Official websites use .gov
A .gov
website belongs to an official government organization in the
United States.
Secure .gov websites use HTTPS
A lock
(
) or https:// means you've safely
connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only
on official, secure websites.
Ironjaw Lake Campsites
Ironjaw Lake is located in the heart of the Ironjaw Semi-Primitive Area, which is managed for both motorized and non-motorized uses. Our management efforts seek to provide for quiet, peaceful recreation opportunities in a semi-primitive setting. The campsite is also located on the trail system of the non-motorized Pine Marten Run Trail, which is open to hiking, mountain biking and horse back riding. The campsite at Ironjaw is a pull-through site that also features a tent pad situated on a hill overlooking Lake Nineteen. This site is suitable for only one family with a small trailer. There is limited turnaround space. A primitive toilet is located across the road. There is no drinking water available at this site. The swimming area is poor. The boat access to Ironjaw Lake (62 acres) is down a steep hill but the surface is firm. Turn-around and back-in space at the base of the hill is very limited however, and 4 wheel drive vehicles are recommended. Parking is restricted to a small area located at the top of the hill. Ironjaw Lake is one of the better fishing lakes in the area. Crappie fishing is excellent in the spring. The lake also contains northern pike, largemouth bass, bluegill and bullheads. Horse camping is allowed at Ironjaw Lake.
At a Glance
| Current Conditions: | Reservations through Columbus Day. No services/no reservations/no fees after that time Columbus Day through May 15. |
|---|---|
| Operational Hours: | Beginning May, 2022
|
| Reservations: | Reserve Ironjaw Lake and view an interactive map at https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/273351 |
| Fees: | Camping fee is $8 per night per site. Federal Recreation Passes (Golden/America the Beautiful) are accepted. |
| Permit Info: | Camping at Ironjaw Lake is by reservation only. Walk ins are not allowed. These sites may be reserved for up to 14 days. Reservations are made on our national recreation reservation system. To check availability of the campsites or to make a reservation, call 877-444-6777 or go to www.recreation.gov . |
| Open Season: | May 15 - Columbus Day |
| Water: | None |
General Information
Directions:From the Intersection of US-2 and Forest Highway 13 (about 14 miles east of Rapid River) drive north 18.7 miles on Highway 13 to County Road 440. Turn right (east) on CR 440 and drive 4.6 miles to FR 2733. Turn left (north) and drive 1.3 miles to the parking area.
Activities
Campground Camping
Ironjaw is a small, wooded site on a hill that overlooks both Ironjaw Lake and Lake Nineteen. It is 50 ft. by 40 ft. and is suitable for two families with trailers.
Lake and Pond Fishing
Ironjaw Lake is 51 acres. Ironjaw lake is one of the better fishing lakes in the area. The boat access to Ironjaw lake is down a steep hill, but the road was rebuilt in 1989 and the surface is firm. Turn-around and back-in space at the base of the hill is very limited, however, and 4-WD vehicles are recommended.
| Fish Species | Largemouth bass,Northern pike,Black crappie,Bluegill |
Horse Camping
Horse Friendly Campground
Boating - Motorized
The boat access to Ironjaw lake is down a steep hill, but the road was rebuilt in 1989 and the surface is firm. Turn-around and back-in space at the base of the hill is very limited, however, and 4-WD vehicles are recommended. The access to Lake Nineteen is also steep, but the road is firm. Parking for both lakes is restricted to a turn-around area located to the south of site #1.
Boating - Non-Motorized
Nice lake to kayak or canoe.
Swimming
The swimming area is poor. Be cautious when swimming because the area has not been checked for possible hazards. Please remember that you swim at your own risk. Lifeguards are not present. Children should be accompanied in the water by an adult at all times.