Ottawa National Forest
RV Guide
Introduction
Nestled on the shores of Lake Superior in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, Ottawa National Forest greets visitors to quiet lake shores and tumbling rivers. Once the home of the Ojibwa people, this tribe of Native Americans retains ties to this Forest of pines and northern hardwoods, as well as the pockets of wetlands and lakes that dot the Forest.
For the modern RVer, the nearly one million acres of the Forest provides a chance to view wildlife, take a hike, or visit the nearly 20 waterfalls that cascade throughout the woodlands. Quiet lake shores tempt boaters and anglers to launch their craft or toss a line into pristine waters. The area’s Porcupine Mountains, which rise over 1,000 feet above Lake Superior, tantalize hikers with a chance to head out from your RV to be rewarded with sweeping views of the Forest and the great lake. In the fall, spectacular colors alter the Forest into a chaotic quilt of leaves to be enjoyed on a scenic drive or walk.
This scenic National Forest contains 23 campgrounds suitable for RVs which offer access to different areas of the Forest. To help you pick one to visit, we’ll highlight three spectacular options that will provide idyllic nights by the campfire and relaxing in the Forest near your camper.
RV Rentals in Ottawa National Forest
Transportation
Driving
Situated between Wisconsin and the recreation areas of the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, the one-million acres of Ottawa National Forest are intersected by state roadways. This allows easy access to just about every corner of the Forest and the scattered towns located within it.
The paved roadways traversing the hills of this Forest are in good shape, though expect some summer maintenance. Heavy winter snows that linger into spring mean summer and fall are the only time to repair and paint roadways. Some roads have winding curves as they thread along woodland streams but these routes are more scenic than difficult.
Gravel access roads lead to some campgrounds and hiking trailheads. These may contain potholes, rough sections, and mud, especially after wet conditions. Most trailheads and campgrounds have parking for RVs, some of which are paved, but these can get tight especially if a popular destination spot. In the winter, forest roads may be closed or not plowed. It is best to stay on primary roads during snowy driving conditions.
Parking
Public Transportation
Campgrounds and parking in Ottawa National Forest
Campsites in Ottawa National Forest
Reservations camping
Black River Harbor Campground
Located next to the popular day-use area, Black River Harbor Campground is a quiet woodland loop. Trails run between the cliffside campground to the grassy day-use area with its grills and historic cabin built by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC). Take a walk across the historic CCC-constructed suspension bridge to access the swim beach and the North Country Scenic Trail. Some of the waterfalls on the Black River are within walking distance of the campground. For others, it is best to take a vehicle to the trailhead for a pleasant, short hike to see some spectacular views of tumbling water.
Open mid-May to late September, 39 sites are available for RVs. All sites are naturally surfaced, however the single loop through the campground is paved. The widely spaced campsites have picnic tables and fire rings. All sites are back-in but large enough to accommodate a 30-foot rig.
Water spigots and latrine style toilets are available in the campground, as well as trash cans. However, there are no hookups nor dump stations within the campground. The closest dump facility is located in the town of Ramsey, about 20 miles from the campground.
Sylvania (Clark Lake) Campground
The Sylvania (Clark Lake) Campground offers easy access to the over 18,000-acre Sylvania Wilderness Area for daily exploration. With pristine lakes and uncut forests that provide habitat to numerous wildlife species and rare orchids, this quiet campground manages to create a wilderness feel while offering fantastic facilities.
Open May through September, this campground contains 48 campsites. Some sites boast electric hookups, however there are no water or sewer hookups. The adjacent day-use area contains a dump station and water fill-up areas, plus there are water spigots within the campground. The day-use area also has bathhouses with showers, while two flush toilets are located in the camping area.
Four loops offer widely-spaced campsites containing picnic tables, fire rings, and lantern holders. The driving loops are paved, while most campsites are back-in and naturally surfaced. Larger campers, around 40 feet and under, can fit nicely in most spaces.
First-come first-served
Moosehead Lake Campground
For a chance to have deer walk past your camper and see more turtles than people while accessing fantastic fishing, check out the Moosehead Lake Campground. Located over 20 miles in the forest, accessible via gravel forest access roads, just getting there will feel a bit like an adventure in your campervan. But the quiet lakes where loons call and plentiful wildlife will make this little campground an unforgettable experience.
Open mid-May to late September, 13 campsites are widely spaced out on one gravel loop. All sites have a fire ring and picnic table. There are vault toilets and a drinking water well. However, there are no electric, sewer, or water hookups available. To avoid a lengthy journey of over 30 miles to dump facilities, make sure you arrive with your holding tanks empty and water topped up.
The campground is first-come, first-served. Pick up a fee envelope at the registration kiosk located at the campground entrance before picking an available site. All camping spots are back-in and will hold a rig and trailer of a maximum of 30 feet. There is a boat access at the campground to drop in your watercraft and nearby lakes provide swimming beaches. So you can spend your days here dawdling in the sun and nights listening to owls and loons by the campfire.
Seasonal activities in Ottawa National Forest
In-Season
Fishing
With over 2,000 miles of fishable streams and more than 500 lakes, the Ottawa National Forest is a haven for anglers. Spring and early fall are the best time to try your luck to catch lake-run salmon and steelhead trout. Early summer is the best time to head to the lakes to hook bass, walleye, northern pike, and muskellunge. However, the fish bite all summer long so don’t let that stop you from leaving behind your RV to tackle the waterways with your rod.
Boating
With its plethora of lakes and thousands of miles of streams, the Ottawa National Forest attracts boaters and paddlers of all types. Black River Harbor provides a boat ramp and docks accessing Lake Superior. Plus, there are several campgrounds with access to the 500 scattered lakes of the Forest. If you are looking for a quiet place to dip your paddle, there are an additional campgrounds providing access to motorized and non-motorized boating.
Mountain Biking
From groomed and signed loop trails to exciting cross-country treks, the Ottawa National Forest has fantastic routes for the mountain bike enthusiast that will have you leaving your RV behind in your two-wheeled dust. Except for a few trails designated hiking-only like the North Country Trail, most forest access roads, are open to mountain biking. These roadways are also open to other uses, so stay alert for OHVs, horses, and others utilizing the forest road network.
Off-Season
Scenic Drives
Fall is a fantastic time to visit the Ottawa National Forest in your rig when the leaves change color and create stunning vistas. Many of the roadways wind through the forest to view scenery that will have you driving well below the speed limit. For a route that will really catch your attention, check out the Black River Harbor Recreation Area. Along the picturesque paved roadway, numerous stops offer the chance to walk away from your camper to view spectacular waterfalls and a gorge as the Black River drops to the shores of Lake Superior.
Hiking
Waterfalls, hidden lakes and glens, and plentiful wildlife are just some of the things that will have you heading into the woodlands of Ottawa National Forest. With over 190 miles of trails in the forest, there is something for everyone from easy paths to multi-day treks. Thirty-four day hikes are scattered through the forest, 17 of which will take you to sparkling waterfalls. Meanwhile, six longer treks will get you away from it all for several days, including two that traverse designated Wilderness Areas.
Snowmobiling
With over 450 miles of groomed snowmobile trails, Ottawa National Forest invites you to see the spectacular and snow-shrouded beauty of the forest and ice covered lakes. If you want something more adventurous, large portions of the forest are open to cross-country snowmobile travel. All snowmobiles must be registered and have a Michigan Snowmobile Sticker. Follow all posted rules and know which areas of the forest are off-limits to snowmobile use before heading out.
