Forum Discussion

j_sgypsybuggy's avatar
Jun 17, 2018

Lake Superior Grand Circle Tour

We are planning to do the Circle Tour this fall--perhaps mid-Sept. Would appreciate any help regarding campgrounds, things to see etc. We pull a 32 foot 5th wheel but would like hookups including water and electricity. We do have a generator but have found that they are frequently only allowed during certain hours. Would also like opinion of which direction to go (clockwise, or counterclockwise) We will be starting from the Duluth area. Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks
  • We've done the Great Circle tour twice. Fantastic scenery! Plan to go clockwise from the MN side that way all pull outs etc will be on right. As was stated, many parks start to close in Sept. Plan to see also see some of the sights in MI side. Take the small highways along the coast.
  • Bob806's avatar
    Bob806
    Explorer III
    We did this in 2016, went clockwise. Coming from Cleveland, here's where we stopped, and had a great time everywhere...Union Bay CG in the Porcupine Mountains, Michigan...Lamb's Resort, Schroeder, Minnesota....Happy Land CG in Thunder Bay, Ontario...Marathon, Ontario we had a reservation at a CG, but it was full when we arrived (they screwed up, we parked in a hotel lot)...Lake Superior Provincial Park, Agawa Bay section....Wilderness SP, Michigan (actually on Lake Michigan, at Straits of Mackinaw).

    Absolutely loved the Agawa Bay CG, Union Bay, and Lamb's Resort. I'd rank the Happy Land CG last, but it wasn't awful. The Canadian side of Lake Superior isn't very populated, so make sure you fuel up wisely. I'm sure you'll enjoy this trip very much...good luck.
  • PM me with an email and I'll send you the spreadsheet we used in 08. Did 54 waterfalls in 17 days CW from I-75 around the lake. It lists the falls, campgrounds, and some of the other sights.
  • We did this tour some years back and can comment as follows: don't expect the large campgrounds like we have in the States and some may only have 120V electric, and, don't expect to drive around and see the water; at least on the Canadian side. There is too much foliage to see thru.
  • There is a KOA in Thunder Bay Ont. and Sault St. Marie Ont that are still open in Sept that provide full hook ups. Some Provincial Parks do close om labour day (Sept 3) best to check the Ontario Parks web page.
    We did the same trip last year and really enjoyed Bayfield Wis. and the Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum at Whitefish point, Michigan We missed Pictured Rocks - another time.
    Gas up for the trip (full tank) between Sault St. Marie and Wawa as there are NO SERVICES and it is rugged country, lots of big hills but its no problem towing.
  • never done the tour but liked the Duluth Marina and Grand Marais is one of the best camps around.
  • Just an FYI many CG's close after Labor Day in these parts. So make sure to check first...