Ironjaw Lake Campsite

Star4.22
13 reviews
8181 US HWY 2, Rapid River, MI, USA
Summer Destination

Quick Facts

814 ft

Price

$8/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Open May 15, 2025 - ...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Opens Hiawatha National Forest site

Official Website
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Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
Ironjaw Lake Campsite
$8.00 - $8.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Facility rates are $8.00 per night during peak season (May 15 - October 10, 2025). Additional reservation service fees vary based on the booking...
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Standard Site Fee$8.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Provider
906-474-6442 OR 906-387-2512
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What Campers Say

4.22

Satisfactory

Based on 13 reviews

1 Google reviews

Most mentioned

well-maintained

Some mention

reservation

"User reviews are mixed, with many praising the site's seclusion, rustic charm, and access to trails and fishing. However, some users noted confusion about directions to the site and occasional disputes over camping boundaries."

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Campground Map

8181 US HWY 2, Rapid River, MI, USA

Ironjaw Lake Campsite

8181 US HWY 2, Rapid River, MI, USA

Driving directionsFrom the Intersection of US-2 and Forest Highway 13 (about 14 miles east of Rapid River): drive north 18.7 miles on Highway 13 to County Road 440. Turn right (east) on CR 440 and drive 4.6 miles to FR 2733. Turn left (north) and drive 1.3 miles to the parking area.
Road access is challenging with the last stretch of travel being on rugged terrain unsuitable for low-riding cars. "The center of the road is a bit high" making clearance essential. The road surface is gravel and sand, with limited parking available at the site.
Nearby places
Rapid River (14 miles east, approximately 25-30 mins drive).
Nearby supplies
Groceries, gasoline, fishing and camping supplies, boat rentals, ice, MDNR licenses, deli, and restaurants are located approximately six miles west on Forest Highway 13.

Best Time to Camp at Ironjaw Lake Campsite

The changing seasons paint Ironjaw Lake in dramatically different palettes throughout the year. Summer brings warm, golden days perfect for lakeside lounging, while early fall transforms the surrounding forest into a breathtaking tapestry of amber and crimson. Though winter occasionally dusts the landscape with a delicate 2.7-inch weekly snowfall, the moderate cloud cover (averaging 55%) creates a soft, diffused light that photographers dream about. For the ultimate camping experience, plan your visit during the sun-drenched summer months or the crisp, colorful days of early autumn when nature puts on its finest show.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Summer offers warm days, lakeside lounging and trail access; open May–Oct peak season.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Early fall brings cooler hiking weather and scenic foliage; reviewers note fall appeal.

Best
Spring(Mar-May)
4.0 / 5
Top 14% in MI

Spring popular for fishing (crappie) and opening of season; reviewers highlight spring catches.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground closed Oct 10–May 15, so winter stays not applicable.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: May 15 - October 10, 2025.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open May 15, 2025 - October 10, 2025.
  • Current Alerts: Null

About Ironjaw Lake Campsite

Escape to the tranquil shores of Ironjaw Lake, where a single, thoughtfully designed pull-through campsite awaits those seeking an intimate connection with nature. Perched on a gentle hillside with sweeping views of the pristine Lake Nineteen below, this hidden gem welcomes both tent campers and small trailer adventurers. Here, the modern world fades away, replaced by the whisper of wind through ancient trees and the gentle lapping of lake waters—a rustic sanctuary where serenity isn't just promised, it's guaranteed.
Ironjaw Lake Campsite offers a single designated site that provides a rustic camping experience. It is suitable for tent camping, small trailers, and horse camping. The site is a pull-through configuration with limited space for maneuvering.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
11:00 AM
Check-out
12:00 PM
Stay Limit
14-day stay limit applies.

Amenities available

Fire rings
Picnic tables
Firewood available
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

A variety of recreational activities are available at Ironjaw Lake Campsite. Fishing is highly rated, with opportunities to catch northern pike, largemouth bass, bluegill, and crappie, particularly in the spring. Visitors can also engage in swimming, although the swimming area is noted to be in poor condition. The campsite is part of the Pine Marten Run Trail, offering hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding. Horse camping is allowed for up to two horses. Boat launching is possible but challenging due to the steep hill and limited parking.
HikingThe Pine Marten Run Trail passes through the site and supports hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding. Reviewers praised the trail access, noting it allows for multiple loop hikes with minimal trail overlap.
FishingFishing at Ironjaw Lake is excellent, with species such as northern pike, largemouth bass, bluegill, and crappie available. A review mentioned crappie fishing being particularly good in the spring.
SwimmingSwimming opportunities exist, but the swimming area is described as being in 'poor condition.'
BikingMountain biking is supported along the Pine Marten Run Trail, which is accessible from the campsite.
BoatingBoat launching is available but requires a 4WD vehicle due to the steep hill. Parking is limited to the top of the hill.
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsThe steep descent to the boat access requires 4-wheel drive vehicles due to limited turnaround space. "You do not want to be in a low riding car headed back to this area."
Active AlertsNull
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.
No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

Weather at Ironjaw Lake Campsite

Reviews

4.2
13 reviews
Satisfactory
Satisfactory
Ironjaw Lake Campsite is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews are mixed, with many praising the site's seclusion, rustic charm, and access to trails and fishing. However, some users noted confusion about directions to the site and occasional disputes over camping boundaries.
Review Summaries
Based on 13 reviews

What Campers Love

Users appreciated the tranquility, the well-maintained vault toilet, and the site's proximity to Pine Marten Trail and fishing opportunities. Seclusion and a lack of cell service were also viewed...
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Based on 13 reviews

Common Concerns

Complaints centered around difficulties finding the site due to inaccurate directions, disputes with other visitors over reservations, and the poor condition of the swimming area.
Based on 13 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring a 4WD vehicle for navigating steep roads, and ensure all directions are double-checked before traveling. Collect firewood on-site, and plan for no cell service.
Based on 13 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Spring is popular for fishing, particularly for catching crappie. Summer reviews highlight the peacefulness and access to trails, while fall brings cooler weather conducive to hiking.
Based on 13 reviews

Camper Quotes

"The peace and quiet is just what we needed." - Amber A. "The rustic toilet was very nice, and we would definitely go back." - Benjamin L. "Directions it gives are for roads that do not exist or do...
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Based on 13 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

The single campsite is spacious and provides a good view of Lake Nineteen but is near a road, leading to some daytime vehicle traffic.
Based on 13 reviews

Accessibility Features

The site may not be ideal for individuals with mobility issues due to steep terrain and limited facilities.
Based on 13 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed, but no specific reviews address pet-related experiences.
Based on 13 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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