Best Camping near Ottawa National Forest

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.

Best Camping Sites Near Ottawa National Forest, MI (143)

    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Gogebic State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Gogebic State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Gogebic State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Gogebic State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Gogebic State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Gogebic State Park Campground

    1. Lake Gogebic State Park Campground

    25 Reviews
    92 Photos
    55 Saves
    Marenisco, Michigan

    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

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    Camper-submitted photo from Bond Falls Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Bond Falls Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Bond Falls Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Bond Falls Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Bond Falls Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Bond Falls Campground

    2. Bond Falls Campground

    15 Reviews
    61 Photos
    228 Saves
    Ottawa National Forest, Michigan

    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.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • ADA Access
    • RVs
    • Tents
    • Group
    Camper-submitted photo from Sparrow Rapids Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Sparrow Rapids Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Sparrow Rapids Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Sparrow Rapids Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Sparrow Rapids Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Sparrow Rapids Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Union Bay Campground — Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Union Bay Campground — Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Union Bay Campground — Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Union Bay Campground — Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Union Bay Campground — Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Union Bay Campground — Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park

    4. Union Bay Campground — Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park

    39 Reviews
    192 Photos
    160 Saves
    White Pine, Michigan

    Union Bay-Porcupine Mountains State Park is home to a seasonal campground that is available to visit from mid May to mid October. With a limited window of time, it’s well worth planning your trip in advance, as peak season can bring a gaggle of campers and tourists, making priority campsites difficult to find. The initial weeks of August are almost always packed, thanks to kids and college-students trying to camp before school starts again.

    Subsequently, if you want smaller crowds but still want to enjoy the sun, try to reserve a spot during the latter end of August. This is also when the Porcupine Mountains Music Festival happens, giving you a great event to check out. Regardless of your needs, during camping season you can call the campground where staff will provide details on sites that you might not see at the Reservations Center or online. If you can’t find what you’re looking for online, give them a call!

    If you happen to forget a thing or two, there’s the Porcupine Mountain Outpost store right outside the entrance to the campground. It's open from May through mid October. There you can find souvenirs, camping supplies, and even clothing. You might find the occasional pre-made sandwich, but besides soft drinks and milk, there are no real groceries here. You’ll have to travel all the way out to Ontonagon (25 miles away) for groceries. That said, you can make the trip worth if you if you grab a bite to eat at Syl’s, a legendary diner famous for its repertoire of comfort food classics.

    The campground itself is moderately sized, with 99 sites available for RVs and tents. One of the draws to the campground is that all sites have at least 30 amp electric hookups available. One of the most common complaints here is due to the limited amount of pull-through sites, with many options too small to accommodate larger vehicles.

    Porcupine Mountains State Park is uniquely known for its hybrid existence between contemporary and antiquated beauty. The park is extremely modern, thanks to the updated facilities and well maintained grounds. However, it skirts the line with a true wilderness feel, owing to the rustic touches, and charming yurt cabins, available for overnight accommodations as well. Whatever your intent to visit, there’s no mistaking the quant appeal of this Michigan state park.

    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Reservable
    • RVs
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
    • Trash

    $40 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Presque Isle - Porcupine Mountains State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Presque Isle - Porcupine Mountains State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Presque Isle - Porcupine Mountains State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Presque Isle - Porcupine Mountains State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Presque Isle - Porcupine Mountains State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Presque Isle - Porcupine Mountains State Park

    5. Presque Isle - Porcupine Mountains State Park

    36 Reviews
    212 Photos
    237 Saves
    Wakefield, Michigan

    The Porcupine Mountains Presque Isle Campground offers 50 rustic campsites near the scenic Presque Isle River. There are vault toilets and hand pumps for water. In addition to drive-up sites, there are also 6 walk-in sites. The campground is split into two loops. The east loop is a generator friendly side, while the west loop is generator free. There is access trails to the nearby Presque Isle River and or to the Lake Superior shoreline. Firewood is available for purchase at the campground office. At roughly 60,000 acres, Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park is Michigan’s largest state park. It is home to 35,000 acre old-growth forest, roaring waterfalls, miles of rivers and streams, more than 90 miles of hiking trails, the Lake Superior shoreline and vistas unrivaled anywhere in the Midwest.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access

