Black River Harbor Pavilion
The Black River Harbor Pavilion is located within the Black Harbor Recreation Area on Lake Superior in Michigans Upper Peninsula. The historic stone and wood pavilion was constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s.
The recreation area offers an enclosed pavilion with a fireplace and flush toilet facilities. A campground with first-come, first-served sites is also available. Facilities include vault toilets and a pressurized water system. A sandy beach is located on-site.
Notifications and Alerts
The Black River Harbor Pavilion will be open and taking reservations for the 2022 season.
Please be prepared and recreate responsibly. We encourage you to follow public health guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
To ensure safe operations at all our sites, we will continue to follow CDC guidance, USDA policy, and the Forest Service COVID-19 Workplace Safety Plan. If there are updates to federal, state, or local guidance in response to COVID-19 these changes may require the Forest to adjust operations.
If you have questions about the status of this facility or reservations, please contact 906-932-1330.
Need to Know
- The restrooms inside the pavilion are open to the public.
- No electrical hookups available at the campground.
- Click here to learn more about the Ottawa National Forest
- 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. Please designate one person as the group leader and have that person sign and return the enclosed form to our office. That person will be responsible for the conduct of the group and will be the Forest Service contact.
- 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. Hot coals can be left in the fireplace. Do not discard used charcoal on the grass.
- Extension cords must be used in a safe manner. Electrical outlets are available inside the building.
- Decorating the day use building is not permitted.
- Loud music is not allowed.
- No overnight camping in the pavilion or day-use area. This is a day use area only, open from 6 a.m.-10 p.m. daily. Camping is only allowed in the adjacent campground.
- 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 are dumpsters available near the parking lot and boat landing
- Please do not use the restroom sinks for washing dishes.
- Be courteous to your fellow visitors.
- 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.
Natural Features
Visitors enjoy boating, fishing, hiking, swimming, and viewing waterfalls. The Black River Harbor Recreation Area has docking and fuel services for day and transient boaters, a boat launch, a large picnic area with a swing set, a campground with 39 campsites, beach access to Lake Superior, and five scenic waterfalls along the wild and scenic Black River. The day-use picnic area has a suspension bridge over the Black River with a hiking trail to a beautiful sand and pebble beach on Lake Superior. The campground is situated among hemlock and pine trees at an elevation of 840 feet, on a bluff overlooking Lake Superior and offers a scenic overlook of Lake Superior's Apostle Islands.
The Ottawa National Forest encompasses nearly one million acres on the west side of Michigan's Upper Peninsula. The forest extends from the south shore of Lake Superior to the Wisconsin border. It is distinguished by rolling hills dotted with lakes, rivers and waterfalls.
Nearby Attractions
For a panoramic view of the area, visit Copper Peak International Ski Flying Hill, a 17-story steel ski jump. Visitors can take an elevator up to the top. The attraction is a short drive from the campground. The Porcupine Mountain Wilderness State Park in Michigan can be seen in the distance from the beach and is less than a one-hour drive from the Harbor.
Recreation
Lake Superior offers great opportunities for boating, fishing, and swimming. The North Country National Scenic Trail, which traverses through the recreation area, offers access to all five waterfalls and a scenic 12 mile hike to the Porcupine Mountain Wilderness State Park in Michigan.
The Black River Harbor Boating Club sponsors an annual fishing derby over Labor Day weekend.
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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E6248 US 2 Ironwood MI 49938
Phone Number
For campground inquiries, please call: 906-932-1330
Rental Options
Learn more about gear rental options for your trip
Driving Directions
Black River Harbor is located in Gogebic County, Michigan, approximately 15 miles north of the city of Bessemer. Turn off of U.S. Highway 2 and travel north on County Road 513. The pavilion is located in the harbor day use area.
