Lake Ottawa Campground campground

Lake Ottawa Campground

Mixed (reservable + first-come)
31 campsites
Open in maps

31

Total Campsites

Campground

16

Reservable Sites

Mixed (reservable + first-come)

Accessible

ADA-compliant sites

Organization

Managing agency

Overview

About Lake Ottawa Campground

Overview Planning a trip to the Lake Ottawa Campground? Watch for Alerts at the top of the page for any Alerts regarding this facility. Lake Ottawa Campground is in a beautiful forested northwoods setting located 5 miles southwest of Iron River, MI, on the Iron River Ranger District. Recreation Located adjacent to the Campground is Lake Ottawa, a deep cold water lake that provides fishermen with a good variety of game fish. There is a boat ramp with ample parking for trailers. Ge-Che Trail - Length is approximately 9 miles on a dirt trail. This trail provides scenery of primarily hardwood forest. The trail can be accessed from Lake Ottawa boat landing, and from within the campground. Lake Ottawa Recreation Area day use area provides indoor facilities for a group picnic, and a large outdoor picnic area complete with picnic tables and grills. The area is large enough to provide plenty of space for all. Also located in the same area is an athletic field. The day use building provides indoor seating for eating or parties. The building has a fireplace, electricity, and flush toilets. Facilities Located adjacent to the Campground is Lake Ottawa, a deep cold water lake that provides fishermen with a good variety of game fish. There is a boat ramp with ample parking for trailers. Ge-Che Trail - Length is approximately 9 miles on a dirt trail. This trail provides scenery of primarily hardwood forest. The trail can be accessed from Lake Ottawa boat landing, and from within the campground. Lake Ottawa Recreation Area day use area provides indoor facilities for a group picnic, and a large outdoor picnic area complete with picnic tables and grills. The area is large enough to provide plenty of space for all. Also located in the same area is an athletic field. The day use building provides indoor seating for eating or parties. The building has a fireplace, electricity, and flush toilets. Nearby Attractions Stateline-Mile Post Zero Trail - Scenery is hardwood, forested with two destination points on the Brule River. The trail is not a loop, it is a relatively flat dirt trail. The length of the trial is approximately 4/10 of a mile and takes you to the historic Stateline Mile Post Zero location indicating the border between Michgian and Wisconsin. The combination of topography and thousands of miles of rivers and streams have created hundreds of waterfalls throughout the Upper Peninsula, with several of the waterfalls located on the Ottawa. The Ottawa National Forest has 18 named waterfalls, 53,637 acres of lakes, 2,366 miles of perennial streams, 2,890 miles of intermittent (occasional) streams, and 210,761 acres of wetlands. The falls vary in size and some are easier to get to than others. For more information on the most visited waterfalls on and around the Ottawa National Forest, visit the Ottawa National Forest website waterfall page .

  • 31 total campsites listed.
  • 16 reservable sites plus first-come options.
  • Most common site type: standard nonelectric (31).
  • Map coordinates are available for trip planning.
Lake Ottawa Campground photo 2
Lake Ottawa Campground photo 3

Our Take

What makes Lake Ottawa Campground special

Lake Ottawa Campground brings classic Upper Michigan northwoods camping to the western Iron Range, just five miles southwest of Iron River. Its 31 standard sites nestle among towering hardwoods and conifers, creating a shaded, forested atmosphere that feels miles from civilization while remaining easy to reach. The lake itself is the centerpiece — calm waters ideal for canoeing, kayaking, and fishing for panfish and bass. A small swimming area makes it family-friendly, and the surrounding trails invite quiet walks through birch and maple groves that explode with color in autumn. Summer is the primary season, with long warm days and cool nights perfect for campfires, which are permitted and practically mandatory here. Pets are welcome, adding to the relaxed, come-as-you-are vibe. Fall camping during peak foliage in late September and early October is a particularly special experience. The campground suits families, couples, and anyone who loves the simple rhythm of Midwest lake camping — cast a line at dawn, paddle at midday, roast marshmallows at dusk. No frills needed when the setting is this good.

Campsite Inventory

31 sites to choose from

STANDARD NONELECTRIC

31total sites

16

Reservable

0

Accessible

Amenities & Details

Everything you need to know

Campfire Allowed

Yes

Site capacity

Single

Check-in time

02:00 PM

Check-out time

02:00 PM

Driveway entry

Back-in

Driveway Grade

Slight

Driveway length (ft)

23, 32, 34, 38

Driveway surface

Paved

Fire Pit

Fire Pit

LANTERN POSTS

Lantern Posts

Max guests

8

Minimum guests

Yes

Pets allowed

Yes

Picnic Table

Picnic Table

Shade

Yes

Site Access

Drive In

Reservations & Contact

Plan your stay

Mixed (reservable + first-come)

Phone

906-396-5428

Email

chase@wildriversrealty.com

Getting There

From Iron River, Mi., travel west on US 2, turn south on M 73, travel approximately 3/4 mile, turn west on Lake Ottawa Road and travel approximately 4 miles to the campground.  From Watersmeet, Mi., travel 28 miles east on US 2, turn south on M 73, travel approximately 3/4 mile, turn west on Lake Ottawa Road and travel approximately 4 miles to the campground.

FAQ

Common questions

Everything you need to know before your trip to Lake Ottawa Campground.

How do reservations work for Lake Ottawa Campground?

Reservation availability for Lake Ottawa Campground can vary by season and campsite type. Check the contact and access section before booking.

What campsite types are available at Lake Ottawa Campground?

Lake Ottawa Campground currently lists STANDARD NONELECTRIC (31).

Where is Lake Ottawa Campground located?

See this page for location details and directions.

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Lake Ottawa Campground – 18 Amenities, 31 Campsites, Photos, Map | TheCampVerse