Marathon to Wawa Campground?

[AirsDream]

Any advice greatly appreciated: we're looking for a "nice view" campground between maybe Marathon and Wawa over weekend of October 4.

Gonna' circle Lake Superior, looking for fall tree colors and that area seems like a good place to stop for a night, but am having a hard time finding campgrounds that are open in October, and which might have good scenery / a good view and decent facilities. Failing that, any good boondocking sites along there? ... Any ideas?

Thanks a bunch.

Ryanh

[RangerJay]

There are a number of Provincial Parks along the way but you are pushing it for operating dates - looks like the only campgrounds scheduled to be open are Sleeping Giant (near Thunder Bay) and Lake Superior (Sault Ste. Marie end) - see the websites:
http://www.parkreports.com/openclose/index.php?year=2008
http://www.ontarioparks.com/english/index.html

- Sleeping Giant has some nice sites on the water (Marie Louise Lake) - and a number of day-use hiking trails. The historical town of Silver Islet is something you will want to drive (or walk) through. The park is off highway 17 but is well worth the visit.

- Agawa Bay Campground of Lake Superior Provincial Park is directly on highway 17 and on the shore of Lake Superior - because the campground is on the water it is one of our regular overnight “stops” when heading past. The park is also well known for hiking. Agawa Rock Pictographs are a popular attraction.

One other spot not far off the highway you shouldn't miss is Ouimet Canyon Provincial Park - a short trail and viewing pods give you spectacular views of the canyon. This park is day-use only - no camping.

Near Marathon is Pukaskwa National Park:
http://www.pc.gc.ca/pn-np/on/pukaskwa/visit/visit2_e.asp

- The campground at Pukaskwa is OK (not great) - but there is a very scenic day-use hiking trail close to it.

Don’t know much about private campgrounds - but do know that Thunder Bay and the Soo each has a KOA - both are nice facilities. There is a private campground in Wawa - but have never stayed there and have no idea of its operating dates.

For your own interest the scenic portions of Highway 17 between Thunder Bay and the Soo are the stretches between Nipigon to Marathon and Wawa to Sault Ste. Marie. Marathon to Wawa has some nice spots along the way but it does not compare with the other sections.

Enjoy your trip.


Jay

[AirsDream]

Thank you for the tips. I know of the places you mention, but am still looking between Marathon and Wawa. Pukaskwa may be my best bet, even if it's not the greatest. It helps to "know" someone who's "been there, done that!"

Ryanh