Golden Lake Campground
05 reviewsE23979 US 2 East Watersmeet, MI 49969
Golden Lake Campground
$14.00 - $16.00 / night
Campsite Fees
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
Campsites cost $14-$16 per night depending on site type and seasonality. Golden Age/Interagency Senior and Access Passes are accepted.
About this campground
Discover your perfect basecamp at Golden Lake Campground, where 22 thoughtfully designed campsites await along a scenic single-loop road. Whether you're arriving with a tent tucked in your backpack or navigating a full-size motorhome, each drive-in site welcomes you with essential amenities: a sturdy picnic table for lakeside meals, a fire ring for evening storytelling, and a lantern post to guide your way after dark. Conveniently placed vault toilets near site #13 and at the loop's end ensure comfort during your stay. Just steps from your site, you'll find direct access to the lake via the adjacent boat ramp, plus a welcoming picnic area perfect for afternoon gatherings and a spacious parking area for day visitors.
Golden Lake Campground caters to various camping preferences, including tent, RV, and combined sites, with a focus on primitive camping.
Historical SignificanceGolden Lake Campground tells a story of nature's power and human resilience. In 2020, a dramatic windstorm swept through the area, transforming what was once a densely forested hideaway into something unexpected and beautiful. Where tall trees once created a woodland cathedral, nature carved out spectacular vistas of the shimmering lake. Following extensive restoration efforts in 2022, the campground reopened with a fresh perspective – offering visitors a unique blend of forest edges and expansive water views that few other campgrounds can match.
Weather and SeasonsSummer transforms Golden Lake into an outdoor paradise, with prime camping conditions stretching from June through September. As autumn arrives and winter's first snowflakes begin to fall, the campground adjusts its schedule to nature's rhythm, ensuring your visit coincides with the most comfortable and accessible conditions. Plan your adventure during these golden months when warm days invite swimming and cool evenings are perfect for campfire conversations.
ElevationPerched at 1,760 feet above sea level, Golden Lake Campground offers the perfect elevation for comfortable camping and stunning views. This gentle altitude creates an ideal microclimate where cool lake breezes temper summer heat, while the surrounding Ottawa National Forest provides natural shelter. Here, you'll breathe easier in the crisp mountain air while enjoying panoramic views across Golden Lake's pristine waters.
Natural Features and SceneryImmerse yourself in the authentic northwoods experience of Ottawa National Forest, where Golden Lake Campground serves as your gateway to pristine wilderness. The 2020 windstorm, while initially devastating, unveiled a silver lining – transforming this once heavily canopied campground into an open-air amphitheater with breathtaking lake views from nearly every campsite. Today, you'll wake to unobstructed sunrise reflections on the water and fall asleep to the calls of loons echoing across the lake. The surrounding forest remains a haven for wildlife, making early morning coffee a front-row seat to nature's daily show as eagles soar overhead, deer emerge from the forest edge, and countless songbirds provide the soundtrack to your outdoor adventure.
Geological RegionSet within the magnificent Ottawa National Forest, Golden Lake Campground showcases the best of Michigan's Upper Peninsula ecology. This pristine northwoods environment creates the perfect backdrop for unforgettable outdoor experiences. Cast your line into waters teeming with native fish species, bring your binoculars to spot rare forest birds, or simply sit quietly as the wilderness reveals its secrets. The diverse ecosystem supports everything from majestic bald eagles to playful otters, making every moment an opportunity for wildlife discovery in this carefully preserved corner of the national forest system.
Campsite details
AccessibilityOne accessible vault toilet is located near site #13, but no other accessibility features are explicitly mentioned.
Sites SizeEach campsite includes a parking spur, but no detailed measurements or categorization of site sizes is provided.
Sites PrivacySites are widely spaced with natural vegetation for moderate privacy, though recent storm damage has made the campground more open, reducing seclusion.
Total Campsites22 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSites near Golden Lake are excellent for those seeking lake proximity. However, some are not tent-friendly.
Best CampsitesCampsites with lake views are recommended due to the open environment.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
24 hours - self pay
Check-out
24 hours - self pay
Stay Limit
Camping in a developed recreation site is allowed for a period not longer than 14 days.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Eight people and two 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 layoutA single loop structure with 22 campsites.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen May 22 through September 27 (weather dependent)
Reservation PlatformsReservations are not available.
