Black River Harbor Campground
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.
Some sites take reservations on Recreation.gov. Others are first-come, first-served.
More like this: first-come in Michigan · reservable in Michigan · pets allowed in Michigan
Check availability on Recreation.gov ↗
Site mix
| Standard, no hookups | 37 |
| Host/management | 3 |
Site guide
37 sites. Tap a filter to narrow the list; the map follows.
| Site | Entry | Fits, ft | Surface | Shade | Waterfront | People / vehicles | Fires | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 001 | Back-in | 48 | Gravel | Partial | 8 / 1 | Yes | Standard | |
| 002 | Back-in | 40 | Gravel | Partial | 8 / 1 | Yes | Standard | |
| 003 | Back-in | 65 | Gravel | Partial | 8 / 1 | Yes | Standard | |
| 004 | Back-in | 53 | Gravel | Partial | 8 / 1 | Yes | Standard | |
| 005 | Back-in | 60 | Gravel | Partial | 8 / 1 | Yes | Standard | |
| 006 | Back-in | 22 | Gravel | Partial | 8 / 1 | Yes | Standard | |
| 007 | Back-in | 53 | Gravel | Partial | 8 / 1 | Yes | Standard | |
| 009 | Back-in | 39 | Gravel | Partial | 8 / 1 | Yes | Standard | |
| 010 | Back-in | 48 | Gravel | Partial | 8 / 1 | Yes | Standard | |
| 011 | Back-in | 45 | Gravel | Partial | 8 / 1 | Yes | Standard |
Per-site records as published by the managing agency on Recreation.gov. Blank cells mean the agency listed nothing for that site. Check-in 1:00 PM, checkout 11:00 AM.
Amenities & rules
| Hookups | None |
| Equipment | RVs & trailers, Tents |
| Pets | Allowed |
| Campfires | Allowed, subject to restrictions |
| Fees | Camping Fee. $22.00 per night per campsite. Pass Discounts. Golden Age/Interagency Senior and Access Passes are accepted at this campground. You must present pass for discount to be honored. Reservation Fee. $8.00 per reservation if made on-line. |
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. 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.
Individual sites vary. Confirm on Recreation.gov or with the managing office.
Season & status
| Status | Open |
| Season | May 24 to October 15 |
| Forest | Ottawa National Forest |
| Booking | Reservations are accepted for twenty-three (23) sites. Sixteen (16) first come, first served sites are also available. Reservations can be made up to 6 months in advance of visit. |
| Fees | Day Use: From May 15 - September 30 - Picnic Area/Day Use Area $5 per day per vehicle $30 Annual Pass per vehicle Pass Information for Sylvania Wilderness, Black River Harbor Recreation Area and Lake Ottawa Recreation Area Camping: $22/night per campsite. |
| Rules | 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 site the first night. |
Weather by month
Getting there
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.
| Nearest town | Ironwood, Michigan |
| Coordinates | 46.6703° N, 90.0497° W · Directions ↗ |
Charges and 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.
Fire nearby
- WildfireCamp 4 Grade
8 mi from the campground · 16 acres
- WildfireBlack River
18 mi from the campground · 300 acres
- WildfireBlack River
18 mi from the campground · 382 acres · 60% contained
- WildfireRedhouse
35 mi from the campground · 22 acres
Distance is to the reported incident point, not the fire edge. Call the managing office before you drive.
Supplies & services
| Outdoor gear | Big Sno Outfitters ↗ | 13.1 mi |
| Dump station | Dump station ↗ | 27.1 mi |
Locations © OpenStreetMap contributors. Call ahead; hours change seasonally.
Explore
Video
Black River Harbor Campground, MI
Trails nearby
- 0.3 miBlack River Harbor Campground0.3 mi trail · hiking, horse, bike, snowmobile and 3 more
- 0.4 miBlack River Harbor Overflow0.09 mi trail · hiking, horse, bike, snowmobile and 3 more
- 0.4 miHarbor Overlook0.1 mi trail · hiking, horse, bike, snowshoe and 1 more
- 0.8 miRainbow Falls0.09 mi trail · hiking, horse, bike, snowshoe and 1 more
- 1.4 miSandstone Falls0.2 mi trail · hiking, horse, bike, snowshoe and 1 more
- 2 miGorge Falls0.1 mi trail · hiking, horse, bike, snowshoe and 1 more
Trail and trailhead records are the Forest Service's. Distances are straight-line to the nearer trail end. Trail conditions are not tracked here.
Public land it sits in
Ottawa National Forest begins about 13.3 miles away, and it is the closest of these.
- 13.3 miOttawa National Forest ↗National Forest · Forest Service · 1,562,423 acres
Each unit is published as a centre point and an acreage rather than a boundary, so this section stands it in for a circle of the same area. Whether a campground is inside, and how far it is from one it is outside, are both approximate.
Other campgrounds nearby
On the National Register nearby
- Planter Road–Jackson Creek BridgeStructure · Wakefield Township · 11.5 mi
- Gogebic County CourthouseBuilding · Bessemer · 13 mi
- Main Street–Black River BridgeStructure · Bessemer Township · 13.8 mi
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.
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.
Nearby
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.
Guidebooks for Michigan
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Reference
Questions people ask
Do I need a reservation at Black River Harbor Campground?
For some sites. Some sites take reservations on Recreation.gov. Others are first-come, first-served.
Source: Recreation.gov
How much does it cost to camp at Black River Harbor Campground?
Camping Fee. $22.00 per night per campsite. Pass Discounts.
Source: Recreation.gov
What time is check-in at Black River Harbor Campground?
Check-in 1:00 PM, checkout 11:00 AM.
Source: Recreation.gov
What does it cost to cancel a reservation at Black River Harbor Campground?
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.
Source: Charges and cancellations
Is Black River Harbor Campground open right now?
Open as of Oct 16, 2026. Season May 24 to October 15.
Source: Forest Service status
How many sites does Black River Harbor Campground have?
40 sites, including 37 standard sites without power.
Source: Recreation.gov
Can I bring an RV to Black River Harbor Campground?
Black River Harbor Campground is listed for tents only.
Source: Recreation.gov
Are pets allowed at Black River Harbor Campground?
Yes, pets are allowed at Black River Harbor Campground. Leash rules apply.
Source: Recreation.gov
Can I have a campfire at Black River Harbor Campground?
Fires are allowed in the provided rings under normal conditions. As of 2026-10-16, there are 4 active fires within 50 miles, so check current restrictions before you light one. Camping in a developed recreation site is allowed for a period not longer than 14 days, except as otherwise posted.
Source: Fire nearby
What is there to do at Black River Harbor Campground?
The campground is adjacent to the Black River Harbor Recreation Area. The Recreation section on this page has the rest.
Source: Recreation
What is the nearest town to Black River Harbor Campground?
Ironwood, Michigan. A historic pavilion built by the Civilian Conservation Corps is located in the recreation area next to the campground.
Source: Getting there
What if Black River Harbor Campground is full?
The nearest public campgrounds are Henry Lake Camp (26.5 mi, first-come), Bobcat Lake Camp (28 mi, first-come), and Pomeroy Lake Camp (35.1 mi, first-come).
Source: Campgrounds nearby