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Ottawa/Imp Lake
Overview
Imp Lake Campground offers a quintessential Northwoods experience located within the vast Ottawa National Forest. Managed by the U.S. Forest Service, this destination provides a serene escape for RVers who value nature over resort-style luxuries. Situated near Watersmeet, Michigan, the park is centered around a crystal-clear 32-acre lake, known for its peaceful environment and a dense canopy of towering hemlock and hardwood trees.
Location & Surroundings
This campground is positioned in the heart of the Upper Peninsula, a region celebrated for its rugged beauty and relative isolation. The surrounding landscape consists of old-growth forests, creating a deep sense of seclusion for every visitor. Its location near the intersection of US-2 and US-45 makes it accessible for travelers, yet it remains far enough from the highway to maintain a quiet forest-dwelling atmosphere that is perfect for birdwatching and wildlife observation.
Amenities & Park Features
As a rustic forest site, the amenities here focus on outdoor utility rather than modern hookups. The campground features a paved boat ramp and a dedicated fishing pier, making it easy to access the water for a day of paddling. Visitors will find vault toilets and pressurized water systems available throughout the camping loops. Most sites are spacious and carved into the woods, designed to accommodate mid-sized RVs and trailers while providing a private, shaded space to relax.
Nearby Attractions & Things to Do
Adventure is never far away, with the Sylvania Wilderness Area just a short drive from the campground entrance. This nearby destination offers world-class canoeing and primitive hiking trails for those looking to explore further into the wild. For those interested in regional landmarks, the stunning Bond Falls is a popular day trip for photography and sightseeing. Anglers often spend their days on Imp Lake, which is well-known for its population of panfish and bass.
Who This Park Is Best For
This park is ideal for travelers who prefer boondocking and dry camping in a natural, quiet setting. If you enjoy falling asleep to the sound of loons and waking up to the smell of fresh pine, this is an excellent choice. It is best suited for self-contained RVers who do not require electrical or sewer hookups and those looking to disconnect from the modern world to reconnect with the pristine beauty of Michigan’s wilderness.
Amenities
- Recreational Facilities
- Policies
- Other Amenities & Services
- Recreation Nearby (within 10 miles)
- Facility
- On-Site Rentals
- Sites
User Reviews
Carel Allen
What a gem of a campground. Lovely spot overlooking the lake. Very quiet but easy access off of Rt2. The second (or southern) loop has sites with a better view of the lake.
Alesha “Blackhawk”
Had an amazing time here out in Michigan's beautiful wonders. One campsite perfect for a bunch of friends and the second campsite was perfect for a family with kids. Both access to the clear lake. One more kid friendly then the other. Wonderful get away.
Mary Denson
This is a rustic campground. Amenities are outhouse and water pump. Garbage cans. The scenery can't be beat. Very serene.
Nathan Miller
A nice spot to camp if campground camping is your thing. Plenty of outhouses, a dumpster, water from a pump well, boat launch, and picnic area. Garbage is still a problem at the beach which is idiotic. The nature trail though the woods is a great bonus and worth the hike!
Greg Krueger
The age of infrastructure here makes this place a historic gem. Imp Lake Campground looks like what you might imagine a national forest campground looking like in the 1990’s. The vault toilets appear to be 40+ years old. Picnic tables are the vintage all-wood variety that got replaced across most Midwest national forests years ago. But infrastructure here has been well maintained; for the most part, things are still in good shape. The first and largest loop of this campground is open only during summer and early fall; the second loop is open year-round. There’s some question as to whether fees are required during the seasons when no drinking water is provided. Two iconic hand pumps provide drinking water, one in each loop. As of mid May neither one was in service for the season yet. That didn’t stop a couple families from setting up camp in the second loop’s lakefront sites. Imp Lake offers just the basics - vault toilets and drinking water - but for the right type of camper in the right setting, that’s all you need for a great trip. The location is picturesque and boasts a hiking trailhead right at the campground. A picnic area with swimmable shoreline and a boat landing are immediately adjacent.
Laura Ghiggia
Great wkend spent great fishing and memories made✨️🎣🔥🐟🌛🌊😊
Todd Thoune
Beautiful and peaceful
RhinoVirus21
Very peaceful!
Pat Kuchenbecker
Beautiful campsites!
Amanda Mitchell
There is no hook ups of any kind. The water comes out yellow from the pumps the mosquitoes are just awful. So for the price not worth it.