Bobcat Lake Campground

4.26

26 reviews

Summer Destination

Quick Facts

1,601 ft

Price

$3 - $8/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

11 campsites

Season

Open season runs fro...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Opens U.S. Forest Service site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Quick Facts

1,601 ft

Price

$3 - $8/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

11 campsites

Season

Open season runs fro...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Opens U.S. Forest Service site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Bobcat Lake Campground

$3.00 - $8.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Recreation Use fees vary depending on the activity; for camping, fees range between $3 and $8 depending on booking method. Fees are waived from...

Standard Site Fee$0.00

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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What Campers Say

4.26

Satisfactory

Based on 26 reviews

21 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewsprivacycleanlake

"The campground is generally well-received for its tranquility, scenic views, and rustic charm. However, some users have expressed concerns about mosquitoes, lack of on-site management, and occasional disturbances from other campers."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Bobcat Lake Campground

46.3592, -89.6729

Driving directionsFrom Bessemer, Mi., travel east on US 2 approximately 19 miles, turn right onto Fair Avenue and travel approximately 1 mile to M 64, turn left onto M 64 and travel approximately ¼ mile to FR 8500, turn right onto FR 8500 and travel approximately 2 miles to the campground. From Watersmeet, Mi., travel west on US 2 approximately 24 miles, turn left onto M 64 and travel approximately 2 miles to FR 8500, turn left onto FR 8500 and travel approximately 2 miles to the campground.

The campground is accessible via Forest Roads (FR) 8500. Roads are gravel and can be challenging, especially during inclement weather.

Nearby places

Marenisco (3 miles, ~5 minutes by car)

Bessemer (~19 miles, ~25 minutes by car)

Watersmeet (~24 miles, ~30 minutes by car).

Nearby supplies

Groceries, camping supplies, and fuel can be accessed in Marenisco, MI, about 3 miles away.

Best Time to Camp at Bobcat Lake Campground

The campground transforms dramatically with each passing season, offering visitors a different experience throughout the year. Summer arrives with warm, languid days perfect for lake activities, though savvy campers come prepared for the enthusiastic local insect population. As autumn approaches, the surrounding forest erupts into a breathtaking canvas of gold, crimson, and burnt orange – a photographer's paradise that draws leaf peepers from across the Midwest. Winter blankets the landscape in deep, pristine snow, creating a serene wonderland for those hardy souls seeking solitude and the crisp bite of true northern air.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

3.0 / 5

Warm lake activities available but reviews warn of heavy mosquito activity in summer.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Fall noted as ideal: reduced insects and vibrant colors enhance the experience.

Spring(Mar-May)

3.0 / 5

Spring shoulder season may be wet/buggy early; campground officially opens in May.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

2.0 / 5

Off-season camping Oct–Apr is free but services are lacking and winter conditions harsh.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May to September. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open season runs from May to September with fees applicable. Camping is free from October through April during the off-season.
Current Alerts: No specific alerts are noted.

About Bobcat Lake Campground

Tucked away in the heart of Michigan's Upper Peninsula, Bobcat Lake Campground offers an intimate escape into the pristine wilderness of Ottawa National Forest. This hidden gem in Gogebic County features 11 thoughtfully spaced campsites arranged in a single loop, each cocooned by lush vegetation that creates natural privacy screens between neighbors. Every site comes equipped with essential comforts: sturdy tent pads, picnic tables perfect for evening meals, fire rings for storytelling sessions, and convenient lantern posts that cast a warm glow as darkness falls. Gravel parking spurs keep vehicles close yet unobtrusive, while two well-maintained accessible vault toilets and a centrally located hand pump ensure fresh water is always within easy reach.

The campground accommodates tent camping and provides a rustic camping experience. RV camping may be allowed, but there are no hookups.

Historical SignificanceWhile the campground itself may not bear ancient markings or historical monuments, it sits within the storied Ottawa National Forest, a landscape that has witnessed centuries of Native American heritage and the evolution of Michigan's logging industry. Today, it serves as a peaceful sanctuary where modern adventurers can disconnect from the digital world and reconnect with nature's timeless rhythms.

Weather and SeasonsThe campground transforms dramatically with each passing season, offering visitors a different experience throughout the year. Summer arrives with warm, languid days perfect for lake activities, though savvy campers come prepared for the enthusiastic local insect population. As autumn approaches, the surrounding forest erupts into a breathtaking canvas of gold, crimson, and burnt orange – a photographer's paradise that draws leaf peepers from across the Midwest. Winter blankets the landscape in deep, pristine snow, creating a serene wonderland for those hardy souls seeking solitude and the crisp bite of true northern air.

ElevationPerched within the gently rolling terrain of Michigan's Upper Peninsula, the campground occupies a sweet spot in the region's forested highlands. The surrounding landscape creates a natural amphitheater of towering trees, offering both shelter from winds and spectacular views of the star-filled northern skies that have captivated visitors for generations.

