Looking for the best campgrounds near Iron River, MI? Discover secluded campsites where you can reconnect with nature. Or maybe you like to bring your family and friends along. Either way, there are Iron River campgrounds just for you. Search nearby campsites and find top-rated spots from other campers.
Michigan Recreation Passport is required for vehicle entry into state parks and recreation areas, state boat launches, state forest campgrounds and state trail parking lots. The Michigan Recreation Passport does not cover local, county, municipal, or metropolitan parks or recreation areas. Learn more: https://www.michigan.gov/dnr/0,4570,7-350-79134_79210---,00.html
Franklin Lake Campground is one of the most popular camping spots within the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest in Northern Wisconsin. Its unique structures built by the CCC land it on the National Register of Historic Places. The campground is in a beautiful setting, among tall pines and hemlocks, perched on the edge of the clear blue waters of Franklin Lake. In addition to its scenic landscape, the campground offers access to a variety of hiking trails.
The lake provides visitors with ample opportunities for boating, fishing and swimming. Anglers can expect a catch of walleye, northern pike, large and smallmouth bass, rock bass, perch, and bluegill, among others. The lake is open to all types of boating, motorized and non-motorized. Numerous trails exist in the area, with some beginning within the campground, including a 6-mile hike to nearby Anvil Lake. The 1-mile Franklin Lake interpretive trail is partly accessible and tours the forest of trees, with some over 400 years old. It leads to the 13-mile Hidden Lakes Trail, which loops south, around Butternut Lake, passing several small lakes with scenic vistas and a remarkable stand of old hemlock trees, then back to the campground. A variety of wildlife make its home in the area and visitors are encouraged to keep watch.
The campground is situated in a lush stand of mature pine and hemlock trees, at an elevation of 1,700 feet. Historic stone and log structures, built by the Civilian Conservation Corps, are scattered throughout the campground. The adjacent Franklin Lake is 892 acres and boasts a beautiful sandy beach.
The City of Eagle River is located about 15 miles west of the campground. A variety of services are offered there.
$15 / night
Although not part of the Ottawa National Forest, this beautiful waterfalls is surrounded by the Ottawa National Forest. One of the most popular Upper Peninsula waterfalls. Managed by the U.P. Power Company, a developed trail is maintained with steps and bridges across the river at the base of the falls. This is one fall that is beautiful yearlong, and a variety of plants can be viewed throughout the summer.
Paint River Hills Campground sits on 24 acres of scenic bluffs along the Paint River in downtown Crystal Falls. Guests are provided with easy access to both the State and County ATV trail systems. The campground features a clean modern shower building, 5 fully insulated sleeping cabins, 10 pull through sites (4 FHU), and 18 RV/tent sites. It offers a half mile, scenic, and unusual hiking trail along the river through cool bluffs, calcite outcroppings, and 140 year old cedars. Multilingual tree identification markers featuring the native Ojibwa language are displayed throughout the campground and along the trail. When the campground was built in 2003 an Ojibwa wigwam was constructed under a large white pine by a local Ojibwa and is the subject of a documentary. The wigwam has since been removed but the documentary is still available from the Hannahville Indian School in Wilson, Michigan.