Walk-in AvailabilityAll campsites are first-come, first-served due to non-reservable status. Availability may fluctuate based on seasonality and visitor demand.
Cancellation PolicyCampers must occupy the site the first night. After a period of stay longer than 14 days, campers must move to another campground or dispersed site for at least 24 hours.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Golden Lake Campground is ideal for outdoor enthusiasts seeking activities like fishing, boating, bird watching, and picnicking. Its proximity to Golden Lake and nearby rivers adds variety for campers.
Fishing
Golden Lake offers excellent fishing opportunities, stocked periodically with lake trout, rainbow trout, and splake. Cooks Run and South Branch Paint River nearby also provide fishing for brook and brown trout under special regulations.Boating
Golden Lake supports motorized boating with a concrete boat ramp available at no charge. The lake is known for bass fishing and has trailer parking for boaters.Wildlife viewing
Campers can enjoy bird watching and wildlife viewing as part of the northwoods experience.Winter Activities
The campground is open until snow conditions reduce access, but specific winter activities like sledding, skiing, or snowshoeing are not mentioned.Water Sports
Golden Lake's 285-acre size supports motorized boating and fishing, but no other non-motorized water sports (such as kayaking or paddleboarding) have been indicated.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Campfires are permitted only in designated fire rings.
- Quiet hours are not explicitly listed.
Hazards
General hazardsPotential hazards include lack of potable water due to hand pump damage from the 2020 windstorm, and primitive camping conditions without modern amenities.
Active alertsNo potable water is available due to storm damage. Seasonal closures occur as snow accumulates.
Weather forecast
59
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 51%
Moderately humid conditions
Wind: 8.7 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
Watersmeet/Iron River Ranger District, E23979 US 2 East Watersmeet, MI 49969. Phone: 906-358-4551. Open Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. (CT), closed on federal holidays.
Good to know
Peak season datesJune-September
Trash and recyclingNo explicit details on trash and recycling facilities have been provided.
Proximity to water featuresGolden Lake is directly adjacent to the campground, featuring a boat ramp and conducive for motorized boating and fishing.
Common complaintsReviews highlight the lack of drinking water, ongoing cleanup from the storm, and primitive camping conditions. Positive remarks emphasize enhanced lake views and peaceful atmosphere.
HostWatersmeet/Iron River Ranger District provides oversight. Contact available at 906-358-4551.
Campground Map
E23979 US 2 East Watersmeet, MI 49969
Driving directionsFrom Iron River, MI, take US Rt. 2 west 13.1 miles to Forest Rt. 16. Turn right onto Rt. 16 and go 0.7 miles to campground sign. Turn left into campground.
Convenient to U.S. Route 2, providing straightforward access. Seasonal closures occur when snow accumulates, and gates are closed under such conditions.Nearby places
Watersmeet, Michigan: 16 miles to the west
Iron River: 13.5 miles to the east.
Camper Reviews
0.0
5 reviews
Golden Lake Campground has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
Golden Lake Campground has mixed reviews, with positive notes on its serene setting and lake views, but concerns about storm damage and lack of potable water.
Review Summaries
Based on 5 reviews
What Campers Love
Campers appreciate the peaceful atmosphere, close proximity to Golden Lake for fishing and boating, and the availability of free firewood from downed trees.
Based on 5 reviewsCommon Concerns
Several reviewers express disappointment regarding the storm damage that left the campground open and devoid of trees. Another recurring issue highlighted is the lack of potable water.
Based on 5 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Campers should bring their own water due to the lack of potable water and take advantage of the free firewood from downed trees. Primitive camping enthusiasts are likely to enjoy the serenity and...
Based on 5 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
Summer months are favored for the best camping experience, with fishing and boating activities being particularly enjoyable. Winter access is limited by snow.
Based on 5 reviewsCamper Quotes
1. 'Nearly every site now has a lake view.' - Greg Krueger
2. 'Campground isn’t too bad. There is still no water, or cost to camp here.' - Nick Posh
3. 'Quiet, only one other person there and free....
Based on 5 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Site #13 has proximity to an accessible vault toilet. Sites adjacent to Golden Lake are noted as less tent-friendly.
Based on 5 reviewsAccessibility Features
The campground features one accessible vault toilet near site #13, but no additional amenities for campers with disabilities.
Based on 5 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No specific pet-related reviews have been provided.
Based on 5 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025