Within Ottawa National Forest, Courtney Lake Campground provides a forested retreat where campers access sites by vehicle, on foot, or via hiking trails. This US Forest Service facility operates from May through October at $22 per night, accommodating everything from tents to RVs up to 111 feet long.
The campground maintains a notably quiet atmosphere throughout most periods. Nite H. found it "very quiet during the week with some campers coming in on the weekend." Sites vary considerably in size and placement, with some positioned directly on the lake waterfront while others sit back in the woods. The access road from the highway comes paved, which distinguishes it from many other forest campgrounds in the region.
Standard amenities include drinking water, restrooms, and a dump station, with facilities positioned centrally for easy access. Campers can bring pets and enjoy campfires at their sites. Cell phone coverage remains spotty at best, creating a genuine disconnect from digital distractions. Mosquitoes can be intense during peak season, particularly around the water areas.
The campground includes an equine section with wide, well-maintained trails for horseback riders. For those exploring the broader area, places to camp near Ottawa National Forest offer additional options. Large sites and minimal crowds make this spot work well for campers seeking space and forest access.
Description
Courtney Lake Campground, located in Ontonagon County, is 22 miles southeast of Ontonagon, MI, on the Ontonagon Ranger District, in the northeast portion of the Ottawa National Forest. This campground features one loop with 21 spacious sites that can accommodate tents, trailers, or larger motor homes. It offers two "walk-in" sites for tent campers. Campsites are spaced with natural vegetation for screening. Each site offers a wooden picnic table, fire ring, lantern post and parking spur. Two sets of vault toilets are located in the campground loop and two pressurized faucets provide water for campers. Adjacent to the campground is a boat landing, picnic area and beach area. The 2.2 mile Circle of Life Trail, with its bog viewing platform adjoins the campground with trailheads at the south side of campsite #7 and across from the Beach and Day Use area parking lot. One of the Ottawa's only Equestrian Trails can also be found adjacent to the campground. Courtney Equestrian Trails Map
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsCourtney Lake Campground is located in Michigan near Nisula
Directions
From Ontonagon, Mi., travel east on M-38 for approximately 21 miles to FR 1960. Turn right (South) onto FR 1960 and travel 1 mile to the campground.
Coordinates
46.75235155 N
88.9404464 W
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo CoverageVerified by 7 usersLast on 7/6/26
- VerizonNo CoverageVerified by 4 usersLast on 7/6/26
- AT&T5GExcellent Coverage
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo CoverageVerified by 7 usersLast on 7/6/26
- VerizonNo CoverageVerified by 4 usersLast on 7/6/26
- AT&T5GExcellent Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
- Hike-InBackcountry sites.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Dispersed
- Equestrian
Features
For Campers
- Picnic Table
- Reservable
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
- Pull-Through Sites
- Big Rig Friendly
Drive Time
- 2 hrs 33 min from Wausau, WI
- 3 hrs 11 min from Duluth, MN
- 3 hrs 17 min from Green Bay, WI
- 3 hrs 32 min from Appleton, WI







