How much does camping cost at Perch Lake Campground?

Camping fees at Perch Lake Campground range from $22/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Fees are typically paid at the campground entrance.

Is Perch Lake Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Perch Lake Campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Arrive early, especially on weekends and holidays, to secure a spot.

Can I see photos of campsites at Perch Lake Campground before I book?

Yes! Perch Lake Campground has 7 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Perch Lake Campground?

Perch Lake Campground is open May 22 to September 15. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Perch Lake Campground?

Perch Lake Campground does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

How many campsites does Perch Lake Campground have?

Perch Lake Campground has 20 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Arrive early for the best site selection.

Are dogs allowed at Perch Lake Campground?

Pets are not allowed at Perch Lake Campground. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at Perch Lake Campground?

Perch Lake Campground offers: Restrooms, Potable Water. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

Perch Lake Campground

4.00

16 reviews

Summer Destination

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

1,594 ft

Price

$22/night

Booking

Check Site

Sites

20 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Book on Kenton Ranger District, Ottawa National Forest Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

1,594 ft

Price

$22/night

Booking

Check Site

Sites

20 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Book on Kenton Ranger District, Ottawa National Forest Official Website

Get Directions

Perch Lake Campground

$22.00 - $22.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Standard Nonelectric: $22.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

No paid fee categories listed.

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

906-852-3500Ottawa_NF@usda.gov

I manage this campground

Plan a trip to Perch Lake Campground

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Campground Map

Perch Lake Campground

46.3641, -88.6735

Nearby places

Sidnaw (approximately 10 miles)

Ironwood and Marquette are within two-hour drives

directions provided from Iron River.

Driving directionsPerch Lake Campground is in Iron County on the Kenton Ranger District of the eastern Ottawa National Forest, 10 miles southeast of the town of Sidnaw. From Sidnaw travel south on Sidnaw Road approximately 10 miles to the campground (road is paved for approximately 6½ miles then turns to gravel). From Iron River, take County Road 657 north ~15 miles, turn slight right onto FR 2130 and travel ~9½ miles to Sidnaw Road, then turn left onto Sidnaw Road and travel ~2 miles to the campground.

Weather at Perch Lake Campground

Current alerts(3)

Camping in a developed recreation site is allowed for a period not longer than 14 days, except as otherwise posted. After this time, you must move to another campground or dispersed site for at least 24 hours. Campers must occupy the site the first night.
Eight people and 2 motorized vehicles are allowed per campsite with a maximum of one RV or camper trailer and two tents per camping site or three tents per camping site.
There is a day use fee associated with the boat landing from May 15 October 15, of $5 per day per vehicle, or an annual pass for $30 per vehicle.

Best Time to Camp at Perch Lake Campground

Best season: summer. Summer offers the warmest, most reliable weather for paddling and fishing on Perch Lake — expect daytime highs around 65–80°F and cool nights in the mid-40s to mid-50s. Water-based activities (canoeing, kayaking, shoreline fishing) are at their peak and the lake is easiest to access from waterfront sites. Weekdays are generally quiet while weekends draw more local campers, so plan midweek visits for solitude. Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: December, January, February

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.5 / 5

Summer best for paddling and fishing; daytime highs 65–80°F and peak water activities.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 22 to September 15. Book 2-3 months ahead.

About Perch Lake Campground

Perch Lake Campground sits on the shore of Perch Lake in Michigan's Ottawa National Forest, managed by the Kenton Ranger District. This small, wooded campground in the foothills offers lakefront tent and RV sites where you can fish and swim steps from your picnic table. Campers praise the quiet atmosphere, tree canopy, and clean facilities during the peak summer season.

One-loop campground with 20 drive-in campsites that accommodate tents, trailers, and motor homes; sites include tables and fire rings and provide lake access for many sites.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer offers the warmest, most reliable weather for paddling and fishing on Perch Lake — expect daytime highs around 65–80°F and cool nights in the mid-40s to mid-50s. Water-based activities (canoeing, kayaking, shoreline fishing) are at their peak and the lake is easiest to access from waterfront sites. Weekdays are generally quiet while weekends draw more local campers, so plan midweek visits for solitude. Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: December, January, February

Elevation1594 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground wraps around Perch Lake in a single loop under a canopy of mixed hardwoods and conifers. Sites alternate between shaded wooded spots and sunnier openings along the shoreline. Several campsites sit directly on the water where you can fish or swim from your site. The lake itself stays calm enough for easy paddling, and Hannah-Web Lake and Winslow Lake lie just minutes west for anglers looking to explore multiple waters. Sandy beach areas let boaters pull their crafts ashore. Reviewers consistently mention the scenic lakefront and peaceful setting.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

AccessibilityOne accessible vault toilet within the campground loop.

Site SizeSpacious sites; many sites have direct lake access.

Total Campsites20 campsites

Recommended SitesEach campsite includes a wood table, fire ring, and parking spur. The campground loop contains two sets of vault toilets (one accessible vault toilet) and two hand pumps that provide drinking water. A boat ramp and parking area are adjacent to the campground.

Best CampsitesLakefront sites are the most sought-after and fill first on weekends. These waterfront spots let you fish, swim, and launch boats directly from your campsite. Arrive early if you want one, since the campground operates first-come, first-served.

Amenities available

One-loop, drive-in campground with 20 sites. Each site includes a wood table, fire ring, and parking spur; there is a boat ramp and parking area adjacent to the campground, two sets of vault toilets (one accessible), and two hand pumps for drinking water within the loop.

Potable water

Flush toilets

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

Perch Lake offers water-based recreation as the primary activity, with excellent fishing and popular non-motorized boating opportunities. Canoeing and kayaking are noted as an excellent way to experience the area.

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

No Dump StationThere is no dump station at this campground. Plan to use a dump station along your route or at a nearby facility before or after your stay.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

From Booking Sources

4.0

16 reviews

Satisfactory

Perch Lake Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

Reviewers describe Perch Lake Campground as a small, peaceful, and beautiful lakeside campground with wooded and sunny sites, many right on the water. Campers consistently highlight its quiet, uncrowded feel and good fishing, though several note its rustic nature with limited amenities and some inconsiderate camper behavior. Overall ratings are strongly positive, with most reviews at 4–5 stars.

Review Summaries

Based on 16 reviews

What Campers Love

Campers love the lakefront sites where you can swim and fish directly from your campsite, as well as the overall peaceful, quiet atmosphere. The wooded setting, canopy of trees, and scenic lake views...

Based on 16 reviews

Common Concerns

The campground is very rustic: multiple reviewers note there is no power, no showers, and only pit/"hole in the ground" toilets. Several complaints focus on other campers’ behavior—people walking...

Based on 16 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site 12 is called an “awesome little slice of heaven,” mostly shaded with direct lake access and great views; the reviewer was able to get into the lake from the site and appreciated leftover...

Based on 16 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Expect a primitive experience: no hookups, no showers, and pit toilets only—if you “like no bugs and showers,” one reviewer suggests this isn’t for you. If you have a boat, plan to beach it at sandy...

Based on 16 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Nice sites. Only the lake side ones get used... Good fishing and quiet. Not as busy as Norway Lake." "What a beautiful campground! Wooded and sunny lots, many right on the lake. The kids were able...

Based on 16 reviews

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