How much does camping cost at Black River Harbor Campground?

Camping fees at Black River Harbor Campground are $22/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Black River Harbor Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Black River Harbor Campground accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Black River Harbor Campground before I book?

Yes! Black River Harbor Campground has 26 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Black River Harbor Campground?

Black River Harbor Campground is open May 22 to September 15. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Black River Harbor Campground?

Black River Harbor Campground does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

How many campsites does Black River Harbor Campground have?

Black River Harbor Campground has 38 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Black River Harbor Campground?

Yes, pets are allowed at Black River Harbor Campground. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Black River Harbor Campground?

Black River Harbor Campground offers: Restrooms, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Black River Harbor Campground?

Popular activities at Black River Harbor Campground include Hiking, Swimming, Boating. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Black River Harbor Campground

Q: Can I have a campfire at Black River Harbor Campground?

Fire policies at Black River Harbor Campground: Don't move firewood: To limit the spread of invasive tree-killing pests, firewood from outside the area is not permitted. Some states have quarantines and may confiscate your firewood. Please help protect our forests from invasive species by obtaining your firewood at or near your camping destination and burning it on-site. Visit dontmovefirewood.org for more information. Gathering of dead and down wood within the camping area for use during stay is permissible.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

4.15

216 reviews

E6248 US 2, Ironwood, MI, 49938, USA

Top 8% in MIFall

C+Report Card

Scenic ViewsSummer Destination

Featured in:Fishing Camping Michigan

Quick Facts

594 ft

Price

$22/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

38 campsites

Season

Peak season is May 2...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on Camp Host LLC under Ottawa National Forest Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

594 ft

Price

$22/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

38 campsites

Season

Peak season is May 2...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on Camp Host LLC under Ottawa National Forest Official Website

Get Directions

Black River Harbor Campground

$22.00 / night

Campsite Fees

MANAGEMENT: $22.00; STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $22.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

Standard Site Fee$22.00

Get Notified When Available

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Provider

906-932-1330sm.fs.Ottawa_NF@usda.gov

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

E6248 US 2, Ironwood, MI, 49938, USA

Black River Harbor Campground

E6248 US 2, Ironwood, MI, 49938, USA

Nearby places

Ironwood (approximately 14 miles)

Weather at Black River Harbor Campground

Current alerts(8)

Campers must occupy the campsite the first night.
Camping in a developed recreation site is allowed for a period not longer than 14 days , except as otherwise posted. After this time, you must move to another campground or dispersed site for at least 24 hours.
Campsite "switching" is not permitted. You must occupy the campsite that you made a reservation for unless you have received prior permission from the Ottawa National Forest.
Eight people and two motorized vehicles are allowed per campsite with a maximum of one RV or camper trailer and two tents per camping site or three tents per camping site. There is additional parking space near the self-service fee station.

Best Time to Camp at Black River Harbor Campground

Best season: fall. Fall highlights the campground’s strongest assets: crisp, clear weather, spectacular hardwood and hemlock color along the Black River and Lake Superior shoreline, and far fewer people than summer. Expect daytime highs typically in the mid-40s to mid-50s °F (5–13 °C) in September–October with chilly nights often in the 25–40 °F (-4–4 °C) range — perfect for brisk hikes, shoreline photography, and watching fall fish runs. Trails, waterfalls, and the harbor are at their most photogenic and wildlife Peak months: October, September, June, July Avoid: January, February

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

5.0 / 5

Top 8% in MI

Fall is highlighted as the best season for crisp weather, spectacular colors and far fewer people.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 22 to September 15. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Peak season is May 23 through September 30, with off-season periods offering lower rates and potentially fewer services.

About Black River Harbor Campground

Black River Harbor Campground sits on a ridge above Lake Superior in Ottawa National Forest, 20 miles north of Ironwood. The mid-sized campground offers tent and RV sites among deep hemlock forest with shoreline views, vault toilets, fire rings, and picnic tables. Managed by Camp Host LLC under the national forest, it serves as a base for hiking to nearby waterfalls and exploring the Lake Superior coast.

