Lake Ottawa Pavilion
Planning a trip to the Lake Ottawa Pavilion? Watch for Alerts at the top of the page for any Alerts regarding this facility.
The Lake Ottawa Pavilion, located within the Lake Ottawa Recreation Area, sits in a beautiful north woods setting; along the shore of Lake Ottawa. The Civilian Conservation Corps-era pavilion provides a large indoor gathering area complete with picnic tables, limited seating and a fireplace.
The Lake Ottawa pavilion offers an enclosed pavilion with a fireplace. Surrounding the pavilion is a very large picnic area complete with water bubblers, picnic tables and grills. The area also has a swimming beach and athletic field for family fun. Co-located within the pavilion are flush toilets and change rooms.
Need to Know
- Groups over 75 individuals must complete an application for a non-commercial group use special use permit. For a permit, please contact Brian Hinch, (906) 358-4020.
- Parking: No vehicles are allowed on the grass. Please use the parking lot.
- All pets must be restrained or on a leash.
- Portable grills must be used in a safe manner. Grills are not to be used inside the building. Do not discard used charcoal on the grass.
- Extension cords must be used in a safe manner. Electrical outlets are available inside the building.
- When decorating the day use building, nothing can be mounted to walls, ceiling, floor, or other building fixtures with the use of nails, staples, tape, glue, or other means of adhesion.
- Loud music is not allowed.
- No overnight camping. This is a day use area only, open from 6 a.m.-10 p.m. daily.
- Remove all personal property when leaving daily.
- Gambling or gambling machines or devices are not permitted.
- The sale of liquor or other intoxicating beverages is prohibited. Also charging admission for picnics on public land is prohibited.
- Please pack out all garbage and litter with you. There is a dumpster available near the parking lot.
- Enjoy your visit to the Ottawa National Forest. If you have any questions, please call (906) 358-4724.
- Don't move firewood: To limit the spread of invasive tree-killing pests, firewood from outside the area is not permitted. Some states have quarantines and may confiscate your firewood. Please help protect our forests from invasive species by obtaining your firewood at or near your camping destination and burning it on-site. Visit dontmovefirewood.org for more information.
- A request does not grant an individual or group exclusive rights to the occupancy and use of the day use building. For the safety and convenience of others, please do not block, restrict or interfere with the public use of the day use building. The person who reserved the site will be responsible for the conduct of the group and will be the Forest Service contact.
Natural Features
Lake Ottawa is almost completely surrounded by National Forest System land, providing a lovely view of the shoreline and forest.
Nearby Attractions
Lake Ottawa campground offers 32 campsites, paved access roads, pressurized water system, flush toilets, a trailer dump station, and a picnic shelter with two stone fireplaces and original log picnic tables which were constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the late 1930s. Each campsite has natural vegetation providing some privacy from neighboring sites. Located in the general area is Lake Ottawa, Brule Lake, Hagerman Lake, Brule River, Bass Lake, and miles of hiking trails. Lake Ottawa is a deep cold water lake that provides fishermen with a good variety of game fish. There is a boat landing with ample parking to access Lake Ottawa. The Ge Che hiking and ski trail and the Historic Mile Post Zero/Treaty Tree trail provide hiking opportunities through northern hardwood forests. The almost one million acres of the Ottawa National Forest are located in the Western Upper Peninsula of Michigan. The forest extends from the south shore of Lake Superior to the Wisconsin border. The area is rich in wildlife viewing opportunities; breathtaking views of rolling hills dotted with lakes, rivers and waterfalls; and spectacular fall colors.
Recreation
Lake Ottawa is a clear lake with a natural sandy bottom, providing excellent swimming opportunities. Just a short walk from the pavilion is the Lake Ottawa campground and trailhead for the Ge Che hiking trail. The Ge Che trail provides approximately nine miles of hiking opportunities; winding through the campground, day use area and surrounding northern hardwood forest. Spend the night in the Lake Ottawa campground. Choose from campsites located along the lakeshore or those nestled in a forest setting. The boat landing has ample parking and provides anglers with access to this fishery. Anglers enjoy fishing for trout, bass, walleye, and pan-fish.
Changes & Cancellations
Cancellations
- If you cancel reservation at least 14 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 less than 14 days prior to check in date, you forfeit the entire total paid.
No Show
Staff will hold facility until check-in time on the arrival date.
For more information about rules and reservation policies, visit the Recreaiton.gov Rules and Reservations Policy page.
Contact Information
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E23979 US 2 East Watersmeet MI 49969
Phone Number
For campground inquiries, please call: 906-358-4724
Rental Options
Learn more about gear rental options for your trip
Driving Directions
From Iron River, Michigan:
Travel west on US Highway 2 to M 73. Turn left (south) on M 73 and travel approximately 3/4 mile to Lake Ottawa Road. Turn right (west) on Lake Ottawa Road and travel approximately 4 miles to the Lake Ottawa Recreation Area. Follow the signs to the day use area.
