IronJaw Campsite fire ring and tent pad

Ironjaw Lake Campsite

Open

Open for the 2026 season as of May 15. The campground operates May 15 through Columbus Day. Reservations are required through Recreation.gov; walk-ins are not permitted. After Columbus Day through May 14, camping is available with no services, no reservations, and no fees. 14-day stay limit enforced.

Repaving Monocle Lake Campground

The Monocle Lake Campground will be temporarily closed for repaving. The closure will occur from mid-May through mid-June, during which time it will be inaccessible. Those traveling in the area should remain alert for work vehicles.Reservations for the campground can be made online at…

Repaving Bay Furnace Campground

The Bay Furnace Campground will be temporarily closed for repaving. The closure will occur from mid-May through mid-June, during which time it will be inaccessible. Those traveling in the area should remain alert for work vehicles.Reservations for the campground can be made online at…

Restricting Public Entry to Stonington Quarry

Persons with a valid permit; Federal, State, or Local members of rescue or fire fighting force in the performance of official duties; Forest Service employees conducting surveys or monitoring and as approved by the Forest Supervisor.Protection of objects and areas that are of significant…

Haymeadow Trail and Bridge Closed

The Haymeadow Creek Hiking Trail Bridge is closed until it can be repaired or replaced. -- Located on the hiking loop near Haymeadow Creek Dispersed Campsites, the bridge failed an inspection due to significant rot. We will update this notice as repairs are implemented. (4/2018),(4/2021).The…

Fire Restrictions within the Hiawatha National Forest

Outlines the fire restrictions and conditions within the Hiawatha National Forest.

Roads and Trails Restrictions for Vehicles in the Hiawatha National Forest

It is illegal to commercial haul without a permit. It is illegal to violate posted speed, load, weight, height, length, width or other limitations specified by Michigan State Law. It is illegal to operate a vehicle carelessly, recklessly, or without regard for the rights or safety of other persons…

Occupancy and Use Within the Hiawatha National Forest

This order outlines the restrictions and conditions of camping within the Hiawatha National Forest.

Drug and Alcohol Use on the Hiawatha National Forest

It is illegal to possess, utilize, or distribute a control substance or any associated paraphernalia. It is also illegal to possess or consume alcohol in violation of any state of Michigan statute

Grand Island Occupancy and Use

This order outlines the restrictions and conditions of camping and recreating at Grand Island National Recreation Area.

Restricting the use of watercraft on the Indian River

Watercraft use is restricted in within the Wild and Scenic Corridor of the Indian River.

Restricting the use of Raco Airfield

Use of the Raco Airfield is prohibited.

Use of Wilderness areas

Restrictions in Wilderness areas include storing equipment, personal property, and supplies; use or possession of a vehicle or wagon.

Occupancy and use of Big Island Lake Wilderness

Restrictions will be enforced in Big Island Lake Wilderness area for campfires, camping, groups, horses, and sanitation.

Occupancy and use of Lake Superior Shoreline

Camping is prohibited along the Lake Superior shoreline in areas of the Sault Ste. Marie Ranger District near Whitefish Bay and Lakeshore Drive.

Restrictions on entry to any beach posted closed

Entry is restricted to beach that is roped off, signed "closed to entry" in certain areas of the St. Ignace, Manistique, and Rapid River Ranger Districts.

Firewood Restrictions on the Hiawatha and Ottawa National Forests

It is illegal to possess or transport firewood from the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.

Restrictions on the use of fireworks

Use of fireworks is prohibited across the Hiawatha National Forest.

About

Ironjaw Lake Campsite provides a rustic camping experience in one of the Hiawatha National Forest's most scenic semi-primitive areas. This single-site campground sits on a hillside with views overlooking Lake Nineteen, surrounded by hardwood trees and pines. The 62-acre Ironjaw Lake is considered one of the best fishing lakes in the area, with excellent spring crappie fishing and populations of northern pike, largemouth bass, bluegill, and bullheads. The campsite accommodates one family and can fit a small trailer, though turnaround space is limited. It is configured as a pull-through site. Boat access is available but requires navigating a steep hill with firm surface; 4-wheel drive vehicles are highly recommended due to limited back-in and turnaround space at the base. Parking is restricted to a small area at the top of the hill. Horse camping is allowed at Ironjaw Lake with up to 2 horses permitted per site. The campsite connects to the Pine Marten Run Trail, a non-motorized multi-use trail open to hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding. Amenities are minimal: a primitive toilet is located across the road from the parking area, but there is no potable water. The swimming area at this site is in poor condition.

Directions

From the intersection of US-2 and Forest Highway 13 (about 14 miles east of Rapid River): Drive north 18.7 miles on Highway 13 to County Road 440. Turn right (east) on CR 440 and drive 4.6 miles to FR 2733. Turn left (north) and drive 1.3 miles to the parking area.

Amenities

Water No
Fires Allowed Yes
Toilets Yes
Dump Station No
Wifi No
Pets Allowed
Showers No
Electric Hookups
Water Hookups
Sewer Hookups
Camp Store No
Price $8

Vehicle

Max RV Length 24ft
Max Trailer Length 24ft
Big Rig Friendly No
Pull Through Sites No

Contact

Phone +1 (906) 474-6442

Cell Service

AT&T None
Verizon None
T-Mobile None

Availability

Photos

IronJaw Campsite fire ring and tent pad
 Layout of the Ironjaw Lake campsite
 Layout of Ironjaw Lake Campsite
Pine Marten Trailhead located at the Indian River

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