Bobcat Lake Camp
4.1713 reviewsBobcat Lake Camp
$0.00 - $0.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Camping is free from October to April; modest fees are charged from May to September.
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$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Total Campsite Fees$0.00
Share this campground
Recreation Dot Gov
ProviderN/AN/A
About this campground
Tucked away in the pristine wilderness of Ottawa National Forest, Bobcat Lake Camp offers an authentic escape into nature's embrace. This intimate, rustic campground rewards spontaneous adventurers with its first-come, first-served policy—no reservations needed, just show up and claim your slice of tranquility. Here, the modern world fades away as you settle into the simple rhythm of forest life.
Bobcat Lake Campground offers rustic camping options, focusing on a natural and quiet experience.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the dramatic personality shifts of Michigan's Upper Peninsula throughout the year. Summer arrives with warm days perfect for swimming and hiking, though nature's tiny residents—mosquitoes—can be enthusiastic in their welcome. As autumn paints the forest in brilliant golds and crimsons, these buzzing companions retreat, leaving behind crisp air and peaceful evenings around the campfire. Each season brings its own magic to this woodland retreat.
ElevationElevation details not provided.
Natural Features and SceneryWake up to mirror-like reflections on Bobcat Lake's pristine waters, where select campsites place you just steps from the shoreline. The campground's thoughtful design ensures each wooded site feels like a private sanctuary, with mature trees creating natural barriers between neighbors. Morning mist rises from the lake while evening light filters through the canopy, creating those perfect moments that make memories. As visitors often note, the combination of waterfront access, forest seclusion, and breathtaking views creates an atmosphere of pure serenity.
Geological RegionSet within the vast expanse of Ottawa National Forest in Michigan's wild Upper Peninsula, where ancient forests meet countless lakes and streams carved by glaciers millennia ago.
Advertisement
Campsite details
AccessibilityNo specific accessibility features were mentioned in the information provided.
Sites SizeThe campground features small rustic sites, with most offering ample space for tents and some suitable for small RVs.
Sites Privacy"Sites are well-spaced" and provide "lots of privacy," according to user reviews.
Total Campsites11 campsites
Recommended CampsitesMentioned as well-spaced for privacy and offering lakeside views.
Best Campsites"Sites are on the lakeside providing fantastic views," and "Sites right on the shore."
Reserving a campsite
Stay Limit
14 nights maximum per visit.
Groups
There is no mention of designated group camping sites.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Open and Closed SeasonOpen year-round. Free camping from October to April; fees apply May to September.
Reservation PlatformsIn-person via QR code and Recreation.gov mobile app.
Walk-in AvailabilityFirst-come, first-served basis only.
Cancellation PolicyCancellations require $10 fee plus late penalties and first-night fee forfeiture for late cancellations. Same-day cancellations may not be permitted.
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Bobcat Lake Campground offers a variety of outdoor activities for visitors, emphasizing fishing, kayaking, and enjoying the natural setting. The lake provides opportunities for wildlife viewing and water-based recreation.
Fishing
Fishing is a popular activity here, as noted by users: "The fishing was good just a few places from where we slept."Swimming
A "nice swimming beach" is available nearby but is not immediately adjacent to the campground. This beach is described as "the nicest swimming area in this district of the Ottawa."Boating
Bobcat Lake is described as ideal for kayaking: "Kayak right up to your tent." Boating opportunities seem to focus on non-motorized activities.Wildlife viewing
The campground is described as offering "nice wildlife" and opportunities for bird watching. However, disturbances like fireworks have temporarily disrupted the natural tranquility.Winter Activities
Camping is free from October through April when gates are left open, allowing for low-season exploration. However, no specific winter activities are mentioned.Water Sports
Kayaking is popular, with the lake allowing visitors to paddle directly up to their campsites.Advertisement
Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- No specific fire policies mentioned.
Hazards
General hazardsMosquitoes are described as "unbearable" in the summer by user reviews. Fireworks disturbance also caused issues for some visitors.
Active alertsNo current active alerts are mentioned.
Weather forecast
35
°F
Nov 25
Tuesday
Light drizzle
Precipitation: 0.4%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 98%
High humidity, may feel muggy
Wind: 9.2 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
Very Light Rain - (0.40% chance)
Slight drizzle possible
Light drizzle
7 day forecast
Weather History
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Nearest emergency services are likely in Marenisco.
Good to know
Peak season datesMay to September.
Trash and recyclingA garbage receptacle is available on-site according to user reviews, but no specific recycling facilities are mentioned.
Proximity to water featuresLocated on a picturesque lake with warm water, described as "secluded and picturesque" in user reviews.
Common complaintsMosquitoes in summer, lack of on-site management during disturbances, and minimal road noise described in user reviews.
Host"Host site was empty," noted in user review.
Campground Map
Nearby supplies
Supplies are likely available in Marenisco.
Camper Reviews
4.2
13 reviews
Bobcat Lake Camp is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews emphasize the campground's natural beauty, peaceful environment, and lakeside sites, although issues like mosquitoes and disturbances from fireworks are noted.
Review Summaries
Based on 13 reviews
What Campers Love
Reviewers praise the "well-spaced sites" and "fantastic views" by the lake. Amenities like clean vault toilets and a quiet atmosphere are also appreciated. The lake is ideal for kayaking and fishing.
Based on 13 reviewsCommon Concerns
Mosquitoes are a significant issue during summer months. Some disturbances like fireworks have been reported, and a lack of on-site management was noted as a drawback.
Based on 13 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Visitors suggest coming in the fall to avoid mosquitoes and enjoy cooler weather. It is also recommended to bring mosquito netting and bug spray during the summer. "Come early in the year or late in...
Based on 13 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
Summer months have high mosquito activity, making it less comfortable for some campers. In contrast, fall offers quieter, less buggy conditions with scenic foliage.
Based on 13 reviewsCamper Quotes
"Sites are well-spaced, lots of privacy." "Kayak right up to your tent." "Fantastic and beautiful place to relax in the quiet wilderness."
Based on 13 reviewsSite-Specific Reviews
Site-specific details include comments that most sites are lakeside and provide excellent views. "Eleven sites, and while some are certainly better than others the majority are on the lakeside."
Based on 13 reviewsAccessibility Features
No reviews specifically address accessibility features.
Based on 13 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No reviews specifically address pet policies or experiences.
Based on 13 reviewsLast updated November 24, 2025
Advertisement