Black River Harbor Campground

4.19

216 reviews

E6248 US 2, Ironwood, MI, 49938, USA

Summer Destination

Quick Facts

594 ft

Price

$16 - $22/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

38 campsites

Season

Peak season is May 2...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens Camp Host LLC under Ottawa National Forest site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Quick Facts

594 ft

Price

$16 - $22/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

38 campsites

Season

Peak season is May 2...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens Camp Host LLC under Ottawa National Forest site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Black River Harbor Campground

$16.00 - $22.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Camping fees are $22 per night for standard non-electric sites during peak season (May 23–September 30). Off-season rates are $16 per night. In...

Standard Site Fee$22.00

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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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

906-932-1330aclarc56@yahoo.com

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What Campers Say

4.19

Satisfactory

Based on 216 reviews

63 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewsprivacypeacefulhiking

"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."

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Campground Map

E6248 US 2, Ironwood, MI, 49938, USA

Black River Harbor Campground

E6248 US 2, Ironwood, MI, 49938, USA

Driving directionsFrom Ironwood Mi., travel east on US 2 to Powderhorn Road, turn left onto Powderhorn Road and travel approximately 3 miles to CR 513, turn left onto CR 513 and travel approximately 11 miles to the Black River Harbor Recreation Area.

Access to the campground involves traveling on CR 513, which appears to be paved but is described as being full of potholes in multiple user reviews. Seasonal closures were not mentioned, but road conditions may require cautious driving.

Nearby places

Ironwood (approximately 14 miles)

Nearby supplies

Ironwood offers groceries, fuel, and other essential supplies and is approximately 14 miles away. Campers are advised to stock up before heading to the campground.

Best Time to Camp at Black River Harbor Campground

Each season paints Black River Harbor in dramatically different hues, offering year-round adventures for the intrepid camper. Summer arrives with gentle warmth and long days perfect for exploration, though wise visitors come prepared for the occasional mosquito and stable fly that thrive in the lush environment. Autumn transforms the forest into a breathtaking canvas of amber, crimson, and gold, with crisp air that invigorates morning hikes. Winter blankets the landscape in pristine snow, creating a wonderland for those brave enough to embrace the cold. Spring emerges quietly, bringing renewal to the forest floor, while late fall offers perhaps the sweet spot for camping – comfortable temperatures with minimal insects to interrupt your outdoor reverie.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Long days and beach access great for summer; mid‑July mosquitos and occasional water closures are downsides.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.5 / 5

Top 15% in MI

Cooler, quieter season with fall colors and strong waterfall/hiking appeal; reviews note quieter experience.

Spring(Mar-May)

3.0 / 5

Off-season access and lower rates, but services reduced and conditions can be muddy or variable.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

Not recommended

Off-season access limited; reviews mention roads closed and poor winter reliability for visitors.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 23 – September 30. 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.
Current Alerts: "Watch for Alerts at the top of the page for any Alerts regarding this facility."

About Black River Harbor Campground

Nestled within the pristine Ottawa National Forest, Black River Harbor Campground offers 38 thoughtfully situated sites where the rhythm of nature sets the pace for your stay. This rustic retreat seamlessly blends the comforts of modern camping with the raw beauty of Michigan's Upper Peninsula, welcoming everything from cozy tents to spacious RVs. Steps away from the captivating Black River Harbor Recreation Area, campers find themselves at the gateway to Lake Superior's rugged shoreline, cascading waterfalls, and miles of forest trails. The whisper of wind through ancient hemlocks and the distant sound of rushing water create a natural symphony that has earned this hidden gem its reputation as a haven for those seeking genuine wilderness tranquility.

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

Historical SignificanceStanding as a testament to American resilience and craftsmanship, the historic pavilion adjacent to the campground tells the story of the Civilian Conservation Corps' lasting legacy. Built during the Great Depression by the hands of young men seeking purpose and employment, this architectural treasure serves as more than just a gathering place – it's a bridge to an era when conservation and community came together to shape our national forests. The CCC's contributions echo throughout the Black River Harbor Recreation Area, where their vision of accessible wilderness continues to inspire visitors nearly a century later.