$20 - $25 / night
Michigan Recreation Passport is required for vehicle entry into state parks and recreation areas, state boat launches, state forest campgrounds and state trail parking lots. The Michigan Recreation Passport does not cover local, county, municipal, or metropolitan parks or recreation areas. Learn more: https://www.michigan.gov/dnr/buy-and-apply/rec-pp
$20 - $34 / night
Planning a trip to the Lake Ottawa Campground? Watch for Alerts at the top of the page for any Alerts regarding this facility. Lake Ottawa Campground is in a beautiful forested northwoods setting located 5 miles southwest of Iron River, MI, on the Iron River Ranger District.__
Located adjacent to the Campground is Lake Ottawa, a deep cold water lake that provides fishermen with a good variety of game fish. There is a boat ramp with ample parking for trailers.__ Ge-Che Trail - Length is approximately 9 miles on a dirt trail. This trail provides scenery of primarily hardwood forest. The trail can be accessed from Lake Ottawa boat landing, and from within the campground. Lake Ottawa Recreation Area day use area provides indoor facilities for a group picnic, and a large outdoor picnic area complete with picnic tables and grills. The area is large enough to provide plenty of space for all. Also located in the same area is an athletic field. The day use building provides indoor seating for eating or parties. The building has a fireplace, electricity, and flush toilets.__
Located adjacent to the Campground is Lake Ottawa, a deep cold water lake that provides fishermen with a good variety of game fish. There is a boat ramp with ample parking for trailers.__ Ge-Che Trail - Length is approximately 9 miles on a dirt trail. This trail provides scenery of primarily hardwood forest. The trail can be accessed from Lake Ottawa boat landing, and from within the campground. Lake Ottawa Recreation Area day use area provides indoor facilities for a group picnic, and a large outdoor picnic area complete with picnic tables and grills. The area is large enough to provide plenty of space for all. Also located in the same area is an athletic field. The day use building provides indoor seating for eating or parties. The building has a fireplace, electricity, and flush toilets.__
Stateline-Mile Post Zero Trail - Scenery is hardwood, forested with two destination points on the Brule River. The trail is not a loop, it is a relatively flat dirt trail. The length of the trial is approximately 4/10 of a mile and takes you to the historic Stateline Mile Post Zero location indicating the border between Michgian and Wisconsin.__ The combination of topography and thousands of miles of rivers and streams have created hundreds of waterfalls throughout the Upper Peninsula, with several of the waterfalls located on the Ottawa. The Ottawa National Forest has 18 named waterfalls, 53,637 acres of lakes, 2,366 miles of perennial streams, 2,890 miles of intermittent (occasional) streams, and 210,761 acres of wetlands. The falls vary in size and some are easier to get to than others. For more information on the most visited waterfalls on and around the Ottawa National Forest, visit the Ottawa National Forest website waterfall page.__
$18 / night
Please note, this is Lost Lake Campground located in northern Wisconsin on the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest. Lost Lake Campground is located in northeastern Wisconsin on the north shore of Lost Lake in a maple, aspen and white pine forest. The clear, 86-acre lake is stocked with rainbow and brown trout. No motors are permitted on Lost Lake. The Assessor's Nature Trail, which passes through a 150-year old hemlock and white pine stand, is located adjacent to the campground. The 3.3-mile-long Ridge Trail is also accessed from the trailhead adjacent to the campground. This trail links Lost Lake to Chipmunk Rapids Campground and the Lauterman National Recreation Trail.
The lake provides opportunities for fishing, swimming and non-motorized boating. Anglers can expect to catch bass, trout and panfish. No motors are allowed on the lake including electric motors. Numerous trails exist in the area, many beginning in the campground and extending miles to other trail systems. The Lost Lake trail loops the lake itself and travels through old growth hemlock forests. The Assessor's Nature Trail also extends from the campground and provides views of 150-year old pine stands. The Ridge trail extends from Lost Lake Campground to Chipmunk Rapids Campground and eventually on to the Lauterman National Recreation Trail. A variety of wildlife make its home in the area, including resident American bald eagles and loons. The sounds of your visit will not be soon forgotten.
The campground is situated on the shore of crystal clear Lost Lake in a stand of maple, aspen and towering white pine trees. Lost Lake, at 86 acres, offers a relaxing paddle as no motors are allowed on this lake. A sandy beach area is available to enjoy the water.
The Town of Florence is located east of the campground approximately 20 miles. Florence offers a variety of services and visitor information.
$15 / night
Lost Lake Cabins offers (11) cabins available for rent in the remote forested area situated on the shores of Lost Lake. These cabins are located in a group setting and provide an excellent base for rent by individuals, families, family reunions or any large group. The entire facility can sleep up to 60 people and is a great base for water fun, swimming, non motor boating, fishing, hiking, bird watching, mushrooming, hunting and many day-trip locations into the Upper Peninsula. Cabins can be rented from mid-May through mid-October. Rental fees are per cabin, per day whether for one or six persons with an 8 night maximum stay and 2 night minimum stay on the weekend. Cabins can be reserved up to 6 months in advance. Cabins 1 through 8 are located adjacent to and along the shore of the lake, while the First Aid Cabin, Staff Cabin #2 and Staff Cabin #1 are a bit further away from the lake. The Lost Lake Campground located across the lake offers friends and family the opportunity to tent camp or RV camping and still be within a short 1/4 mile walk to the Cabins.
