How much does camping cost at Norway Lake Campground?

Camping fees at Norway Lake Campground range from $14/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 Norway Lake Campground?

Norway Lake Campground is open June - September. 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 Norway Lake Campground?

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

How many campsites does Norway Lake Campground have?

Norway Lake Campground has 27 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Arrive early for the best site selection.

Are dogs allowed at Norway Lake Campground?

Pets are not allowed at Norway 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 Norway Lake Campground?

Norway 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 Norway Lake Campground?

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

Norway Lake Campground

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

Norway Lake Campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis. "No reservations" policy enables walk-up availability for all 27 sites. Early arrivals are recommended during holiday weekends or peak seasons.

Q: Can I have a campfire at Norway Lake Campground?

Fire policies at Norway Lake Campground: Each campsite is equipped with a fire ring. Firewood should be locally sourced to prevent invasive species.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

4.54

28 reviews

4810 E. M28 Kenton, MI 49967

Summer Destination

Quick Facts

1,680 ft

Price

$14/night

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

27 campsites

Season

May 24 - October 31

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Check Availability Set up an alert →Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

1,680 ft

Price

$14/night

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

27 campsites

Season

May 24 - October 31

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Check Availability Set up an alert →Official Website

Get Directions

Norway Lake Campground

$14.00 - $14.00 / night

Campsite Fees

The campground charges a flat rate of $14 per night. Golden Age/Interagency Senior and Access Passes are accepted, offering discounts.

Standard Site Fee$14.00

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

4.54

Top-Rated

Based on 28 reviews

25 Google reviews

Most mentioned

quietpeacefulspaciouslake

Some mention

noise

"User reviews paint a picture of a rustic, picturesque campground with serene lake views and a natural setting. Many visitors appreciate the privacy of the sites and the lack of modernization, while others criticize the absence of showers and the prevalence of bugs. 'If you aren't into rustic camping, don't bother,' one user summarized."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

4810 E. M28 Kenton, MI 49967

Norway Lake Campground

4810 E. M28 Kenton, MI 49967

Nearby places

Sidnaw, MI: 8 miles north (~15 min). Iron River, MI: 30 miles southeast (~45 min).

Nearby supplies

Closest supplies can be found in Sidnaw, MI (~8 miles), offering basic convenience stores. Larger grocery stores and fuel options are available in Iron River (~30 miles away).

Driving directionsFrom Sidnaw, MI, take Sidnaw Road south approximately 5 ½ miles to FR 2400, turn left onto FR 2400 and travel 2 miles to campground. 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 3 ½ miles north, turn right onto FR 2400 and travel 2 miles to campground.

"Note: Last two miles can be rough." Roads to the campground include paved and unpaved segments, with potential rough terrain near the campground.

Best Time to Camp at Norway Lake Campground

Summer is the clear season to visit. Daytime highs reach the mid-60s to mid-70s, with nights dropping to 45-55°F at the campground's 1,680-foot elevation. Lake water warms enough for comfortable swimming from late June through August. Long daylight hours and accessible trails make this the window for most activities. Weekends draw crowds, especially holiday weekends when some visitors report noise and fireworks. Midweek visits in late September offer quiet, though you'll need layers for cool mornings.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.5 / 5

June–Sept are peak magic months: warm days, cool evenings, active lake recreation.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: June - September. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: May 24 - October 31

About Norway Lake Campground

Norway Lake Campground sits beneath towering Norway pines in Ottawa National Forest, about 10 miles south of Sidnaw in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. The 27 sites spread across two loops, each screened by vegetation for privacy. Nightly fees run $14. Amenities are basic: vault toilets, hand-pumped well water, fire rings, and picnic tables. A boat ramp and small beach provide lake access.

Norway Lake Campground offers traditional camping accommodations for tents, trailers, and motorhomes. It is a rustic, primitive campground with no modern amenities.

Historical Significance

A stone pavilion in the day-use area was built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s. One visitor returned after 50 years and found the campground largely unchanged.

Weather and SeasonsSummer is the clear season to visit. Daytime highs reach the mid-60s to mid-70s, with nights dropping to 45-55°F at the campground's 1,680-foot elevation. Lake water warms enough for comfortable swimming from late June through August. Long daylight hours and accessible trails make this the window for most activities. Weekends draw crowds, especially holiday weekends when some visitors report noise and fireworks. Midweek visits in late September offer quiet, though you'll need layers for cool mornings.

ElevationPerched at 1,680 feet above sea level, Norway Lake Campground offers a refreshing escape from summer's heat. This elevated position creates a unique microclimate where morning mists dance across the water and afternoon breezes whisper through the pine boughs. The altitude delivers noticeably cooler temperatures than the valleys below, ensuring comfortable sleeping conditions and invigorating morning air that makes that first cup of camp coffee taste even better.

