Marion Lake Group Site
05 reviewsE23979 US 2 EAST
Marion Lake Group Site
$100.00 - $100.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$100.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
The Group Standard Area Nonelectric site costs $100 per night during peak season, May 23 to September 30. This excludes additional service fees, taxes, and discounts.
About this campground
Nestled in the heart of Ottawa National Forest, Marion Lake Group Site beckons adventure seekers and nature lovers alike. This idyllic camping destination sits in a sun-dappled grassy meadow, where towering hemlocks and vibrant hardwoods create a natural amphitheater around your campsite. With direct access to the sparkling waters of Marion Lake, you'll find yourself perfectly positioned for endless days of jet skiing across glassy waters, carving wake boarding runs, or casting a line into promising fishing spots. Whether you're planning a family reunion or a friends' getaway, this group site offers the perfect blend of lakeside excitement and forest tranquility.
Marion Lake Group Site is specifically designed for group camping, offering a spacious area for larger gatherings.
Historical SignificanceThe land surrounding Marion Lake whispers stories of centuries past, where indigenous peoples first navigated these waterways and forests long before European settlement. During the logging boom, these ancient forests echoed with the sounds of industry as towering trees made their way to growing cities. Today, Marion Lake serves as a vital sanctuary for nature's rhythms – watch for graceful formations of migrating birds painting patterns across the sky, while native deer emerge from the forest edges at dawn and dusk, continuing traditions as old as the hills themselves.
Weather and SeasonsMarion Lake transforms with the seasons, each bringing its own magic to your camping experience. Summer months from May through September paint the perfect picture for outdoor adventures, with comfortable temperatures dancing between 50°F and 80°F – ideal for morning coffee by the lake and afternoon water sports. Clear, dry days dominate the peak season, creating endless blue skies reflected in the lake's surface. As autumn approaches, the surrounding hardwoods burst into brilliant colors, while winter brings a crystalline blanket of snow that transforms the landscape into a quiet wonderland.
ElevationPerched at 1,627 feet above sea level, Marion Lake Group Site offers a refreshing escape from summer's heat. This gentle elevation creates the perfect microclimate – where cool morning mists rise from the lake surface and evening breezes whisper through the trees. The surrounding rolling hills provide natural vantage points for spectacular sunrises and create sheltered pockets that make each campsite feel like its own private retreat.
Natural Features and SceneryPicture yourself waking to the gentle lapping of Marion Lake against the shoreline, surrounded by nature's carefully composed landscape. The campground's grassy field spreads like a welcome mat between the shimmering lake and the protective embrace of hemlock and hardwood forest. These lightly rolling hills create intimate spaces and scenic vistas, while the majestic trees – some standing sentinel for over a century – provide dappled shade and frame perfect sunset views across the water. Every direction offers a postcard-worthy scene, from morning mist dancing on the lake to evening light filtering through the forest canopy.
Geological RegionMarion Lake rests within the Ottawa National Forest's remarkable landscape, a testament to the ancient glaciers that sculpted Michigan's Western Upper Peninsula into a masterpiece of lakes and forests. These massive ice sheets carved out the rolling hills and lake basins that define the region today, leaving behind a terrain that seamlessly blends water and woodland. Dense stands of hemlock intermingle with hardwood forests, creating a diverse ecosystem that changes with every trail bend. This glacially carved wonderland offers countless opportunities for exploration, where each ridge might reveal a hidden lake view and every valley holds secrets waiting to be discovered.
Campsite details
AccessibilityThe campground includes a convenient path to the lake and nearby boat launch; however, detailed accessibility features for individuals with disabilities are not mentioned.
Sites SizeGroup campsites offer spacious accommodations designed for larger gatherings.
Sites PrivacySites are located in a large, grassy field surrounded by hemlock and hardwood trees, providing partial privacy.
Total Campsites1 campsites
Recommended CampsitesBring mosquito repellent due to seasonal prevalence of insects.
Best CampsitesNo individual campsites ranked as best; this is a group site.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
11:00 AM
Check-out
12:00 PM
Stay Limit
You may stay up to 14 nights during a visit at this campground.
Guests Allowed Per Site
This is a group site, capacity limits are not explicitly stated.
Groups
The group site area accommodates larger groups, offering shared spaces with picnic tables and grills/fire rings.
Tents
Tents are not allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutA single group site located in a grassy field with easy access to Marion Lake.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen from May 23 to September 30. Reservations available on a rolling 12-month basis.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov (website or app). Phone reservations also available.
Walk-in AvailabilityNo specific mention of walk-up availability for the group site.
