How much does camping cost at Courtney Lake Campground?

Camping fees at Courtney Lake Campground range from $5-$30/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Fees are typically paid at the campground entrance.

What is the best time to visit Courtney Lake Campground?

Courtney Lake Campground is open May 24 - October 31. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Courtney Lake Campground?

Courtney Lake Campground does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

Can I have a campfire at Courtney Lake Campground?

Fire policies at Courtney Lake Campground: Each campsite includes a fire ring. Outdoor grills available at picnic areas.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

How many campsites does Courtney Lake Campground have?

Courtney Lake Campground has 21 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Arrive early for the best site selection.

Are dogs allowed at Courtney Lake Campground?

Pets are not allowed at Courtney Lake Campground. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at Courtney Lake Campground?

Courtney Lake Campground offers: Restrooms, Potable Water. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Courtney Lake Campground?

Popular activities at Courtney Lake Campground include Hiking, Fishing, Swimming, Boating, Wildlife Viewing, Beach Activities. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Courtney Lake Campground

Q: Is Courtney Lake Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Courtney Lake Campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Available for all 21 sites; two sites are walk-in only. Reviewers have noted ease of walk-in availability during less busy periods.

4.42

35 reviews

1209 Rockland Road Ontonagon, MI 49953

Summer Destination

Quick Facts

1,260 ft

Price

$5 - $30/night

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

21 campsites

Season

Open May 22 through ...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Check Availability Set up an alert →Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

1,260 ft

Price

$5 - $30/night

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

21 campsites

Season

Open May 22 through ...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Check Availability Set up an alert →Official Website

Get Directions

Courtney Lake Campground

$5.00 - $30.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Day Use/Swimming/Boat Launch fee is $5/day or $30/season per vehicle. Camping rates are $16/day.

Standard Site Fee$16.00

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

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USFS

Provider

906-884-2085

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What Campers Say

4.42

Recommended

Based on 35 reviews

28 Google reviews

Most mentioned

cleanspaciousbeachwell-maintained

"User reviews frequently mention the campground's spacious and secluded sites, clean facilities, and tranquil setting. It is highlighted as a great destination for families, equestrians, and outdoor enthusiasts."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

1209 Rockland Road Ontonagon, MI 49953

Courtney Lake Campground

1209 Rockland Road Ontonagon, MI 49953

Nearby places

Ontonagon: 22 miles southeast

Mass City: 8 miles east

Baraga: approximately 20 miles west.

Nearby supplies

Ontonagon (22 miles southeast) for groceries, fuel, and camping supplies.

Best Time to Camp at Courtney Lake Campground

Summer is the best season for lake activities. Daytime highs run 65–78°F, with cool nights in the 50s. The water warms enough for comfortable swimming, and the no-wake rule keeps conditions ideal for kayaking and canoeing. Trails and horse facilities are fully usable, and wildlife viewing is excellent. Weekdays stay quiet, but holiday weekends fill up with families and RVers. Book early if you're planning a summer weekend visit.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Most popular in summer; swimming, boating and fishing highlighted by reviews.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 24 - October 31. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open May 22 through October 31.
Current Alerts: Currently, no water is available yet. Bathrooms are stocked and open.

About Courtney Lake Campground

Courtney Lake Campground sits on a 33-acre no-wake lake in Michigan's Ottawa National Forest, offering 21 sites for tents and RVs on a single loop. Fees range from $5 to $30 per night. The campground draws families, equestrians, and paddlers who appreciate the spacious sites, clean vault toilets, and quiet lake access. Reviews average 4.4 stars, with campers praising the secluded feel and well-maintained horse facilities.

The campground accommodates various camping types, including tent camping, RVs, and equestrian camping. Two walk-in sites cater to tent campers.

Historical Significance

Old railroad grades wind through the forest near the campground, remnants of early 20th-century logging operations that harvested timber from this area. These moss-covered tracks now serve as quiet trails where visitors can walk routes once used by steam engines and logging crews.

Weather and SeasonsSummer is the best season for lake activities. Daytime highs run 65–78°F, with cool nights in the 50s. The water warms enough for comfortable swimming, and the no-wake rule keeps conditions ideal for kayaking and canoeing. Trails and horse facilities are fully usable, and wildlife viewing is excellent. Weekdays stay quiet, but holiday weekends fill up with families and RVers. Book early if you're planning a summer weekend visit.

ElevationPerched at 1,260 feet above sea level, the campground occupies a sweet spot in Michigan's topography where summer heat gives way to refreshing mountain air. This modest elevation creates a natural refuge from sweltering temperatures, offering campers cool mornings perfect for coffee by the fire and pleasantly mild afternoons ideal for lake activities. The gentle rise provides just enough altitude to create those magical misty mornings that photographers dream about.

