USDA Forest Service · Michigan

Black River Harbor Campground

USDA Forest Service · Michigan, United States

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Sites
40
Hookups
37 no hookups
Season
May 23 to September 15
Drinking water
No
Restrooms
Yes
Pets
Yes
Elevation
594 ft
Dark sky
Bortle class 1
Cell coverage
T-Mobile none · AT&T none · Verizon none (carriers' 4G LTE filings to the FCC, 2025-12; not measured here)
Lake
Ottawa National Forest
Nearest town
Ironwood
Address
E6248 US 2, Ironwood, MI, 49938
Phone
906-932-1330
Activities
Boating, Camping, Hiking, Swimming

23 numbered sites are mapped one by one - open the site map to pick yours.

About

Overview

Planning a trip to the Black River Harbor Campground? Watch for Alerts at the top of the page for any Alerts regarding this facility.

Black River Campground is adjacent to the Black River Harbor Recreation Area. The recreation area includes a pavilion, harbor and a large picnic area. The area provides for many opportunities for fishing, boating, backpacking, hiking, bird watching, photography and beautiful scenery for relaxation in the outdoors.

Recreation

The campground is adjacent to the Black River Harbor Recreation Area. The Harbor offers one of the area's few access points to Lake Superior, with boating and fishing being a major summer time activity. Fishing charters are available at the harbor dock area. The boat ramp can accommodate almost any craft trailered in. Parking for trucks and boat trailers is ample. The area has many trails that follow the Black River leading you to the many waterfalls along the river. The recreation area has a large grassy area for picnics.

Facilities

The Black River Campground has 38 available campsites that can accommodate RVs, campers or tents. There are two concrete vault toilet buildings at either end of the campground. All campsites are wooded with partial shade and have a generous area to spread out in. There are five campsites that are within a few hundred feet of Lake Superior.

Natural Features

Known for its spectacular waterfalls, idyllic beaches, scenic hiking trails and tranquil campground, the Black River Harbor Recreation Area is a popular destination throughout the year. Originating in Wisconsin, the Black River flows through forested areas of large pine, hemlock and hardwood trees. The River has a series of scenic waterfalls as it drops in elevation to meet Lake Superior. Tannin (tannic acids) from hemlock trees is what gives it its unique color.

Contact Info

For facility specific information, please call (906) 661-8870.

Nearby Attractions

A historic pavilion built by the Civilian Conservation Corps is located in the recreation area next to the campground. The recreation area includes a large picnic area and Black River Harbor that has fishing charters available and in itself is a scenic area to explore. Trails run adjacent to the Black River and lead to several waterfalls. A foot bridge and short walk will take you across the Black River to Lake Superior and the sand beach swimming areas.

Charges & Cancellations

Cancellations

If you cancel reservation at least 2 days prior to check in date, all recreation fees, minus a $10 cancellation fee and the reservation fee ($8 if made online or $9 if made through the call center) will be refunded.

If you cancel reservation the day before or the day of check in date, all recreation fees, minus $10 cancellation fee, the reservation fee ($8 if made online or $9 if made through the call center), and the first night’s use fee will be refunded. Cancellations for one night reservations will forfeit the entire amount paid.

The reservation fee ($8 if made online or $9 if made through the call center) is non-refundable.

No Show

Staff will hold a campsite until check-out time on the day following the arrival date.

For more information about rules and reservation policies, visit the Recreaiton.gov Rules and Reservations Policy page.

Fees

Camping Fee

$22.00 per night per campsite

Pass Discounts

Golden Age/Interagency Senior and Access Passes are accepted at this campground. You must present pass for discount to be honored.

Reservation Fee

$8.00 per reservation if made on-line

$9.00 per reservation if made through the call center

The reservation fee is non-refundable.

Day Use

There is a day use fee associated with day use area and boat landing from May 15 – October 15, of $5 per day per vehicle, or an annual pass for $30 per vehicle. The annual pass covers Lake Ottawa Recreation Area, Black River Harbor Recreation Area, Marion Lake boat landing, Bobcat Lake day use and boat landing, Henry Lake, Pomeroy Lake, Norway Lake day use, Perch Lake, Lake Ste Kathryn, and Courtney Lake day use and boat landing. Please plan accordingly to ensure you can pay the daily fee at the self-registration fee tube. If you would like to purchase an annual pass, they are available from the on-site campground host. If you have additional questions, contact Camp Host, LLC at 906-661-8870.

Day use fees will not be charged to those who have already paid for a campground campsite.

Weather, month by month

MonthTypical highTypical lowColdest nightHottest dayYears with a night below 32°F
January25°14°-12°41°11 of 11
February27°15°-4°47°11 of 11
March35°26°5°51°11 of 11
April42°33°19°65°7 of 11
May52°42°34°69°0 of 11
June63°52°43°78°0 of 11
July71°63°50°84°0 of 11
August72°65°57°83°0 of 11
September70°60°49°79°0 of 11
October54°46°33°69°0 of 10
November39°33°15°59°5 of 10
December31°24°3°54°10 of 10

Mid-month figures from 2016–2026 of daily weather at this spot (ERA5 reanalysis via Open-Meteo, CC BY 4.0), in °F. Typical is the median; coldest and hottest are the extremes seen.

Nearby campgrounds

All public campgrounds in Michigan · Every state and province · Facts read from the operator 2026-06-06. Confirm fees, rules and current status with the operator before you go.