Black River Harbor Recreation Area
Known for its spectacular waterfalls, idyllic beaches, scenic hiking trails, and tranquil campground, the Black River Harbor Recreation Area is a popular destination throughout the year. Originating in Wisconsin, the Black River flows through forested areas of large pine, hemlock and hardwood trees. The River has a series of scenic waterfalls as it drops in elevation to meet Lake Superior. Tannin (tannic acids) from hemlock trees is what gives it its unique color.
The Harbor offers one of the area's few access points to Lake Superior, with boating being a major summer-time activity. The boat ramp can accommodate almost any craft trailered in. Parking for trucks and boat trailers is ample for a fee.
A historic pavilion built by the CCC is also located here. Review guidelines on use of the pavilion.
Reservations
Reservations are accepted for 23 sites. Seventeen (17) first come, first served sites are also available.
- Reservations can be made up to 6 months in advance of visit.
- Reservations must be made at least 3 days in advance of visit.
- Go to: Recreation.gov or call 1-877-444-6777 to make a reservation.
General Information
Campground Camping
The campground has 39 paved camping spurs, 2 vault toilets and a pressurized water system. The campsites can accommodate tents, trailers, and motor homes. Seven campsites provide an overlook to Lake Superior. Each campsite is bordered by vegetation providing privacy for a quiet enjoyable experience.
Please contact the Bessemer Ranger District additional information.
- No. of Sites: 39
- Fire Information: Fire ring in each campsite
- No. of Accessible sites: 0
- Sleeping Shelter: No
- Status: Open
- Hours of Operation: Campground is open 24 hours a day, self-pay
- Difficulty Level: Easy to Intermediate
May 24 - October 15
Black River Harbor Campground:
- Reservations can be made for campsites through 9/30/2024. From 10/1 - 10/14/2024 sites are first-come, first-served self-registration.
- The campground gate will close at 12:00 p.m. CT on October 15, 2024.
Day Use:
- The pavilion will be closed for the season and flush toilets will no longer be available beginning September 28, 2024.
- Day use fees are in place until September 30th.
- The day use area and waterfall trailheads are open year-round, however services are reduced, and winter access can be limited due to snow plowing.
24 hours per/day.
Golden Age/Interagency Senior Pass and Access Passes are accepted in the campground.
Camping in a developed recreation site is allowed for a period not longer than 14 days, except as otherwise posted. After this time, you must move to another campground or dispersed site for at least 24 hours. Campers must occupy the site the first night. Eight people and 2 motorized vehicles are allowed per campsite with a maximum of one RV or camper trailer and two tents per camping site or three tents per camping site. Generators are not permitted during quiet hours (10pm-6am).
Camping: $22/night per campsite. Upon arrival - if you have a reservation, proceed to the campground. If you do not have a reservation, proceed to the self-serve fee station located at the CAMPGROUND ENTRANCE to register and pay the campsite fee.
Day Use:
From May 15 - September 30 - Picnic Area/Day Use Area
$5 per day per vehicle $30 Annual Pass per vehicle Pass Information for Sylvania Wilderness, Black River Harbor Recreation Area and Lake Ottawa Recreation Area
Camping: $16/night per campsite. Upon arrival - if you have a reservation, proceed to the campground. If you do not have a reservation, proceed to the self-serve fee station located at the CAMPGROUND ENTRANCE to register and pay the campsite fee.
Docking: Docking fees are determined by size of boat. Contact Ottawa National Forest for more information regarding fees.
Address: E6248 US HWY 2 Ironwood, MI 49938
Phone: 906-932-1330
Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. (CT) (Closed on federal holidays)
Getting There
Latitude / Longitude
Latitude: 46.66416323
Longitude: -90.05190622
Directions
From Ironwood Mi., travel east on US 2 to Powderhorn Road, turn left onto Powderhorn Road and travel approximately 3 miles to CR 513, turn left onto CR 513 and travel approximately 11 miles to the Black River Harbor Recreation Area.
From Wakefield, Mi., travel west on US 2 to Powderhorn Road, turn right onto Powderhorn Road and travel approximately 3 miles to CR 513, turn left onto CR 513 and travel approximately 11 miles to the Black River Harbor Recreation Area.
Closest Town: Bessemer, Mi. is 15 miles to the south.
Parking
Large paved parking lot located adjacent to day use/picnic area.
Facility and Amenity Information
Accessibility
Restrooms at day use area are accessible. 26 picnic tables in the day use area and 6 picnic tables in the pavilion are accessible.
Restrooms
Restrooms are available at this site.
Water
Potable water is not available at this site.
Picnic Tables
Picnic tables are available at this site.
Each campsite (two overlooking Lake Superior) has a picnic table. In addition, there are 26 in the day use picnic area.
Other Amenities
- Toilets: 2 sets of vault toilets in camping area; 1 set of flush toilets in the pavilion; and 1 vault toilet in the day use area.
- Boat ramp: Located in Harbor
- Drinking water: Pressurized Water System (not potable)
Recreation Opportunities
Fishing - Lake & Pond Info
Lake Superior is easily accessible from Black River Harbor for the enjoyment of all. If it's deep water fishing or fishing from the shoreline, the facilities at Black River Harbor provide. The harbor is one of the area’s few access points to Lake Superior with boating being a major summertime activity. The boat ramp can accommodate most watercraft. There is a $5 use fee for day use amenities, including the boat ramp. The upper parking area is suited for large vehicles and vehicles with trailers.