The campground offers standard non-electric sites suitable for RVs, trailers, and tents. Group and glamping options are not mentioned.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: fall. Fall highlights the campground’s strongest assets: crisp, clear weather, spectacular hardwood and hemlock color along the Black River and Lake Superior shoreline, and far fewer people than summer. Expect daytime highs typically in the mid-40s to mid-50s °F (5–13 °C) in September–October with chilly nights often in the 25–40 °F (-4–4 °C) range — perfect for brisk hikes, shoreline photography, and watching fall fish runs. Trails, waterfalls, and the harbor are at their most photogenic and wildlife Peak months: October, September, June, July Avoid: January, February

Elevation594 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryAncient hemlock groves and hardwoods shade the campground at 594 feet elevation. The Black River flows dark with tannins through the forest before reaching Lake Superior less than a walk away. Rainbow Falls and Sandstone Falls cascade over rock formations upstream. The harbor beach opens to Superior's horizon, where the intimate forest environment meets the massive lake. Reviews describe the setting as a "picturesque deep hemlock forest campground, nestled upon a ridge overlooking Lake Superior."

Lodging & AccommodationsThere are no hotel-style lodging accommodations at the campground.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are explicitly mentioned.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

14 consecutive nights per visit. Campers must move to another campground or dispersed site for at least 24 hours after reaching the stay limit.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Each site accommodates up to 8 people and 2 motorized vehicles with specific limitations on RVs, camper trailers (1 maximum), and tents (up to 3 allowed).

Groups

Group camping is not explicitly mentioned as an option.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov online or through its contact center.

AccessibilityAccessible campsites are mentioned, but no specific details about ADA-compliant features or pathways are provided.

Site SizeGenerous site sizes with enough space for 1 RV or camper trailer and 2 tents, or 3 tents per site.

PrivacySites are wooded with partial shade and provide some privacy due to the spacing and vegetation between them.

Total Campsites38 campsites

Recommended SitesChoose Lake Superior-facing sites like #18 and #23 for optimal views and proximity to trails leading to the harbor and waterfalls. Avoid sites near loud generators if noise-sensitive.

Best CampsitesSite 18 gets consistent praise for Lake Superior views and trail access. "If you can book campsite 18, do it!! It backs up to the lake," one camper wrote. The site offers both water views and quick access to hiking.

Need help booking Black River Harbor Campground?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

Black River Harbor Campground offers 38 campsites accommodating RVs, trailers, and tents. The campground is praised for its partial shade, generous site sizes, proximity to Lake Superior, and its serene, scenic wooded environment. Amenities include vault toilets, water spigots spaced throughout the grounds, and fire pits with cooking grates. A picnic area, a harbor, and a historic CCC-built pavilion are nearby within the recreation area. However, there is no potable water as the spigots have been non-operational for several seasons. Roads within the campground are paved but are frequently criticized for their deep potholes.

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

RV details

Things to do at Black River Harbor Campground

Black River Harbor Campground provides a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, bird watching, fishing, and exploring nearby waterfalls. The adjacent harbor offers access to Lake Superior for boating and fishing, with ample parking for trailers and a boat ramp suitable for most crafts. The recreation area also features a grassy picnic area and scenic views.

Hiking4.0/5

Access to North Country Trail and numerous waterfall hikes of varying, often rugged, difficulty nearby.

Fishing4.0/5

Fishing abounds in the harbor and Black River; charters available and good casting from harbor boulders.

Boating4.0/5

Black River Harbor provides one of the few Lake Superior access points; parking and launch access noted.

Wildlife viewing4.0/5

Deep hemlock groves and riverside habitat support birdwatching and varied local wildlife sightings.

Water Sports3.5/5

Harbor and Lake Superior access make kayaking feasible, though formal launch/amenity details are limited.

Swimming2.5/5

Lake Superior beach is walkable but cold and subject to contamination closures; not reliably swim-friendly.

Signature experiences

Photography4.5/5Waterfalls, sandstone formations, hemlock groves and Superior shoreline offer excellent photo ops.

