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Ottawa/Perch Lake
Overview
The Ottawa and Perch Lake area near Sidnaw provides a peaceful retreat within the sprawling Ottawa National Forest. These campgrounds offer a traditional Northwoods experience where the focus is on the surrounding environment rather than modern luxuries. For RVers traveling through Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, these sites serve as a gateway to rugged wilderness and quiet lakefront living. It is a place where the sound of loons replaces highway noise, making it a premier choice for those seeking solitude and natural beauty during their travels.
Location & Surroundings
Located in the heart of the Western Upper Peninsula, the park is nestled among dense hardwoods and towering pines. The secluded setting around Perch Lake and Ottawa Lake ensures that visitors are fully immersed in the forest ecosystem. The landscape is characterized by rolling terrain and crystal-clear waters, providing a stunning backdrop for morning coffee or evening campfires. Because it is tucked away from major urban centers, the stargazing opportunities here are exceptional, with minimal light pollution to obscure the night sky.
Amenities & Park Features
As a Forest Service facility, the amenities are designed to be rustic and functional. Visitors will find vault toilets and pressurized water systems or hand pumps available for use. Each campsite typically includes a heavy-duty fire ring and a picnic table, perfect for outdoor meals. While there are no full hookups, the park provides spacious back-in sites that can accommodate various RV lengths. There are also accessible boat launches, allowing easy entry for those looking to explore the water by kayak or small motorboat.
Nearby Attractions & Things to Do
The surrounding Ottawa National Forest is a playground for outdoor enthusiasts, featuring miles of scenic hiking trails and hidden waterfalls. A short drive away, travelers can visit the impressive Agate Falls or the iconic Bond Falls, two of the most photographed spots in the region. Fishing is a primary draw here, with the lakes being well-stocked with panfish and bass. For those who enjoy wildlife viewing, the area is home to bald eagles, black bears, and white-tailed deer, offering endless opportunities for photography.
Who This Park Is Best For
This destination is ideal for self-contained RVers who enjoy boondocking-style camping without the need for constant connectivity. It is a perfect fit for anglers and paddlers who want immediate access to the water from their camp. If your travel style involves disconnecting from the digital world to reconnect with the forest, this park will meet your needs. It is best suited for adventure seekers and families who appreciate a quiet, slower pace of life in the Great Lakes State.
Amenities
- Recreational Facilities
- Policies
- Other Amenities & Services
- Recreation Nearby (within 10 miles)
- Facility
- On-Site Rentals
- Sites
User Reviews
Aaron Vincent
Very quite small camping spots rustic only no electricity on site , hand pump for water , good tasting water..
Rhonda Astor
Awesome little slice of heaven! We booked site 12 on the lake. Mostly shaded. Someone left us leftover firewood which we put to good use. Awesome lake and views. Able to get into lake from the site. Was mostly quiet except for our neighbor who decided he needed to retrieve his truck from the boat launch at 5am and then proceeded to bang around in his campsite till 7am. I might also add he was walking around in his site with a tshirt and underwear the night before….. and looking at us as if to say “are you looking at me 👀 “. I just can’t understand why other campers can’t be respectful of others? Be quiet from 11pm to 7am…….stay out of my site…..shut your kids/dogs up I don’t camp to listen to them.
aaron vandenbusch
Stayed here on a solo sxs trip. Very very nice and I’m glad I left when I did because there was a tv camper that felt the need to run his AC all day. North campgrounds fault
Duane Kryka
Nice campground , but it needs some upgrades . We've been going there for a long time and it would be nice to see some upgrades to some of the sites , tables and fire pits .
Amanda Turnbull
What a beautiful campground! Wooded and sunny lots, many right on the lake. The kids were able to swim/fish right off the campsite. There's a boat launch and pit toilets (which were the cleanest I've ever seen. First come, first served sites $14/night.
