Courtney Lake Campground

Star4.42
35 reviews
1209 Rockland Road Ontonagon, MI 49953
Summer Destination

Quick Facts

1,260 ft

Price

$5 - $30/night

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

21 campsites

Season

Open May 22 through ...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Opens U.S. Forest Service site

Official Website
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Courtney Lake Campground
$5.00 - $30.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Day Use/Swimming/Boat Launch fee is $5/day or $30/season per vehicle. Camping rates are $16/day.
Standard Site Fee$16.00
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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USFS
Provider
906-884-2085
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What Campers Say

4.42

Recommended

Based on 35 reviews

28 Google reviews

Most mentioned

cleanspaciousbeachwell-maintained

"User reviews frequently mention the campground's spacious and secluded sites, clean facilities, and tranquil setting. It is highlighted as a great destination for families, equestrians, and outdoor enthusiasts."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

1209 Rockland Road Ontonagon, MI 49953

Courtney Lake Campground

1209 Rockland Road Ontonagon, MI 49953

Driving directionsFrom Nisula, MI, take State Rt. 38 west 7.3 miles to campground sign. Turn left at sign onto Forest Rt. 1960 and go 0.7 miles to another campground sign. Make right turn to campground.
Accessible via gravel roads. Seasonal closures are possible, and directions note specific distances and turns. "Turn left at sign onto Forest Rt. 1960 and go 0.7 miles to another campground sign."
Nearby places
Ontonagon: 22 miles southeast
Mass City: 8 miles east
Baraga: approximately 20 miles west.
Nearby supplies
Ontonagon (22 miles southeast) for groceries, fuel, and camping supplies.

Best Time to Camp at Courtney Lake Campground

The campground transforms with each passing season, from the crisp, frost-kissed mornings of early spring to the warm, sun-dappled afternoons of midsummer. While shoulder seasons can bring dramatic weather shifts—including occasional snow flurries and refreshing rain showers—the peak summer months reward visitors with ideal conditions for swimming, hiking, and stargazing. Those seeking the perfect balance of warm days and cool nights will find their sweet spot from June through August.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.5 / 5

Peak season for swimming, boating and fishing; reviews emphasize summer popularity.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Fall offers quieter experience, hiking and wildlife viewing with seasonal color.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.5 / 5

Open from late May; spring offers birding and dramatic seasonal change but shoulder-season weather varies.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground is closed outside May 22–Oct 31; winter season not supported.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: May 24 - October 31. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open May 22 through October 31.
  • Current Alerts: Currently, no water is available yet. Bathrooms are stocked and open.

About Courtney Lake Campground

Nestled in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, Courtney Lake Campground offers 21 thoughtfully designed sites along a peaceful single loop, where families with tents mingle with RV adventurers beneath towering pines. This hidden gem has earned a devoted following for its pristine conditions and remarkable tranquility, with equestrian enthusiasts particularly drawn to its well-maintained horse facilities. The crown jewel is the adjacent 33-acre lake, where a no-wake policy ensures mirror-like waters perfect for peaceful paddling and quiet contemplation.
The campground accommodates various camping types, including tent camping, RVs, and equestrian camping. Two walk-in sites cater to tent campers.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Check-in times not provided.
Check-out
Check-out times not provided.
Stay Limit
Camping is allowed for a period not longer than 14 days, except as otherwise posted.

Amenities available

Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Courtney Lake Campground provides a range of outdoor activities. The 33-acre lake is a hub for both motorized and non-motorized boating, swimming, and fishing. The campground also features a 2.2-mile Circle of Life Trail for hiking, and equestrian trails are available for horseback riding. Winter sports like cross-country skiing and snowshoeing are offered but are temporarily closed.
HikingThe 2.2-mile Circle of Life Trail is a highlight, offering a fairly level route with a bog viewing platform. It is described as easy to intermediate, taking approximately one hour to complete.
FishingFishing is popular at the 33-acre Courtney Lake, which is noted for its trout population. The lake features a boat ramp, but there are no cleaning or accessible platforms.
SwimmingThe beach area is sandy and grassy, offering a suitable environment for swimming and sunbathing. User reviews highlight its shallow sand-bottom lake frontage as enjoyable for families.
BoatingBoating activities include both motorized and non-motorized options. The lake features a no-wake zone, and there is a concrete launch ramp. Canoes and kayaks are popular choices for exploring the lake.
Wildlife viewingWildlife viewing is available, and the tranquil setting of the Ottawa National Forest enhances the experience.
Beach activitiesThe sandy and grassy beach area is suitable for sunbathing and other beach-related activities.
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsNo specific hazards noted. Campers must pack in, pack out horse waste.
Active AlertsCurrently, no water is available yet. Bathrooms are stocked and open.

Weather at Courtney Lake Campground

Reviews

4.4
35 reviews
Recommended
Recommended
Courtney Lake Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews frequently mention the campground's spacious and secluded sites, clean facilities, and tranquil setting. It is highlighted as a great destination for families, equestrians, and outdoor enthusiasts.
Review Summaries
Based on 35 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive aspects include clean and spacious campsites, the sandy beach for swimming, the availability of equestrian camping sites with high lines and corrals, and the well-maintained Circle of Life...
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Based on 35 reviews

Common Concerns

Some users noted the limited number of sites suitable for tents and the lack of electricity and flush toilets as drawbacks. Noise from private property across the lake was also mentioned.
Based on 35 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers recommend bringing horses to take advantage of the equestrian facilities and exploring the Circle of Life Trail. Planning for the lack of electricity and flush toilets is suggested.
Based on 35 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The campground is most popular in summer, with activities like swimming and fishing highlighted. Fall offers a quieter experience with opportunities for hiking and wildlife viewing. Winter activities...
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Based on 35 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Stellar beach area great for swimming with plenty of shallow sand-bottom lake frontage.' - Greg Krueger 2. 'Beautiful, quiet little lake with excellent camp sites and clean pit toilets .... a...
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Based on 35 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site #7 is noted for its proximity to the Circle of Life Trail, which begins nearby. Specific user feedback about other sites is limited.
Based on 35 reviews

Accessibility Features

The accessible vault toilet near site #5 and accessible picnic tables are appreciated. The Circle of Life Trail is described as motorized wheelchair-friendly.
Based on 35 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

No specific reviews or comments about pets are available.
Based on 35 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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