Cancellation PolicyReservations can be canceled any time before check-in. A $10 cancellation fee applies, along with forfeiture of the first night's fee if canceled less than 14 days before arrival for group sites. Late cancellations are at the discretion of on-site personnel.
Accomodation available
GroupGroup campsites are offered for larger parties such as families, schools, or organizations. These sites provide space and facilities to accommodate multiple people camping together.
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Firewood available
Activities you can enjoy
Marion Lake Group Site provides a wealth of recreational opportunities including water sports, fishing, swimming, birding, boating, biking, and wildlife viewing. Nearby trails in the Sylvania Wilderness offer hiking opportunities for enthusiasts.
Hiking
Scenic trails are available in the nearby Sylvania Wilderness region, known for its old-growth forests and 34 named lakes.Fishing
Fishing is available at Marion Lake, allowing visitors to enjoy a day of angling.Swimming
A swim beach is adjacent to the group site, offering opportunities for water-based recreation.Biking
General biking opportunities are implied but specific details on terrain or trails are not provided.Boating
The boat launch provides easy access to Marion Lake for various boating activities.Wildlife viewing
The Ottawa National Forest attracts deer and migrating birds, offering excellent wildlife viewing opportunities.Beach activities
A swim beach adjacent to the campground provides opportunities for sunbathing and water recreation.Winter Activities
No winter activities explicitly mentioned.Water Sports
Water sports such as jet skiing and wakeboarding are popular on Marion Lake.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Campfires are permitted, but firewood must be sourced locally to prevent invasive species.
- Quiet hours are Not explicitly specified.
Hazards
General hazardsMosquitoes are frequently mentioned in user reviews as a nuisance. Seasonal weather like snow may impact accessibility.
Weather forecast
59
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Mainly clear
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 53%
Moderately humid conditions
Wind: 8.7 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
Mainly clear
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, MI hosts the nearest emergency services, including a small medical clinic, police station, and fire department.
Good to know
Peak season datesMay 23, 2025 to September 30, 2025
Trash and recyclingNo specific information provided about trash and recycling facilities.
Proximity to water featuresAdjacent to Marion Lake with a swim beach and boat launch accessible via a convenient path.
Common complaintsMosquito presence is a recurring complaint in user reviews.
HostOperated by Camp Host, LLC under special use permit. Host contact is available at 906-661-8870.
Campground Map
E23979 US 2 EAST
Driving directionsMarion Lake Group Camping site is accessed most easily from U.S. Highway 2. Turn north from US-2 onto Marion Lake Road, also known as Forest Road 3980. Travel approximately 1.5 miles north and then turn right onto Forest Road 3985. Travel until road makes a Y, where a location map is located there to show you the layout of the campground.
The campground is accessible via paved roads up to Marion Lake Road (Forest Road 3980). Forest Road 3985 may require careful navigation but is manageable. Seasonal conditions like snow or heavy rain may impact access.Nearby places
Watersmeet, MI - Approximately 7 miles (10-minute drive)
Ironwood, MI - Approximately 37 miles (50-minute drive)
Eagle River, WI - Approximately 28 miles (35-minute drive).
Nearby supplies
Watersmeet, MI contains grocery stores, camping supply shops, and fuel stations. Larger supply options can be found in Ironwood, MI or Eagle River, WI.
Camper Reviews
0.0
5 reviews
Marion Lake Group Site has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
Reviews for Marion Lake Group Site highlight its serene and clean environment, spacious group camping facilities, and proximity to recreational activities. Mosquito presence is noted as a potential downside.
Review Summaries
Based on 5 reviews
What Campers Love
Reviewers often praise the scenic beauty, clean facilities, and serene environment. The campground is described as a favorite due to its tranquil setting and recreational opportunities.
Based on 5 reviewsCommon Concerns
The primary concern raised by campers is the presence of mosquitoes.
Based on 5 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Campers recommend bringing mosquito repellent and utilizing the nearby hiking trails in the Sylvania Wilderness.
Based on 5 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Summer appears to be the most favored season for camping at Marion Lake Group Site, with visitors taking advantage of water-based activities and hiking trails.
Based on 5 reviewsCamper Quotes
1. "Beautiful❤️ Clean❤️ Serene❤️ Our favorite campground by far!!!!!" - Shari Smeaton
2. "Quiet location, there are some sites right on the water, would stay again here." - Rob K
3. "Very nice space....
Based on 5 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
No specific sites were highlighted; reviews generally mention group camping features.
Based on 5 reviewsAccessibility Features
No reviews specifically address accessibility features.
Based on 5 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No specific reviews address pet policies or issues related to pet-friendly camping.
Based on 5 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025