Bob Lake Campground

Star4.24
27 reviews
Forest Rt. 1478, Ontonagon, MI 49953
StargazingSummer Destination

Quick Facts

1,280 ft

Price

$16 - $22/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

17 campsites

Season

Full services availa...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Opens Ottawa National Forest site

Official Website
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Bob Lake Campground
$16.00 - $22.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Camping fees are $22 per night during full services (summer recreation period). Fees may not be charged during early spring or late fall.
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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Provider
906-884-2085
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What Campers Say

4.24

Satisfactory

Based on 27 reviews

24 Google reviews

Most mentioned

lake

Some mention

noisemosquitoes

"User reviews are generally positive, highlighting the campground's remote and peaceful setting, abundance of wildlife, clean vault toilets, and excellent dark skies for stargazing. The campground is rustic with minimal amenities. However, concerns include mosquitoes, occasional noisy campers, and maintenance issues like rotten picnic tables."

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Campground Map

Forest Rt. 1478, Ontonagon, MI 49953

Bob Lake Campground

Forest Rt. 1478, Ontonagon, MI 49953

Driving directionsFrom Ontonagon, MI, travel east on M-38 for approximately 20 miles. Turn right (south) onto FH 16 and travel approximately 6 miles. Turn right (west) onto FR 1640 (Pori Road). Travel approximately 2 1/4 miles and turn left (south) on FR 1470. Travel approximately 1 mile and turn left onto FR 1478 and travel approximately 8/10 tenths of a mile to the campground.
The road to the campground includes gravel and can be rocky. After heavy rain, mud may pose challenges for vehicles with front-wheel drive, as noted in user reviews.
Nearby places
Ontonagon, MI (18 miles southeast)
Kenton, MI (14 miles north)
Baraga, MI (20 miles west)
Nearby supplies
Closest supplies are available in Ontonagon for groceries, camping supplies, and fuel.

Best Time to Camp at Bob Lake Campground

The seasons transform Bob Lake into distinctly different wonderlands throughout the year. Summer brings warm, languid days perfect for swimming and paddling, though these balmy months also awaken the forest's mosquito population—consider them nature's reminder to pack your bug spray. As autumn arrives, the surrounding hardwoods burst into a spectacular display of reds, oranges, and golds. Winter wraps the landscape in a crystalline blanket of snow and ice, creating a serene, frozen paradise for those hardy enough to embrace the frigid beauty. Spring's thaw reveals a forest reborn, with wildflowers dotting the undergrowth and migrating birds filling the air with song.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
3.0 / 5

Warm, shallow water and swimming; summer brings mosquitoes and occasional noisy groups per reviews.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Reviews favor fall for fewer bugs and peaceful conditions; scenic fall colors likely.

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

Spring reviews are positive with fewer mosquitoes and tranquil conditions noted.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground services closed outside May 24–Oct 31; winter camping not supported.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: May 22 through September 27 (weather permitting).. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Full services available May 24 - October 31.

About Bob Lake Campground

Tucked away in the heart of Michigan's Ottawa National Forest, Bob Lake Campground offers an authentic escape into pristine wilderness. This hidden gem in Houghton County beckons those seeking solitude with its 17 thoughtfully positioned campsites, each cocooned by lush natural vegetation that ensures privacy and tranquility. Many sites rest directly on the shoreline, where morning mist dances across Bob Lake's mirror-like surface and evening sunsets paint the water in brilliant hues. Here, the rustic charm isn't just a feature—it's a promise of genuine connection with nature, far from the distractions of modern life.
Bob Lake Campground offers rustic camping options suitable for tents, trailers, motor homes, and primitive camping.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
First-come, first-served.
Check-out
First-come, first-served.
Stay Limit
Camping allowed for a period not longer than 14 days.

Amenities available

Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Bob Lake Campground offers a range of recreational activities including hiking, fishing, and boating. Visitors can also enjoy wildlife viewing and picnicking.
HikingThe Beaver Lodge Interpretive Trail is 1.25 miles long with a loop starting east of the campground. It is a fairly level trail known for abundant wildlife including beavers, ducks, songbirds, raptors, and deer. A user review highlights it as a good moderate hike with nature views.
FishingFishing at Bob Lake includes opportunities to catch walleye, smallmouth bass, and perch. "Bob Lake is a very popular get away for fishermen."
SwimmingSwimming is allowed in Bob Lake. Some sites have direct lake access via sandy-bottom beaches.
BoatingBoating is popular at Bob Lake. Both motorized and non-motorized boating are supported, with a concrete base launch ramp provided free of charge. Trailer parking is available.
Wildlife viewingThe campground and surrounding area are rich in wildlife including black bears, deer, bald eagles, and a variety of birds such as loons and swans. Several user reviews mention the diversity of wildlife.
Cultural and Educational ProgramsThe Beaver Lodge Interpretive Trail serves as an educational resource showcasing local wildlife and ecosystem features.
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsMosquitoes and other bugs are common during warmer months. The gravel road may pose challenges during heavy rains, and wildlife sightings such as black bears have been reported.
No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

Weather at Bob Lake Campground

Reviews

4.2
27 reviews
Satisfactory
Satisfactory
Bob Lake Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews are generally positive, highlighting the campground's remote and peaceful setting, abundance of wildlife, clean vault toilets, and excellent dark skies for stargazing. The campground is rustic with minimal amenities. However, concerns include mosquitoes, occasional noisy campers, and maintenance issues like rotten picnic tables.
Review Summaries
Based on 27 reviews

What Campers Love

"Arguably the best campground in the Ottawa Forest if not the entire UP." "Beautiful lake and open campground." "Excellent rustic campground." "No cell service, quite most of the time, and very few...
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Based on 27 reviews

Common Concerns

Mosquito infestations are reported during summer months. Some reviews also mention noisy groups disrupting peace, uneven maintenance of some sites, and poor road conditions leading to the campground.
Based on 27 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring bug spray or mosquito fogger. Prepare for limited amenities and no cell service. Arrive with appropriate gear for rugged road conditions, especially after rain.
Based on 27 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Positive reviews often align with spring and fall, noting fewer mosquitoes and peaceful surroundings. Summer reviews frequently mention challenges with bugs and noisy campers.
Based on 27 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Super pristine." "Doesn't distract from how beautiful this place is!" "Majestic pair of eagles and a swan plus a loon that we loved hearing!" "Worth the $28 I paid to come thru on Memorial Weekend."
Based on 27 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Lakefront sites are popular for their scenic views and direct access to the lake. Inland sites offer privacy but lack the same level of lake access. Maintenance levels vary across sites.
Based on 27 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessible vault toilet and picnic tables are appreciated by visitors. "Bathrooms are clean."
Based on 27 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

One reviewer noted an issue with their puppy being poisoned, but overall no substantial pet-focused feedback is provided.
Based on 27 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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