How much does camping cost at Lake Ste Kathryn Campground?

Camping fees at Lake Ste Kathryn Campground range from $22/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Fees are typically paid at the campground entrance.

Is Lake Ste Kathryn Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Lake Ste Kathryn Campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis. All sites operate on a first-come-first-served basis; no reservations accepted.

What is the best time to visit Lake Ste Kathryn Campground?

Lake Ste Kathryn Campground is open June to September is considered the best season.. 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 Lake Ste Kathryn Campground?

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

Can I have a campfire at Lake Ste Kathryn Campground?

Fire policies at Lake Ste Kathryn Campground: Campfires are allowed in designated fire rings.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

How many campsites does Lake Ste Kathryn Campground have?

Lake Ste Kathryn Campground has 24 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Arrive early for the best site selection.

Are dogs allowed at Lake Ste Kathryn Campground?

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

What amenities are available at Lake Ste Kathryn Campground?

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

What activities can I do at Lake Ste Kathryn Campground?

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

Lake Ste Kathryn Campground

4.50

30 reviews

4810 E. M28 Kenton, MI 49967

Summer Destination

Featured in:Beach Camping Michigan

Quick Facts

1,680 ft

Price

$22/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

24 campsites

Season

Campground open seas...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Check Availability Set up an alert →Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

1,680 ft

Price

$22/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

24 campsites

Season

Campground open seas...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Check Availability Set up an alert →Official Website

Get Directions

Lake Ste Kathryn Campground

$22.00 - $22.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Camping costs $22 per night during the summer recreation period when full services are provided. Day use/boat launch fees are $5 per vehicle per day...

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

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free with account · Checks every 2 minutes

150,000+ sites monitored · Email, SMS, or in-app notifications

Share this campground

USFS

Provider

906-852-3500

Help improve this page

See something outdated or incorrect? Let us know!

What Campers Say

4.50

Recommended

Based on 30 reviews

22 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewslakewell-maintained

"User reviews highlight the campground's rustic charm, peaceful atmosphere, and natural beauty. Many comment on its suitability for off-the-grid relaxation and fishing opportunities."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

4810 E. M28 Kenton, MI 49967

Lake Ste Kathryn Campground

4810 E. M28 Kenton, MI 49967

Nearby places

Sidnaw, MI - 8 miles north (~10 min drive)

Iron River, MI - 27 miles southwest (~40 min drive)

Marquette, MI - within 2-hour drive

Ironwood, MI - within 2-hour drive.

Nearby supplies

"Bring what you need" as resupply options require a long ride. No specific details on grocery stores, fuel stations, or camping supplies locations are provided.

Driving directionsFrom Sidnaw, MI, take Sidnaw Road south approximately 8 miles and the sign for the campground will be on your right. From Iron River, MI, take County Road 657 north approximately 15 miles, turn slight right onto FR 2130, travel approximately 9 ½ miles on FR 2130 to Sidnaw Road, turn right onto Sidnaw Road and travel 2 miles north to campground.

Access to the campground is via gravel and dirt roads. Some areas are noted as tight for two trucks to pass. Seasonal closures may occur, and maintenance levels are described as "questionably maintained at best".

Best Time to Camp at Lake Ste Kathryn Campground

Summer brings the warmest conditions and easiest lake access. Daytime highs run mid-60s to low-80s°F, with lake water warming to the mid-60s to low-70s°F by peak season. June through September offers the best swimming, boating, and fishing windows. Long daylight hours make hiking comfortable. Weekends fill up, especially in July, but weekdays stay quiet. Spring and fall deliver cooler temperatures and changing foliage. Mosquitoes are persistent. One reviewer warned they're a recurring issue, so bring repellent.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.5 / 5

Summer (peak season) best for lake access, warmest weather and water temps for swimming.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: June to September is considered the best season.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Campground open seasonally from May 24 to October 31. Scheduled to open with full services the Friday before Memorial Day.

About Lake Ste Kathryn Campground

Lake Ste Kathryn Campground sits on a 151-acre lake in Ottawa National Forest's eastern section, offering 24 drive-in sites arranged in a single loop. Each site includes a picnic table, fire ring, lantern post, and parking spur. The campground has vault toilets, hand-pump potable water, and a boat ramp. There's no cell service here. Sites run $22 per night, with camping services staffed from late May through October.

Lake Ste Kathryn Campground is a single-loop facility offering both drive-in and primitive camping options suitable for tents, trailers, and motor homes.

Weather and SeasonsSummer brings the warmest conditions and easiest lake access. Daytime highs run mid-60s to low-80s°F, with lake water warming to the mid-60s to low-70s°F by peak season. June through September offers the best swimming, boating, and fishing windows. Long daylight hours make hiking comfortable. Weekends fill up, especially in July, but weekdays stay quiet. Spring and fall deliver cooler temperatures and changing foliage. Mosquitoes are persistent. One reviewer warned they're a recurring issue, so bring repellent.

