Sparrow Rapids Campground
4.5925 reviews4810 E. M28, Kenton, MI 49967
Sparrow Rapids Campground
$16.00 - $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
The campground has a nightly fee of $16.
About this campground
Tucked away in the pristine wilderness of Ottawa National Forest, Sparrow Rapids Campground offers an intimate escape with just six secluded campsites. This hidden gem welcomes tents, trailers, and motor homes to its rustic embrace, where the melodic rush of the East Branch Ontonagon River creates nature's perfect soundtrack. While maintaining its authentic wilderness character with vault toilets and no potable water, the campground rewards adventurers with unmatched privacy and a genuine back-to-nature experience.
Sparrow Rapids Campground offers primitive camping with minimal facilities and dispersed sites suitable for tents, RVs, and trailers. No group camping or luxury accommodations are provided.
Historical SignificanceNestled within the vast expanse of Ottawa National Forest, Sparrow Rapids Campground stands as a testament to America's conservation legacy. This protected forestland continues to offer visitors the same unspoiled wilderness experience that has drawn outdoor enthusiasts to Michigan's Upper Peninsula for generations.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the dramatic beauty of Michigan's Upper Peninsula through every season at Sparrow Rapids. Winter transforms the landscape into a snow-covered wonderland, with fresh powder accumulating more than three inches weekly during peak months. As seasons turn, the forest awakens to reveal comfortable summer days that peak at a pleasant 79°F, perfect for riverside relaxation and forest exploration.
ElevationPerched atop a commanding ridge high above the rushing waters below, the campground offers a unique vantage point that combines the security of elevated, dry camping with easy access to the river's edge for those seeking waterside adventures.
Natural Features and SceneryFrom its perch on a high, dry ridge, Sparrow Rapids Campground delivers a sensory feast for nature lovers. Towering trees create natural privacy screens between sites, crafting individual sanctuaries within the forest. Below, the East Branch Ontonagon River winds its way through the landscape, its rapids providing a constant, soothing symphony that lulls campers to sleep. This picturesque setting offers the perfect balance of riverside beauty and ridgetop tranquility, creating an atmosphere of peaceful seclusion.
Geological RegionSet within the rugged terrain of Ottawa National Forest, Sparrow Rapids occupies a distinctive geological position on a elevated ridge overlooking the East Branch Ontonagon River. This unique topography creates a rustic wilderness sanctuary where ancient forests meet flowing waters, offering campers an authentic Upper Peninsula experience amidst the region's characteristic ridges and river valleys.
Campsite details
AccessibilityNo sites are officially described as accessible for persons with disabilities.
Sites SizeSites are described as spacious and able to accommodate tents, trailers, and motorhomes.
Sites PrivacySites are noted for their decent spacing and privacy due to tree blocks between campsites.
Total Campsites6 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSite #1 provides the sound of rapids and an excellent view. Site #3 is spacious and scenic.
Best CampsitesSites #1, #3 are considered exceptional for views and proximity to the river.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
No specific check-in time mentioned.
Check-out
No specific check-out time mentioned.
Stay Limit
- The campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis
- information on maximum stay is null.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Review mentions "site spacious enough for the largest of campers," but exact guest limits unspecified.
Groups
Group camping is not available at Sparrow Rapids Campground.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutSites are well-spaced and surrounded by trees for privacy.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen January 1 to December 31, but maintained from May 15 to October 31.
Reservation PlatformsNot applicable since the campground is entirely first-come, first-served.
Walk-in AvailabilityFirst-come, first-served ("you just have to get there early to get a spot by the time it gets dark they are all taken").
Cancellation PolicyNo reservation system exists; campers must arrive early to secure a spot.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Cell phone service
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Sparrow Rapids Campground offers outdoor recreational opportunities including fishing, picnicking, and canoeing/kayaking on the East Branch Ontonagon River. The river access and the serene wilderness setting provide a tranquil camping experience.
