Whether you're an RVer or tent camper, Ottawa National Forest, MI is a great place to post up for the weekend—or longer. Aside from great camping spots, you'll find hiking and many more outdoor experiences. Thinking of traveling with kids? You're in luck—Ottawa National Forest is surrounded by family-friendly activities. Search nearby campsites and find top-rated spots from other campers.
"The lakes are stocked with brook trout and the fishing is amazing. Picnic areas are located near the falls and hiking in the surrounding areas is limitless."
"In the morning, I walked the loop and found several others that we could fit(now that it was light out), and we moved over one site to W6."
"This was a beautiful small campground with only 6 campsites arranged around a loop and are spaced well. Access to the campground is off of a gravel road which is somewhat narrow."
"We were able to work and talk nice walks while we had free time.
A few bars with Verizon and we can log on. Big plus."
"This was a GREAT campground to stay at for checking out some of the numerous popular waterfalls in upper Michigan. Our grassy site was on the shore of the lake with lots of trees."
"We loved staying at Lake Gogebic!
There’s a beach a short walk through the campground and the site hosts are super friendly."
$22 - $26 / night
"The are 4 campground loops and many campsites out around the lakes. We chose a spot in loop 3.
Our site is large with plenty of space for our teardrop and screen room. Water is right next to us."
"Access to the lake was easy, and the fact that tete are so few camp sites on the lake really makes it feel secluded. There are 2 nice beaches on either end, and easy portage to other lakes."
"Beautiful, quiet, free campgrounds right next to the Ontonagon River and Mex-i-mine Falls (you can hear the rushing water)."
"We did look around and it’s a decent place.
A couple sites are large enough for a small camper and screen room. Others will only fit a tent. There is a vault toilet but no water or garbage."
$15 / night
"Loon was a lovely campsite - separated from the others, nice view of the lake, and a short, straightforward walk from the trailhead. "
"We did it the easy way, loaded our canoe, crossed the lake to our campsite and set up camp. No portaging with our gear."
$25 / night
"The RV dump station is right next to the flush bathroom building.
The campsites were nice and open. There was evidence of larger trees by our site but there were gone. "
"Pros: nice campground, right on the lake. Has a nice beach access (although keep in mind it may be closed in early summer due to swimmers itch)."
"It felt remote but was a quick drive out of the woods to wintersweet with convenience of a gas station and casino. There was a fire pit, vault toilet, picnic table and lantern hook on the site."
"Love the big tree all around and the view from site 19"
GuideRight on the lake and by the porcupine mountains. We had a site in the second level overlooking the lake sites. Still had a nice view.sites were a bit close and lots of trailers. Our tent was just fine but could see it getting a bit loud. Had showers and flush toilets, not needed but nice to have.
ScoutUsually fairly quiet. Access road off highway is paved, unlike many other national forest campgrounds. Some sites are very spacious and/or on waterfront.
Mosquitos are terrible in season, but that’s not unexpected for the area.
GuideThis site only has three sites, so you are fairly private. I was in Site 3. Site was not that level. If you were tent camping, you would likely be sleeping on a slope of some kind. Bugs were bad in late May.
ScoutThe facilities were not in great condition. The place was kind of run down. Lots of things didn't work. The old lady was nice. She did let us run our generator. Our site had no electricity and we were by ourselves. Because of the cost and conditions We probably will not return.
GuideI tried to get to this campsite back in 2022, but that failed horrendously. I'm at site 3 easy access to the river not deep over here, you can post your chair in the river and not get your bum wet. Fire ring was clean of garbage, the vault toilets were clean and well stocked. Park service does their rounds almost every day. There is a trash bin at the entrance. Looks like it'll be a paid site in the future. The afternoon after I made this post the park service put up a new sign. The area is now $16 a night.
RangerLong windy road into the the campground resulting in a peaceful area. The lake was nice and there was a small beach. Enjoyed listening to the sandhill cranes every morning.
GuideWinter camped here, was a nice spot pic nik table, fire ring, wilderness toilet. There is hiking trail access from campsite,but no water access to butternut lake or it would have been 5 star. There is access down the road.Did get one bar of cell (cricket) full with 20 foot ant. Note I've been through here in summer and the road is gravel very dusty from traffic.
GuideThe Union Bay Campground in the Porcupine Mountains is a beautiful campground on Lake Superior. Our campsite was on the lake with a walking path next to the site that is accessible to other campers. The campsite views were amazing.
While we were camping the flies were unbearable. Bug spray was no match for the flies, so we were forced to spend most of our time in the screen room.
The campground was close to all of the hiking in the area as well as some good beach for rock hounds.
TravelerBig Lake Campground is a great spot if you’re looking for a simple and peaceful camping experience. The facilities are very basic—vault toilets and no showers—but they are clean and well-maintained. Firewood is available for sale on-site, which is super convenient.
The real highlight is the beautiful natural surroundings. The campground is nestled in a quiet, wooded area, perfect for relaxing and disconnecting. There are some really nice hiking trails nearby, offering scenic views and opportunities to spot wildlife.
If you’re okay with minimal amenities and want to enjoy nature, this is a great spot. Perfect for tent campers and anyone looking for a rustic getaway!
Camping near Ottawa National Forest, Michigan, offers a mix of stunning natural beauty and a variety of campgrounds to suit different preferences. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or a family-friendly spot, there's something for everyone.
Camping near Ottawa National Forest, Michigan, provides a great escape into nature with plenty of options for everyone. Whether you're in a tent or an RV, you'll find a spot that suits your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
According to TheDyrt.com, Ottawa National Forest offers a wide range of camping options, with 146 campgrounds and RV parks near Ottawa National Forest and 11 free dispersed camping spots.
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Ottawa National Forest is Bond Falls Campground with a 4.5-star rating from 15 reviews.
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 11 free dispersed camping spots near Ottawa National Forest.
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 8 parks near Ottawa National Forest that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.
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