Imp Lake Camp

Open — Loop 1 closed for the season on October 20, 2025. Loop 2 remains open with reduced services through December 31, 2025, or until snow accumulation makes access difficult. No water or trash services are currently available. Full services resume the Friday before Memorial Day.

About

Imp Lake Campground is located 6 miles southeast of Watersmeet in the Watersmeet Ranger District of Ottawa National Forest. The campground features 22 drive-in sites distributed across two loops, with natural vegetation providing privacy between sites. Lakeside campsites offer tranquil views of a small island in the middle of Imp Lake, which serves as a nesting site for loons. Sites away from the lake are nestled beneath old-growth hemlock trees, creating a classic northwoods atmosphere. Each campsite includes a picnic table, fire ring, and parking spur suitable for tents, trailers, and motorhomes. Three sets of vault toilets and two hand pumps provide water access throughout the camping loops. The 111-acre Imp Lake is a no-wake lake ideal for quiet canoeing, kayaking, and fishing for trout and panfish. A concrete boat ramp is available adjacent to the campground, along with a picnic area. The campground provides access to the Imp Lake Interpretive Trail, an accessible one-mile loop trail featuring boardwalk sections and a midpoint viewing deck with wooden chairs. The trail offers excellent wildlife viewing opportunities, particularly for loons, whitetail deer, bald eagles, and black bears. The area is especially scenic during fall color season. The campground operates first-come, first-served with no reservations accepted.

Directions

From Watersmeet, travel east on US 2 approximately 5 miles, turn right onto FR 3978 and travel approximately 1 mile to the campground. From Iron River, travel west on US 2 approximately 25 miles, turn left onto FR 3978 and travel approximately 1 mile to the campground.

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