The 92-acre Lost Lake is stocked with perch, brown and rainbow trout and smallmouth bass. No motors are permitted on Lost Lake, but there is a boat access area available at the Lost Lake Campground. For visitors looking to beat the summer heat with a cool dip in the waters of Lost Lake, there is a small beach located at the cabins. In addition, there is a larger, appealing swimming beach available at the Lost Lake Campground. The Lost Lake Trail, a 1-mile interpretive trail through a stand of 150-year-old hemlock and pine, is a short walk from the cabins. Trails also connect to the Ridge trail and Assesors trail. the Lauterman National Recreation Trail system is just over 1 mile from the cabins.
The cabins sit amidst a forest of old-growth trees consisting mostly of Hemlock and Maple within walking distance of Lost Lake. The 92-acre lake gets its name from the lack of apparent inflow or outlet of water. The lake is actually fed by springs and the lake is a "No-Motor Lake". Tall white pines, hemlocks and other evergreens border the lake, Loons can be heard singing across the lake. A watchful eye can catch the resident eagle or osprey as they search the waters for their next meal. The lake is stocked yearly with Brown Trout and Rainbow Trout and also has a good population of Smallmouth Bass and panfish. The cabins are a short drive to the Whisker Lake Wilderness. Learn more about the wilderness HERE .
Numerous Lakes and Rivers nearby to explore, kayak or canoe. Several trails to hike and only about 10 minutes to the Whisker Lake Wilderness Area off of Highway 70. Great Biking trails located within an hour West near Eagle River, WI. Local Florence County Waterfall Tour and you could take in the Iron Mine Tour about 40 minutes away. From the Lost Lake Cabins you could do day trips to the Sylvania Wilderness, Bond Falls, Porcupine Mountains or Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore on Lake Superios all within a two hour drive in the Upper Peninsula.
$50 - $80 / night
Michigan Recreation Passport is required for vehicle entry into state parks and recreation areas, state boat launches, state forest campgrounds and state trail parking lots. The Michigan Recreation Passport does not cover local, county, municipal, or metropolitan parks or recreation areas. Learn more: https://www.michigan.gov/dnr/0,4570,7-350-79134_79210---,00.html
Franklin Lake Campground is one of the most popular camping spots within the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest in Northern Wisconsin. Its unique structures built by the CCC land it on the National Register of Historic Places. The campground is in a beautiful setting, among tall pines and hemlocks, perched on the edge of the clear blue waters of Franklin Lake. In addition to its scenic landscape, the campground offers access to a variety of hiking trails.
The lake provides visitors with ample opportunities for boating, fishing and swimming. Anglers can expect a catch of walleye, northern pike, large and smallmouth bass, rock bass, perch, and bluegill, among others. The lake is open to all types of boating, motorized and non-motorized. Numerous trails exist in the area, with some beginning within the campground, including a 6-mile hike to nearby Anvil Lake. The 1-mile Franklin Lake interpretive trail is partly accessible and tours the forest of trees, with some over 400 years old. It leads to the 13-mile Hidden Lakes Trail, which loops south, around Butternut Lake, passing several small lakes with scenic vistas and a remarkable stand of old hemlock trees, then back to the campground. A variety of wildlife make its home in the area and visitors are encouraged to keep watch.
The campground is situated in a lush stand of mature pine and hemlock trees, at an elevation of 1,700 feet. Historic stone and log structures, built by the Civilian Conservation Corps, are scattered throughout the campground. The adjacent Franklin Lake is 892 acres and boasts a beautiful sandy beach.
The City of Eagle River is located about 15 miles west of the campground. A variety of services are offered there.
$15 / night
Although not part of the Ottawa National Forest, this beautiful waterfalls is surrounded by the Ottawa National Forest. One of the most popular Upper Peninsula waterfalls. Managed by the U.P. Power Company, a developed trail is maintained with steps and bridges across the river at the base of the falls. This is one fall that is beautiful yearlong, and a variety of plants can be viewed throughout the summer.