Fishing
The East Branch Ontonagon River provides fishing opportunities between sites 3 and 4. Species include Brook Trout, Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout, Steelhead, Salmon, Small Mouth Bass, and Walleye. Fishing methods include bank, wade, or float fishing. One user review highlights the proximity of the river for fishing, stating 'The river is close enough to fish yet far enough I don't have to worry about my little ones.'Boating
Non-motorized boating is supported, with 15.5 miles of floatable river accessible via the East Branch Ontonagon River. Canoeing and kayaking are common during high-flow periods from April 15 to June. Sections of the river can be challenging due to hazards such as low flow, downed trees, and beaver dams.Winter Activities
No specific winter activities are described, but the campground is open year-round and may offer a quiet winter camping experience.Water Sports
Water sports are limited to canoeing and kayaking.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Campfires permitted only in designated fire rings.
- Quiet hours are No official quiet hours; however, user reviews frequently mention the campground as quiet.
Hazards
General hazardsNo drinking water available onsite. River areas may have flow hazards in early spring (April 15 to June). Bugs, particularly flies and mosquitoes, are minimal according to user reviews.
Weather forecast
62
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 51%
Moderately humid conditions
Wind: 9.2 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
Kenton Ranger District (3 miles away, 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. ET, Monday - Friday). Closest hospital and police station are null.
Good to know
Peak season datesPeak season is likely May to October based on maintenance schedule.
Trash and recyclingTrash and recycling facilities are not explicitly mentioned in the source materials or user reviews.
Proximity to water featuresSparrow Rapids Campground is adjacent to the East Branch Ontonagon River, which can be accessed via paths near sites #3 and #4.
Common complaints"No water on site unless from the river." "The outhouses should be avoided if at all possible." Issues with local teens partying occasionally.
HostNo campground hosts mentioned; users describe the campground as "well-maintained" but rustic.
Campground Map
4810 E. M28, Kenton, MI 49967
Driving directionsFrom Kenton take FH 16 north 1/4 mile to FR 1100. Turn left onto FR 1100 and travel northwest for 3 miles to the campground.
Three miles down a pretty decent gravel road. The road is unpaved but relatively smooth according to user reviews ("curvey gravel road," "pretty decent gravel road"), and manageable for most vehicles including sedans as noted by Vincent R Turgeon.Nearby places
Kenton (approximately 3 miles, 5-minute drive). Mass City (approximately 8 miles south via FR 1180).
Nearby supplies
Potable water available at USFS Kenton Wayside (2 miles down the road). Null for groceries, fuel, and other supplies.
Camper Reviews
4.6
25 reviews
Sparrow Rapids Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews emphasize the campground's quiet atmosphere, spacious sites, proximity to the river, and rustic amenities. Positive experiences often highlight the sounds of the rapids, clean vault toilets, and good cell service. Some reviews also note the lack of water and busy periods on weekends and holidays.
Review Summaries
Based on 25 reviews
What Campers Love
Highlights include very private sites, clean vault toilets, good cell service, and the serene sound of the nearby rapids. Several reviews also appreciated its peaceful atmosphere and scenic location.
Based on 25 reviewsCommon Concerns
Complaints mainly revolve around the lack of potable water, crowded conditions during holidays, and occasional party noise from teenagers.
Based on 25 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Campers recommend arriving early to secure a spot, bringing water supplies, and avoiding holiday weekends if seeking solitude. One user suggested checking out the Kenton Wayside for potable water.
Based on 25 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Reviews suggest summer is the most popular season, with quieter weekdays and busier weekends. Winter camping might offer solitude but is less commented upon.
Based on 25 reviewsCamper Quotes
'Falling asleep with the sound of the Rapids flowing is a definite perk!' - Melissa Rowe. 'Bathrooms were clean and stocked with toilet paper.' - Snappy Nevada. 'Excellent camping! Sound of rapids at...
Based on 25 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Sites 1 and 3 are noted as particularly desirable for their spacious layout and proximity to river access. Campers recommend arriving early to secure these spots.
Based on 25 reviewsAccessibility Features
No accessibility features are mentioned in reviews.
Based on 25 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pet-friendly policies or experiences are not explicitly described in reviews.
Based on 25 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025