Five Places to Camp in Ottawa National Forest

Are you ready to unplug and reconnect with nature? If so, camping in the Ottawa National Forest is a fantastic idea. After all, the Upper Peninsula of Michigan is full of stunning places to camp, stay, and unwind.

When looking for Upper Peninsula towns to stay in or visit near the Ottawa National Forest and Porcupine Mountains, Ironwood, Michigan, is one of the most stunning places to explore! Near Ironwood, you will find many excellent places to camp.

Below, we will walk you through five of the best campsites in the Ottawa National Forest! That way, when you are trying to decide where to visit in the Upper Peninsula Ottawa National Forest, you will be able to easily chart your next adventure!

upper peninsula of michigan

About the Ottawa National Forest

The Ottawa National Forest is nestled on the shores of Lake Superior in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. Here, quiet lake shores, cascading waterfalls, and churning rivers greet visitors with Pure Michigan charm. This forest was once the home of the Ojibwa people, and today, the indigenous tribe still retains ties to the area. The remarkable forest sprawls over various terrain types near the Porcupine Mountains and is filled with Northern hardwoods, local wildlife, towering pines, and seasonal greenery. You will also find small wetland pockets, scattered lakes, roaring rivers, and trickling streams. In the Ottawa National Forest, all campsites are available on a first-come, first-served basis with very few exceptions. Ergo, reservations are required for camping at most of the area’s serviced locations. To find out how to make campground reservations, go to recreation.gov, or call 1-877-444-6777.

Plenty to Do and See

There’s plenty to do in the Ottawa National Forest! Spend the day hiking and see unique rock formations that tower over Lake Superior, or enjoy groomed trails that take you from campsite to campsite. Within the forest’s nearly 1 million acres, you can find pristine waters for fishing, places to kayak, modern RV campground locations, secluded tent campsites, and more. This Scenic Forest has more than 23 campground locations suited for recreational vehicles with access to a myriad of different natural areas. No matter what type of camping experience you want to have, the Ottawa National Forest has plenty of options. All campgrounds in the forest are accessible by road, and many have services for trailer campers and tents. An Ottawa National Forest map shows the names and locations of all campgrounds.

porcupine mountains

Versatile Campsites

Most of these campgrounds are positioned near streams or lake shores to offer fishing opportunities. Additionally, many of these campgrounds have tent pads, picnic tables, toilet facilities, drinking water pumps, and fire grates. Some campsites can also accommodate large RV units. However, limited-service locations are also available if you want a “wilder” experience. Campgrounds that have limited services require visitors to pack their trash out. Also, no water is available on sites with limited facilities. On the upside, these limited-service areas do not usually charge a fee for use. Wilderness camping and dispersed camping options are also available in the forest. Dispersed camping areas are those located outside of designated campground sites. These dispersed campgrounds have no water or restroom facilities. Dispersed camping is allowed in the Ottawa National Forest for up to 16 days at any single location. After that time, relocation at least five miles away is required.

Presque Isle

This State Park campground consists of 50 rustic campsites in the scenic Presque Isle River area. There are plenty of toilets, hand pumps for water, drive-up sites, and walk-in sites to choose from. The campground is split into two loops, and the East Loop has a generator. At an estimated 60,000 acres, the Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park is the largest in all of Michigan. Here, you will find old-growth forests, roaring waterfalls, miles and miles of streams, and 90 different hiking trails.

This campground on the Shoreline of Lake Superior has some of the most exciting natural areas anywhere. You will find plenty of places to hike, mountain bike, or get pictures of the captivating views near this campground. This campground is known for being quiet, with plenty of natural wooded areas and retreats to relax and get in touch with nature.

Perch Lake Campground

The Perch Lake Campground is located just 10 miles south of the Sidnaw within the Kenton Ranger District. This nicely groomed campground consists of a single loop with 20 convenient drive-in campsites. Each site can easily accommodate campers in RVs, tents, motorhomes, or trailers. If you decide to camp here, you will have access to everything you can imagine, including hiking, biking trails, fishing, boating, and more.

This campsite also has many fantastic lake access points for swimmers or boats. Since the campsites are all separated by natural vegetation for screening, you will enjoy a more private experience. Plus, all sites have wooden tables, parking, and fire rings. The campsite also has two different sets of vault toilets, hand pumps for drinking water, and boat ramps. Overall, if you want an Ottawa National Forest campsite with plenty of room for everyone and access to all the activities the area is known for, the Perch Lake Campground is a great place to consider.

Bond Falls Campground

Located near Calderwood, Michigan, this campground is adjacent to the Ottawa National Forest. This location is home to numerous waterfalls that Cascade beautifully over the rocks. It is managed by the UP Power Company and has many well-developed and nicely maintained trails. You will also find plenty of steps, bridges, and other similar areas that are easy to access for people from all walks of life. This campground is beautiful all year but is incredibly gorgeous in the warmer months. During the summer and fall, you will find gorgeous foliage and plant life everywhere you look!

Sandy Beach Lake Campground

The Sandy Beach Campground is located along picturesque waters and is accessible by road. This campground has plenty of natural splendor and facilities to make your stay more comfortable. In some cases, you can park right next to your site! Or, enjoy a short walk and settle in. Either way, this site lets you enjoy multiple areas accessible by watercraft. This is a tranquil campsite with fantastic views. If you enjoy kayaking, this is a great place to choose. To get to this campground, follow highway 47 north for about 23 miles past Lac Du Flambeau. Then, Sandy Beach Campground will be on the right.

Sylvania (Clark Lake) Campground

This campground is located just seven miles southwest of Watersmeet, Michigan. It is right next to the Sylvania Wilderness Area, which stretches across more than 18,000 acres of hardwood forests and lakeshore locations. This 48-site campground area is the perfect home base for visitors who enjoy activities such as canoeing, kayaking, fishing, boating, and hiking. There are also plenty of great spots to check out the local wildlife!

Plan Your Visit to the Upper Peninsula of Michigan: Travel Ironwood Can Help!