Paint River Hills Campground sits on 24 acres of scenic bluffs along the Paint River in downtown Crystal Falls. Guests are provided with easy access to both the State and County ATV trail systems. The campground features a clean modern shower building, 5 fully insulated sleeping cabins, 10 pull through sites (4 FHU), and 18 RV/tent sites. It offers a half mile, scenic, and unusual hiking trail along the river through cool bluffs, calcite outcroppings, and 140 year old cedars. Multilingual tree identification markers featuring the native Ojibwa language are displayed throughout the campground and along the trail. When the campground was built in 2003 an Ojibwa wigwam was constructed under a large white pine by a local Ojibwa and is the subject of a documentary. The wigwam has since been removed but the documentary is still available from the Hannahville Indian School in Wilson, Michigan.
$20 - $25 / night
Guide
As of this writing, 2024, they have recently installed new showers and flush bathrooms. I live near this campground, so I have stayed at almost every site in the park. If you cant have or don't want a lake site, site #4 is the largest. It is almost 35 yards across the front. Trees are growing back, but not many mature trees on the East of the park. There is a really nice beach area adjacent to, but not in the campground. It is a nice short walk. Each site has electric hookup, and some sites have more than one box. Not much ambient light in this park, so it is great for viewing stars and Northern Lights. This park also is situated near the ATV trail, and has access to the 160 mile Blue Ox trail system.
Guide
I live near this park, so I frequent it. They have recently made improvements to the park area, which make it very kid friendly. The park also has a nice pavilion with picnic tables. Sites are spacious and spread out compared to other parks, and the area is pretty quiet. Sites have water and electric hookup.
Traveler
The Michigan Recreation Passport Solar does not cover local, county, municipal, or metropolitan parks or recreation areas.
Guide
We stayed for 3 nights. Lovely old and second growth trees. Bear and Wolf precautions, please. Hiking was good, fishing was good.
Traveler
You get a relatively flat site, fire ring, a picnic table, hand pump for water and vault toilets along with a beautiful clear water lake. There's a boat launch and firewood for sale. Reservations need to be made and paid online even if your fcfs. Cell phone and data are okay. There is tire noise from Highway M.
Very few folks around in September!
Honeymooned here in 1975. The location on the lake is beautiful. We camped here many times over the years. In tents, VW campers, trailers until about 20 years ago. Got a Sprinter RV this year and we're camped here now.
GuideNice spot to camp can fit trailer in parking area. There are two picknick tables and fire ring. Tent spot by lake boat access.
GuideTwo sites on lake some distance apart. Sand bottom on shore, picknick table and fire ring. No fee for camping can stay 14 days.
GuideStopped here to use shower it's a small campground had permanent sites and walkin tent sites. It was clean quiet bathroom was nice,long hot shower has dump station.
GuideSingle campsite on small lake. Room for small camper in parking less than 15 foot. Fire ring and picknick table. Road to get in is narrow and pot holed.
GuideOn small lake has fire ring and picknick table. Room for small camper 10to 15 foot also tents wilderness toilet. No motor lake
Scout
Van Riper State park has very unlevel sites with no water and 30 amp service. Unacceptable with today’s campers. Time to update Michigan
Guide
Small campsite along paved road,fire ring and picnic table ,wilderness toilet. Stayed two nights in September it was quiet fishing was so so. I had 8 foot pop up could fit a 20 footer easy or tent camp. Seen two fire ring along the right shore of lake accessable by water.
Traveler
Small primitive campsites right on lake pine in a beautiful area. The site are adequate and nothing negative to report. Host was super friendly and came up to welcome me. Picnic table down by lake so you can sit while watching the sunrise. $15/night unless you got a park/forest senior pass then 50% off.
TravelerWe are not a big state park fan as, in Michigan, there are very close sites and tons of noise. This one was relatively quiet. The site were the standard Michigan close but the campgeound was t full and there many options to choose from. The lake is real nice and the beach area is clean, spacious and it has a general store that has firewood for sale. We first reserved a rustic site, then changed to an electrical hook up site after arriving. The ranger was very accomodating.
Traveler
We come up every year for the meteor shower, and every stay is a great one. New shower rooms, and huge dog park are awesome!
GuideOwners are great, campground is clean and quiet, nice showers, not really a kids campground more like a relaxing or fishing campground.
