Sparrow Rapids Campground
Open — Currently open through reduced services period. Full services ended October 20, 2025. No garbage collection provided; pack out all trash. Campground remains accessible until snow conditions close forest roads, typically in late fall or early winter.
Flood Watch issued April 12 at 12:11PM EDT until April 15 at 8:00AM EDT by NWS Marquette MI
Heavy rain may fall on a deep primed snowpack leading to the melt increasing. Flows in rivers may increase quickly and reach critical levels. * WHAT...Flooding caused by rain and snowmelt continues to be possible. * WHERE...Portions of central Upper and western Upper Michigan, including the following areas, in central Upper Michigan, Alger, Baraga, Delta, Dickinson, Iron, Luce, Marquette, Menominee, Northern Schoolcraft and Southern Schoolcraft. In western Upper Michigan, Gogebic, Keweenaw, Northern Houghton, Ontonagon and Southern Houghton. * WHEN...Through Wednesday morning. * IMPACTS...Excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations. Flooding may occur in poor drainage and urban areas. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS... - www.weather.gov/safety/flood
Flood Warning issued April 12 at 11:49AM EDT by NWS Marquette MI
...Forecast flooding changed from Minor to Moderate severity and increased in duration for the following rivers in Michigan... Sturgeon River near Alston affecting Houghton and Baraga Counties. .Warming temperatures will accelerate snowmelt over the weekend into early next week. Flows in rivers will increase quickly and reach critical levels. Rainfall, potentially heavy at times, is expected to continue during this time period which could result in rivers rising above the current forecast. * WHAT...Moderate flooding is forecast. * WHERE...Sturgeon River near Alston. * WHEN...From Monday morning until further notice. * IMPACTS...At 8.0 feet, Homes and structures along the low lying areas and numerous roads become impacted by flood water. In Houghton County...Sturgeon River Road...Aho Road...and Rajala Road are impacted. In Baraga County...Sturgeon Road...Halonen Road and Usitalo Road are impacted. Along Froberg Road...Tahtinen Road... Irwin Road...Oliver Road...and Shirley Road are impacted. At 11.0 feet, Additional homes and structures near the river are impacted and evacuations may be necessary. Water levels may reach the bottom of Froberg bridge in addition to other bridges that cross the river * ADDITIONAL DETAILS... - At 11:30 AM EDT Sunday the stage was 6.4 feet. - Bankfull stage is 7.5 feet. - Forecast...The river will rise above flood stage tomorrow morning to 9.8 feet early Wednesday morning. It will then fall Thursday evening. It will rise to 11.0 feet Saturday evening. It will then fall again but remain above flood stage. - Flood stage is 8.0 feet. - Flood History...This crest compares to a previous crest of 10.9 feet on 06/16/1967. - www.weather.gov/safety/flood
About
Sparrow Rapids Campground provides visitors with a rustic camping experience near both the Ontonagon Wild and Scenic River and designated wilderness areas in Ottawa National Forest. This limited-service campground features six campsites suitable for tents, trailers, and motor homes, with river access available via a path between sites 3 and 4. The East Branch of the Ontonagon River is popular for brook trout, rainbow trout, brown trout, steelhead, salmon, smallmouth bass, and walleye fishing. The campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis with no reservation system. Each site includes a fire ring and picnic table. Vault toilets are provided, but there is no potable water available, so campers must bring their own drinking water. The facility is maintained from May 15 through October 15, with reduced services beginning October 20 when garbage collection ends. The campground remains accessible until snow conditions make the forest roads impassable. Sparrow Rapids is located in the Kenton Ranger District, approximately 3 miles northwest of Kenton via Forest Highway 16 and Forest Road 1100. The terrain around the campground ranges from easy to difficult, making it suitable for experienced outdoor enthusiasts. A small picnic area near the river provides additional day-use opportunities. Camping is limited to 14 consecutive days.
Directions
From Kenton take Forest Highway 16 north 1/4 mile to Forest Road 1100. Turn left onto FR 1100 and travel northwest for 3 miles to the campground.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $16 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | — |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (906) 852-3500 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | Yes |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | Yes |
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