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"
RangerWe stayed here while visiting the Porcupine Mountains. Great campground with clean bathrooms and well maintained sites. Right across the street from the beach. Would definitely recommend if staying in the area.
TravelerThis is our favorite campground and prioritize an annual visit. The views are beautiful. Quick access to the lake, hiking, and small UP towns.
TravelerFirst of all we tent camped…
The first night we stayed on the west side campground and the mosquitoes and flies were pretty bad, along with some people running a generator from 11pm to well past 8am…
We left and went to the east side and found a spot along the lake. Mosquitoes and flies were so bad that our dogs faces were getting bloody and bug spray and a fire did nothing for us. We packed up and canceled our whole trip after that.
Had to give 3 stars because it would be a great place in the fall when the bugs aren’t so bad. If that’s possible?
Also love the private sites on the east side.
GuideThis campground has 3 spacious sites, a vault toilet and stream water (downhill) that must be filtered. Sites are $20 payable at the visitor center. We filled up water at the visitor center. There is a hiking parking lot at the entrance to the campground and several cars drive into the campground to turn around. The ranger drove by at dusk. Very quiet and no flies when there were bunches at Union Bay
GuideNice campground with beautiful sites right on Lake Superior. Friendly staff. Unfortunately we were there when the flies were terrible. I would go back during non-fly season
TravelerWe were in spot 7 and it was great! Right next to the vault toilet. The bugs were pretty bad and we were here middle of June, however good bug spray and fire smoke helped ease them a little. Really close to Lake on the Clouds, the beach, and some little shops for last minute necessities. There’s also the Summit Peak Hike close to the site that was only a half mile hike! Will definitely be back!
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.
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 4.4-star rating from 16 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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