Natural Features and SceneryNorway pines dominate the campground, their rust-colored bark and dense canopies filtering sunlight onto sandy soil. The trees grow tall here, a product of the glacially-carved terrain and well-drained ground. Norway Lake itself is small and calm, good for paddling and swimming once the water warms in late June. White-tailed deer visit the shore at dawn. Loons call across the water at dusk. The surrounding forest mixes pines with northern hardwoods, creating pockets of shade and open understory.

Geological RegionNorway Lake Campground showcases the distinctive beauty of the Ottawa National Forest, where ancient geological forces carved a landscape of rolling hills, pristine lakes, and sandy soils perfect for the towering Norway pines that define this region. This corner of Michigan's Upper Peninsula represents millions of years of natural history, from glacial sculpting to forest succession, creating an outdoor classroom where massive pines stand sentinel over a serene lake environment that has captivated visitors for generations.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

6AM

Check-out

10 PM

Stay Limit

Camping is allowed for a maximum of 14 consecutive days.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Eight people and 2 motorized vehicles are allowed per campsite.

Groups

There are no designated group camping sites mentioned in the provided materials.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutTwo loops divide the 27 sites. Vegetation screens each site from neighbors, though spacing varies. Sites closer to the lake have less buffer between them and the water.

Reservation PlatformsNorway Lake Campground does not accept reservations; sites are first-come-first-served.

Walk-in AvailabilityNo reservations" policy enables walk-up availability for all 27 sites. Early arrivals are recommended during holiday weekends or peak seasons.

Cancellation PolicyCancellation policy is not mentioned in the authoritative source materials.

AccessibilityThe campground does not have any officially designated accessible sites or facilities.

Site SizeSites are described as being spacious, with some adjacent to Norway Lake. Specific dimensions are not provided.

PrivacyEach site is naturally screened by vegetation, providing a degree of privacy. One user review highlights this: 'It is right on the lake and rather private.

Total Campsites27 campsites

Recommended SitesChoose sites near the lake for better views and privacy. Site 21 is particularly recommended for its quiet setting and direct lake access.

Amenities available

Potable water

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

The campground offers a variety of recreational activities, including boating, fishing, wildlife viewing, and swimming. Notably, Norway Lake is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts. It is suited for both motorized and non-motorized boating activities. The adjacent Deer Marsh Interpretive Trail offers a 3-mile loop trail for wildlife viewing, featuring interpretive signs and platforms.

Hiking

Fishing

Swimming

Boating

Wildlife viewing

Beach activities

Policies & Safety

Hazards & Alerts"Bugs can be viscous," as noted in user reviews, especially during warmer months. No running water is available, and campers should bring their own potable water.

Fire PolicyEach campsite is equipped with a fire ring. Firewood should be locally sourced to prevent invasive species.

Emergency ServicesNearest emergency services are in Sidnaw, MI (8 miles away), which provides limited facilities. For more comprehensive services such as hospitals, Iron River, MI (~30 miles away) is the better option.

Trash & RecyclingNo specific information is provided about trash and recycling facilities. User reviews do not mention this aspect.

Water FeaturesNorway Lake is adjacent to the campground, featuring a boat ramp, swimming beach, and fishing opportunities. The lake supports motorized and non-motorized water activities.

Camp HostThere is no mention of campground hosts in the authoritative sources or user reviews.

Weather at Norway 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

4.5

28 reviews

Top-Rated

Norway Lake Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews paint a picture of a rustic, picturesque campground with serene lake views and a natural setting. Many visitors appreciate the privacy of the sites and the lack of modernization, while others criticize the absence of showers and the prevalence of bugs. 'If you aren't into rustic camping, don't bother,' one user summarized.

Review Summaries

Based on 28 reviews

What Campers Love

- Beautiful lakeside setting. - Spacious and private sites screened by vegetation. - Opportunities for fishing, swimming, and boating. - Quiet and peaceful, especially outside of peak holiday...

Based on 28 reviews

Common Concerns

- Lack of modern amenities such as showers and flush toilets. - Prevalence of bugs, particularly mosquitoes. - Limited water facilities; some recommend bringing your own drinking water. - Noise...

Based on 28 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

- Bring your own potable water as some reviews mention old or limited well water. - Site #21 is highly recommended for its direct access to the lake. - Visit during off-peak times (e.g., late...

Based on 28 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Reviews suggest the campground is busiest during holiday weekends, but quieter in late September. Mosquitoes are more prevalent in the summer months.

Based on 28 reviews

Camper Quotes

- 'If you aren't into rustic camping, don't bother.' - 'No showers, old well water, and bugs aplenty. I love it!' - 'The lake view is very nice!' - 'The beauty and serenity make this a delightful...

Based on 28 reviews