Imp Lake Camp
Opens May 22, 2026 (Friday before Memorial Day) with full services. Loop 2 transitions to reduced services around mid-October with no water or garbage service. First-come, first-served only.
Special Weather Statement issued May 22 at 3:49AM EDT by NWS Marquette MI
Gusty southeast winds as high as 20 to locally 25 mph, combined with dry conditions will lead to elevated wildfire potential this afternoon across most of Upper Michigan away from the shorelines of the Great Lakes. Avoid outdoor burning today. Immediately report any wildfires to local emergency services by calling 911. Burn restrictions remain in effect. For complete details, visit www.dnr.state.mi.us/burnpermits, or by calling 866-922-2876.
About
Imp Lake Campground is a 22-site facility in the Ottawa National Forest, located 6 miles southeast of Watersmeet, Michigan. The campground consists of two loops with drive-in sites suitable for tents, trailers, and motorhomes. Each site includes a wood table, fire ring, and parking spur, with natural vegetation providing screening between sites. Lakeside sites offer views of a small island populated with nesting loons, while off-lake sites are shaded by towering hemlocks. Three sets of vault toilets and two hand pumps for drinking water serve the camping loops. A picnic area and boat landing are adjacent to the campground. The wake-free lake provides quiet paddling and fishing opportunities, and the Imp Lake Interpretive Trail offers an easy loop hike nearby. The campground operates first-come, first-served with no reservations. Camping is limited to 14 consecutive days, with a maximum of 8 people and 2 motorized vehicles per site.
Directions
From Watersmeet, MI, travel east on US-2 approximately 5 miles, turn right onto FR 3978 and travel approximately 1 mile to the campground. From Iron River, MI, travel west on US-2 approximately 25 miles, turn left onto FR 3978 and travel approximately 1 mile to the campground.
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | — |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | — |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $16 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | — |
| Pull Through Sites | — |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (906) 358-4551 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | None |
Useful Links
| USFS Imp Lake Campground | |
| Michigan.org Listing |
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