The Hiawatha National Forest contains six designated Wildernesses: Big Island Lake, Delirium, Horseshoe Bay, Mackinac, Rock River Canyon, and Round Island. Back-country-style camping is allowed in all these areas, although certain restrictions may apply. Follow this link for more information about camping and canoeing in Big Island Lake Wilderness. And use this link to learn about Eben Ices Caves (Rock River Canyon Wilderness), and here find a vicinity map of Eben Ice Caves. For general information about our other wilderness, click here.
Is the Wilderness Experience for You?
Before you plan your trip into the Wilderness, ask yourself if you really want a Wilderness experience. Although many resort areas serve Upper Michigan, the Wilderness is preserved in a natural state - without roads, electricity, telephones, tap water, trashcans, restrooms, and other amenities offered in some campgrounds and picnic areas throughout the Forest.
The key to enjoying a visit to the wilderness is to plan a trip that matches your experience and expectations. For those interested in “roughing it” camping and off-trail hiking without as many restrictions, many options are available. More information about local opportunities may be obtained by calling the Hiawatha/Pictured Rocks Visitor Center at 906-387-3700 or by writing the Munising Ranger District, Box 400, Munising, MI 49862.
Other recreation opportunities include:
- Developed campgrounds
- Dispersed campsites
- Semi-primitive non-motorized areas
- Maintained hiking, snowmobile and ski trails.