Black River Harbor Campground

Campground · Michigan · 37 bookable sites ·

Managed by the USDA Forest Service

37
Bookable sites
up to 8
People per site
600 ft
Elevation
Scenic view of Lake Superior
Photo: USDA Forest Service · Recreation.gov

Overview

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.

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.

Facilities

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.

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.

Contact Info

For facility specific information, please call (906) 661-8870.

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.

Charges & 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.   

The facts

  • Season: May 24 – October 15 — USDA Forest Service, Aug 24, 2026
  • 37 bookable sites
  • 40 sites in total, including non-bookable
  • Up to 8 people per site
  • Loops: Main Loop

Site types

  • 37 Standard Nonelectric
  • 3 Management

Amenities

  • Campfires allowed
  • Fire pits
  • Picnic tables
  • Grills
  • Shade
  • Pets allowed

Not recorded upstream: electric hookups, water hookups, sewer hookups.

Book on Recreation.gov

40 campsites at Black River Harbor Campground

Check-in 1:00 PM · Check-out 11:00 AM

SiteLoopTypeEntrySurfaceGradeWaterMax rigPeople
001Main LoopStandard NonelectricBack InGravelSlight——8 🐾
002Main LoopStandard NonelectricBack InGravelSlight——8 🐾
003Main LoopStandard NonelectricBack InGravelSlight——8 🐾
004Main LoopStandard NonelectricBack InGravelSlight——8 🐾
005Main LoopStandard NonelectricBack InGravelSlight——8 🐾
006Main LoopStandard NonelectricBack InGravelSlight——8 🐾
007Main LoopStandard NonelectricBack InGravelSlight——8 🐾
008Main LoopManagementBack InGravelSlight——8 🐾
009Main LoopStandard NonelectricBack InGravelSlight——8 🐾
010Main LoopStandard NonelectricBack InGravelSlight——8 🐾
011Main LoopStandard NonelectricBack InGravelSlight——8 🐾
012Main LoopStandard NonelectricBack InGravelSlight——8 🐾
013Main LoopStandard NonelectricBack InGravelSlight——8 🐾
014Main LoopStandard NonelectricBack InGravelSlight——8 🐾
015Main LoopStandard NonelectricBack InGravelSlight——8 🐾
016Main LoopStandard NonelectricBack InGravelSlight——8 🐾
017Main LoopStandard NonelectricBack InGravelSlightLakefront—8 🐾
018Main LoopStandard NonelectricBack InGravelSlightLakefront—8 🐾
019Main LoopStandard NonelectricBack InGravelSlightLakefront—8 🐾
020Main LoopStandard NonelectricBack InGravelSlightLakefront—8 🐾
021Main LoopStandard NonelectricBack InGravelSlightLakefront—8 🐾
022Main LoopStandard NonelectricBack InGravelSlightLakefront—8 🐾
023Main LoopStandard NonelectricBack InGravelSlightLakefront—8 🐾
024Main LoopStandard NonelectricBack InGravelSlightLakefront—8 🐾
025Main LoopManagementBack InGravelSlightLakefront—8 🐾
026Main LoopStandard NonelectricBack InGravelSlight——8 🐾
027Main LoopStandard NonelectricBack InGravelSlight——8 🐾
028Main LoopManagementBack InGravelSlight——8 🐾
029Main LoopStandard NonelectricBack InGravelSlight——8 🐾
030Main LoopStandard NonelectricBack InGravelSlight——8 🐾
031Main LoopStandard NonelectricBack InGravelSlight——8 🐾
032Main LoopStandard NonelectricBack InGravelSlight——8 🐾
033Main LoopStandard NonelectricBack InGravelSlight——8 🐾
034Main LoopStandard NonelectricBack InGravelSlight——8 🐾
035Main LoopStandard NonelectricBack InGravelSlight——8 🐾
036Main LoopStandard NonelectricBack InGravelSlight——8 🐾
037Main LoopStandard NonelectricBack InGravelSlight——8 🐾
038Main LoopStandard NonelectricBack InGravelSlight——8 🐾
039Main LoopStandard NonelectricBack InGravelSlight——8 🐾
040Main LoopStandard NonelectricBack InGravelSlight——8 🐾

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.

46.67028, -90.04972 · 46°40'13.0"N 90°2'59.0"W

Directions (Google Maps) · Directions (Apple Maps)

Typical weather

Typically 77°F in Jul, down to 20°F in Jan.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F202637496473777668533826
Low °F2414274050555246342311
Precip in————————————

1991–2020 averages from the nearest NOAA station, 14.8 mi away — not measured at the facility itself, and elevation can make a real difference over that distance.

Map

Fees and stay limits

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 $9.00 per reservation if made through the call center The reservation fee is non-refundable. Day Use There is a day use fee associated with day use area and boat landing from May 15 – October 15, of $5 per day per vehicle, or an annual pass for $30 per vehicle. The annual pass covers Lake Ottawa Recreation Area, Black River Harbor Recreation Area, Marion Lake boat landing, Bobcat Lake day use and boat landing, Henry Lake, Pomeroy Lake, Norway Lake day use, Perch Lake, Lake Ste Kathryn, and Courtney Lake day use and boat landing. Please plan accordingly to ensure you can pay the daily fee at the self-registration fee tube. If you would like to purchase an annual pass, they are available from the on-site campground host. If you have additional questions, contact Camp Host, LLC at 906-661-8870. Day use fees will not be charged to those who have already paid for a campground campsite.

From Recreation.gov, which is not always current. The operator's own page is the authority on what you will be charged.

More photos

Member photos

Common questions about Black River Harbor Campground

Can you reserve a site at Black River Harbor Campground?
Yes, Black River Harbor Campground is reservable through Recreation.gov.
How many campsites does Black River Harbor Campground have?
40 sites in total, of which 37 can be booked.
Are pets allowed at Black River Harbor Campground?
Yes, pets are allowed at Black River Harbor Campground.
Are campfires allowed at Black River Harbor Campground?
Campfires are allowed at Black River Harbor Campground. Check for a current fire restriction before you go.

Also listed by

Black River Harbor Campground also appears in other federal recreation data. Facts below are matched by name and location, not confirmed by Black River Harbor Campground's operator.

USDA Forest Service — data as of Aug 24, 2026

  • 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. Upon arrival - if you have a reservation, pr

Restrictions:

  • 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. Eight people and 2 motorized vehicles are al

USDA Forest Service's own page

Camping near Black River Harbor Campground

Comments

Contact

Recreation.gov last updated this record on 2026-06-06.

Facility information and photographs from Recreation.gov (RIDB). SpotOpened is not affiliated with Recreation.gov or any federal agency.