    $4 - $20 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Sylvania (clark Lake) Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Sylvania (clark Lake) Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Sylvania (clark Lake) Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Sylvania (clark Lake) Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Sylvania (clark Lake) Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Sylvania (clark Lake) Campground

    6. Sylvania (clark Lake) Campground

    6 Reviews
    27 Photos
    53 Saves
    Watersmeet, Michigan

    Overview

    Sylvania (Clark Lake) Campground is located seven miles southwest of Watersmeet, Michigan, adjacent to the 18,327 acre Sylvania Wilderness Area. This 48-site campground provides a home base for visitors who venture into the wilderness on day outings. Also a great camping area in general or overnight camping just 5 minutes off Highway U.S. 2. Some electrical sites available, pressurized toilet facilities and an RV Dump and Water Station. Some sites are reservable but there are always sites available on a first come first serve basis as well!

    Recreation

    Sylvania's abundant lakes provide plentiful non-motorized boating, canoeing, kayaking and fishing opportunities. Other popular activities include hiking and viewing wildlife.

    Natural Features

    The old-growth forests and pristine lakes in the region provide habitat for a wide range of animal and plant life, including rare orchids, bald eagles, loons and osprey. The wilderness contains 34 named lakes, some with sandy beaches and others surrounded by record-size red and white pines. The Ottawa National Forest is comprised of nearly one million acres and is located in the western reaches of Michigan's Upper Peninsula. The forest's rolling, forest covered hills extend from the south shore of Lake Superior to the Wisconsin border. Lakes, rivers and waterfalls are found throughout this beautiful landscape.

    Nearby Attractions

    Bond Falls located about 20 minutes North East. Porcupine Mountains located about 1 hour North West. Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore located about 2 hours North East. Keweenaw Peninsula is located about 1.5 hours North.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • RVs

    $18 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Ottawa National Forest - Marion Lake Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Ottawa National Forest - Marion Lake Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Ottawa National Forest - Marion Lake Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Ottawa National Forest - Marion Lake Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Ottawa National Forest - Marion Lake Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Ottawa National Forest - Marion Lake Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Gogebic County Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Gogebic County Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Gogebic County Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Gogebic County Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Gogebic County Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Gogebic County Park

    8. Lake Gogebic County Park

    6 Reviews
    10 Photos
    18 Saves
    Marenisco, Michigan
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access

    $25 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Musky Lake Campground — Northern Highland State Forest
    Camper-submitted photo from Musky Lake Campground — Northern Highland State Forest
    Camper-submitted photo from Musky Lake Campground — Northern Highland State Forest
    Camper-submitted photo from Musky Lake Campground — Northern Highland State Forest
    Camper-submitted photo from Musky Lake Campground — Northern Highland State Forest
    Camper-submitted photo from Musky Lake Campground — Northern Highland State Forest
    Camper-submitted photo from Porcupine Mountains Backcountry Camping — Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Porcupine Mountains Backcountry Camping — Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Porcupine Mountains Backcountry Camping — Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Porcupine Mountains Backcountry Camping — Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Porcupine Mountains Backcountry Camping — Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Porcupine Mountains Backcountry Camping — Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park

    10. Porcupine Mountains Backcountry Camping — Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park

    17 Reviews
    59 Photos
    189 Saves
    White Pine, Michigan

    Backcountry sites: An unlimited number of permits can be issued but only 63 spots have a metal fire ring. Fires are restricted to metal fire rings. Cost $14- for 1-6 people. Maximum number per site is 6.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    • RVs
    • Tents
Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 143 campgrounds

Pet-friendly camping near Ottawa National Forest

Recent Reviews in Ottawa National Forest

562 Reviews of 143 Ottawa National Forest Campgrounds


  • C N.
    Camper-submitted photo from Presque Isle - Porcupine Mountains State Park
    Sep. 30, 2024

    Presque Isle - Porcupine Mountains State Park

    Nice Location, fairly open fields and not marked well.

    Great location, and has the basics for the camping.  I was in site 44, and most of the sites in the "middle" were more of an open field with a couple of trees.  There were no real clear boundary lines .  If you are looking for a little more shade or tree cover, book a perimeter site.  This is also the first campsite I've been to where the fire pit didn't have a grill grate on part of it.  There is water on site, but it is the hand pump style, so it would help to have a large open container to capture the water.  