Not sure what to pack?Our complete camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

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.

No Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not available. Only vault toilets are present.

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

No Dump StationThere is no dump station at this campground. Plan to use a dump station along your route or at a nearby facility before or after your stay.

Fire PolicyDon't move firewood: To limit the spread of invasive tree-killing pests, firewood from outside the area is not permitted. Some states have quarantines and may confiscate your firewood. Please help protect our forests from invasive species by obtaining your firewood at or near your camping destination and burning it on-site. Visit dontmovefirewood.org for more information. Gathering of dead and down wood within the camping area for use during stay is permissible.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are 10:00pm to 6:00am

Trash & RecyclingTrash and recycling facilities or pickup schedules are not specifically mentioned. Visitors are advised to be self-sufficient in managing their waste.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

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Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.2

216 reviews

Satisfactory

Black River Harbor Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews highlight the campground's natural beauty, spacious and private campsites, and proximity to waterfalls and Lake Superior. However, concerns include the lack of potable water, unmaintained trails and roads, and the occasional disturbance from noisy generators. Bugs, particularly mosquitoes and black flies, can also be a seasonal nuisance.

Review Summaries

Based on 216 reviews

What Campers Love

Stunning natural setting with views of Lake Superior, well-maintained campsites with privacy, proximity to waterfalls and hiking trails, and a peaceful environment. "Picturesque deep hemlock forest...

Based on 216 reviews

Common Concerns

Lack of potable water, road and trail maintenance issues, occasional maintenance lapses for vault toilets, noisy generator use by some campers, and seasonal issues with mosquitoes and black flies.

Based on 216 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Campsite #18 is frequently lauded for its scenic Lake Superior views. Campsite #23 is noted for a path leading to a lookout. "If you can book campsite 18, do it!! It backs up to the lake," one user...

Based on 216 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring your own potable water and firewood. Consider visiting in cooler months to avoid bugs. Campsite #18 is highly recommended for its scenic view. Walking trails can be rugged, so pack appropriate...

Based on 216 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Bugs are most problematic in mid-summer (July), while fall offers a quieter and cooler experience. Beach and water closures due to contamination and the lack of potable water are recurring issues.

Based on 216 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Nice rustic campground with nice sites with good space in between for privacy. Right on the edge of Lake Superior and right next to a waterfall run," one user said. "The road in is rough, but there...

Based on 216 reviews

Accessibility Features

Limited details on accessibility features, but some trails are described as relatively accessible.

Based on 216 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed, but reviews do not provide specific insights into pet-friendly features or restrictions.

Based on 216 reviews

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Black River Harbor Campground

$22.00 / night

Campsite Fees

MANAGEMENT: $22.00; STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $22.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

Standard Site Fee$22.00

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free to start · paid plans add 2-min scans

263,000+ sites monitored · Email alerts to start; SMS and in-app with an account

Learn more about alerts →

Share this campground

Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

906-932-1330sm.fs.Ottawa_NF@usda.gov

Go if

You want Lake Superior access, fall color, and don't need potable water on-site.

Skip if

You need water hookups, paved roads, or reliably enforced quiet hours.

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Presque Isle Campground sits between the Presque Isle River and Lake Superior in the western UP, offering 50 sites split between a generator-allowed east loop and a quieter west loop. Sites run $17/night and include vault toilets and hand-pump water. Six walk-in sites perch on the bluff overlooking the lake for visitors willing to carry gear a short distance.

Black River Harbor Campground

Quick Facts

Quick Facts

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Current alerts(8)

Best Time to Camp at Black River Harbor Campground

Planning Tips

About Black River Harbor Campground

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Reserving a campsite

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Amenities available

RV details

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What Campers Love

Common Concerns

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Current alerts(8)

Best Time to Camp at Black River Harbor Campground

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Need help booking Black River Harbor Campground?

Amenities available

Things to do at Black River Harbor Campground

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Trip Planning Tools

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What Campers Love

Common Concerns

Site-Specific Reviews