ElevationPerched at 1,680 feet above sea level, the campground offers a refreshing highland retreat where crisp air and cooler temperatures provide natural relief from summer heat. This elevated sanctuary sits at the heart of Lake Sainte Kathryn while serving as a gateway to a constellation of nearby fishing lakes, each promising their own aquatic adventures and peaceful morning reflections.

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground occupies rolling, glacially carved terrain at 1,680 feet elevation, where pine forests mix with northern hardwoods. Lake Ste Kathryn reaches 25 feet deep and has a sandy beach for swimming. The Deer Marsh Interpretive Trail starts at the eastern entrance. Reviewers mention loons calling across the water at dawn and describe the setting as secluded with "beautiful lake sites." The surrounding forest provides natural shade and site screening.

Geological RegionNestled in the eastern realm of the magnificent Ottawa National Forest in Iron County, Michigan, this campground rests along the shores of Lake Ste Kathryn—a 151-acre aquatic gem plunging to depths of 25 feet. The surrounding landscape tells an ancient geological story through its rolling sandy terrain, where stately pine forests mingle with northern hardwoods to create a diverse ecosystem. This unique topography, carved by glaciers and time, offers varied hiking experiences from gentle lakeside strolls to more adventurous woodland explorations through the characteristic hills and valleys of Michigan's Upper Peninsula.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

24 hours/day access

Check-out

24 hours/day access

Stay Limit

Camping allowed for 14 consecutive days
must move to another campground or dispersed site for at least 24 hours thereafter.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Maximum of 8 people allowed per campsite.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutThe single loop has tight roads that reviewers describe as minimally maintained. Sites are naturally screened with vegetation for privacy, each with a parking spur. The campground feels small and tucked away.

Reservation PlatformsNo reservations are accepted; walk-up/first-come-first-served only.

Walk-in AvailabilityAll sites operate on a first-come-first-served basis; no reservations accepted.

Cancellation PolicyNo explicit details provided on cancellation policy.

AccessibilityThere are no explicitly accessible campsites listed, but 22 accessible picnic tables are available.

Site SizeEach site includes a parking spur and is naturally screened with vegetation, but no additional size details are provided.

PrivacySites are naturally screened with vegetation, providing a degree of privacy. A reviewer mentioned, "Small secluded campground… Beautiful lake sites.

Total Campsites24 campsites

Recommended SitesChoose lakefront sites for scenic views and proximity to water activities.

Amenities available

Potable water

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Lake Ste Kathryn Campground offers a variety of recreational activities, including hiking, boating, fishing, and wildlife viewing. The Deer Marsh Interpretive Trail, located at the campground’s east entrance, provides a 3-mile loop with interpretive signage and wildlife spotting opportunities.

Hiking

Fishing

Swimming

Boating

Wildlife viewing

Beach activities

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Hazards & Alerts"Lots of mosquitoes" reported during camping season. Gravel roads are noted as difficult for vehicles in some areas.

No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

Fire PolicyCampfires are allowed in designated fire rings.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are Not explicitly stated.

Emergency ServicesNearest emergency services are likely in Sidnaw (~8 miles north) or Iron River (~27 miles southwest). No explicit details on hospitals, police stations, or ranger stations are provided.

Trash & RecyclingThere is no specific information about trash or recycling facilities, so campers should plan to pack out their waste.

Water FeaturesLake Ste Kathryn is adjacent to the campground, offering motorized and non-motorized boating opportunities. A boat ramp is available, and the lake supports fishing for Northern Pike, Bass, Walleye, and Perch.

Camp HostNo campground host information provided.

Weather at Lake Ste Kathryn 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

4.5

30 reviews

Recommended

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

User reviews highlight the campground's rustic charm, peaceful atmosphere, and natural beauty. Many comment on its suitability for off-the-grid relaxation and fishing opportunities.

Review Summaries

Based on 30 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive aspects include the campground's serenity, stunning lake views, and well-maintained natural environment. Visitors also appreciate the interpretive trail and quality fishing opportunities.

Based on 30 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints mention the lack of amenities such as modern restrooms, showers, and cell service. Some noted the silty taste of the well water and rough access roads.

Based on 30 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Users recommend bringing your own drinking water, as the hand-pumped water is potable but silty. It's also advisable to stock up on supplies, as the nearest resupply points are far away. A camper...

Based on 30 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The campground is most appreciated in the summer months for its tranquil setting and outdoor activities. Mosquitoes are noted as a problem in warmer weather, and reviews mention that the cooler fall...

Based on 30 reviews

Camper Quotes

"You won't get cell service here, so only come if you're wanting to enjoy some time off the grid." "Nice place to fish or just take a pleasant canoe/kayak ride." "Beautiful lake, beautiful nature."

Based on 30 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site #13 is highlighted for its proximity to the beach and picnic area. Additionally, some lakefront sites are particularly desirable for their views.

Based on 30 reviews