Overview

The Munising and Rapid River/Manistique Ranger Districts of the Hiawatha National Forest offer a variety of camping experiences. Many are located on inland lakes in a rustic forest environment with no drinking water. The rustic environment offers a wonderfully serene and peaceful setting for your next camping experience.

Facilities

There is NO drinking water available.

There is a primitive toilet located across the road from the parking area. 

Lake Name: Ironjaw Lake

Number of Sites: 1

Maximum Number of People Per Site: 8

Maximum Number of Horses Allowed: 2

Toilets: Yes

Boat Access: Back-In

Lake Size (acres): 62

Natural Features

Ironjaw Lake (62 acres) is located in the heart of the Ironjaw Semi-Primitive Area, which is managed for both motorized and non-motorized uses. 

The campsite at Ironjaw is a pull through site that features a tent pad situated on a hill overlooking Lake Nineteen. The site is suitable for only one family with a small trailer. There is limitied turnaround space.

Recreation

Visitors will be able to enjoy swimming, berry picking, and fishing at these campsites. Licenses are required for fishing in Michigan waters. 

Our management efforts seek to provide for quiet, peaceful recreation opportunities in a semi-primiitve setting. The campsite is located on the non-motorized Pine Marten Run Trail, which is open to hiking, mountain biking, and horse back riding.

The swimming area at this site is in poor condition.

Horse camping is allowed at Ironjaw Lake.

Ironjaw Lake is one of the better fishing lakes in the area. Crappie fishing is excellent in the spring. The lake contains northern pike, largemouth bass, bluegill and bullheads. 

• Boat access is dow a steep hill but the surface is firm. Turn-around and back-in space at the base of the hill is very limited. 4 wheel drive vehicles are highly recommended. Parking is restricted to a small area located at the top of the hill.
• Boat access is open to the public, Keep the road clear and expect to have people using the boat launch.

Nearby Attractions

There are a number of horse, bike, and hiking trails within minutes of several of the sites. In over a mile from these campsites, visitors can expect to find: bait shops, general and grocery stores, gas, a pay phone, trailheads, a fishing pier, biking, and kayak/canoe rentals.

Groceries, gasoline, fishing and camping supplies, boat rentals, ice, MDNR licenses, deli, and restaurants are available approximately six miles west on Forest Highway 13.

Contact Info

Important Notices

• Pack-In, Pack-out policy
• There is a 14-day stay limit.
• No drinking water provided.
• Campsite must be occupied the first night.

• Campsite cannot be left unattended for more than 24 hours.

• Horse camping: All straw, hay, feed and manure must be raked up and hauled home.

• Horses must be properly tethered in designated areas
• You are welcome to collect firewood from the area surrounding your campsite. Just remember that any firewood that you collect must be DEAD AND DOWN
• Click here for more information on the Hiawatha National Forest
• 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.

Available Activities

• Camping - Camping
• Fishing - Fishing
• Hiking - Hiking
• Mountain Biking - Mountain Biking
• Horseback Riding - Horseback Riding

Directions

<p><strong>From the Intersection of US-2 and Forest Highway 13 (about 14 miles east of Rapid River):</strong> drive north 18.7 miles on Highway 13 to County Road 440. </p> <ul> <li>Turn right (east) on CR 440 and drive 4.6 miles to FR 2733. </li> <li>Turn left (north) and drive 1.3 miles to the parking area.</li> </ul>

Contact Information

Phone: 906-474-6442 OR 906-387-2512

Rental Options

Learn more about gear rental options for your trip