View of Irwin Lake in the late fall
USFS signage located off of FR -2262, indicating the location of the Indian River boat launch within the campground
Boat launch into Irwin Lake at the Widewaters Campground

Widewaters Campground

Closed — Closed for the season. Opens May 15 and operates through September 30. Reservations available through Recreation.gov.

Winter Storm Warning issued January 19 at 2:12AM EST until January 19 at 7:00PM EST by NWS Marquette MI

2:12 AM — 10:15 AM

* WHAT...Moderate to heavy snowfall rates and blowing snow. Additional snow accumulations between 3 and 6 inches. Winds gusting as high as 45 mph. * WHERE...Alger County. * WHEN...Until 7 PM EST this evening. * IMPACTS...Plan on slippery road conditions and very difficult to near impossible travel at times, especially near Lake Superior. Widespread blowing snow will significantly reduce visibility. The hazardous conditions will impact the Monday morning and evening commutes. Gusty winds could bring down tree branches.

Cold Weather Advisory issued January 19 at 1:44AM EST until January 20 at 11:00AM EST by NWS Marquette MI

1:44 AM — 4:00 PM

* WHAT...Very cold wind chills as low as 27 below expected. * WHERE...Alger, Luce, Northern Schoolcraft, and Southern Schoolcraft Counties. * WHEN...From 9 PM this evening to 11 AM EST Tuesday. * IMPACTS...The dangerously cold wind chills as low as 25 below zero could cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 30 minutes.

Temporary Area Closure for Big Pines Picnic Area

The Big Pines Picnic Area will be temporarily closed due to timber harvest. Activities in the area may include logging trucks and other equipment. For your safety, please stay alert while in the vicinity and choose another location for recreation.

Hiawatha National Forest Seeks Public input on Grand Island Visitor Use Management Project

The Hiawatha National Forest is seeking input on the development of a management plan for the Grand Island National Recreation Area.

Forest Supervisor's Orders

As a visitor to the National Forest, you are asked to follow certain rules designed to protect the Forest, natural resources and to provide for public safety of visitors. These rules are available to you on-line below or at any office of the Hiawatha National Forest.

Restricting Public Entry to Stonington Quarry

Persons with a valid permit; Federal, State, or Local members of rescue or fire fighting force in the performance of official duties; Forest Service employees conducting surveys or monitoring and as approved by the Forest Supervisor.

Haymeadow Trail and Bridge Closed

The Haymeadow Creek Hiking Trail Bridge is closed until it can be repaired or replaced. -- Located on the hiking loop near Haymeadow Creek Dispersed Campsites, the bridge failed an inspection due to significant rot. We will update this notice as repairs are implemented.

About

Widewaters Campground is remotely located in the Hiawatha National Forest on Michigan's Upper Peninsula, sandwiched between Irwin Lake and the Indian River in a beautiful forest of mature hardwoods. The campground offers 34 well-spaced sites that vary from heavily wooded and private to more open settings, with a few waterfront sites providing direct access to the river. This quiet campground is ideal for anglers seeking brook trout in the Indian River and surrounding lakes, as well as paddlers looking to explore calm waters by canoe or kayak. Boat ramps are available at the campground and at nearby Fish Lake. The 9-mile Bruno's Run Trail winds past several small lakes and passes directly through the campground, popular for hiking and biking during the warmer months, and for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing in winter. Each site includes a picnic table and campfire ring, with some sites having grills. Vault toilets and drinking water are conveniently located throughout the campground. The campground offers both reservable sites through Recreation.gov and some first-come, first-served sites. There are no electric, water, or sewer hookups. The peaceful, secluded atmosphere makes Widewaters an excellent base for exploring the surrounding national forest.

Directions

From Munising, Michigan, go east on Michigan Highway 28 for about 3 miles. Turn south on Forest Highway 13 at Wetmore and continue for 12 miles. Turn west onto Forest Road 2262 and follow for about a mile to the campground entrance.

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 $26

Vehicle

Max RV Length 58ft
Max Trailer Length 58ft
Big Rig Friendly
Pull Through Sites No

Contact

Email bayfurnace@jamadots.com
Phone +1 (906) 379-5791

Cell Service

AT&T None
Verizon None
T-Mobile None

Availability

Photos

View of Irwin Lake in the late fall
USFS signage located off of FR -2262, indicating the location of the Indian River boat launch within the campground
Boat launch into Irwin Lake at the Widewaters Campground
Viewing area at the adjacent Irwin Lake
Signage indicating the Fish Lake boat Launch, adjacent to the Widewaters Campground
Spring view of Irwin Lake adjacent to the Widewaters Campground

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