Lake Ottawa Campground

Star4.15
53 reviews
2832 Lake Ottawa Road
Summer Destination

Quick Facts

1,542 ft

Price

$22/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

32 campsites

Season

Open for reservation...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyElectric

Opens Camp Host LLC under special use permit with Ottawa National Forest site

Official Website
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Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
Lake Ottawa Campground
$22.00 - $22.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Facility rates for standard non-electric sites are $22 per night during peak season from May 23 to September 30. Day-use fees are $5 per vehicle per...
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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
906-661-8870chase@wildriversrealty.com
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What Campers Say

4.15

Satisfactory

Based on 53 reviews

26 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewscleanrestroomslake

"Users generally describe Lake Ottawa Campground as a serene and scenic location with clean facilities and pleasant hosts. Most reviews highlight the privacy of campsites, the quality of the lake for recreation, and the well-maintained amenities."

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Campground Map

2832 Lake Ottawa Road

Lake Ottawa Campground

2832 Lake Ottawa Road

Driving directionsFrom Iron River, MI, travel west on US 2, turn south on M 73, travel approximately 3/4 mile, turn west on Lake Ottawa Road and travel approximately 4 miles to the campground. From Watersmeet, MI, travel 28 miles east on US 2, turn south on M 73, travel approximately 3/4 mile, turn west on Lake Ottawa Road and travel approximately 4 miles to the campground.
The campground is accessible via paved roads. Roads leading into the campground are maintained but some areas may be seasonally affected, with occasional challenges such as rain damaging access routes.
Nearby places
Iron River, MI - 5 miles southwest. Watersmeet, MI - 28 miles east.
Nearby supplies
Groceries, camping supplies, and fuel can be obtained at Iron River, MI, located 5 miles northeast of the campground.

Best Time to Camp at Lake Ottawa Campground

Summer arrives with warm, golden days perfect for swimming and hiking, while gentle breezes carry the scent of pine through your campsite. As autumn approaches, the forest transforms into a tapestry of blazing colors, though late summer rains may occasionally sweep through, adding a refreshing coolness to the air and creating temporary challenges on backcountry trails. Winter blankets the landscape in pristine snow, turning the campground into a serene wonderland for those brave enough to embrace the cold.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.5 / 5

Summer is most favored: swimming, hiking, boating, and clean facilities highlighted.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Forest transforms to fall colors; campground open into late September for foliage trips.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.0 / 5

Opens May 23; late-spring access is limited but early-season greenery possible.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Closed in winter (seasonal open May 23–Sept 30); winter rating not applicable.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: May 23, 2025, to September 30, 2025.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open for reservations from May 23 to September 30, 2025.
  • Current Alerts: Alerts are posted at the facility website; visitors should verify current conditions before arriving.

About Lake Ottawa Campground

Nestled deep within the Ottawa National Forest, Lake Ottawa Campground beckons outdoor enthusiasts to experience the authentic charm of Michigan's northwoods. Here, towering hardwoods create a natural cathedral where sunlight filters through the canopy, while the pristine waters of Lake Ottawa shimmer just steps away. Whether you're casting a line into crystal-clear depths, paddling through morning mist, or exploring winding mountain bike trails, this historic retreat seamlessly blends Depression-era craftsmanship with modern camping comforts, offering the perfect basecamp for your Upper Peninsula adventure.
This campground caters to a variety of campers by offering traditional non-electric campsites, electric-equipped sites, and areas for tent camping. Group site accommodations are not explicitly mentioned.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Check-in begins at 2 PM local time.
Check-out
Check-out is by 12 PM local time.
Stay Limit
Maximum consecutive stay is 14 nights.

Amenities available

Potable water
Electricity hookups
Flush toilets
Dump station
Fire rings
Picnic tables

Activities you can enjoy

Lake Ottawa Campground provides a variety of recreational opportunities, including access to hiking, fishing, swimming, biking, and boating. Additional activities include wildlife viewing and enjoying the day-use facilities.
HikingThe Ge-Che Trail, approximately 9 miles long, offers scenic views of a primarily hardwood forest. It can be accessed both from the boat landing and within the campground. User reviews describe the hiking opportunities as substantial.
FishingLake Ottawa, a deep cold-water lake, provides a good variety of game fish, making it a favorable destination for anglers.
SwimmingA swimming beach is available in the day-use area adjacent to the campground. The beach is noted for its accessibility and clear water.
BikingMountain biking is an available activity, with trails like the Ge-Che Trail offering opportunities for exploration.
BoatingThere is a boat ramp with ample parking for trailers, facilitating boating activities on Lake Ottawa.
Wildlife viewingThe surrounding Ottawa National Forest provides opportunities for observing a variety of local wildlife species.
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include wildlife such as bears, and water hazards at Lake Ottawa. Occasional inclement weather such as heavy rainfall may affect trails and campsite accessibility.
Active AlertsAlerts are posted at the facility website; visitors should verify current conditions before arriving.

Weather at Lake Ottawa Campground

Reviews

4.2
53 reviews
Satisfactory
Satisfactory
Lake Ottawa Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
Users generally describe Lake Ottawa Campground as a serene and scenic location with clean facilities and pleasant hosts. Most reviews highlight the privacy of campsites, the quality of the lake for recreation, and the well-maintained amenities.
Review Summaries
Based on 53 reviews

What Campers Love

Clean restrooms, friendly campground hosts, beautiful lake views, and a variety of recreational activities stand out as highlights. Many users also gave positive remarks about the large and private...
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Based on 53 reviews

Common Concerns

Some complaints include issues with site leveling, gravel piles at campsites, and occasional problems with water availability. One user mentioned their disappointment with the lack of showers.
Based on 53 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers suggest bringing extra leveling blocks for RVs and preparing for a lack of showers. It is also recommended to enjoy the hiking trails and explore the lake by kayak.
Based on 53 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer is the most favored season for visits, with users appreciating the swimming beach, hiking trails, and clean facilities. One user lamented the rain's impact on their experience, indicating...
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Based on 53 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Wow! What a beautiful campground! Definitely a hidden gem for Iron River MI." "Most campsites here offer plenty of privacy and a fair amount have lake views." "The restrooms here were cleaned every...
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Based on 53 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site #14 received several mentions. While one review noted issues with leveling due to gravel, others referred to it positively for its beauty and proximity to amenities. Site #24 was praised for its...
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Based on 53 reviews

Accessibility Features

There are no specific reviews addressing accessibility features, though hosts are described as helpful and accommodating.
Based on 53 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are permitted at the campground, but one user noted an issue with other visitors not leashing their dogs.
Based on 53 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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