Looking for the best campgrounds near Iron River, MI? There's so much to see and do, from exhilarating hikes or bike rides to exploring the local dining and shopping. Find the best campgrounds near Iron River, MI. Read helpful reviews and tips to find the perfect camping option for you and your crew.
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 offers 77 single family campsites, available for tent or RV camping. The campground offers both first-come, first-served campsites (34) as well as sites which can be reserved in advance (43). Sites are equipped with tables and fire rings with grills. Accessible flush and vault toilets as well as drinking water, are provided throughout the campground.
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
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
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.
Lake Ottawa Recreation area is in a beautiful forested northwoods setting located 5 miles southwest of Iron River, MI, on the Iron River Ranger District. Located in the general area is Lake Ottawa, Brule Lake, Hagerman Lake, Brule River, Bass Lake, the Historic Mile Post Zero/Treaty Tree, The Ge-Che Trail, and miles of hiking trails. Lake Ottawa Campground is 95% surrounded by National Forest System Land and offers a picnic shelter with two stone fireplaces and original log picnic tables, and two log toilet buildings, which were constructed by the CCC in the late 1930's. A pressurized water system and sewage dump station is located in the campground. Adjacent to the campground is a CCC era day use recreation building, with flush toilets, swimming beach, playing field, picnic areas and boat launch. For guidelines regarding use of the Day Use Pavillion, check out the attached document: Lake Ottawa Day Use Guidelines. Fish Your National Forests: This site can be accessed by Passenger Car; Fish available include: Trout, Native Trout, Bass, Walleye, Panfish; Types of fishing available include: Shore, Motorized boat, Float tube, Fly, Spin, Bait, Ice; and boat launch available
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
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 offers 27 single family campsites, available for tent and RV camping. The campground offers both first-come, first-served campsites as well as sites which can be reserved in advance. Sites are equipped with tables and fire rings with grills. Vault toilets are available at the site, as well as drinking water, from a pressurized system or a hand-pump.
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.
Cabins #1 through #8 and Staff Cabin #2 are simple one-room wood frame structures with three bunk beds that can sleep up to six people. All cabins have electricity, lights and outlets. Use your imagination and bring a fan, space heater, electric blanket, crockpot, coffee maker... Please bring your own bedding and pillows as these items are not provided. It is glorified camping! Staff Cabin #1 comfortably sleeps 2. It is furnished with a dining table with chairs and a love seat. This beautiful cabin has a full kitchen with stove, a full bathroom with a shower and baseboard heat to comfort you on those cold evenings. The First Aid Cabin sleeps 4 and has a kitchenette (no stove), a1/2 bath (no shower) and boasts baseboard heat to stave off the cold while resting up for the next adventure. Bathrooms and showers are provided within two central buildings. One Men's Bath and Shower House and one Women's Bath and Shower House. Drinking water is provided from a faucet at the back of the well house. There is an artesian well located just one mile away at the Chipmunk Rapids campground. A central recreation hall is also available for group gatherings or other activities and is open to use to anyone at anytime. The newly (2012) refurbished kitchen can accommodate weddings, retreats, family reunions, and the whole Lost Lake Camp. It is equipped with a gas range stove and oven as well as a big freezer/refrigerator. THE KITCHEN IS A "FOR RENT" FACILITY ONLY" and must be rented on this site or on-site prior to use. THIS IS A KITCHEN ONLY AND CANNOT BE UTILIZED FOR SLEEPING QUARTERS. A new double sink along with plenty of counter space and pots and pans are provided. Renters must bring their own plates, utensils, and other specialized equipment to ensure a comfortable stay. There is also a new Lecture Hall available for meetings, training, weddings, retreats, and family reunions. The hall has electricity and is accessible; building capacity is 90 people. Men and women's bathrooms and showers are provided near by.
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.
$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 offers 77 single family campsites, available for tent or RV camping. The campground offers both first-come, first-served campsites (34) as well as sites which can be reserved in advance (43). Sites are equipped with tables and fire rings with grills. Accessible flush and vault toilets as well as drinking water, are provided throughout the campground.
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
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
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.
