I have read some comments on this area and I was looking for more information. Last year a couple buddies and I drove up to Craig Lake State Park in UP of MI as a short weekend trip. We were interested in the Big Island Lake Wilderness

How is the camping, campsites? Seems that by going more towards the interior lakes you will get away from some people. Did you run into a lot of people up in the area?

How is the fishing? Can you use live bait up there?

You might find some answers in this thread dedicated to the area (just half page down in this very forum). Dang that missing Search function!
Big Island Wilderness

Funny you should mention it! I just got back from there.

I've been trying to get up there for weeks and getting postponed time after time. I finally manged to get there for just a couple days. One of the nice things about it is that it's only 4 hours from my cabin. Also no permit required.



The terrain is different than the BW. It's sandy soil instead of rock, so erosion can be a problem. Some of the camp sites and portages are banked up with logs. The lakes are fairly small. The portages are fairly short and easy.

Camp sites are similar to the BW, with the same type of latrine, or kybo as we call it. The fire rings are different. They have a grate that's hinged so you can flip it out of the way for a real camp fire. I liked them. Also each camp has a post, and you're supposed to set you tents within 15 feet of it.



Don't bother picking up bits of birch bark on the portages. You can pick up sheets of it right around camp.

It's 5,856 acres with 23 lakes, and most of the time I had the entire wilderness all to my self. Not another car in the parking lot. I loved it.

I'll post a brief trip report on it.

No, you can't use live bait. I didn't do any fishing this trip so I can't comment on it.

I did see eagles and various waterfowl, including various ducks and a pair of swans. Didn't see or hear any loons.

Here's a link for more information. BILW

Spent a few days up there in late May. It was enjoyable, intimate and relaxing. Not for those who like to keep moving every day, but enjoyable.(Let's keep this place as our little secret, okay?)