Natural Features and SceneryNature showcases her finest work at Bobcat Lake Campground, where a tapestry of mixed hardwoods and stately conifers creates a living cathedral overhead. The crown jewel is undoubtedly Bobcat Lake itself, whose crystal-clear waters lap against a welcoming sandy beach that beckons swimmers on warm afternoons. A well-maintained boat ramp invites paddlers to explore hidden coves by kayak or try their luck fishing for the lake's elusive residents. Morning mists rise from the water's surface, while evening brings the haunting calls of loons and the gentle splash of jumping fish.

Geological RegionCradled in the southern reaches of the vast Ottawa National Forest, the campground occupies a unique ecological niche where northern hardwood forests mingle with evergreen stands. This diverse ecosystem, sculpted by ancient glaciers and nurtured by centuries of natural succession, creates a rich habitat teeming with wildlife. The interplay of deciduous and coniferous trees provides year-round beauty, from spring's tender green shoots to winter's snow-laden boughs, all centered around the sparkling jewel of Bobcat Lake.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

Check-in times are not specified
presumed flexible due to first-come, first-served nature.

Check-out

Check-out times are not specified.

Stay Limit

Stay limits are applicable
however, exact number of nights is not stated.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Guests per site are not explicitly defined.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutSingle loop layout with sites bordered by vegetation for privacy.

Reservation PlatformsReservations are not applicable since the campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis.

Walk-in AvailabilityThe campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Gates remain open during the off-season.

Cancellation PolicyReservations are not available for this campground, suggesting its first-come, first-served policy eliminates cancellation concerns.

AccessibilityTwo accessible vault toilets are available in the campground loop.

Site SizeSites are described as large enough to accommodate a tent and provide privacy.

PrivacySites are bordered by vegetation providing privacy between sites.

Total Campsites11 campsites

Recommended SitesOpt for lakeside sites for better views and proximity to the water.

Amenities available

Potable water

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Recreational opportunities include kayaking, fishing, swimming, and wildlife viewing. The nearby sandy beach and day-use area complement the lake's boating access.

FishingFishing opportunities are noted, with one user mentioning good fishing near campsites.

SwimmingThe sandy beach a short distance from the campground is described as "an extremely nice swimming beach" and "the nicest swimming area in this district of the Ottawa."

BoatingThe campground features a boat ramp, allowing for kayaking, and other boating activities. Users have described it as a great spot for kayaking.

Wildlife viewingWildlife viewing opportunities abound, with one user noting "nice wildlife."

Beach activitiesBeach activities at the nearby sandy beach include swimming and relaxing by the water.

Winter Activities

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsMosquitoes are a notable concern during the summer months. Other hazards include lack of potable water during the off-season and potential difficulties with gravel road access during heavy rain or snow.

Active AlertsNo specific alerts are noted.

Fire PolicyCampfires are allowed within designated fire rings. Fireworks are prohibited.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are enforced, though specific times are not stated.

Emergency ServicesEmergency services such as police and medical facilities are located in Marenisco, MI, approximately 3 miles away.

Trash & RecyclingTrash receptacles are available within the campground.

Water FeaturesAdjacent to Bobcat Lake, offering a sandy beach and boat ramp.

Camp HostUser reviews mention that the host site was empty during some visits, but no further specifics are provided.

Weather at Bobcat Lake Campground

Reviews

4.3

26 reviews

Satisfactory

Bobcat Lake Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

The campground is generally well-received for its tranquility, scenic views, and rustic charm. However, some users have expressed concerns about mosquitoes, lack of on-site management, and occasional disturbances from other campers.

Review Summaries

Based on 26 reviews

What Campers Love

Users appreciated the privacy between sites, scenic lake views, clean facilities, and the sandy beach a short distance away. Several users mentioned excellent opportunities for kayaking and fishing.

Based on 26 reviews

Common Concerns

Mosquitoes were a significant issue during certain seasons, particularly in the summer. Some users also mentioned disturbances from other campers, such as loud firework displays.

Based on 26 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

To avoid mosquitoes, consider visiting in the fall. For a quieter experience, visiting in the off-season is recommended when the campground is less populated and fees are not charged.

Based on 26 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Reviews indicate that summer can be challenging due to high mosquito activity, while fall is considered ideal for its reduced insect presence and vibrant colors. Off-season camping (October to April)...

Based on 26 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. "Besides the bugs, which at times were so unbearable in July that I had to suit up in mosquito netting, it's a fantastic and beautiful place to relax in the quiet wilderness and kayak/fish to your...

Based on 26 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Sites are generally considered private and well-spaced, with many offering excellent lake views. However, some users noted that specific lakeside sites are preferable for their views.

Based on 26 reviews