Camper submitted image from Ottawa National Forest Black River Harbor Campground - 1

View Photos

Camper submitted image from Ottawa National Forest Black River Harbor Campground - 2
Roads
Camper submitted image from Ottawa National Forest Black River Harbor Campground - 3
Facilities
Camper submitted image from Ottawa National Forest Black River Harbor Campground - 4
Signs & Maps
Camper submitted image from Ottawa National Forest Black River Harbor Campground - 5
Nature
Unlock Planning Tools in App

Verified

Established Camping

Ottawa National Forest Black River Harbor Campground

CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BYFord

Ottawa National Forest Black River Harbor Campground, near Bessemer, Michigan, is a fantastic spot for those looking to immerse themselves in nature. With a mix of tent sites, RV accommodations, and even glamping options, it caters to a variety of camping styles while providing a rustic experience surrounded by the beauty of the Ottawa National Forest.

The campground is known for its clean, spacious sites that offer a good amount of privacy thanks to the surrounding trees. Visitors often rave about the nearby waterfalls and the stunning views of Lake Superior, making it a prime location for hiking and exploring. As one camper noted, “The park itself had ample space and plenty to see,” highlighting the area's natural attractions.

For those who enjoy a bit of adventure, the campground is close to the North Country Trail and several breathtaking waterfalls. You can also check out Copper Peak, the only ski flying facility in North America, just a short drive away. While the campground doesn’t have electric hookups or showers, it does provide essential amenities like drinking water and vault toilets, ensuring a comfortable stay.

Whether you're planning a family trip or a solo retreat, Ottawa National Forest Black River Harbor Campground offers a peaceful escape with plenty of opportunities for exploration and relaxation.

Location

Ottawa National Forest Black River Harbor Campground is located in Michigan

Detail location of campground

Directions

In Bessemer, MI, take N. Moore St. (County Rt. 513) north for 15.2 miles to campground.

Coordinates

46.66416381 N
90.05190655 W

Open in Google Maps

Connectivity

Presented byT-Mobile SatelliteT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    Verizon
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T
    No Coverage

Drive Time

Presented byToyota Trucks

Connectivity

Presented byT-Mobile SatelliteT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    Verizon
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T
    No Coverage

Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Boat-In
    Sites accessible by watercraft.

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)
  • Group
  • Tent Cabin

Features

For Campers

  • ADA Access
  • Trash
  • Picnic Table
  • Phone Service
  • Reservable
  • Drinking Water
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

For Vehicles

  • Sanitary Dump

Contact

General Info


2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win

Reviews

Add Review

5 Stars

4 Stars

3 Stars

2 Stars

1 Star

67%
17%
17%
0%
0%

4.5

out of 5

6 Reviews

Reviewed Jul. 27, 2021

You Are On Your Own

The first four days were five stars. The campground was mostly full of tents, pop ups, small trailers, and a few 5ers and Class As. The site was clean and groomed. Spacing is nice and provides some privacy. The location is secluded with an easy walk to a quiet stretch of Lake Superior shoreline. The waterfalls in the area are a don't miss attraction. For a longer day trip the State Park to the east was magnificent as was Copper Peak.

The last three nights were 1 star. A large open frame generator ran 24/7 the entire time. The "camper" said quiet hours were only for TVs and radios. The generator ran even while they left the campsite. The owner ignored all requests to honor the quiet hours and insulted anyone that asked. We were three campsites away and it interfered with our sleep.

There are no camp hosts, no cellar coverage, and the Rangers do not answer knocks on the door at their offices about 20 miles away. You are on your own.

Site27
Month of VisitJuly
Reviewed Apr. 29, 2020

Epic Fall Colors

Took an overnight trip with my wife, daughter and mother to see the legendary Fall colors of the western U.P. The sights along the Black River did not disappoint. The park itself had ample space and plenty to see. A few trails can be seen going through the area. The many nearby waterfalls make this a hidden gem. I can't wait for my next trip here!

