Bob Lake Campground
4.2113 reviewsForest Rt. 1478, Ontonagon, MI 49953
Bob Lake Campground
$16.00 - $22.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$22.00
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
Camping fees are $22 per night during full services (summer recreation period). Fees may not be charged during early spring or late fall.
About this campground
Tucked away in the heart of Michigan's Ottawa National Forest, Bob Lake Campground offers an authentic escape into pristine wilderness. This hidden gem in Houghton County beckons those seeking solitude with its 17 thoughtfully positioned campsites, each cocooned by lush natural vegetation that ensures privacy and tranquility. Many sites rest directly on the shoreline, where morning mist dances across Bob Lake's mirror-like surface and evening sunsets paint the water in brilliant hues. Here, the rustic charm isn't just a feature—it's a promise of genuine connection with nature, far from the distractions of modern life.
Bob Lake Campground offers rustic camping options suitable for tents, trailers, motor homes, and primitive camping.
Historical SignificanceThis corner of the Ottawa National Forest holds stories written not in books, but in the landscape itself. The campground's crown jewel, the Beaver Lodge Interpretive Trail, invites visitors to become students of the wilderness. Along this fascinating pathway, you'll discover how generations of wildlife have shaped this ecosystem, from industrious beavers engineering their aquatic kingdoms to the delicate balance that sustains the forest community. Each interpretive sign reveals another chapter in the ongoing narrative of this living landscape, where human visitors are merely the latest characters in an ancient story.
Weather and SeasonsThe seasons transform Bob Lake into distinctly different wonderlands throughout the year. Summer brings warm, languid days perfect for swimming and paddling, though these balmy months also awaken the forest's mosquito population—consider them nature's reminder to pack your bug spray. As autumn arrives, the surrounding hardwoods burst into a spectacular display of reds, oranges, and golds. Winter wraps the landscape in a crystalline blanket of snow and ice, creating a serene, frozen paradise for those hardy enough to embrace the frigid beauty. Spring's thaw reveals a forest reborn, with wildflowers dotting the undergrowth and migrating birds filling the air with song.
ElevationPerched at a comfortable 1,280 feet above sea level, Bob Lake Campground offers the perfect middle ground—high enough to provide crisp, clean air and stunning forest vistas, yet gentle enough that visitors of all fitness levels can explore without concern. This modest elevation creates ideal conditions for both relaxation and adventure, where the terrain invites exploration without demanding mountaineering skills.
Natural Features and SceneryBob Lake itself is the campground's aquatic centerpiece—133 acres of pristine water that never plunges deeper than 17 feet, making it an intimate, accessible wilderness lake. The shallow waters warm beautifully in summer, creating perfect conditions for swimming, while also supporting a rich ecosystem of fish and aquatic plants. The surrounding forest serves as nature's amphitheater, where black bears lumber through the underbrush, white-tailed deer pause at the water's edge, and bald eagles soar overhead. As darkness falls, the haunting call of loons echoes across the water—a sound that will forever connect you to this wild place.
Geological RegionThe Ottawa National Forest cradles Bob Lake in a landscape sculpted by ancient glaciers and time itself. This is a realm where dense forests crown rolling hills, shallow lakes nestle in gentle depressions, and mysterious swampy valleys harbor secrets in their tangled depths. The geological tapestry creates diverse habitats that support an impressive array of wildlife, from the smallest woodland creatures to magnificent birds of prey. Each ridge, valley, and waterway tells the story of ice ages past and the patient work of wind, water, and weather in creating this outdoor paradise.
Campsite details
AccessibilityThe campground contains one accessible vault toilet and eight accessible picnic tables located at campsites.
Sites SizeParking aprons are gravel and grass. Lakefront sites have shorter aprons but offer wider space.
Sites PrivacyNatural vegetation screens campsites. User reviews mention the campground being remote and quiet, providing a secluded atmosphere.
Total Campsites17 campsites
Recommended CampsitesChoose lakefront sites for the best views and access to the water. Inland sites are quieter but still offer seclusion.
Best CampsitesLakefront sites are considered the best, offering direct access to Bob Lake and sandy-bottom beaches.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
First-come, first-served.
Check-out
First-come, first-served.
Stay Limit
Camping allowed for a period not longer than 14 days.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Eight people and 2 motorized vehicles are allowed per campsite.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutSingle-loop layout with 17 campsites screened by natural vegetation.
Open and Closed SeasonFull services available May 24 - October 31.
Reservation PlatformsReservations are not accepted. Sites are first-come, first-served.
Walk-in AvailabilitySites are first-come, first-served. User reviews note it is typically quiet during weekdays and off-peak dates.
Cancellation PolicyCampers must occupy the site on the first night. Cancellations and refunds policies are not provided.
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Bob Lake Campground offers a range of recreational activities including hiking, fishing, and boating. Visitors can also enjoy wildlife viewing and picnicking.