Weather and SeasonsEach season paints Black River Harbor in dramatically different hues, offering year-round adventures for the intrepid camper. Summer arrives with gentle warmth and long days perfect for exploration, though wise visitors come prepared for the occasional mosquito and stable fly that thrive in the lush environment. Autumn transforms the forest into a breathtaking canvas of amber, crimson, and gold, with crisp air that invigorates morning hikes. Winter blankets the landscape in pristine snow, creating a wonderland for those brave enough to embrace the cold. Spring emerges quietly, bringing renewal to the forest floor, while late fall offers perhaps the sweet spot for camping – comfortable temperatures with minimal insects to interrupt your outdoor reverie.

Natural Features and SceneryTowering hemlocks and majestic hardwoods create a living cathedral above each campsite, their branches filtering sunlight into a gentle, dappled glow that shifts throughout the day. The mysterious Black River, stained the color of rich tea by natural tannins, carves its way through the landscape toward its dramatic finale at Lake Superior. Along its journey, the river performs a spectacular show at Rainbow Falls and Sandstone Falls, where water cascades over ancient rock formations in perpetual motion. Winding trails lead adventurers through this enchanted forest to hidden vistas and the expansive harbor beach, where Superior's endless horizon meets sky in a display of nature's grandest scale.

Geological RegionThe Ottawa National Forest cradles Black River Harbor Campground in a landscape sculpted by millennia of natural forces. Here, ancient hemlock groves stand sentinel alongside hardy hardwoods, their roots anchored in soil enriched by centuries of forest cycles. The distinctive tannin-rich waters of the Black River tell a geological story of their own, carrying the essence of the northern forest as they tumble toward their meeting with Lake Superior. This convergence of river and lake has created a unique ecosystem where the intimate forest environment gives way to the vast expanse of the world's largest freshwater lake, offering campers a rare opportunity to experience two distinct natural worlds within a short walk of their campsite.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

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Reserving a campsite

Check-in

Check-in begins at 11:00 AM.

Check-out

Check-out is at 11:00 AM.

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

Site layoutSites are spacious and partially wooded, offering privacy among campers. Paved aprons and gravel-based tent pads are standard. Some sites have premium views of Lake Superior.

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

Walk-in AvailabilityApproximately half of the sites are first-come, first-serve as stated in user reviews, with availability patterns varying by day. Reviews mention walk-up sites being available even on busy weekends, though options may be limited.

Cancellation PolicyCancellations made at least two days prior to check-in date refund all fees minus a $10 cancellation fee and any reservation fees ($8 online/$9 call center). Late cancellations deduct the first night's fee in addition to other charges. No refunds for one-night reservations canceled late.

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.

Amenities available

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

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.

HikingNumerous trails, including access to the North Country Trail, lead to several waterfalls along the Black River. Trails vary in difficulty, with rugged terrain and stairs present in some areas. "Take the Rainbow Falls walk through old growth forests. A true gem," one user recommended.

FishingFishing opportunities abound around the harbor and along the Black River. Fishing charters are available, and strong casts from harbor boulders allow access to deeper waters.

SwimmingLake Superior beaches are accessible via a short walk or drive. However, closures due to contamination issues have been reported in some seasons.

BoatingThe adjacent Black River Harbor provides one of the few access points to Lake Superior. Facilities include a boat ramp and fishing charters.

Wildlife viewingBird watching and the opportunity to see a variety of local wildlife are notable highlights of the area.

Beach activitiesA scenic beach by Lake Superior offers opportunities for sunbathing, rock skipping, and relaxation. However, steep trails and occasional closures have been noted.

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsReviews have mentioned swarming insects, deep potholes in campground roads, and steep trails. Some trails are closed due to maintenance issues. "Bugs/mosquitos can be almost unbearable" (User B).

Active Alerts"Watch for Alerts at the top of the page for any Alerts regarding this facility."

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.

Fire PolicyCampfires are permitted within provided rings. Gathering of downed wood within the campground is allowed, but bringing external firewood is prohibited.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are from 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM. Generators are allowed but restricted to a 7:00 AM–9:00 PM timeframe. Users reported issues with generator use.

Emergency ServicesThe nearest emergency services, including hospitals and police stations, are located in Ironwood, roughly 14 miles away. The Ottawa National Forest office may also offer limited assistance.

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

Water FeaturesFive campsites are within a few hundred feet of Lake Superior. A footbridge offers access to the lake and its beach. The campground itself is adjacent to the Black River, known for its tannin-colored waters and waterfalls.

Camp HostCampground management is under Camp Host LLC. Some reviews mention the lack of campground hosts, while others praise specific hosts for their helpfulness.

Weather at Black River Harbor Campground

Reviews

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

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

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