Guide
Beautiful campground had site 45 one week and site 72 the next both fcfs. Campground was quiet and clean. For those with out power there is outlets in shelter in middle of campground to charge batteries. Had phone service through boost mobile enough to stream movies
GuideA single campsite can park next to tent only. Access to lake
GuideI’m a very simple camper used to having space and quiet…this was not the best time to pass through for an overnight. I arrived and the campground was so loud with people and kids shouting. There is zero privacy (they pack you in) so be sure to get a spot along the edge where you’ll at least have trees. I was very surprised and grateful how respectful everyone was of the quiet hrs…other than snoring and some traffic it was quiet. On a positive, the pit toilet was really clean and spacious. And the ranger at check in was so nice.
Guide
Tents only. Short walk to campsite only one on lake. 5 dollar parking national Forest.
Scout
We stayed at site 2 in the first loop on White Deer Lake. Site 7 on the water seemed like it would be a good site too, although there were steps on site 7. Site 1 and 2 had a trail between them that would make for a great double site, but they're each private enough that neighbors wouldn't be a bother. Site 2 had about 4 steps down to the tent pad that was easily large enough for our 10 person tent, the ground there mossy and grassy. The rest of the site by the picnic table and fire pit was lightly graveled. The fire pit deep and the removable grill grate perfect for the burgers and steaks we had while there. There is a single stall vault toilet for the white deer loop which was a little unfortunate as many times during the summer weekend, it was occupied when I walked over. Still it was stocked with TP, clean and spacious for a single stall. White Deer lake had a nice swimming beach area, the trail around the lake had many sandy access areas that my husband enjoyed some shoreline fishing. He caught a 9 inch bass and some panfish. Mosquitos were present, but not the worst I've ever experienced, the biting flies were plentiful, but stayed away with the help of a thermacell. Overall, we had a great weekend and would come back.
Traveler
Lake Cunard campground was designated a "Quiet" campground several years ago - one of only two in the 18 different Northern Highlands American Legion state forest campgrounds. That means no "noise producing devices", including generators, radios, TV's, video games, guitars, etc. No means none. Prohibited. It's good to know this before booking a reservation!
Also note that the posted rules for ALL campgrounds read, "At no time may a person engage in.. boisterous, unreasonably loud..or conduct that tends to cause a disturbance" - defined as " interfering with another person's enjoyment of the forest".
This transition in 2019 was perhaps difficult for long time visitors at Cunard to adjust to. However, the quieter experience there has become a favorite of many who appreciate the peaceful atmosphere. 👍 It is an older, more rustic property - and could use some updates (ie new toilets), but if you're looking for that serene Northwoods experience - Go!!
Traveler
We tented on lot 7 during the second week of June. It was very quiet. I was lucky to find this gem and you will only have spotty phone service at best. My dog had more fun than I did and we did a lot of hiking.
ScoutI love it here! However, as the camper above mentioned, probably not a safe place for anyone that is alone. it is free and therefore attracts vagrants. Cell service is 1/10 But it is beautiful and clean
Traveler
Beautiful spots, friendly staff, clean toilet and trash canat each site. Will definitely return.
Guide
We stayed 3 nights at the campsite #16. Spacious site, both shade and open area. Beautiful view on the lake and great access to the water from the campsite. Since it is located on the top of a hill, little windy at times. Drinking water and toilets are less than 2 minute walk away. Very clean and well maintained.Nice, quiet place, only electric boats allowed. Small beach on the lake next to Laura lake, great for kids with perfect view of sunset. Hiking trail around the lake, well marked and easy to do. Couple bike trails nearby. We tried one of them, tall grass and many ticks, would not recommend. Overall, very nice campsite.
Scout
I can hear my neighbors talking at their campsite from mine. We are packed in here like sardines.
Beautiful area, though. Caught a rainbow just as we were setting up camp. And they had wood and ice.
Camping near Iron River, Michigan, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and a variety of campgrounds to suit different preferences. Whether you're looking for a quiet spot by the lake or a more social atmosphere, there's something for everyone.
Camping near Iron River, Michigan, has its perks and quirks. With a little planning, you can enjoy a great outdoor experience!
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Iron River, MI?
According to TheDyrt.com, Iron River, MI offers a wide range of camping options, with 148 campgrounds and RV parks near Iron River, MI and 7 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Iron River, MI?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Iron River, MI is Bewabic State Park Campground with a 4.7-star rating from 20 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Iron River, MI?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 7 free dispersed camping spots near Iron River, MI.
What parks are near Iron River, MI?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 10 parks near Iron River, MI that allow camping, notably Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest and Ottawa National Forest.
