Ironjaw Lake Campsite
4.268 reviews8181 US HWY 2, Rapid River, MI, USA
Ironjaw Lake Campsite
$8.00 - $8.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$8.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Facility rates are $8.00 per night during peak season (May 15 - October 10, 2025). Additional reservation service fees vary based on the booking method.
About this campground
Escape to the tranquil shores of Ironjaw Lake, where a single, thoughtfully designed pull-through campsite awaits those seeking an intimate connection with nature. Perched on a gentle hillside with sweeping views of the pristine Lake Nineteen below, this hidden gem welcomes both tent campers and small trailer adventurers. Here, the modern world fades away, replaced by the whisper of wind through ancient trees and the gentle lapping of lake waters—a rustic sanctuary where serenity isn't just promised, it's guaranteed.
Ironjaw Lake Campsite offers a single designated site that provides a rustic camping experience. It is suitable for tent camping, small trailers, and horse camping. The site is a pull-through configuration with limited space for maneuvering.
Historical SignificanceWhile the recorded history of this pristine corner of wilderness remains unwritten, the land itself tells ancient stories through its towering trees and untouched forests, inviting visitors to create their own legacy of memories.
Weather and SeasonsThe changing seasons paint Ironjaw Lake in dramatically different palettes throughout the year. Summer brings warm, golden days perfect for lakeside lounging, while early fall transforms the surrounding forest into a breathtaking tapestry of amber and crimson. Though winter occasionally dusts the landscape with a delicate 2.7-inch weekly snowfall, the moderate cloud cover (averaging 55%) creates a soft, diffused light that photographers dream about. For the ultimate camping experience, plan your visit during the sun-drenched summer months or the crisp, colorful days of early autumn when nature puts on its finest show.
ElevationThe natural topography of this hillside retreat provides campers with an elevated perspective, offering commanding views of the surrounding wilderness while maintaining easy access to the lake below.
Natural Features and SceneryImmerse yourself in the raw beauty of the Ironjaw Semi-Primitive Area, where majestic hardwoods stand shoulder-to-shoulder with towering pines, creating a living cathedral of green. Previous visitors have raved about exceeding expectations, discovering a landscape so pristine it feels like stepping into an untouched paradise. The forest floor generously provides fallen timber for evening campfires, where stories are shared under a canopy of stars. This carefully preserved pocket of the Hiawatha National Forest showcases nature at its most authentic—unspoiled, unhurried, and utterly captivating.
Geological RegionNestled deep within the Hiawatha National Forest, Ironjaw Lake represents the crown jewel of the Ironjaw Semi-Primitive Area—a protected wilderness sanctuary where time moves at nature's pace. This 62-acre inland lake system, cradled by dense forests of hardwood and pine, offers a glimpse into Michigan's primeval past. The surrounding landscape tells a geological story millions of years in the making, where glacial forces carved intimate lake basins and left behind a terrain that perfectly balances rugged beauty with accessible adventure. Here, the forest ecosystem thrives undisturbed, creating an authentic wilderness experience that's increasingly rare in our modern world.
Campsite details
AccessibilityThe site is basic and may pose challenges to individuals with mobility issues due to rugged terrain and lack of amenities.
Sites SizeThe site is spacious enough for a small family and a trailer, but overall capacity and size are limited.
Sites PrivacyThe campsite is secluded and quiet, according to user reviews, though its proximity to the road means some visitors may drive by during the day.
Total Campsites1 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSite 001 is ideal for privacy, fishing, and quiet recreation. Reviews frequently praise its seclusion and proximity to trails and fishing opportunities. "Dead and downed wood was ample and easy to gather for fires."
Best CampsitesOnly one campsite is available: Site 001 overlooking Lake Nineteen.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
11:00 AM
Check-out
12:00 PM
Stay Limit
14-day stay limit applies.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Maximum of 8 people per campsite.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutPull-through site layout, limited turnaround space, suitable for small trailers or one family.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen May 15, 2025 - October 10, 2025.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made online through Recreation.gov.
Walk-in AvailabilityNo mention of walk-up availability. Null
Cancellation PolicyCancellations are allowed up to midnight the day before check-in but incur a $10 cancellation fee and forfeit the first night's use fee for late cancellations. Full refunds are provided only for emergency closures.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Firewood available
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
A variety of recreational activities are available at Ironjaw Lake Campsite. Fishing is highly rated, with opportunities to catch northern pike, largemouth bass, bluegill, and crappie, particularly in the spring. Visitors can also engage in swimming, although the swimming area is noted to be in poor condition. The campsite is part of the Pine Marten Run Trail, offering hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding. Horse camping is allowed for up to two horses. Boat launching is possible but challenging due to the steep hill and limited parking.
