Burned Dam

Closed — Open until snow closes road access. Roads into the area are not plowed in winter. As of late December, the campground is likely inaccessible due to snow.

About

Burned Dam Campground is a rustic, dispersed camping area located in the Ottawa National Forest near Watersmeet, Michigan. This primitive campground offers visitors access to deep woods with excellent fishing and canoeing opportunities on the Middle Branch of the Ontonagon River, part of the federally designated Wild and Scenic River system. The campground is just a short walk from Mex-i-mine Falls, a scenic waterfall depicted in the artist print "The Spirit of the Ottawa" by Roberta Barg. Visitors can overlook this natural jewel and feel the history of the area when loggers used these waters to transport their product to sawmills. This lightly-used campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis with no reservation system and no fees required. The site provides basic amenities including pit toilets and campsites with fire pits and tables, but visitors must bring their own drinking water as none is available on site. The campground is accessible via Forest Road 4500, with only the final mile on dirt road. The remote location and minimal facilities make this an ideal destination for campers seeking solitude and a true backcountry experience in Michigan's Upper Peninsula.

Directions

From Watersmeet, take US 45 north approximately 1 mile from intersection with US 2, turn right (east) on Old US 2 and travel approximately 7 miles east, turn left onto FR 4500 and travel approximately 1 mile to the campground. From Bruce Crossing, take US 45 south approximately 18 miles, turn left (east) onto Old US 2 and travel approximately 7 miles, turn left onto FR 4500 and travel approximately 1 mile to the campground.

Nearby Campgrounds