Month of VisitOctober
  • Review photo of Ottawa National Forest Black River Harbor Campground by David K., April 29, 2020
  • Review photo of Ottawa National Forest Black River Harbor Campground by David K., April 29, 2020
  • Review photo of Ottawa National Forest Black River Harbor Campground by David K., April 29, 2020
  • (4) View All
Reviewed Jul. 25, 2018

nice sites & great views of the water at some sites

this campground was nice, clean, decent size sites with pressurized water throughout the park, a few sites with nice Lake Superior view, is up on a ridge so can’t actually access water from the campground, has trash, fire pits, picnic tables, NO DUMP STATION,, they removed it years ago, verizon cell service is NO GOOD,, a lot of falls on black river to walk to and a harbor to put your boat in,,stayed 2 nights July 2018,

  • Review photo of Ottawa National Forest Black River Harbor Campground by Bill S., July 25, 2018
  • Review photo of Ottawa National Forest Black River Harbor Campground by Bill S., July 25, 2018
  • Review photo of Ottawa National Forest Black River Harbor Campground by Bill S., July 25, 2018
  • (4) View All
Reviewed Jul. 15, 2018

Ranger Review: Matador Camera Base Layer at Black River Harbor

Campground Review:

A nice well maintained campground in the Ottawa National Forest. This campground is very close to the North Country Trail, Lake Superior, and to several beautiful waterfalls. A large loop, there are 38 sites to pick from of varying sizes. If you are lucky, you will score a site that is set back a bit from the road and has some good hammock trees. Try to get a site on the outside of the loop, closer to the lake. No sites are on the lake with beach access, but there are a few that have lake views. The vault toilets are older but well maintained, and there are water pumps scattered around the campground. There are no hookups for RV’s, but they are permitted in the campground. There are no pull through sites. Just up the road is the Harbor with a boat ramp and large picincing area with some historical buildings and signage. There is some construction going on here, so be aware there might be some parking lots and access points closed. Further inland is a series of four spectacular waterfalls that can be accessed either individually from pull outs and parking lots or along the North Country hiking trail. Be forewarned: there are LOTS of stairs to access the waterfalls. Not too far away is Copper Peak, the only ski flying facility in North America. In the summer you can ride up to the top to see pretty far. It’s not for the faint of heart, you really can’t mind heights if you are going up there. The Red Bull X Games used the ski launch for some crazy competition earlier this summer.

Product review:

As a Ranger for The Dyrt, from time to time I get to test products. On this camping trip I tested the Matador Camera Base Layer while hiking and photographing the waterfalls. I think some of the purpose of the Matador Camera Base Layer is to provide some insulation for sensitive cameras from extreme cold air, but I was hiking in July so this was not something I could really put to the test. However, I could test the padding and the water resistance of the 30D Cordura fabric and the integrated rainfly.

Here’s what I liked:

  1. The padding was nice in that I was really comfortable tossing my camera in my day pack and not worrying about the screen getting scratched or losing my lense cap.
  2. It was really easy to use: put the camera in the bag, roll the top closed, and clip like a dry bag.
  3. My camera strap becomes the base layer bag strap, which means no added weight of extra straps, and no extra straps getting in the way.
  4. The rain fly is integrated in a small pouch in the bottom of the base layer bag, and since it is attached, it won’t get lost or left behind.
  5. I like the black color, makes it look like the professional, high end piece of equipment that it is.

Here’s what could be improved:

  1. I would like some sort of clip or tie or velcro that I could use to attach this to my camera strap. Currently when you take it off your camera, you are left holding the bag, literally, in one hand and your camera in the other. Then you need to find a place to stash it while you use your camera. A single connector would allow this light as air bag to hand from the strap while you use the camera.
  2. I wish the sides were closed up just a tad (an inch or two at most) more. I feel like the side openings are maybe too big and sewing them up just a bit more would provide a deeper, more protective bag for my camera (time to get out the sewing machine!).