Hiking
The Pine Marten Run Trail passes through the site and supports hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding. Reviewers praised the trail access, noting it allows for multiple loop hikes with minimal trail overlap.Fishing
Fishing at Ironjaw Lake is excellent, with species such as northern pike, largemouth bass, bluegill, and crappie available. A review mentioned crappie fishing being particularly good in the spring.Swimming
Swimming opportunities exist, but the swimming area is described as being in 'poor condition.'Biking
Mountain biking is supported along the Pine Marten Run Trail, which is accessible from the campsite.Boating
Boat launching is available but requires a 4WD vehicle due to the steep hill. Parking is limited to the top of the hill.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires are permitted using only dead and downed wood collected from the surrounding area.
- Quiet hours are Null
Hazards
General hazardsThe steep descent to the boat access requires 4-wheel drive vehicles due to limited turnaround space. "You do not want to be in a low riding car headed back to this area."
Active alertsNull
Weather forecast
60
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 55%
Moderately humid conditions
Wind: 9.8 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
Clear sky
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Emergency services such as police or hospitals are not directly mentioned in the source material. Null
Good to know
Peak season datesMay 15 - October 10, 2025.
Trash and recyclingPack-in, pack-out policy. Campers must remove all trash with them.
Proximity to water featuresThe campsite overlooks Lake Nineteen and offers swimming and fishing access. Visitor reviews frequently praise the fishing opportunities including crappie, northern pike, and largemouth bass.
Common complaints"The campsite does not have roads that lead to it," causing confusion for some visitors. "People keep thinking it belongs to Lake Nineteen" often mistaking their reservations. Limited signage was cited as a source of frustration.
HostNull
Campground Map
8181 US HWY 2, Rapid River, MI, USA
Driving directionsFrom the Intersection of US-2 and Forest Highway 13 (about 14 miles east of Rapid River): drive north 18.7 miles on Highway 13 to County Road 440. Turn right (east) on CR 440 and drive 4.6 miles to FR 2733. Turn left (north) and drive 1.3 miles to the parking area.
Road access is challenging with the last stretch of travel being on rugged terrain unsuitable for low-riding cars. "The center of the road is a bit high" making clearance essential. The road surface is gravel and sand, with limited parking available at the site.Nearby places
Rapid River (14 miles east, approximately 25-30 mins drive).
Nearby supplies
Groceries, gasoline, fishing and camping supplies, boat rentals, ice, MDNR licenses, deli, and restaurants are located approximately six miles west on Forest Highway 13.
Camper Reviews
4.3
8 reviews
Ironjaw Lake Campsite is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews are mixed, with many praising the site's seclusion, rustic charm, and access to trails and fishing. However, some users noted confusion about directions to the site and occasional disputes over camping boundaries.
Review Summaries
Based on 8 reviews
What Campers Love
Users appreciated the tranquility, the well-maintained vault toilet, and the site's proximity to Pine Marten Trail and fishing opportunities. Seclusion and a lack of cell service were also viewed...
Based on 8 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Complaints centered around difficulties finding the site due to inaccurate directions, disputes with other visitors over reservations, and the poor condition of the swimming area.
Based on 8 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Bring a 4WD vehicle for navigating steep roads, and ensure all directions are double-checked before traveling. Collect firewood on-site, and plan for no cell service.
Based on 8 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Spring is popular for fishing, particularly for catching crappie. Summer reviews highlight the peacefulness and access to trails, while fall brings cooler weather conducive to hiking.
Based on 8 reviewsCamper Quotes
"The peace and quiet is just what we needed." - Amber A.
"The rustic toilet was very nice, and we would definitely go back." - Benjamin L.
"Directions it gives are for roads that do not exist or do...
Based on 8 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
The single campsite is spacious and provides a good view of Lake Nineteen but is near a road, leading to some daytime vehicle traffic.
Based on 8 reviewsAccessibility Features
The site may not be ideal for individuals with mobility issues due to steep terrain and limited facilities.
Based on 8 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed, but no specific reviews address pet-related experiences.
Based on 8 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025