    Cell service was really spot (can be a good thing when camping), and I wasn't able to pick up a lot of radio stations either.  Still nice to enjoy the quite dark skies.  Short walk down stairs to Lake Superior which offered some great sunset views.  

    Lots of great hiking trails, and close to a lot of other fun attractions.  I would plan on coming back up here another time, and possible pick a different site after being here.

  • LThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from North Trout Lake Campground — Northern Highland State Forest
    Sep. 24, 2024

    North Trout Lake Campground — Northern Highland State Forest

    Nice State Campground

    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.

  • hesselinkj@yahoo.com The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Forest Pond Campground
    Sep. 14, 2024

    Forest Pond Campground

    Small campground

    Stopped 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.

  • hesselinkj@yahoo.com The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Bose Lake Campsite
    Sep. 14, 2024

    Bose Lake Campsite

    Bose lake campsite

    Single 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.

  • hesselinkj@yahoo.com The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Wolf Lake Campsite
    Sep. 11, 2024

    Wolf Lake Campsite

    Wolf lake campsite

    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.

  • Adam A.
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Gogebic State Park Campground
    Aug. 20, 2024

    Lake Gogebic State Park Campground

    Nice Spot, easy on and off highway.

    We stayed here the 2nd week of October. They were actually turning the water off for the year when we left. We had the park mostly to ourselves. They water access is nice and it is right off a main highway, although it was not too noisy. There are some state park hiking trails access from campground, also. Facilities were pretty standard state park fair.  Sites seem to have plenty of room.

  • J
    Camper-submitted photo from Union River Rustic Outpost Camp — Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park
    Aug. 20, 2024

    Union River Rustic Outpost Camp — Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park

    Secluded peace

    Very wooded and quiet camp area - only 3 sites total in this loop! Note that there is no cell service here or really nearby. Not an issue if you're prepared for that! Great that we could access hiking trails from camp! Great spot for exploring the Porcupines and also for some privacy compared to the modern campground in the park. Night and day difference and you can use the amenities which are like 5mins away

  • S
    Camper-submitted photo from Ontonagon Township Park Campground
    Aug. 13, 2024

    Ontonagon Township Park Campground

    Been coming here for years…

    We love the area. Very nice people, well run campground. Staying on Lake Superior is almost always beautiful. Sunsets are amazing!! The sites are generous and partially wooded. Drawbacks, no laundry facilities, even in town. Stores, restaurants and gas stations nearby but expensive. (Though there is a dollar store) They do not take reservations, so it’s a gamble to just show up. You really have to be there, in person by 7AM to wait in line to get a site.

    Overall, great place to stay!!

  • CThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from White Pine Rustic Outpost Camp — Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park
    Aug. 8, 2024

    White Pine Rustic Outpost Camp — Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park

    Great Rustic Campground

    Awesome little campground on the south side of the Porcupines. It’s in a convenient location to the hiking around the park. The sites are large, the campground is small (and quiet) and there’s even a creek that runs along the west side of the campground. We stayed in site 1. If you do cook using the fire pit grates, they do not have them here in the fire pits at this campground. You need to reserve sites and check in at the visitor center before you head to the site. I’d highly recommend this place to anybody in a tent especially!

  • hesselinkj@yahoo.com The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Franklin Lake
    Aug. 5, 2024

    Franklin Lake

    Quiet campground

    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

  • wThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Arbor Vitae Campground
    Aug. 4, 2024

    Arbor Vitae Campground

    Quiet but nothing going on

    Came to this campground for 3 days to hang out at the fireman’s picnic in arborvitae. The campground is old as dirt, had a nice lake for swimming and fishing but that’s it. Tiny game room with Pac-Man . 2 wash machines and couple dryers. The sites are very small. Electricity has no breakers to shut the juice off before hook up which is very dangerous . Water is good pressure. All in all the campground works if you don’t want to do anything and just sleep.

  • C S.
    Camper-submitted photo from Ontonagon Township Park Campground
    Jul. 31, 2024

    Ontonagon Township Park Campground

    Holding spots for people who may never even come

    They don't do reservations, but despite having 10+ sites available, they're holding them for people who may never come.

  • Lidia K.
    Camper-submitted photo from Luna White Deer Campground
    Jul. 27, 2024

    Luna White Deer Campground

    Simple, beautiful wooded campground

    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.

