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Recreation Region: Watersmeet Ranger District

Burned Dam Campground

This rustic campground provides visitors with access to deep woods with fishing and canoeing opportunities on the Middle Branch of the Ontonagon River. This dispersed campground is just a short walk from Mex-i-mine Falls. As you overlook this jewel you can feel the history when loggers used this area to transport their product to the saw mills.

Current Conditions
Developed dispersed recreation site is open until snow closes access. Camping stay limits apply.

Reservations

No reservations - first come, first serve.

General Information

January 1 - December 31

24 hours/ day

no fee required

No charge for use of this campground due to limited services provide. Please pack in and pack out.

New Watersmeet and Iron River Ranger District

Address: E23979 US 2 East Watersmeet, MI 49969
Phone: 906-358-4551
Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. (CT) (Closed on federal holidays)

Getting There

Latitude / Longitude

Latitude: 46.31379535

Longitude: -89.05313987

Directions

From Watersmeet, Mi., take US 45 north approximately 1 mile from intersection with US 2, turn right (east) on Old US 2 and travel approximately 7 miles east, turn left onto FR 4500 and travel approximately 1 mile to the campground.

From Bruce Crossing, Mi., take US 45 south approximately 18 miles, turn left (east) onto Old US 2 and travel approximately 7 miles, turn left onto FR 4500 and travel approximately 1 mile to the campground.
 

Facility and Amenity Information

Restrooms

Restrooms are available at this site.

Water

Potable water is not available at this site.

Recreation Opportunities

Fishing - River/Stream Info

Middle Branch Ontonagon River provides some of the best stream fishing in the area. You can start in Watersmeet where the river crosses under US 45 or from the Burned Dam Campground. 

From Watersmeet, Mi., take US 45 north approximately 1 mile from intersection with US 2, turn right (east) on Old US 2 and travel approximately 7 miles east, turn left onto FR 4500 and travel approximately 1 mile to the campground. 

From Bruce Crossing, Mi., take US 45 south approximately 18 miles, turn left (east) onto Old US 2 and travel approximately 7 miles, turn left onto FR 4500 and travel approximately 1 mile to the campground.

  • Fish Species: Brook Trout, Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout, Steelhead Trout, Small Mouth Bass and Walleye
  • Fishing Mode: Bank, Wade or Float
  • Fishing Platform: None
  • Cleaning Station: None
  • Accessible Platform: None
  • Difficulty Level: Easy to Difficult

Viewing Scenery Info

Mex-i-mine waterfalls is a very accessible waterfalls with a good trail from the Burned Dam Campground to the falls. From here you can watch the water flow gently over the rocks as it makes its way through on its way to Lake Superior.  You might find rare plants and flowers in the spring and are likely to see wildlife in this totally secluded getaway.

Last updated March 27th, 2025