Lake Ottawa Campground

About

Lake Ottawa Campground occupies a scenic forested setting on the Iron River Ranger District of Ottawa National Forest, approximately 5 miles southwest of Iron River, Michigan. The campground is 95% surrounded by National Forest land and sits adjacent to Lake Ottawa, a deep cold-water lake supporting a variety of game fish including bass, northern pike, and panfish. Historic Civilian Conservation Corps structures from the 1930s, including two log toilet buildings with flush toilets and wash basins, add character to the site. The campground offers 32 standard nonelectric sites equipped with picnic tables and fire rings. Amenities include a pressurized potable water system and RV dump station. Sixteen sites accept reservations through Recreation.gov while fifteen remain first-come, first-served. Maximum stay is 14 consecutive days per location, with a limit of 8 people and 2 motorized vehicles per site. Recreation opportunities include fishing and boating on Lake Ottawa via a boat ramp with ample trailer parking, swimming at the adjacent beach, and hiking the 9-mile Ge-Che Trail accessible from the campground. The nearby day-use area features a CCC-era recreation building, athletic field, and picnic facilities.

Directions

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.