  • S P.
    Camper-submitted photo from Cunnard Lake — Northern Highland State Forest
    Jul. 26, 2024

    Cunnard Lake — Northern Highland State Forest

    Quiet - by design

    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!!

  • Susan M.
    Camper-submitted photo from Indian Mounds — Northern Highland State Forest
    Jul. 19, 2024

    Indian Mounds — Northern Highland State Forest

    Everything that Corey said in his review

    Some of the sites are wide open with no privacy. Ours was the last one available on a weekend in July. Beach is small, but nice. Priveys are clean! 5G service with Tmobile.

    Would definitely come back!

  • R
    Camper-submitted photo from Courtney Lake Campground
    Jul. 15, 2024

    Courtney Lake Campground

    Very quiet and relaxing

    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.

  • a
    Camper-submitted photo from Paint River Forks NF Campground
    Jul. 14, 2024

    Paint River Forks NF Campground

    Nice free spot

    I 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


Drive Time


Guide to Ottawa National Forest

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.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the trails around the area. Many campers recommend checking out the East and West trails bordering the Presque Isle River. One reviewer mentioned, "The East and West trails bordering the Presque Isle River are worth the drive to get there."
  • Fishing and Boating: Enjoy fishing on Lake Superior or take a leisurely boat ride. A camper shared, "Did a pontoon rental for a day and enjoyed fishing on Lake Superior and taking a leisurely cruise up the Ontonagon River."
  • Beach Activities: Spend time at the beach across from Union River Big Bear Campground. One visitor noted, "There's a free beach across the street. You need to take the stairs down to it."

What campers like:

  • Scenic Views: Campers rave about the beautiful surroundings. A review for Bond Falls Campground states, "Beautiful sites, some very private and right on the lake."
  • Clean Facilities: Many campgrounds are well-maintained. A visitor at Lake Gogebic State Park Campground mentioned, "Clean facilities. Wood and ice available onsite."
  • Quiet Atmosphere: Campers appreciate the peacefulness of the area. One reviewer at Sparrow Rapids Campground said, "Quiet, no frills campground by a river out in the woods."

What you should know:

  • Reservations: Some campgrounds do not take reservations. A camper at Ontonagon Township Park Campground noted, "They do not take reservations, so it’s a gamble to just show up."
  • Mosquitoes: Be prepared for bugs, especially in warmer months. A visitor at Porcupine Mountains Backcountry Camping warned, "Lots of mosquitos and a few biting flies darting at your head."
  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds may lack certain amenities. A reviewer at Union River Big Bear Campground mentioned, "There is a dump station, but no sewer."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places with playgrounds and activities. One camper at Lake Gogebic State Park Campground said, "There was also a nice, modern playground."
  • Plan for Activities: Bring games and outdoor toys. A visitor at Union Bay Campground mentioned, "There was also a hut with a plethora of games and toys."
  • Pack Bug Spray: Protect your family from insects. A camper at Porcupine Mountains Backcountry Camping advised, "Bring bug nets!!!"

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Some sites may be tight for larger rigs. A reviewer at Union River Big Bear Campground noted, "Some sites have more room than others."
  • Use Electric Hookups: Many campgrounds offer electric hookups. A camper at Lake Gogebic State Park Campground mentioned, "30 amp service, but no water at the sites."
  • Arrive Early: Popular spots fill up quickly. A visitor at Ontonagon Township Park Campground said, "You really have to be there, in person by 7 AM to wait in line to get a site."

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

  • What camping is available near Ottawa National Forest?

    According to TheDyrt.com, Ottawa National Forest offers a wide range of camping options, with 143 campgrounds and RV parks near Ottawa National Forest and 10 free dispersed camping spots.

  • Which is the most popular campground near Ottawa National Forest?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Ottawa National Forest is Lake Gogebic State Park Campground with a 3.9-star rating from 25 reviews.

  • Where can I find free dispersed camping near Ottawa National Forest?

    According to TheDyrt.com, there are 10 free dispersed camping spots near Ottawa National Forest.

  • What parks are near Ottawa National Forest?

    According to TheDyrt.com, there are 8 parks near Ottawa National Forest that allow camping, notably Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest and Chequamegon-Nicolet NF.