Burned Dam Campground

Star4.31
33 reviews
Forest Road 4500, Ottawa National Forest, Burned Dam Campground, MI

Quick Facts

1,591 ft

Price

Free

Booking

First-Come

Sites

5 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Check Policy

Opens Watersmeet/Iron River Ranger District site

Official Website
Get Directions
Burned Dam Campground
$0.00 - $0.00 / night
Campsite Fees
No charge for use of this campground due to limited services provided. Visitors are advised to pack in and pack out.
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

Get Notified When Available

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

Free with account · Checks every 2 minutes

150,000+ sites monitored · Email, SMS, or in-app notifications

Share this campground
USFS
Provider
906-358-4551
Help improve this page
See something outdated or incorrect? Let us know!

What Campers Say

4.31

Recommended

Based on 33 reviews

27 Google reviews

Most mentioned

peacefulhikingwater

Some mention

mosquitoes

"Burned Dam Campground receives mixed reviews, with many praising its secluded, rustic charm and proximity to Mex-i-mine Falls. However, some users noted challenges such as mosquitoes, poison ivy, lack of water, and limited amenities."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Forest Road 4500, Ottawa National Forest, Burned Dam Campground, MI

Burned Dam Campground

Forest Road 4500, Ottawa National Forest, Burned Dam Campground, MI

Driving directionsFrom Watersmeet, Mi., take US 45 north approximately 1 mile from intersection with US 2, turn right (east) on Old US 2 and travel approximately 7 miles east, turn left onto FR 4500 and travel approximately 1 mile to the campground. From Bruce Crossing, Mi., take US 45 south approximately 18 miles, turn left (east) onto Old US 2 and travel approximately 7 miles, turn left onto FR 4500 and travel approximately 1 mile to the campground.
The campground is accessible via unpaved forest roads. Seasonal closures may occur due to snow, as mentioned in the general information.
Nearby places
Watersmeet (8 miles, approximately 15 minutes), Bruce Crossing (26 miles, approximately 40 minutes)
Nearby supplies
Groceries, fuel, and camping supplies can be found in Watersmeet, MI, approximately 8 miles away.

Best Time to Camp at Burned Dam Campground

The campground transforms dramatically with each passing season, offering unique adventures year-round. Summer brings gentle warmth perfect for riverside relaxation, though savvy campers come prepared for the mosquitoes that thrive in these lush woodlands. As autumn arrives, the forest explodes in a symphony of reds and golds, creating spectacular photo opportunities. Winter blankets the landscape in pristine snow, with temperatures plunging well below freezing—a wonderland for those properly equipped for cold-weather camping. Spring's arrival brings rushing waters and awakening wildlife, making each visit a distinctly different experience.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
3.0 / 5

Good for riverside relaxation and hiking but mosquitoes are commonly reported in summer.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Quieter season with likely good fall colors and fewer bugs; scenic setting benefits autumn visits.

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

Spring noted for rare plants and quieter camping; good for solitude and nature viewing.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
2.5 / 5

Open year-round but snow can limit access; winter stays possible but more challenging.

Planning Tips
  • Operating Season: Open year-round from January 1 - December 31.

About Burned Dam Campground

Hidden deep within the Ottawa National Forest, Burned Dam Campground beckons adventurers seeking an authentic wilderness experience. This rustic, dispersed camping area serves as your gateway to pristine fishing waters along the Middle Branch of the Ontonagon River and the thundering cascade of Mex-i-mine Falls. Here, where dense forest canopies create natural cathedrals and the river's gentle murmur provides nature's soundtrack, you'll discover the kind of solitude that modern life rarely offers. Whether you're casting a line into promising pools, paddling through mirror-smooth waters, or simply breathing in the pine-scented air, this secluded haven delivers the quintessential Upper Peninsula camping experience.
Burned Dam Campground is a dispersed and rustic camping area featuring primitive amenities. Accommodations include basic tent sites.
Advertisement

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers
Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in
24 hours/day
Check-out
24 hours/day
Stay Limit
Maximum stay limit of 14 days.

Amenities available

Fire rings
Food storage lockers
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Burned Dam Campground offers activities including fishing, canoeing, hiking, and scenic waterfall viewing. The proximity to Mex-i-mine Falls and the Middle Branch of the Ontonagon River makes this a popular spot for outdoor enthusiasts.
HikingMex-i-mine Falls is a short walk from the campground, with a good trail available. The hike around the waterfall area is short, estimated to take about 10 minutes.
FishingFishing is available on the Middle Branch of the Ontonagon River, with species such as Brook Trout, Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout, Steelhead Trout, Smallmouth Bass, and Walleye. Fishing methods include bank fishing, wading, or floating.
BoatingNon-motorized boating is available on the Middle Branch of the Ontonagon River.
Wildlife viewingThe secluded location and trails provide opportunities for wildlife viewing. Additionally, rare plants and flowers can be found in the spring.
Water Sports
Advertisement

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsBear activity is noted, with signs posted about food storage safety. Poison ivy and mosquitoes are prevalent during warmer months.
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.
Food Storage RequiredFood storage hooks are available at each campsite to protect food from bears.

Weather at Burned Dam Campground

Reviews

4.3
33 reviews
Recommended
Recommended
Burned Dam Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
Burned Dam Campground receives mixed reviews, with many praising its secluded, rustic charm and proximity to Mex-i-mine Falls. However, some users noted challenges such as mosquitoes, poison ivy, lack of water, and limited amenities.
Review Summaries
Based on 33 reviews

What Campers Love

Users appreciate the peacefulness, scenic waterfall, and opportunities for fishing and hiking. One user called it 'an amazing little gem.' Another user stated, 'Great little campground in the Ottawa...
Show more
Based on 33 reviews

Common Concerns

Negative feedback includes issues with insects such as mosquitoes and poison ivy, limited phone service, and the primitive nature of the facilities. One user stated, 'Too primitive for this city...
Show more
Based on 33 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Visitors recommend bringing bug spray for the mosquitoes and being cautious of poison ivy. It is also advised to bring all necessities, as there are no amenities like water or a camp store.
Based on 33 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Mosquitoes seem to be prevalent in the summer months, while snow may limit accessibility in the winter. Spring offers opportunities to see rare plants while camping remains quieter.
Based on 33 reviews

Camper Quotes

'Mex-i-mine Falls is just steps away from the camping area.' - Nycki Reynolds. 'The sites are nicely spaced, not the biggest sites but big enough.' - Sayer Dolata. 'Nice sites, loud water.' - Michael...
Show more
Based on 33 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

The campground features five small sites that are well-spaced for privacy. One user noted, 'No power or water, but there is 2 outhouses. Only 5 campsites which was nice.'
Based on 33 reviews

Accessibility Features

Mex-i-mine Falls are described as very accessible, and trails are short and easy to navigate.
Based on 33 reviews

0
0 review
1
2
3
4
5

Add your voice to the Outdoorithm community

Been to Burned Dam Campground? Your review helps fellow campers discover what makes this place special—and what to expect.


Last updated January 13, 2026
Advertisement

Nearby Campgrounds

Campgrounds you may also like

Popular campgrounds in Michigan

Campgrounds
Ottawa National Forest
Burned Dam Campground