Golden Lake Campground

Star4.09
15 reviews
E23979 US 2 East Watersmeet, MI 49969
Summer Destination

Quick Facts

1,760 ft

Price

$14 - $16/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

22 campsites

Season

Open May 22 through ...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Opens Watersmeet/Iron River Ranger District site

Official Website
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Golden Lake Campground
$14.00 - $16.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Campsites cost $14-$16 per night depending on site type and seasonality. Golden Age/Interagency Senior and Access Passes are accepted.
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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Provider
906-358-4551
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What Campers Say

4.09

Satisfactory

Based on 15 reviews

8 Google reviews

Most mentioned

peacefullake

"Golden Lake Campground has mixed reviews, with positive notes on its serene setting and lake views, but concerns about storm damage and lack of potable water."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

E23979 US 2 East Watersmeet, MI 49969

Golden Lake Campground

E23979 US 2 East Watersmeet, MI 49969

Driving directionsFrom Iron River, MI, take US Rt. 2 west 13.1 miles to Forest Rt. 16. Turn right onto Rt. 16 and go 0.7 miles to campground sign. Turn left into campground.
Convenient to U.S. Route 2, providing straightforward access. Seasonal closures occur when snow accumulates, and gates are closed under such conditions.
Nearby places
Watersmeet, Michigan: 16 miles to the west
Iron River: 13.5 miles to the east.

Best Time to Camp at Golden Lake Campground

Summer transforms Golden Lake into an outdoor paradise, with prime camping conditions stretching from June through September. As autumn arrives and winter's first snowflakes begin to fall, the campground adjusts its schedule to nature's rhythm, ensuring your visit coincides with the most comfortable and accessible conditions. Plan your adventure during these golden months when warm days invite swimming and cool evenings are perfect for campfire conversations.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Summer (June–Sept) is peak season; best conditions for fishing and boating.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
3.0 / 5

Open into late September; early fall offers quieter conditions but limited season length.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.0 / 5

Opens May 22; spring offers fishing/boating windows but can be cooler and weather-dependent.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground closed outside May 22–Sept 27; winter access limited by snow.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: June-September. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open May 22 through September 27 (weather dependent)
  • Current Alerts: No potable water is available due to storm damage. Seasonal closures occur as snow accumulates.

About Golden Lake Campground

Discover your perfect basecamp at Golden Lake Campground, where 22 thoughtfully designed campsites await along a scenic single-loop road. Whether you're arriving with a tent tucked in your backpack or navigating a full-size motorhome, each drive-in site welcomes you with essential amenities: a sturdy picnic table for lakeside meals, a fire ring for evening storytelling, and a lantern post to guide your way after dark. Conveniently placed vault toilets near site #13 and at the loop's end ensure comfort during your stay. Just steps from your site, you'll find direct access to the lake via the adjacent boat ramp, plus a welcoming picnic area perfect for afternoon gatherings and a spacious parking area for day visitors.
Golden Lake Campground caters to various camping preferences, including tent, RV, and combined sites, with a focus on primitive camping.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
24 hours - self pay
Check-out
24 hours - self pay
Stay Limit
Camping in a developed recreation site is allowed for a period not longer than 14 days.

Amenities available

Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Golden Lake Campground is ideal for outdoor enthusiasts seeking activities like fishing, boating, bird watching, and picnicking. Its proximity to Golden Lake and nearby rivers adds variety for campers.
FishingGolden Lake offers excellent fishing opportunities, stocked periodically with lake trout, rainbow trout, and splake. Cooks Run and South Branch Paint River nearby also provide fishing for brook and brown trout under special regulations.
BoatingGolden Lake supports motorized boating with a concrete boat ramp available at no charge. The lake is known for bass fishing and has trailer parking for boaters.
Wildlife viewingCampers can enjoy bird watching and wildlife viewing as part of the northwoods experience.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include lack of potable water due to hand pump damage from the 2020 windstorm, and primitive camping conditions without modern amenities.
Active AlertsNo potable water is available due to storm damage. Seasonal closures occur as snow accumulates.
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Weather at Golden Lake Campground

Reviews

4.1
15 reviews
Satisfactory
Satisfactory
Golden Lake Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
Golden Lake Campground has mixed reviews, with positive notes on its serene setting and lake views, but concerns about storm damage and lack of potable water.
Review Summaries
Based on 15 reviews

What Campers Love

Campers appreciate the peaceful atmosphere, close proximity to Golden Lake for fishing and boating, and the availability of free firewood from downed trees.
Based on 15 reviews

Common Concerns

Several reviewers express disappointment regarding the storm damage that left the campground open and devoid of trees. Another recurring issue highlighted is the lack of potable water.
Based on 15 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers should bring their own water due to the lack of potable water and take advantage of the free firewood from downed trees. Primitive camping enthusiasts are likely to enjoy the serenity and...
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Based on 15 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer months are favored for the best camping experience, with fishing and boating activities being particularly enjoyable. Winter access is limited by snow.
Based on 15 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Nearly every site now has a lake view.' - Greg Krueger 2. 'Campground isn’t too bad. There is still no water, or cost to camp here.' - Nick Posh 3. 'Quiet, only one other person there and free....
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Based on 15 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site #13 has proximity to an accessible vault toilet. Sites adjacent to Golden Lake are noted as less tent-friendly.
Based on 15 reviews

Accessibility Features

The campground features one accessible vault toilet near site #13, but no additional amenities for campers with disabilities.
Based on 15 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

No specific pet-related reviews have been provided.
Based on 15 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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