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground sits at 1,260 feet elevation where Ottawa National Forest meets Copper Country State Forest. Towering pines and century-old hardwoods surround the sites, creating a mix of shade and filtered sunlight. The 33-acre lake is the centerpiece, calm enough for paddling and fishing for bass, pike, and panfish. A sandy beach offers swimming access, and the grassy shoreline provides open space for picnicking. Wildlife is common, with white-tailed deer and songbirds frequently spotted throughout the loop.

Geological RegionSituated within the vast Ottawa National Forest and neighboring the Copper Country State Forest, this campground sits at the intersection of two of Michigan's most spectacular woodland preserves. The region's unique geology has created an enchanting mix of ecosystems, from stands of century-old hardwoods to carefully managed pine plantations that fill the air with their distinctive scent. The 33-acre no-wake lake serves as a serene centerpiece, its calm waters reflecting the surrounding forest canopy and providing a window into the area's rich natural heritage.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

Check-in times not provided.

Check-out

Check-out times not provided.

Stay Limit

Camping is allowed for a period not longer than 14 days, except as otherwise posted.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Maximum 8 people and 2 motorized vehicles allowed per site.

Groups

Group camping is not specifically mentioned, so no detailed group site descriptions are provided.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutSingle loop with gravel and dirt parking aprons. Sites include wooden picnic tables, fire rings, and lantern posts. Reviewers describe the layout as spacious and secluded, with enough room for larger motor homes or multiple tents. No electricity or flush toilets.

Reservation PlatformsReservations not required; walk-in access available.

Walk-in AvailabilityAvailable for all 21 sites; two sites are walk-in only. Reviewers have noted ease of walk-in availability during less busy periods.

Cancellation PolicyCampers must occupy the site the first night.

AccessibilityAccessible picnic tables are provided at campsites, and an accessible vault toilet is located near site #5. The Circle of Life Trail is accessible for motorized wheelchairs.

Site SizeSites are described as spacious, with ample room to accommodate tents, trailers, or larger motor homes.

PrivacyUser reviews describe the sites as secluded and spacious, offering a tranquil and private camping experience.

Total Campsites21 campsites

Recommended SitesEquestrian campers should choose one of the six designated sites with high lines and corrals. Tent campers may prefer walk-in sites.

Amenities available

Potable water

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Courtney Lake Campground provides a range of outdoor activities. The 33-acre lake is a hub for both motorized and non-motorized boating, swimming, and fishing. The campground also features a 2.2-mile Circle of Life Trail for hiking, and equestrian trails are available for horseback riding. Winter sports like cross-country skiing and snowshoeing are offered but are temporarily closed.

Hiking

Fishing

Swimming

Boating

Wildlife viewing

Beach activities

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsNo specific hazards noted. Campers must pack in, pack out horse waste.

Active AlertsCurrently, no water is available yet. Bathrooms are stocked and open.

Fire PolicyEach campsite includes a fire ring. Outdoor grills available at picnic areas.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are Not specified.

Emergency ServicesOntonagon Ranger District Station, 1209 Rockland Road, Ontonagon, MI; phone: 906-884-2085.

Trash & RecyclingTrash disposal facilities are available, but there is no mention of recycling facilities.

Water FeaturesLocated directly on Courtney Lake (33 acres, no-wake). Features sandy beach and grass with boat ramps for non-motorized and motorized boating.

Camp HostConcessioner-managed by the U.S. Forest Service. No specific host details provided.

Weather at Courtney Lake Campground

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Reviews

From Booking Sources

4.4

35 reviews

Recommended

Courtney Lake Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews frequently mention the campground's spacious and secluded sites, clean facilities, and tranquil setting. It is highlighted as a great destination for families, equestrians, and outdoor enthusiasts.

Review Summaries

Based on 35 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive aspects include clean and spacious campsites, the sandy beach for swimming, the availability of equestrian camping sites with high lines and corrals, and the well-maintained Circle of Life...

Based on 35 reviews

Common Concerns

Some users noted the limited number of sites suitable for tents and the lack of electricity and flush toilets as drawbacks. Noise from private property across the lake was also mentioned.

Based on 35 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers recommend bringing horses to take advantage of the equestrian facilities and exploring the Circle of Life Trail. Planning for the lack of electricity and flush toilets is suggested.

Based on 35 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The campground is most popular in summer, with activities like swimming and fishing highlighted. Fall offers a quieter experience with opportunities for hiking and wildlife viewing. Winter activities...

Based on 35 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Stellar beach area great for swimming with plenty of shallow sand-bottom lake frontage.' - Greg Krueger 2. 'Beautiful, quiet little lake with excellent camp sites and clean pit toilets .... a...

Based on 35 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site #7 is noted for its proximity to the Circle of Life Trail, which begins nearby. Specific user feedback about other sites is limited.

Based on 35 reviews

Accessibility Features

The accessible vault toilet near site #5 and accessible picnic tables are appreciated. The Circle of Life Trail is described as motorized wheelchair-friendly.

Based on 35 reviews