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Ottawa/Lake Ottawa
Overview
Ottawa Lake Campground offers a quintessential Northwoods experience within the Ottawa National Forest. Situated just southwest of Iron River, Michigan, this recreation area blends historic charm with deep natural beauty. The park features a variety of campsites nestled under a dense canopy of hardwoods and pines, providing a serene escape for those looking to disconnect from the digital world. It is widely regarded for its crystal-clear lake views and well-maintained forest grounds.
Location & Surroundings
The park is positioned on the north shore of Lake Ottawa, a 551-acre body of water known for its remarkable clarity and depth. The surrounding terrain is characterized by the rolling hills and dense timberlands typical of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. Travelers will appreciate the peaceful, secluded atmosphere, where the haunting calls of loons replace the sounds of traffic. Despite its remote feel, it remains a convenient base for exploring the broader Iron County area.
Amenities & Park Features
While the setting leans toward the rustic side, the park provides essential comforts for modern travelers, including electric hookups on many of the sites. Visitors can utilize the historic log picnic pavilion, a beautifully preserved remnant of the Civilian Conservation Corps era. The facility includes vault toilets, accessible water handles, a paved boat ramp, and a sandy swimming beach. Most sites are thoughtfully spaced and leveled to provide privacy and ease of use for RVers.
Nearby Attractions & Things to Do
Outdoor recreation is the primary draw at this location. The Bennan Lake Trail offers a scenic loop for hikers to explore the local ecosystem and spot native wildlife. Anglers frequently visit the lake for its healthy populations of walleye, bass, and panfish. For a cultural detour, the Iron County Historical Museum is a short drive away, offering a massive collection of buildings and artifacts that tell the story of the region’s mining and logging past.
Who This Park Is Best For
This destination is ideal for outdoor purists and RV travelers who prefer the quiet dignity of a forest setting over the amenities of a commercial resort. It is a perfect fit for families wanting to engage in traditional water-based activities like canoeing, kayaking, and swimming. Those who value the tranquility of the National Forest system and historical landmarks will find this campground to be a highlight of their Michigan journey.
Amenities
- Recreational Facilities
- Policies
- Other Amenities & Services
- Recreation Nearby (within 10 miles)
- Facility
- On-Site Rentals
- Sites
User Reviews
Faith Marie
Beautiful outdoor playground
Liz Sevier
Nice, dog friendly campground. The area is beautiful. There were no open vault toilets or any running water when I went (August 16th-17th) but there were porta potties that were surprisingly clean. It's easy to find and close enough to the city while still being quiet. If you have neighbors you'd be able to see them, but I was one of the only people there on a Wednesday. It's $18/night and there's an additional fee to use the recreational areas, but my site had direct access to the Lake.
Richelle Lee
The current hosts as of July 2022 are wonderful, (so is their dog, Lily ❤). I've never seen the bathrooms so clean in all my 25+ years of camping there. The hosts have been taking such good care of the campground. Nice new blacktop throughout, highly recommend this place!
Greg Krueger
Stellar scenery, crystal-clear lake water and a nice swimming beach. Most campsites here offer plenty of privacy and a fair amount have lake views. A substantial hiking trail system connects with the campground. When I visited in summer 2021 there was no drinking water available throughout the entire campground and beach. Water spouts were posted as unsafe to drink, but operable nonetheless. Things improved in 2022 and drinking water was available at several points in the campground, though there were still no working water spouts in the half of the campground furthest back from the entrance. On the bright side, the Ottawa National Forest finds ways to keep this area open for visitors, in this case partnering with a third party to run the campground. The nearest alternative national forest campground is just over the state line at the Brule River. It’s been gated for several years due to budget shortfalls in the Chequamegon Nicolet and is slated to be entirely dismantled soon. Hats off to the Ottawa National Forest for keeping this area open and well maintained, aside from some issues with the water systems.
Rogue toast
I think this was the BEST campground I have ever stayed. Very accommodating. The other folks in the park were a great welth of knowledge and just cool people. After going through Door county last week avoiding the public Bathrooms I was pleased to see the restrooms here were cleaned every day and smelled like flowers and fresh cut grass. We will be going back!
