Black River Harbor Recreation Area
The numbers that decide it
- Longest rig
- Not published
- Sites
- 40
- Electric hookups
- Not published
- Pull-through sites
- No
- Paved access
- No
- Accessible sites
- Not published
- Driveway grade
- Slight
- Bear boxes
- Not published
- Campfires
- Yes
- Shade
- Yes
- Group sites
- Not published
Site-level detail from Recreation.gov, checked 2026-08-05. Where a field says “not published”, the agency has not published it — it does not mean zero. See it on Recreation.gov
Black River Harbor Recreation Area
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. The Harbor offers one of the area’s few access points to Lake Superior, with boating being a major summer-time activity. The boat ramp can accommodate almost any craft trailered in. Parking for trucks and boat trailers is ample for a fee. A historic pavilion built by the CCC is also located here. Review guidelines on use of the pavilion.
Before you go
Season
May 24 – October 15
Reservations
First-come, first-served
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. Upon arrival - if you have a reservation, proceed to the campground. If you do not have a reservation, proceed to the self-serve fee station located at the CAMPGROUND ENTRANCE to register and pay the campsite fee. Docking: Docking fees are determined by size of boat. Contact Ottawa National Forest for more information regarding fees.
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 allowed per campsite with a maximum of one RV or camper trailer and two tents per camping site or three tents per camping site. Generators are not permitted during quiet hours (10pm-6am).
Scenic drives that pass close
Make it a night on a better road
Byway plans the drive in — real stops, real weather, nothing invented.