Ottawa National Forest surrounds Watersmeet, Michigan with over 990,000 acres of forests, lakes, and rivers at elevations ranging from 1,000-1,800 feet. The camping season typically runs from May through mid-September, with July temperatures averaging 65-80°F and nighttime lows often dropping into the 40s even in summer.
What to do
Waterfall exploration: Bond Falls Campground offers easy access to one of the area's most impressive waterfalls. "Bond Falls is beautiful! The campground is tidy but busy. There is a nearby gift shop that sells just about anything you may have forgotten. The trail system is fabulous and some trails are handicap accessible," reports Carrie C., who appreciates the accessible design.
Fishing opportunities: The region's numerous lakes provide excellent fishing options. At Sparrow Rapids Campground, campers can enjoy stream fishing down the hill from their sites. Bill F. notes it has "Six good sites, all level. Nicely separated... Stream fishing down the hill." Many sites throughout the Watersmeet area have direct water access for fishing.
Hiking near lakes: The forests around Watersmeet offer numerous trails with varying difficulty levels. "Hiking around Clark Lake is an 8-10 mile trek that's gorgeous the whole way," says Ellery K. about Sylvania Clark Lake Campground. The area features both day hikes and longer backpacking options, with trails connecting many of the campgrounds.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Many campgrounds in the area provide well-spaced sites. At Marion Lake Campground, Lisa A. appreciates that "all sites are very big, with lots of space and privacy! It's a quiet campground, I've never seen more than 6 sites full!" This allows for a more secluded camping experience even at established campgrounds.
Wildlife viewing: The Ottawa National Forest provides ample opportunities to observe local wildlife. Campers at Imp Lake Campground mention that the "lake is crystal clear and cold... Loon nesting island" is visible from many sites, according to Carol and Pete L. Bald eagles and deer are frequently spotted throughout the area.
Affordability: Several campgrounds in the Watersmeet area are either free or reasonably priced. Ryan N. appreciated Sparrow Rapids Campground as a "wonderful stay, quiet, and the river is so close," noting it offered "Nice Free Campsites." Most forest service campgrounds in the region cost between $15-20 per night.
What you should know
Intense insect activity: The forested, lake-rich environment means bugs are a significant consideration. At Burned Dam Campground, Kyle K. warns, "BUGS. This campground was FULL of mosquitos and biting flies. Even with bug spray, the assault was nonstop. Bring a screen-printing popup shelter with you or you will suffer."
Weather variability: Even summer temperatures can fluctuate dramatically. Susan F. from Marion Lake Campground noted, "We had a wonderful stay. It was late in the season (last week in September). We pretty much had the campground to ourselves. Temps were cool but that was expected for this time of year."
Limited services: Most campgrounds have basic amenities only. At Sparrow Rapids Campground, Dave explains there are "his and hers pit toilets and didn't see any water." He adds the campground has "only 6 campsites arranged around a loop and are spaced well." Come prepared with supplies as services are limited.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly exploration: Natural features provide entertainment for children. At Sylvania Clark Lake Campground, Tawni W. found "The moss-covered old growth forest provided an excellent tent site & entertained our 2 boys under 8 until they tired."
Easy fishing for children: Several campgrounds offer simple fishing access appropriate for kids. Lisa A. notes that Marion Lake has "Good fishing and lots of pan fish to make fishing fun for the kids!"
Planning for isolation: Lake Gogebic State Park Campground offers more amenities than forest campgrounds but requires advance planning. Stacia R. advises, "Should you need to purchase any other supplies, I would recommend doing so beforehand, as there are not a lot of options nearby."
Tips from RVers
Site selection for RVs: Most forest campgrounds have limited level sites for larger rigs. At Sparrow Rapids Campground, Sonny S. notes there's "enough room to park an SUV, put up a 4 person tent, set up chairs around the fire, and still have a lot of room," but larger RVs may struggle at many rustic sites.
Road conditions: Access roads to many campgrounds may be challenging. Jennifer T. at Sparrow Rapids Campground mentions, "We have our 20' transvan here easily," indicating smaller RVs can access the site, while noting "Six sites total and all occupied—we got last one Friday night."
Full-hookup options: For those requiring full amenities, Borderline RV Park near Land O' Lakes (just across the Wisconsin border) provides seasonal options. Coosa B. calls it "Excellent for adults, fishing base camp, we stayed there May - Sept 2022 and loved it!"
