Black River Harbor Campground

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.   

Camp site features

Across 37 camp sites:

  • Fire pit: all 37 sites
  • Picnic table: all 37 sites
  • Pets allowed: all 37 sites
  • Largest party: 8 people
  • Equipment: RV, Tent, Trailer

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 $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.

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.

Stay Limit

Check in from 1 PM, check out by 11 AM.

Reviews

134 reviews
5 stars
63
4 stars
45
3 stars
14
2 stars
9
1 stars
3
Jack E
Loop:Main Loop
Site:
Reviewed a month ago
This year’s reservations were not easy to make with dates/sites being released in blocks. Site 18 has been reserved every year prior to making reservations as soon as allowed. This year during my stay that site was occupied by a camper trailer that was only used at night as occupants left before sunrise and returned after dark. Probably not against your rules but disheartening to me. Also having to drive into town for water is an inconvenience. If just one spigot on site would be enough. Good to have camp host in site. More information in how the reservation process works would be helpful.
RANDALL K
Loop:Main Loop
Site:
Reviewed a month ago
Nice quiet campground. Clean bathrooms. No showers or electricity at the sites. Plenty of places to grab firewood on the way up.
Shane H
Loop:Main Loop
Site:
Reviewed 2 months ago
Was beautiful, relaxing and we will 100% be back again. We had an amazing time. Especially being my daughters first time camping in a tent. She is excited to come back. I definitely recommend this place!
George L
Loop:Main Loop
Site:
Reviewed 2 months ago
Quiet, and nice spacing between campsites. Nice area. Thank you!
Blake K
Loop:Main Loop
Site:
Reviewed 2 months ago
Very nice campground. They were doing maintenance on the water so unfortunately that was unavailable. They were also doing maintenance to several of the waterfall trail/lookout points and were closed. Glad to see upkeep is being performed, I just had unfortunate timing. The multiple waterfalls on the main road that leads to the campground are very beautiful.
Laura F
Loop:Main Loop
Site:
Reviewed 2 months ago
This is a lovely, quiet, rustic and fairly small campground. The beach nearby is beautiful and you can get there on foot or by car. The trail connecting the beach area is so nice, and has beautiful views of the lake—I’d recommend exploring it. Either way, a walk is involved to get to the beach because the public parking area near the beach is a little ways away from the beach access. The beach has rocks, so water shoes are good to have. Lots of people were rock hunting, and I found some good ones myself! The hiking trails, forest and waterfalls are beautiful and worth the visit. We hiked to one waterfall and drove to a closer access for the rest, but you can hike from one end to the other and back. There are some camp sites that have stunning views of Lake Superior. Some sites are more private than others. The toilets didn’t seem overly far for anyone. There was firewood for sale not far from the campground, which was very convenient. Cell phone service was spotty and not very reliable. I loved it and would go back here in a heartbeat!
Availability

See the Camp Sites section below to find detailed booking availability.

Reserve

Season dates

Walk In season

May 23, 2027 – May 27, 2027

First come, first served

Peak season

May 28, 2027 – Sep 30, 2027

Reservable online

Peak season

May 23, 2028 – Sep 15, 2028

Reservable online

Camp Sites

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