Overall, I like the product and am glad I had it with me while out clambering around the ravines and waterfalls.

Site18
Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Ottawa National Forest Black River Harbor Campground by Annie C., July 15, 2018
  • Review photo of Ottawa National Forest Black River Harbor Campground by Annie C., July 15, 2018
  • Review photo of Ottawa National Forest Black River Harbor Campground by Annie C., July 15, 2018
  • (15) View All
Reviewed Jun. 12, 2016

great place to explore the Ottawa National Forest

This campground is one of the best in/near the Ottawa National Forest. Sites are large and there are lots of trees creating privacy. We loved the hiking trails surrounding the area! This is a more rustic place to camp, but the feel of nature surrounding you is worth it.

Reviewed May. 2, 2015

One of the Top Ten Most Beautiful Locations in the US

Black River Harbor is one of the Top Ten most beautiful places in the United States. Plenty of nice sites. A beautiful harbor on Lake Superior surrounded with by a cornucopia of natural beauty. Five named waterfalls that are simply amazing, each awe inspiring along with several hidden un-named falls that anywhere else would be named and a major attraction. Together in such a short span of river makes the place the best place to see waterfalls in the US. Harbor features a beautiful suspension bridge, gorgeous picnic ground, amazing examples of Civilian Conservation Corps architecture and perhaps the most beautiful beach on the great lakes. Short drive from Copper Peak, where you can see three states and Canada. Needs to be on everyone's bucket list.

  • Review photo of Ottawa National Forest Black River Harbor Campground by Thomas F., May 2, 2015
  • Review photo of Ottawa National Forest Black River Harbor Campground by Thomas F., May 2, 2015
  • Review photo of Ottawa National Forest Black River Harbor Campground by Thomas F., May 2, 2015
  • (41) View All

Frequently Asked Questions

What amenities and facilities are available at Black River Harbor Campground?

Black River Harbor Campground offers 38 campsites of varying sizes arranged in a large loop, with good spacing between sites that provides privacy. Amenities include pressurized water throughout the park, fire pits, picnic tables, and trash collection. The campground is relatively rustic but well-maintained with clean facilities. Note that while the campground previously had a dump station, it has been removed. Cell service for Verizon is available at the campground. The large, tree-filled sites create a natural, secluded camping experience.

What waterfalls can I visit near Black River Harbor Campground?

The Black River Harbor area is home to five named waterfalls that are easily accessible from the campground, making it a waterfall enthusiast's paradise. These spectacular falls are located along the Black River corridor and can be reached via hiking trails that connect to the campground area. During fall, the waterfalls become even more scenic when surrounded by vibrant autumn colors. Several unmarked, hidden falls can also be discovered in the area, offering additional exploration opportunities for adventurous hikers who venture off the main trails.

What do camper reviews say about Black River Harbor Campground?

Black River Harbor Campground is consistently praised as one of the most beautiful destinations in the Ottawa National Forest. Campers appreciate the large, private sites surrounded by trees and the natural setting. The campground's proximity to Lake Superior, the North Country Trail, and numerous waterfalls makes it an excellent base for outdoor adventures. Visitors enjoy the well-maintained grounds and the secluded atmosphere. The campground is described as more rustic but worth it for nature lovers. Some note the lack of a dump station as a drawback for RV campers. The area is particularly stunning during fall color season.

Where is Black River Harbor Campground located in Ottawa National Forest?

Black River Harbor Campground is nestled in the Ottawa National Forest in Michigan's western Upper Peninsula. The campground sits on a ridge overlooking Lake Superior, providing some sites with beautiful lake views. Its location offers convenient access to the North Country Trail and the scenic Black River corridor. The campground's position combines forest seclusion with proximity to Lake Superior's shoreline, which is accessible via a short walking path from the camping area.