Water Activities

The Ottawa National Forest, located in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, is home to over 2,000 miles of streams, including 300 miles of designated National Wild and Scenic Rivers. Canoeing and kayaking are favorite pastimes of local area residents and visitors alike. View a map that shows some of our most popular river trail segments.

Paint National Wild and Scenic River Federal Register Notice:

• Federal Register Notice
• Legal Description
• Map

Boating - Motorized

Many Ottawa National Forest lakes are large enough for motorized boats. Fishing is very popular as well as waterskiing. Most lakes have boat landings available to the public. Black River Harbor, one of only two harbors in the forest service system, provides a boat landing and docking providing access to Lake Superior.

Boating - Non-Motorized

With over 500 lakes and more than 2000 miles of fishable stream, and over 130,000 acres of wetlands, the Ottawa aquatic resources are abundant and diverse. This is all available for those outdoor enthusiasts who want to get on the canoe or kayak and enjoy the scenery.

Swimming

 Swimming is a favorite activity on the Ottawa. Although our season is short due to our climate that just means we enjoy that much more. The majority of our lakes and streams don't have an established beach and of those that do there are no lifeguards, so please be careful.

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Recreation Opportunities

Boating - Motorized (14)

Boating - Non-Motorized (14)

Swimming (5)

Showing: 1 - 10 of 21 results

Black River Harbor Recreation Area

Site Open

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…

Bob Lake Campground

Site Open

Bob Lake Campground, located in Houghton County, is 18 miles southeast of Ontonagon, MI, in the Ontonagon Ranger District. This campground features a single loop with 17 campsites which are spaced…

Bobcat Lake Campground

Site Open

Located in Gogebic County, just 3 miles southeast of Marenisco, Mi., on the Bessemer Ranger District in the southern half of the Ottawa National Forest. Bobcat Lake campground features one loop with…

Burned Dam Campground

Site Open

This rustic campground provides visitors with access to deep woods with fishing and canoeing opportunities on the Middle Branch of the Ontonagon River. This dispersed campground is just a short walk…

Courtney Lake Campground

Site Open

Courtney Lake campground, located 22 miles southeast of Ontonagon, MI. on the Ontonagon Ranger District, features a single loop with 21 spacious sites that can accommodate tents, trailers, or larger…

Golden Lake Campground

Site Open

Golden Lake Campground is located 15 miles northwest of Iron River, M.I., on the Iron River Ranger District. This campground provides an opportunity for a northwoods experience like fishing, bird…

Henry Lake Campground

Site Open

Located in Gogebic County 9 miles southwest of the town of Marenisco, Mi., Henry Lake is located on the Bessemer Ranger District in the southern half of the Ottawa National Forest. Henry Lake…

Imp Lake Campground

Site Open

Imp Lake Campground located 6 miles southeast of Watersmeet, MI, provides visitors with a unique camping experience. Lakeside sites offer a quaint view of a small island populated with nesting loons,…

Lake Ste Kathryn Campground

Site Open

Lake Ste Kathryn Campground is located 8 miles south of Sidnaw on the Kenton Ranger District.  This one loop campground provides 24 drive-in camping sites that can accommodate tents, trailers and…

Langford Lake Boat Launch

Site Open

This launch is located 11 miles to the southeast of Marenisco, Mi., on the Bessemer Ranger District.