Burned Dam Campground

For Michiganders eager to truly disconnect and immerse themselves in the raw beauty of the Upper Peninsula wilderness, finding a campground that offers both solitude and natural splendor is paramount. While many seek modern amenities, there's a special allure to a rustic camping experience – a chance to embrace nature with minimal distractions. Nestled in the heart of the Ottawa National Forest near Watersmeet, Burned Dam Campground stands as an exceptional destination for those who crave an authentic outdoor adventure, complete with the sounds of rushing water and the presence of abundant wildlife.

Burned Dam Campground is not your typical resort-style RV park; it’s a rugged and beautiful escape, designed for campers who appreciate simplicity and the natural environment. It offers a unique opportunity to camp completely free of charge, making it an incredibly accessible option for Michigan locals looking to explore the state's iconic wilderness. From its proximity to stunning waterfalls to the abundant opportunities for fishing and canoeing, Burned Dam Campground provides a genuine connection to the wild, while still offering basic necessities for a comfortable, self-sufficient stay.

Burned Dam Campground boasts a truly "out of the way" location, perfect for those seeking seclusion, yet it remains accessible from key routes in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. You'll find this rustic gem along US Hwy Forest Service 4500, Watersmeet, MI 49969, USA. While it feels wonderfully remote, it's approximately 10 miles east of the town of Watersmeet, which provides a convenient gateway for supplies or services if needed. Watersmeet itself is located at the intersection of US-2 and US-45, major arteries that connect various points across the Upper Peninsula.

For those driving, directions typically involve taking US-45 north from Watersmeet, then turning east onto Old US-2, followed by a left onto Forest Road 4500, which leads directly to the campground. This relatively straightforward access ensures that even with its secluded feel, Burned Dam Campground isn't overly difficult to reach, making it an ideal destination for Michigan campers looking for a deep woods experience without an overly arduous journey. The location's primary appeal lies in its immersion within the national forest, providing immediate access to fishing, canoeing, and hiking opportunities.

As a rustic campground, Burned Dam Campground offers essential services designed to facilitate an immersive outdoor experience while maintaining its natural charm. It's important for campers to be prepared for a more primitive setting compared to commercial campgrounds. Here's what you can expect:

• No Camping Fees: Burned Dam Campground is a free campground, making it a highly economical option for extended stays or quick getaways. This is a significant advantage for budget-conscious campers.
• Vault Toilets: The campground provides vault toilets, which are basic, non-flushable restroom facilities, maintaining the rustic nature of the site.
• Picnic Tables: Each of the limited campsites (approximately 5) is equipped with a picnic table, providing a convenient surface for meal preparation and dining.
• Grills/Fire Rings: Individual campsites include grills or fire rings, allowing campers to have campfires for cooking and warmth (subject to local fire regulations).
• Bear-Proof Food Storage: Given the presence of bear activity, the campground thoughtfully provides poles with hooks at each site, allowing campers to hang bear-proof food bags securely.
• Water Access: There is no potable water available at the campground, so campers must bring their own supply.

Burned Dam Campground distinguishes itself with several unique features and highlights that promise an authentic Upper Peninsula wilderness experience. The reviews consistently praise the natural beauty and the opportunity for deep immersion in nature. One satisfied visitor noted, "While I did not stay here, I did walk down to the waterfall and poked around. I would absolutely stay at this campground. Be advised, there is bear activity and there are signs posted about food storage and bear safety. There are poles with hooks at each site to hang bear proof food bags. This is a rustic campground with vault toilets. There are only a handful of campsites and they are nicely spaced apart. Lots of blackberry brambles and blueberry bushes in the woods and along the trail to the river. Mex-i-mine Falls is just steps away from the camping area. Plenty of parking space. There is no fee to camp here and you can camp for a maximum of 14 days. There were a fair amount of mosquitos around during mid-day so be sure to bring bug spray!" This comprehensive feedback highlights the key attractions and considerations.

Key highlights that make Burned Dam Campground special include:

• Proximity to Mex-i-mine Falls: Just steps away from the camping area, Mex-i-mine Falls provides a stunning natural attraction. Campers can enjoy the sight and sound of the gentle rapids of the Middle Branch Ontonagon River flowing over rocks, creating a peaceful ambiance.
• Middle Branch Ontonagon River Access: The campground offers direct access to the Middle Branch Ontonagon River, renowned for its fishing opportunities (including Brook Trout, Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout, and Smallmouth Bass) and canoeing/kayaking. This makes it an ideal spot for anglers and paddlers.
• Abundant Wildlife and Foraging: The surrounding woods are rich with natural bounty. Visitors have noted "Lots of blackberry brambles and blueberry bushes in the woods and along the trail to the river," offering opportunities for foraging (respecting park rules and sustainability).
• Bear Country Awareness: The presence of bear activity is openly acknowledged with posted signs and bear-proof food storage poles. This commitment to safety and responsible wildlife interaction is a key feature for wilderness campers.
• Secluded and Quiet Atmosphere: Despite occasional activity from day-use visitors to the falls, the campground itself is described as "nice, quiet and kinda secluded," with campsites "nicely spaced apart," ensuring privacy and tranquility.
• Maximum 14-Day Stay: The campground allows for stays up to 14 days, providing ample time for extended wilderness immersion without a fee.
• Historical Significance: The area near Mex-i-mine Falls has historical significance related to logging, adding a layer of depth to the natural landscape.
• Well-Maintained Rustic Setting: While rustic, the campground is part of the Ottawa National Forest, implying a level of maintenance for trails and facilities.

For those seeking information about Burned Dam Campground, the primary contact for the Ottawa National Forest, which manages the campground, is the most appropriate resource. While there is no direct reservation system for this free, rustic campground, general inquiries can be directed to:

• Address: US Hwy Forest Service 4500, Watersmeet, MI 49969, USA (within the Ottawa National Forest)
• Phone: (906) 932-1330 (Ottawa National Forest Watersmeet Ranger District)
• Mobile Phone: +1 906-932-1330 (This number typically routes to the same forest service contact)

It is always advisable to contact the Watersmeet Ranger District of the Ottawa National Forest before your visit to inquire about current conditions, any temporary closures, fire restrictions, or updated bear safety guidelines.

In conclusion, Burned Dam Campground offers an unparalleled rustic camping experience for Michiganders eager to explore the wild heart of the Upper Peninsula. For locals, its appeal lies in its unique combination of no-fee camping, secluded campsites, and immediate access to natural wonders like Mex-i-mine Falls and the Ontonagon River. This isn't a place for those seeking full hook-ups or extensive recreational facilities; rather, it's for adventurers who value the peace and raw beauty of the wilderness. The presence of bear safety measures, alongside opportunities for fishing, canoeing, and foraging, ensures a memorable and responsible outdoor journey.

If you're a Michigan resident looking to truly "get away from it all," embrace a primitive camping style, and immerse yourself in an environment where nature takes center stage, Burned Dam Campground is an ideal destination. Its tranquil setting, combined with its accessibility to some of the UP's most cherished natural features, makes it a perfect choice for an authentic Upper Peninsula escape. Remember to pack your bug spray and embrace the wild!

Burned Dam Campground

US Hwy Forest Service 4500, Watersmeet, MI 49969, USA