Imp Lake Campground

Star4.38
28 reviews
E23979 US 2 East Watersmeet, MI 49969
Summer Destination

Quick Facts

1,660 ft

Price

$16 - $22/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

22 campsites

Season

May 17 - September 3...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Opens Watersmeet/Iron River Ranger District site

Official Website
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Imp Lake Campground
$16.00 - $22.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Fees are $22 per night during summer recreation period with full services. Reduced fees or no charges apply in early spring and late fall when...
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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
906-358-4551Null
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What Campers Say

4.38

Recommended

Based on 28 reviews

22 Google reviews

Most mentioned

sceneryquietlocationhiking

"User reviews highlight the campground’s rustic charm and beautiful setting. Visitors appreciate the serene lake view, natural privacy, and wildlife, but some express dissatisfaction with the lack of modern amenities and occasional garbage issues."

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Campground Map

E23979 US 2 East Watersmeet, MI 49969

Imp Lake Campground

E23979 US 2 East Watersmeet, MI 49969

Driving directionsFrom Watersmeet, MI, take US Rt. 2 east 5.5 miles to Forest Rt. 3978. Turn right onto Rt. 3978 and go south 0.8 miles to campground sign. Turn right into campground.
The campground is conveniently located near US Route 2, providing easy access. However, parking aprons are gravel, grass, and asphalt, with some spurs being narrow and having drop-offs. Visitors are advised to exercise caution.
Nearby places
Watersmeet - 6 miles (approximately 10 minutes), Iron River - 25 miles (approximately 35 minutes)
Nearby supplies
Supplies, including groceries, camping essentials, and fuel, can be obtained in Watersmeet, MI, about 6 miles from the campground.

Best Time to Camp at Imp Lake Campground

Time your visit between July and September to experience Imp Lake at its finest, when warm days invite swimming and cool evenings are perfect for campfire gatherings. The lake's refreshingly crisp waters provide natural air conditioning even on summer's hottest days. Come autumn, the surrounding forest explodes into a painter's palette of golds, crimsons, and burnt oranges—a photographer's dream. Spring arrives with wildflower blooms and renewed bird activity, though early-season visitors should pack extra bug spray for the mosquito welcoming committee. Even winter camping enthusiasts will find peace in the year-round loop, where snow blankets the forest in serene silence.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Best time July–September; warm days and swimming make summer peak season.

Best
Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Vibrant fall colors noted; cooler evenings and scenic foliage increase appeal in autumn.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.0 / 5

Open from mid-May; spring may be cooler and buggy compared with peak summer/fall.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground effectively closed for winter; services end Sept 30.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: July-September. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: May 17 - September 30, with reduced services starting September 30.
  • Current Alerts: Reduced services begin September 30, with no water or garbage disposal available.

About Imp Lake Campground

Nestled along the pristine shores of Imp Lake, this hidden gem in the Ottawa National Forest beckons those seeking an authentic wilderness retreat. Wake to the haunting calls of nesting loons echoing across mirror-still waters from your lakeside campsite, or find solitude beneath ancient hemlocks in the forest loop. This thoughtfully designed campground balances rustic charm with essential comforts—vault toilets, hand-pump wells for fresh drinking water, sturdy picnic tables, and fire rings where countless stories have been shared under starlit skies. With two distinct camping loops to choose from, including one that welcomes adventurous souls year-round, Imp Lake serves as your basecamp for unforgettable forest memories.
Imp Lake Campground offers a rustic camping experience with 22 drive-in sites suitable for tents, trailers, and motorhomes. The campground has two loops, and the first loop closes seasonally, while the second remains open year-round.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
24 hours (self-pay)
Check-out
Null
Stay Limit
Camping in a developed recreation site is allowed for a maximum of 14 days. After this period, campers must move to another location for at least 24 hours.

Amenities available

Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Imp Lake Campground provides various outdoor recreational opportunities, including hiking, fishing, boating, swimming, and wildlife viewing. These activities make the campground a perfect destination for nature enthusiasts.
HikingThe Imp Lake Trail, located across from the campground, is a one-mile loop trail with wheelchair-accessible features, including boardwalk sections and wooden chairs at the halfway point. It is particularly scenic during fall. One reviewer described it as a "great bonus and worth the hike!"
FishingImp Lake is a no-wake, 111-acre lake that features trout and panfish. It is a favorite destination for fishermen. However, there is no fishing platform or cleaning station.
SwimmingThe picnic area has a swimmable shoreline, making it suitable for casual swimming activities. No lifeguard services or specific safety measures were mentioned.
BoatingBoating is supported, with a concrete boat ramp available for launching motorized and non-motorized boats. Imp Lake is a no-wake lake, ideal for canoeing and kayaking.
Wildlife viewingThe lake’s small island is a nesting area for loons, which can be viewed from the shoreline. Wildlife such as whitetail deer, bears, eagles, and wolves can also be observed. One user remarked on the mystical calls of loons, which enhance the camping experience.
Winter Activities
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsMosquitoes are prevalent, especially during warmer months. Narrow parking spurs with drop-offs may pose risks. Yellow water from hand pumps has been noted in user reviews.
Active AlertsReduced services begin September 30, with no water or garbage disposal available.

Weather at Imp Lake Campground

Reviews

4.4
28 reviews
Recommended
Recommended
Imp Lake Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight the campground’s rustic charm and beautiful setting. Visitors appreciate the serene lake view, natural privacy, and wildlife, but some express dissatisfaction with the lack of modern amenities and occasional garbage issues.
Review Summaries
Based on 28 reviews

What Campers Love

Visitors praise the picturesque scenery, well-spaced campsites, and opportunities to see wildlife. One camper noted, "Beautiful, well-maintained, quiet, campsites well spaced." Another stated, "The...
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Based on 28 reviews

Common Concerns

Complaints include the absence of modern facilities such as showers and hookups, issues with mosquitoes, and reports of garbage in some areas. One user commented, "The water comes out yellow from the...
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Based on 28 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring mosquito repellent, as bugs can be a nuisance. Be prepared for rustic conditions with no hookups or showers. Consider camping in the fall to enjoy the vibrant colors along the Imp Lake Trail.
Based on 28 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The campground is most popular during the summer and early fall, with the best season noted as July through September. The vibrant fall colors make it particularly attractive during autumn.
Based on 28 reviews

Camper Quotes

"The age of infrastructure here makes this place a historic gem." "Loons nest on an island, and you can hear their mystical and haunting calls." "Garbage is still a problem at the beach which is...
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Based on 28 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site 22 was specifically mentioned by one camper who stayed for two nights but provided no further details.
Based on 28 reviews

Accessibility Features

The campground lacks designated accessible sites, but the Imp Lake Trail is wheelchair accessible, which may provide some recreational options for individuals with mobility limitations.
Based on 28 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

No specific reviews address pet policies or experiences.
Based on 28 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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