Hiking
The Beaver Lodge Interpretive Trail is 1.25 miles long with a loop starting east of the campground. It is a fairly level trail known for abundant wildlife including beavers, ducks, songbirds, raptors, and deer. A user review highlights it as a good moderate hike with nature views.Fishing
Fishing at Bob Lake includes opportunities to catch walleye, smallmouth bass, and perch. "Bob Lake is a very popular get away for fishermen."Swimming
Swimming is allowed in Bob Lake. Some sites have direct lake access via sandy-bottom beaches.Boating
Boating is popular at Bob Lake. Both motorized and non-motorized boating are supported, with a concrete base launch ramp provided free of charge. Trailer parking is available.Wildlife viewing
The campground and surrounding area are rich in wildlife including black bears, deer, bald eagles, and a variety of birds such as loons and swans. Several user reviews mention the diversity of wildlife.Cultural and Educational Programs
The Beaver Lodge Interpretive Trail serves as an educational resource showcasing local wildlife and ecosystem features.Winter Activities
No specific winter activities are mentioned in the provided information.Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports such as kayaking and canoeing are supported at Bob Lake.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Each campsite includes a fire ring. Outdoor grills are available at the Day Use Picnic Area.
- Quiet hours are None specified, but user reviews note disturbances from noisy campers during holidays.
Hazards
General hazardsMosquitoes and other bugs are common during warmer months. The gravel road may pose challenges during heavy rains, and wildlife sightings such as black bears have been reported.
Weather forecast
61
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 57%
Moderately humid conditions
Wind: 8.5 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
Ontonagon Ranger District, 1209 Rockland Road, Ontonagon, MI 49953; Phone: 906-884-2085 (Open Wednesdays, 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM ET). Closest hospital and emergency services are in Ontonagon.
Good to know
Peak season datesMay 22 through September 27 (weather permitting).
Trash and recyclingThere is no indication of specific trash or recycling facilities on-site.
Proximity to water featuresBob Lake is adjacent to the campground, with several sites offering lakefront access.
Common complaintsUser reviews highlight mosquitoes, noise from partying campers during holidays, and poorly maintained site facilities including lamp posts and picnic tables.
HostNo campground host is present, as noted in user reviews.
Campground Map
Forest Rt. 1478, Ontonagon, MI 49953
Driving directionsFrom Ontonagon, MI, travel east on M-38 for approximately 20 miles. Turn right (south) onto FH 16 and travel approximately 6 miles. Turn right (west) onto FR 1640 (Pori Road). Travel approximately 2 1/4 miles and turn left (south) on FR 1470. Travel approximately 1 mile and turn left onto FR 1478 and travel approximately 8/10 tenths of a mile to the campground.
The road to the campground includes gravel and can be rocky. After heavy rain, mud may pose challenges for vehicles with front-wheel drive, as noted in user reviews.Nearby places
Ontonagon, MI (18 miles southeast)
Kenton, MI (14 miles north)
Baraga, MI (20 miles west)
Nearby supplies
Closest supplies are available in Ontonagon for groceries, camping supplies, and fuel.
Camper Reviews
4.2
13 reviews
Bob Lake Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews are generally positive, highlighting the campground's remote and peaceful setting, abundance of wildlife, clean vault toilets, and excellent dark skies for stargazing. The campground is rustic with minimal amenities. However, concerns include mosquitoes, occasional noisy campers, and maintenance issues like rotten picnic tables.
Review Summaries
Based on 13 reviews
What Campers Love
"Arguably the best campground in the Ottawa Forest if not the entire UP." "Beautiful lake and open campground." "Excellent rustic campground." "No cell service, quite most of the time, and very few...
Based on 13 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Mosquito infestations are reported during summer months. Some reviews also mention noisy groups disrupting peace, uneven maintenance of some sites, and poor road conditions leading to the campground.
Based on 13 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Bring bug spray or mosquito fogger. Prepare for limited amenities and no cell service. Arrive with appropriate gear for rugged road conditions, especially after rain.
Based on 13 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Positive reviews often align with spring and fall, noting fewer mosquitoes and peaceful surroundings. Summer reviews frequently mention challenges with bugs and noisy campers.
Based on 13 reviewsCamper Quotes
"Super pristine." "Doesn't distract from how beautiful this place is!" "Majestic pair of eagles and a swan plus a loon that we loved hearing!" "Worth the $28 I paid to come thru on Memorial Weekend."
Based on 13 reviewsSite-Specific Reviews
Lakefront sites are popular for their scenic views and direct access to the lake. Inland sites offer privacy but lack the same level of lake access. Maintenance levels vary across sites.
Based on 13 reviewsAccessibility Features
Accessible vault toilet and picnic tables are appreciated by visitors. "Bathrooms are clean."
Based on 13 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
One reviewer noted an issue with their puppy being poisoned, but overall no substantial pet-focused feedback is provided.
Based on 13 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025