watton MI)
Another camp was about 10 miles down a good gravel road. The Ottawa NF-Sturgeon River Gorge CG was also small with two other campers. Behind my campsite, it was just a short walk to the river and rapids.

Sturgeon River Rapids

Sturgeon River in the Rain

(Mountain WI)
The next example was reached after leaving the UP, and re-entering Wisconsin. Nicolet NF-Bagley Rapids CG was situated on the North Branch of Oconto River. Again, a short walk behind my campsite took me to a trail that followed the river.

Bagley Rapids

More Bagley Rapids

These rapids were more impressive, and had more variety.  A bright sun on foamy water makes it hard to get a good shot. Trying to select the best photos was difficult.

Another view of Bagley Rapids

All three camps were fairly small and in the forest with lots of tree cover. Bagley Rapids was the closest to a paved road, and also the largest. These stops turned out to be the most enjoyable on my Upper Peninsula journey.

Camps: Ottawa NF & Nicolet NF drycamp
Scene: Creek, river, rapids

PS: I did camp at several places across northern Wisconsin. All the campgrounds were similar, being in the woods and by a lake. But, none had campsites next to the lake. They were OK, but nothing noteworthy to write about.