Map showing campground location near Wakefield, Michigan

Camper submitted image from Ottawa National Forest Black River Harbor Campground

Ottawa National Forest Black River Harbor Campground

Waterfall enthusiasts and Lake Superior explorers will find Black River Harbor Campground positioned along Michigan's rugged western Upper Peninsula coastline. This US Forest Service facility operates seasonally from mid-May through mid-September, accommodating RVs up to 40 feet alongside tent campers seeking access to the Black River corridor and its series of cascading waterfalls.

The campground sits on elevated terrain above Lake Superior, providing some sites with water views while maintaining separation from direct shoreline access. Sara S. notes that "sites are large and there are lots of trees creating privacy." Campers consistently mention the pressurized water system throughout the facility, though cell service remains limited with Verizon users reporting poor coverage. The harbor below offers boat launching access for those arriving by water.

Five named waterfalls along the Black River create the area's primary draw, with hiking trails connecting these features to the campground. Multiple reviewers highlight the waterfall access as a key attraction. The facility includes standard amenities like fire pits, picnic tables, and restrooms, though visitors should note that the dump station mentioned in older information has been removed.

Campers can explore places to camp around Wakefield for additional options in the region, though this location's combination of Lake Superior proximity and waterfall access makes advance reservations advisable during peak summer months.

RV Road Trip Guides

The Great Northern Road Trip

Sault Ste. Marie to Duluth: 4 Day Road Trip

Build Your Trip

Plan a TripAdd

Location

Public Campground

Ottawa National Forest Black River Harbor Campground is located in Michigan

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 by

T-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoors

T-Mobile
No Coverage
Verizon
No Coverage
AT&T
No Coverage

Connectivity

Presented by

T-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoors

T-Mobile
No Coverage
Verizon
No Coverage
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

Drive Time

2 hrs 32 min from Duluth, MN
2 hrs 36 min from Wausau, WI
3 hrs 35 min from Eau Claire, WI
3 hrs 58 min from Green Bay, WI

2026 Explorer Giveaway

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win

Enter to Win

Add Review

5 Stars

4 Stars

3 Stars

2 Stars

1 Star

4.5

out of 5

5 Reviews

Campers regularly cited the large, private sites and natural beauty near Lake Superior and waterfalls. Several guests observed issues with limited staff presence and occasional noise problems from inconsiderate neighbors.

Jim W.

Guide

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

David K.

Ranger

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

(4) View All

Bill S.

Ranger

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,

(4) View All

Sara S.

Legend

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.

Thomas F.

Ranger

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.

(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.

Keep Exploring