Photo courtesy of the City of Hancock

HANCOCK – With a season snowfall total of 339.25 inches as of Wednesday, the National Weather Service reports a current snow depth from 40 to 50 inches on the Keweenaw Peninsula.

In spite of lingering winter weather, the area is looking ahead to a busy summer season, including the City of Hancock, which is focusing on its recreation area beach and campground.

Todd Gast, community development lead for the city, said it’s a very busy campground.

“We’re pretty proud of our campground,” he said, adding that local camping enthusiasts are also proud of the facitity.

“When I’m out there kind of talking to folks, and when campground season comes up, they let me know how much they love the Hancock campground, and it’s their favorite local campground to go to.”

The city, and its residents, have reason to be proud. The campground is part of the city’s Hancock Recreation Area. Comprising more than 28 acres, the city boasts the facility is conveniently situated on Portage Lake, one mile west of downtown Hancock on M-203.

“All thoroughfares through the camping area are blacktopped and have streetlights for nighttime safety,” the city website states. “In addition, all roads are police patrolled. There are daily fees for the campsites. Use of the beach is free.”

Looking ahead to the coming camping season, the city has begun seeking an individual or couple to fill the on-site campground host position for the 2026 Camping Season. The host will receive a campsite in exchange for their time and service. The season begins May 15th and ends October 15th.

The campground has received 4+ star ratings from Yelp and Canedium, which gives neighboring McLean State Park a flat 4-star rating. RV Life Campground Reviews ranks the facility at 4.5 stars, ranking it equal to neighboring McLean State Park.

While Hancock is looking ahead to spring, Tosh Blosser, general manager of Downwind Sports, in Houghton, said many customers are still focused on outdoor winter activities.

“I just sold a number of ski packages last week,” he said.

Downwind Sports, located on Shelden Avenue in Houghton, offers winter gear, bikes, things for paddling, along with hiking and camping equipment.

Downwind Co-owner, Arni Roni said he just received two canoes to kick off the summer paddling season.

As the 2026 winter season slowly continues to roll toward spring, the Isle Royal National Park’s Ranger III is scheduled to make its first trip from Houghton to the island on April 16. Before camping and hiking season begins on May 27, the Ranger III is dedicated to island opening and closing operations such as transporting rangers and supplies to and from Mott Administrative Island, Rock Island and Windigo.