Ash Campground

For Michiganders seeking an authentic and immersive outdoor experience in the heart of the Upper Peninsula, Ash Campground in Watersmeet offers an inviting retreat. Nestled within the vast and beautiful Ottawa National Forest, this campground provides a comfortable yet rustic setting for campers who appreciate natural beauty and convenient access to outdoor recreation. If you're looking to unwind amidst towering trees, enjoy clear lake waters, and create lasting memories with family and friends, Ash Campground is a destination that perfectly captures the spirit of Michigan's Northwoods.

Ash Campground is a well-established and thoughtfully laid out facility, featuring three main camping loops that encompass a total of 39 campsites, along with a popular group camping site. It's designed to accommodate a variety of camping styles, from traditional tents to trailers and motor homes, ensuring that many types of adventurers can find their ideal spot. Each campsite is equipped with essential amenities, including a wood picnic table, a fire ring for cozy campfires, a lantern post, and a dedicated parking spur, making your stay both convenient and enjoyable.

What truly sets Ash Campground apart for Michigan locals is its commitment to providing quality rustic amenities and excellent access to recreational opportunities. The presence of centrally located hand pumps and pressurized faucets ensures access to drinking water, a vital convenience. Moreover, the adjacent sandy beach and day-use area offer a perfect spot for swimming, sunbathing, and picnicking, enhancing the overall camping experience. Whether you're an avid angler hoping to catch walleye or northern pike in the lake, or a family looking for a safe and enjoyable swimming spot, Ash Campground provides the perfect base for your Upper Peninsula adventure.

Ash Campground is conveniently located in Michigan's western Upper Peninsula, specifically at Watersmeet, MI 49969, USA. This prime location places it squarely within the Ottawa National Forest, a region renowned for its pristine lakes, lush forests, and abundant wildlife.

For Michigan residents, reaching Ash Campground typically involves a scenic drive into the Upper Peninsula. From the Lower Peninsula, the journey generally includes crossing the iconic Mackinac Bridge and then continuing west on major routes like US-2. Watersmeet is situated in the southwestern part of the U.P., making it accessible from various points across the state. From Iron Mountain, for instance, it's roughly an hour's drive north and west. For those coming from larger cities like Marquette, the drive is approximately 2.5 to 3 hours, heading southwest.

The campground offers drive-in sites, meaning it is readily accessible by standard vehicles, including cars, trailers, and motor homes. While the roads leading into and within the national forest are generally well-maintained, particularly during the peak season from June to September, campers should always be aware that some routes might be unpaved forest service roads. However, the ease of access to a facility of this size and with these amenities is a significant advantage. Its location near Watersmeet also means that while you're immersed in nature, you're not entirely isolated, with local services and attractions of the Watersmeet Ranger District within reasonable driving distance. The accessibility, combined with the natural beauty of the area, makes Ash Campground a convenient and desirable choice for Michigan outdoor enthusiasts.

Ash Campground provides a range of essential services and amenities designed to offer a comfortable and classic camping experience within the Ottawa National Forest. These services are geared towards facilitating enjoyable outdoor stays for all types of campers.

• Drive-in Campsites: The campground offers 39 drive-in campsites across three loops, accommodating tents, trailers, and motor homes, making it versatile for various camping setups.

• Individual Site Amenities: Each campsite is thoughtfully equipped with an accessible wood picnic table, a metal fire ring for campfires, a lantern post for evening lighting, and a dedicated parking spur for vehicles.

• Vault Toilets: Five pairs of clean and well-maintained vault toilet facilities are strategically spaced throughout the campground, ensuring convenient access for all campers.

• Drinking Water: Potable drinking water is readily available through centrally located hand pumps and pressurized faucets in each camping loop, a crucial amenity for any outdoor stay.

• Group Camping Site: In addition to individual sites, a well-used group camping site is available, ideal for larger gatherings of families or friends. This site also includes multiple picnic tables.

• Boat Launch Ramps: The campground provides concrete-based boat launch ramps, with no charge to launch a boat, offering easy access to the lake for fishing and boating activities. Trailer parking is also available. Two boat ramps are specifically mentioned, one on the east side of loop 2 and one on the west side just west of loop 1.