- Fish Species: Lake Trout, Coho Salmon, Steelhead Trout, Walleye, Bass, and Panfish
- Fishing Mode: Boat or shoreline
- Special Designations: Boat ramp and dock
- Fishing Platform: No
- Cleaning Station: No
- Accessible Platform: No
- Water Temperature: Cold
- Open Season: May-September
- Best Season: June-August
- Difficulty Level: Easy to Intermediate
Backpacking Info
The North Country Trail travels through the heart of the Black River Harbor Recreation Area. There is a North Country Trail Trailhead located near Copper Peak and within the Black River Harbor Day use area. Additionally, the North Country Trail can be accessed from any of the Black River Waterfall day use areas and the Black River Harbor Campground. The trail parallels the Black River for most of the journey north from Copper Peak, crosses the Black River on the suspension bridge, and then continues east toward the Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park.
Fees: None
Difficulty Level: Easy to More Difficult
Day Hikes Info
There are several opportunities for short hikes within the Black River Harbor Recreation Area. You can take any of the five short (1/4 - 3/4 mile) trails to the waterfalls which are all accessible from paved parking lots. If you prefer to make it more of a day you can access the North Country Trail at the trail head at the north end of Copper Peak Road and travel north along the Black River and view the waterfalls and continue into the Black River Harbor for a 6-mile hike. If you desire more the North Country Trail continues across our famous suspension bridge and 5.8 miles to the edge of Porcupine Mountain Wilderness State Park.
- Difficulty Level: Easy to More Difficult. Most of the trails that lead to waterfalls are paths with steps. This can be strenuous so please pace yourself and avoid over exertion.
- Fees: None
- Recreation areas with activity Day Hiking:
- Conglomerate Waterfalls
- Potawatomi and Gorge Waterfalls
- Rainbow Falls
- Sandstone Falls
Swimming Info
The Black River Harbor provides access to ½ mile of natural Lake Superior shoreline to the east and west of the river mouth. The shoreline is a natural mixture of sand and stone. The natural shoreline is accessed by crossing the famous wooden suspension bridge and then following the trail to the water. Please note, the Ottawa National Forest does not maintain the shoreline and provides no lifeguard or other services. Please practice “Pack it in/out” standards when recreating near Lake Superior.
- Clothing Requirements: Bathing suit required. No lifeguard on duty.
- Water Temperature: Lake Superior is a cold lake due to its size and depth.
- Difficulty Level: Easy to Difficult
Boating - Motorized Info
Lake Superior is easily accessible from Black River Harbor for the enjoyment of all. Deep water fishing by boat or shoreline fishing are both popular at this site. The harbor is one of the area’s few access points to Lake Superior with boating being a major summertime activity. The boat can accommodate almost any craft that is trailered in. The docking fee area is managed by the Ottawa National Forest. For more information or questions, please contact the Bessemer Ranger District. The launch ramp has a concrete base.
- Trailer Parking: Yes
- Class of rapids: None
- Type of Craft: Harbor can normally accept a boat that draws 7 feet or less.
- Motor Type: No Restrictions
- Marina/Mooring: Yes, docking is on a first come first serve basis, rates are determined by the size of your craft and the pay station is located right on the stationary dock with a pay tube.
- Fees: The transient docking fees are based upon the length of the watercraft and are posted at the information kiosk on the dock. User fees to park and use the day use area are $5/day per vehicle or the $30 Annual Ottawa National Forest Pass.
- Hours of Operation: 24 hours a day, self-pay.
- Difficulty Level: Easy to Intermediate
Picnicking - Single Info
The Black River Harbor Recreation Area Picnic area overlooks the Black River as it runs into the Harbor and on into Lake Superior.
- Parking: Large Parking lot.
- No. of Sites: 26
- Reservation Info: None
- Fire Information: Outdoor grills
- No. of Accessible Sites: all 26 picnic tables are accessible
- Fees: $5 day use fee
- Hours of Operation: Area opens at 6am and closes at 10pm daily during open season
Picnicking - Groups Info
The Black River Harbor Pavilion is available for group use by reservation. This historic building sits overlooking the Black River Harbor, Lake Superior, and the picnic area. It has flush toilets, tables, and a fireplace inside. This is ideal for small gatherings.
- No. of Sites: 1
- Reservation Info: Reservation is required. To reserve the Black River Harbor pavilion, go to www.recreation.gov or call 877-444-6777
- Group Shelter: Yes, with public restrooms
- Hookups - Electric: yes, 110 two sets of interior outlets.
- Accessibility: The site is accessible.
- Open Season: May-September
- Fees: $100 a day
- Best Season: June-August
- Hours of Operation: 6am - 10pm daily, during open season.
Scenic Driving Info
The Black River Scenic Byway begins northwest of Bessemer, Michigan, at the intersection of CR 204 (Airport Rd) and CR 513 (Black River Road) and continues for 11 miles to Black River Harbor. Officially dedicated as a National Scenic Byway on September 19, 1992, for its exceptional beauty, recreational beauty and recreational opportunities. To access the Black River Scenic Byway from Ironwood take US 2 east and turn left on Powderhorn Road, travel north until you intersect with CR 513, turn left on CR 513 and you are on the Black River Scenic Byway. From Wakefield and points east, take US 2 west to Bessemer, at the west end of Bessemer turn right on Powderhorn Road, travel north until you intersect with CR 513, turn left onto CR 513 and you are on the Black River Scenic Byway.
- Pavement Type for Parking: Asphalt
- Vechicle Clearance: Normal highway clearance is available.
- Size Restrictions: Road Restrictions controlled by Gogebic County Road Commission. Expect Weight Restriction in the Spring.
- Difficulty Level: Easy