Marion Lake Campground
Closed — Closed for the season. Loops 1 and 3 closed October 20, 2025. Loop 2 operates with reduced services through January 1, 2026, or until snow accumulation prevents access. No water or garbage services during reduced service period. Campground reopens with full services the Friday before Memorial Day. Individual sites are first-come, first-served.
Winter Storm Warning issued January 19 at 2:12AM EST until January 19 at 10:00AM EST by NWS Marquette MI
* WHAT...Moderate to heavy snowfall rates and blowing snow. Additional snow accumulations between 1 and 5 inches. Winds gusting as high as 35 mph. * WHERE...Gogebic and Ontonagon Counties. * WHEN...Until 10 AM EST /9 AM CST/ this morning. * IMPACTS...Plan on slippery road conditions and very difficult to near impossible travel conditions at times, especially near Lake Superior. Areas of blowing snow will significantly reduce visibility. The hazardous conditions will impact the Monday morning commute. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Expect wind chills in the -15F to -25F range today.
Cold Weather Advisory issued January 19 at 1:44AM EST until January 20 at 11:00AM EST by NWS Marquette MI
* WHAT...Very cold wind chills as low as 33 below expected. * WHERE...Iron and Gogebic Counties. * WHEN...From 6 PM this evening to 10 AM CST Tuesday. * IMPACTS...The dangerously cold wind chills as low as 35 below zero could cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 10 minutes.
About
Marion Lake Campground is situated in the Ottawa National Forest, just 4 miles east of Watersmeet on the Watersmeet Ranger District. This tranquil campground features three main camping loops with a total of 39 drive-in sites that accommodate tents, trailers, and motor homes, plus a separate group camping site for up to 100 people. Designed to take advantage of their lakeside location, many sites offer spectacular views of the south and west shores of Marion Lake, making each sunset a memorable experience. All sites are naturally screened with vegetation, providing excellent privacy and solitude. Each campsite includes a table, fire ring, lantern post, and parking spur. Five pairs of vault toilets are distributed throughout the campground, while drinking water is available at centrally located hand pumps and pressurized faucets in each loop. Adjacent to the campground is a sandy beach and day use area perfect for swimming and sunbathing. The 317-acre Marion Lake features two boat launches providing access to excellent fishing for walleye, smallmouth bass, northern pike, rock bass, perch, and panfish. The campground is surrounded by hemlock and hardwood trees at an elevation of 1,627 feet in lightly rolling terrain dotted with numerous lakes.
Directions
From Watersmeet, take US 2 east approximately 4 miles, turn left onto FR 3980 and travel approximately 2 miles to FR 3985, turn right onto FR 3985 and travel approximately 0.75 miles to the campground. From Iron River, take US 2 west approximately 26 miles, turn right onto FR 3980 and travel approximately 2 miles to FR 3985, turn right onto FR 3985 and travel approximately 0.75 miles to the campground.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | No |
| Water Hookups | No |
| Sewer Hookups | No |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $100 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | Yes |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| mholland@fs.fed.us | |
| Phone | +1 (906) 358-4551 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | Yes |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Availability
Photos
Community Posts
No posts yet. Be the first to share your experience!