• Firewood for Sale: While not explicitly stated as on-site for Ash Campground, other Ottawa National Forest campgrounds often sell firewood bundles. It's best to confirm locally or acquire it from nearby sources to ensure a legal and safe campfire.

Ash Campground is distinguished by several key features and highlights that enhance the camping experience and make it a highly desirable destination in Michigan's Upper Peninsula.

• Adjacent Sandy Beach and Day Use Area: A significant highlight is the beautiful sandy beach and adjacent day-use area, which offers a perfect spot for swimming, picnicking, and relaxing by the water. This provides a refreshing amenity, especially during the warmer summer months.

• Excellent Fishing Opportunities: The lake connected to Ash Campground is known for its diverse fish species, including Walleye, Smallmouth Bass, Rock Bass, Northern Pike, Perch, and Panfish. With two boat ramps and opportunities for boat, canoe, or bank fishing, it's a prime spot for anglers.

• Versatile Campsite Accommodation: With 39 campsites and a group site, the campground can accommodate various setups, from tents to trailers and motor homes. The sites are spacious, providing comfort and room to spread out.

• Clean and Well-Maintained Facilities: Visitors consistently note the cleanliness of the vault toilets and the overall well-maintained nature of the campground, reflecting the dedication of the Ottawa National Forest management.

• Immersive Forest Setting: The campground is situated within a beautiful wooded area, offering a true Northwoods experience. The sites are surrounded by nature, providing privacy and a sense of tranquility.

• Proximity to Ottawa National Forest Attractions: Ash Campground serves as an excellent base for exploring the wider Ottawa National Forest, known for its extensive hiking trails, waterfalls, and diverse wildlife. The Watersmeet area, in general, is rich with outdoor activities like ATV/UTV riding, mountain biking, and hunting.

• Ease of Use: The "easy to intermediate" difficulty level for various activities like boating and fishing suggests that it's welcoming for campers of different skill levels, from beginners to more experienced outdoor enthusiasts.

For inquiries or additional information regarding Ash Campground, please use the following contact details:

Address: Watersmeet, MI 49969, USA

Phone: (906) 358-4551 (Watersmeet – Iron River Ranger District)

While specific phone numbers for individual campgrounds within the Ottawa National Forest are not always listed, the number for the Watersmeet – Iron River Ranger District office is the primary point of contact for information regarding Ash Campground and other facilities in that area. This office can provide the most current details on campsite availability, operating season dates (typically June through September), fees, and any specific regulations or alerts.

It is always recommended to contact the Ranger District directly or visit the official Ottawa National Forest website before planning your trip, especially to confirm the best season for your visit and any potential changes to services or accessibility. This ensures you have the most up-to-date information for a smooth and enjoyable camping experience.

Ash Campground is an ideal destination for Michigan locals, offering a quintessential Upper Peninsula camping experience that is both accessible and deeply connected to nature. For Michiganders who cherish the state's vast natural landscapes, this campground provides a perfect blend of comfort and outdoor adventure.

The drive-in campsites, complete with picnic tables, fire rings, and lantern posts, cater to a wide range of camping preferences, from families with young children to seasoned RVers. The availability of clean vault toilets and conveniently located drinking water points ensures that essential comforts are met, allowing campers to focus on enjoying their surroundings. This balance of rustic charm and practical amenities is particularly appealing to locals who seek an escape without completely roughing it.

The standout feature of Ash Campground for Michigan residents is its immediate access to a beautiful sandy beach and excellent fishing opportunities. Being able to easily swim, relax on the sand, or cast a line for walleye and northern pike in a clear lake right from your campsite is a significant draw. This integrates seamlessly with Michigan's strong outdoor recreation culture, making it a natural fit for those who love lake activities.

Furthermore, Ash Campground serves as a fantastic basecamp for exploring the wider Ottawa National Forest. Its location near Watersmeet provides easy access to a network of hiking trails, waterfalls, and opportunities for wildlife viewing, all within the breathtaking scenery of the U.P. For Michiganders, this means endless possibilities for day trips and discovering new outdoor adventures, all while returning to a comfortable and serene campsite. Whether it's for a peaceful family getaway, a fishing excursion, or a base for exploring the rich wilderness, Ash Campground offers an authentic and accessible slice of Michigan's unparalleled natural beauty right in their own backyard.

Ash Campground

Watersmeet, MI 49969, USA