BUG QUESTIONS

Q.    I've been told the bugs can be really bad in the U.P.  How bad is it and what should I use for protection?

A.     There are two seasons in the U.P. swat and shovel.  In the summer months, Deep Woods Off doubles as an aftershave and perfume.  Seriously, the mosquitoes and black flies (very tiny little winged bugs, not at all like a typical fly) can be bad.  Deer flies are also a big nuisance.   The best protection is Deep Woods Off.  You can also use bug nets that entirely cover your head.   Typically May and June are the worst months.

Q.    What makes the bugs worse at certain times of the day?

A.      These pests seem to thrive in "dampness" (especially if it is foggy) and come out in droves when it is damp.  Early morning and evenings are usually the worst times of the day.  They enjoy the cover of the woods, swampy areas, tall grass etc.  They aren't so bad when it is hot and sunny or if we have a nice breeze.  A nice campfire helps in the evenings.  Wet springs with little frost really help the bugs multiply.

 

ANIMALS NATIVE TO THE AREA

Q.    Are there bears in the area?  What other kinds of animals are there?

A.     Yes, there are bears in our area as well as moose (Newberry is the Moose Capital of Michigan!!), wolves, coyotes, deer (contrary to popular belief, there are no elk in the U.P.), fox, skunk, raccoons, possums, porcupines, etc.

Q.    Is there a dump in Newberry where we can see bears?

A.     No, there is no longer a dump and hasn't been for many years.  Seeing a bear in the wild (unless you are hunting them) is by chance.  You can safely view bears at the Oswald's bear habitat, which is about 10 minutes from us.

Q.    Do you have problems with bears in your campground?

A.  We have never had a problem with bears IN the campground. We have seen bear tracks in our woods so there is ALWAYS that possibility a bear could come into the park.  Bears and other critters are the reasons we stress to our camp ers the importance of keeping your camp site picked up and not leaving food out.  You are more apt to have problems with raccoons, skunks or stray dogs visiting your camp site than with bears, but it is VERY important to put garbage where it belongs, which is NOT your camp fire ring.

 

QUESTIONS ABOUT OUR PARK

Q.    What is your quiet time?

A.     Quiet time is from 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.  That does not mean that you have to have your campfire extinguished & go to bed by 10:00 p.m.  It means children need to be off the playground and at their campsite and for guests to keep noises and activity to a minimum.

Q.    Do you allow beer in your park?

A.     We do allow alcoholic beverages in our park, but we are NOT a party park.  If someone is being unruly, they will be asked to leave.  If, while staying with us, you have any problems with any guest, please bring it to OUR attention.  We do not expect you to handle problems. 

Q.    Are pets allowed?

A.     Pets are allowed in the park, but not in the cabins, Little Lodge, bathhouse, office, etc.  They are also not allowed in the play areas or office yard.  Pets must be leashed and under the control of their owner at all times.  As always, pick up after your pet and dispose of "materials" properly.  For people with little pets, remember, this IS the U.P. Besides the "wild critters" and the worry of stray dogs, there are large birds of prey.

Q.    Can we put more than one tent on a campsite?

A.     The DEQ has relaxed a portion of the Campground Regulations and we are now allowed to have more than one tent per site. The following is what we have adopted for our park; if you wish to place two tents on one site, there will be an additional $8.00 fee per night unless the 2nd tent is occupied by your dependant children. The additional $8.00 covers one more tent and two more persons. If a person is traveling with an RV and wishes to place a tent on their RV site for their dependant children, we will allow that. The rate is based on up to 4 persons per site. In this situation, if there are more than 4 persons, the additional per person charge will be applied.

Q.    How many people can be on a campsite?

A.     According to the State of Michigan regulations: "You are allowed either of the following on an individual site.  1.  A family group of up to 8 people.  A family group is defined as one or two parents or guardians with their dependent children.  Up to 2 additional relatives may be part of the group as long as the total number does not exceed 8 persons.  2.  A non-family group of up to 4 people. 

Q.    Can we bring our own firewood?  Some places don't allow that.

A. FROM THE STATE OF MICHIGAN, DNR

Recent Changes to the Law: The movement of non-coniferous (hardwood) firewood is quarantined by the Michigan Department of Agriculture in 20 Michigan counties and sections of 19 others. In May 2005, the quarantine was revised and includes sections of Charlevoix, Montcalm, and Grand Traverse counties. This quarantine prohibits the movement of firewood into the Upper Peninsula-regardless of where it comes from. For more information visit www.michigan.gov/eab. Firewood being brought into the U.P. from Lower Michigan will be confiscated at the bridge.

EMERALD ASH BORER: The Emerald Ash Borer, an exotic Asian beetle, is already responsible for the death of 15 million ash trees. To help stop the spread of this destructive pest, PLEASE DO NOT BRING FIREWOOD WITH YOU WHEN YOU VISIT OUR CAMPGROUND THIS SUMMER. We do not want to risk losing our beautiful natural landscape and ask that you buy your firewood locally after you arrive. We appreciate your cooperation and look forward to your visit.

OTHER QUESTIONS

Q.    How do you pronounce the name of the falls?

A.     If you are referring to the Tahquamenon Falls, think of the word phenomenon only with a "Tahqwa" instead of a "phen".