Sparrow Rapids Campground

Star4.55
54 reviews
4810 E. M28, Kenton, MI 49967

Quick Facts

1,165 ft

Price

$16/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

6 campsites

Season

Open January 1 to De...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Opens Kenton Ranger District site

Official Website
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Sparrow Rapids Campground
$16.00 - $16.00 / night
Campsite Fees
The campground has a nightly fee of $16.
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
906-852-3500
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What Campers Say

4.55

Top-Rated

Based on 54 reviews

46 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewspeacefulcleanlocation

"User reviews emphasize the campground's quiet atmosphere, spacious sites, proximity to the river, and rustic amenities. Positive experiences often highlight the sounds of the rapids, clean vault toilets, and good cell service. Some reviews also note the lack of water and busy periods on weekends and holidays."

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Campground Map

4810 E. M28, Kenton, MI 49967

Sparrow Rapids Campground

4810 E. M28, Kenton, MI 49967

Driving directionsFrom Kenton take FH 16 north 1/4 mile to FR 1100. Turn left onto FR 1100 and travel northwest for 3 miles to the campground.
Three miles down a pretty decent gravel road. The road is unpaved but relatively smooth according to user reviews ("curvey gravel road," "pretty decent gravel road"), and manageable for most vehicles including sedans as noted by Vincent R Turgeon.
Nearby places
Kenton (approximately 3 miles, 5-minute drive). Mass City (approximately 8 miles south via FR 1180).
Nearby supplies
Potable water available at USFS Kenton Wayside (2 miles down the road). Null for groceries, fuel, and other supplies.

Best Time to Camp at Sparrow Rapids Campground

Experience the dramatic beauty of Michigan's Upper Peninsula through every season at Sparrow Rapids. Winter transforms the landscape into a snow-covered wonderland, with fresh powder accumulating more than three inches weekly during peak months. As seasons turn, the forest awakens to reveal comfortable summer days that peak at a pleasant 79°F, perfect for riverside relaxation and forest exploration.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Summer is peak season with many positive reviews; access and river activities highlighted.

Best
Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

UP fall foliage and quieter campsite experience implied; seasonal beauty noted.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.5 / 5

Spring leads into maintained season (May 15); variable conditions but river access and solitude remain.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
3.0 / 5

Open year-round with noted winter beauty, but site is rustic and less maintained in winter.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: Peak season is likely May to October based on maintenance schedule.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open January 1 to December 31, but maintained from May 15 to October 31.

About Sparrow Rapids Campground

Tucked away in the pristine wilderness of Ottawa National Forest, Sparrow Rapids Campground offers an intimate escape with just six secluded campsites. This hidden gem welcomes tents, trailers, and motor homes to its rustic embrace, where the melodic rush of the East Branch Ontonagon River creates nature's perfect soundtrack. While maintaining its authentic wilderness character with vault toilets and no potable water, the campground rewards adventurers with unmatched privacy and a genuine back-to-nature experience.
Sparrow Rapids Campground offers primitive camping with minimal facilities and dispersed sites suitable for tents, RVs, and trailers. No group camping or luxury accommodations are provided.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
No specific check-in time mentioned.
Check-out
No specific check-out time mentioned.
Stay Limit
  • The campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis
  • information on maximum stay is null.

Amenities available

Fire rings
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Sparrow Rapids Campground offers outdoor recreational opportunities including fishing, picnicking, and canoeing/kayaking on the East Branch Ontonagon River. The river access and the serene wilderness setting provide a tranquil camping experience.
FishingThe East Branch Ontonagon River provides fishing opportunities between sites 3 and 4. Species include Brook Trout, Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout, Steelhead, Salmon, Small Mouth Bass, and Walleye. Fishing methods include bank, wade, or float fishing. One user review highlights the proximity of the river for fishing, stating 'The river is close enough to fish yet far enough I don't have to worry about my little ones.'
BoatingNon-motorized boating is supported, with 15.5 miles of floatable river accessible via the East Branch Ontonagon River. Canoeing and kayaking are common during high-flow periods from April 15 to June. Sections of the river can be challenging due to hazards such as low flow, downed trees, and beaver dams.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsNo drinking water available onsite. River areas may have flow hazards in early spring (April 15 to June). Bugs, particularly flies and mosquitoes, are minimal according to user reviews.
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Weather at Sparrow Rapids Campground

Reviews

4.6
54 reviews
Top-Rated
Top-Rated
Sparrow Rapids Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews emphasize the campground's quiet atmosphere, spacious sites, proximity to the river, and rustic amenities. Positive experiences often highlight the sounds of the rapids, clean vault toilets, and good cell service. Some reviews also note the lack of water and busy periods on weekends and holidays.
Review Summaries
Based on 54 reviews

What Campers Love

Highlights include very private sites, clean vault toilets, good cell service, and the serene sound of the nearby rapids. Several reviews also appreciated its peaceful atmosphere and scenic location.
Based on 54 reviews

Common Concerns

Complaints mainly revolve around the lack of potable water, crowded conditions during holidays, and occasional party noise from teenagers.
Based on 54 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers recommend arriving early to secure a spot, bringing water supplies, and avoiding holiday weekends if seeking solitude. One user suggested checking out the Kenton Wayside for potable water.
Based on 54 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Reviews suggest summer is the most popular season, with quieter weekdays and busier weekends. Winter camping might offer solitude but is less commented upon.
Based on 54 reviews

Camper Quotes

'Falling asleep with the sound of the Rapids flowing is a definite perk!' - Melissa Rowe. 'Bathrooms were clean and stocked with toilet paper.' - Snappy Nevada. 'Excellent camping! Sound of rapids at...
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Based on 54 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Sites 1 and 3 are noted as particularly desirable for their spacious layout and proximity to river access. Campers recommend arriving early to secure these spots.
Based on 54 reviews

Accessibility Features

No accessibility features are mentioned in reviews.
Based on 54 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pet-friendly policies or experiences are not explicitly described in reviews.
Based on 54 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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