Black River Harbor Campground

Ottawa National Forest

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.

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. There are 10 pressurized water spigots spaced throughout the camping areas for easy water access. 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.

Notifications and Alerts

• At this time The Black River Harbor Campground and the Black River Harbor Day Use Area (including pavilion) will not provide water for the 2023 season. This may change as system maintenance continues, please check back for future updates or contact the Ottawa National Forest office at 906-932-1330. 

Need to Know

• Camping in a developed recreation site is allowed for a period not longer than 14 days, except as otherwise posted. After this time, you must move to another campground or dispersed site for at least 24 hours.
• Campers must occupy the campsite the first night.
• Eight people and two motorized vehicles are allowed per campsite with a maximum of one RV or camper trailer and two tents per camping site or three tents per camping site.
• Enjoy your visit to the Ottawa National Forest. If you have any questions, please call (906)-932-1330.
• 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

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.

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.

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.

Changes & 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.   

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

From Ironwood Mi., travel east on US 2 to Powderhorn Road, turn left onto Powderhorn Road and travel approximately 3 miles to CR 513, turn left onto CR 513 and travel approximately 11 miles to the Black River Harbor Recreation Area.

Available Campsites

• Site 009, Loop Main Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 012, Loop Main Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 035, Loop Main Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 027, Loop Main Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 019, Loop Main Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 036, Loop Main Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 022, Loop Main Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 029, Loop Main Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 005, Loop Main Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 039, Loop Main Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 033, Loop Main Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 026, Loop Main Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 038, Loop Main Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 006, Loop Main Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 040, Loop Main Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 013, Loop Main Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 014, Loop Main Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 020, Loop Main Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 001, Loop Main Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 037, Loop Main Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 030, Loop Main Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 010, Loop Main Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 023, Loop Main Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 034, Loop Main Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 016, Loop Main Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 018, Loop Main Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 021, Loop Main Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 004, Loop Main Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 002, Loop Main Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 011, Loop Main Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 003, Loop Main Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 007, Loop Main Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 032, Loop Main Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 015, Loop Main Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 024, Loop Main Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 017, Loop Main Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 031, Loop Main Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric

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