Perch Lake Campground

Star4.57
16 reviews
Perch Lake Campground, Kenton Ranger District, Iron County, Michigan, USA
Summer Destination

Quick Facts

1,680 ft

Price

$14 - $22/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

20 campsites

Season

Open May 24 - Octobe...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Opens Kenton Ranger District, Ottawa National Forest site

Official Website
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Perch Lake Campground
$14.00 - $22.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Camping fees are $22 per night during the summer recreation period when full services are available. During early spring and late fall, fees may not...
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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
906-852-3500
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What Campers Say

4.57

Top-Rated

Based on 16 reviews

14 Google reviews

Most mentioned

quietcleanlakesites

"User reviews highlight the campground's peaceful environment, good fishing opportunities, and spacious lakeside sites screened by vegetation. However, some users report issues with campsite etiquette and a lack of modern facilities such as showers and electricity."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Perch Lake Campground, Kenton Ranger District, Iron County, Michigan, USA

Perch Lake Campground

Perch Lake Campground, Kenton Ranger District, Iron County, Michigan, USA

Driving directionsPerch Lake Campground is located 10 miles southeast of Sidnaw on the Kenton Ranger District in the Ottawa National Forest. From Sidnaw, travel south on Sidnaw Road for approximately 10 miles. The road is paved for approximately 6.5 miles and then becomes gravel for the remaining distance. From Iron River, take County Road 657 north for about 15 miles, turn right onto FR 2130, travel about 9.5 miles, then turn left onto Sidnaw Road and travel 2 miles to the campground.
The road to the campground is paved for the first 6.5 miles and transitions to gravel for the remaining 3.5 miles. The gravel road is reportedly well-maintained and manageable even after rain, according to user reviews. Seasonal access is subject to closure between late fall and early spring.
Nearby places
Sidnaw (10 miles, ~15-20 minutes), Ironwood (~2 hours), Marquette (~2 hours)
Nearby supplies
Basic supplies and groceries can be accessed in Sidnaw, located 10 miles north of the campground. Additional options are available in larger towns like Ironwood and Marquette (~2 hours away).

Best Time to Camp at Perch Lake Campground

From Memorial Day weekend through Halloween's final glow, Perch Lake Campground awakens each May 24th and welcomes visitors until October 31st. June through September reveals the campground at its finest, when warm sunshine filters through the canopy and gentle breezes carry the scent of pine and wildflowers. Summer days invite swimming and lazy afternoons, while September brings a painter's palette of autumn colors reflected in the lake's mirror surface. Pack layers for your adventure – mornings may greet you with cool mist that gives way to sun-warmed afternoons, and evening campfires become especially welcome as autumn's crisp air settles over the forest.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.5 / 5

Peak season June–September; full services available and best visitor experience per reviews.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
3.0 / 5

Open through Oct 31 but services reduce in late fall; less ideal than summer.

Spring(Mar-May)
2.5 / 5

Opens May 24; spring has reduced services and is noted as less ideal by reviews.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground closed outside May 24–Oct 31; winter camping not supported.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: June through September is the best season, as full services are available.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open May 24 - October 31. Limited services or closures outside this timeframe.

About Perch Lake Campground

Nestled within the verdant embrace of Ottawa National Forest, Perch Lake Campground offers 20 thoughtfully designed drive-in sites where adventure meets tranquility. Whether you're arriving with a tent tucked in your trunk or navigating the forest roads in a motorhome, each campsite welcomes you with the promise of lakeside serenity. Nature herself serves as your privacy screen here, with lush vegetation creating intimate outdoor rooms where memories are made around crackling fire rings. Many fortunate campers wake to find themselves just steps from the water's edge, where morning mist dances across Perch Lake's surface. Essential comforts blend seamlessly with the wilderness experience, from sturdy picnic tables perfect for sunset dinners to clean vault toilets and refreshing hand-pumped spring water.
The campground accommodates various camping types, including tent camping, trailer camping, and motor homes.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
  • Open 24 hours
  • no specific check-in time.
Check-out
None specified, likely by noon on the day of departure.
Stay Limit
14-day maximum stay.

Amenities available

Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Activities at Perch Lake Campground include fishing, boating, hiking, and wildlife viewing. The lake is popular for motorized and non-motorized boating, and its diverse fish population makes it an excellent fishing destination. The surrounding woods and trails provide opportunities for hiking and nature exploration.
HikingThe Lake Shore Trail, described as easy to intermediate, is available for hiking.
FishingFishing is a major attraction at Perch Lake, a 994-acre lake with species such as Northern Pike, Walleye, Crappie, and Perch. Fishing can be done from boats, canoes, or the bank.
BoatingBoating is popular on Perch Lake, which offers a concrete-based boat ramp for motorized and non-motorized boats including kayaks, canoes, and small boats. No size restrictions for boats.
Wildlife viewingThe wooded surroundings and lake provide opportunities for observing wildlife.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include wildlife such as black bears, making the use of proper food storage practices essential. The gravel road leading to the campground may require careful navigation, especially in wet conditions.

Weather at Perch Lake Campground

Reviews

4.6
16 reviews
Top-Rated
Top-Rated
Perch Lake Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight the campground's peaceful environment, good fishing opportunities, and spacious lakeside sites screened by vegetation. However, some users report issues with campsite etiquette and a lack of modern facilities such as showers and electricity.
Review Summaries
Based on 16 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive aspects include scenic lakeside sites, clean vault toilets, good fishing, and a quiet atmosphere. One user described it as 'Awesome little slice of heaven!'
Based on 16 reviews

Common Concerns

Complaints include a need for site upgrades, lack of showers and electricity, as well as occasional noise from inconsiderate campers.
Based on 16 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Recommendations include choosing lakeside sites for privacy and lake access, bringing firewood, and respecting campsite boundaries. One user advises docking boats by your own site to avoid walking...
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Based on 16 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The campground is best experienced during the summer months of June to September, as noted in user reviews and official sources. Spring and late fall are less ideal due to reduced services.
Based on 16 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Vault toilets...were the cleanest I've ever seen." (Amanda Turnbull) "Awesome little slice of heaven!" (Rhonda Astor) "Nice sites. Only the lakeside ones get used." (Nicole Mellin)
Based on 16 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site #12 is praised for its shaded location and direct lake access. Lakeside sites are generally preferred by reviewers.
Based on 16 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessible vault toilet near site #11 noted. No other feedback from users regarding broader accessibility features.
Based on 16 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

No specific reviews about pets or pet-friendly features.
Based on 16 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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