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Recreation

Trails webpages and information will not be available until May 2025. Thank you for your patience while we work through getting the most updated, accurate information for you during this time.

From vast wildernesses to stunning waterfalls, exploring the Ottawa takes you into a different world. With an average annual snowfall of 200", winter sports enthusiasts will find Alpine and Nordic skiing, snowmobiling, dogsledding and ice fishing for most months the year.

Lightly used campgrounds and far-flung trails make it easy to find solitude no matter what time of year you visit. Although the forest is home to many furry friends, including bear, coyotes, wolves and deer so you'll never be alone.

With over 500 named lakes and 2,000 miles of rivers and streams it's a fisherman's paradise, from walk-in lakes, streams and rivers, to access to the depths of Lake Superior at Black Harbor Recreation Area.

2025 Fee Free Days

  • Martin Luther King, Jr. Day: January 20, 2025
  • National Get Outdoors Day: June 14, 2025
  • Juneteenth: June 19, 2025
  • National Public Lands Day: September 27, 2025
  • Veterans Day: November 11, 2025

*Does not apply to camping, OHV, or concession sites.

Free Fishing Weekend

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources Free Fishing Weekend dates for 2025 are:

  • Feb. 15 - 16
  • June 7 - 8.

All fishing license fees will be waived for two days.

Know Before You Go

Passes and Permits

Campsite at Bobcat Lake Campground

Maps and Guides

An out of focus map

Contact the Visitor Center

Visitor Center

Safety and Ethics

High Five with Smokey

Showing: 41 - 50 of 50 results

Sturgeon Falls

Site Open
Outdoor Science and Learning Hiking
This beautiful area where you might experience the song of a Hermit Thrush or see shade tolerant wildflowers on the forest floor. This trail is a moderately difficult trail due mainly to its length…

Sturgeon River Campground

Site Open
Hunting, Fishing and Shooting Water Activities Hiking
Sturgeon River Campground is located along the Sturgeon River, near Sturgeon River Gorge Wilderness. It provides the outdoor eventurist with several opportunities to get out and see and explore…

Sturgeon River Gorge Wilderness

Site Open
Hiking Outdoor Science and Learning
The Wild and Scenic Sturgeon River rushes out of the northern portion of this wilderness, over the 20-foot volcanic outcroppings of Sturgeon Falls, and through a gorge that reaches 350 feet in depth…

Sylvania (Clark Lake) Campground

Site Open
Picnicking Water Activities Hiking
Adjacent to the 18,327 Sylvania Wilderness is Clark Lake Campground. A day use area with a canoe landing and trailheads is available. Perfect for anyone who wants to take day trips into the…

Sylvania Wilderness Backcountry Camping

Site Open
Hunting, Fishing and Shooting Water Activities Hiking Picnicking Winter Sports Outdoor Science and Learning
Watch the Sylvania Wilderness FilmThe Sylvania Wilderness encompasses 18,327 acres of primitive lands and is part of the National Wilderness Preservation System.Visitors can camp in 50 designated…

Tepee Lake

Site Open
Hunting, Fishing and Shooting
Tepee Lake is easily accessible and fairly large lake that provides boaters and fishermen the opportunity to enjoy the outdoors and relax

Trap Hills

Site Open
Outdoor Science and Learning Hiking
The Trap Hills area of the Ottawa National Forest offers scenic vistas, abundant wildlife, rare plants, a fascinating history and a wide array of recreation opportunities. Comprised of large tracts…

Wolf Mountain

Site Open
Hiking
This is a beautiful gradual hike through lush northern hardwood foliage. It’s rather steep as you near the end but worth the climb. A breathtaking view awaits you at the top.

Yellow Dog Falls

Site Open
Outdoor Science and Learning Hiking
Located in the northeast part of the McCormick Wilderness, these falls are located on the Yellow Dog River, one of only a handful Eastern rivers to be named "wild". This trail is seldom used, and it…

Yondota Falls

Site Open
Outdoor Science and Learning Hiking
Yondota Falls, located just 3 1/2 miles north of Marenisco Mi., on the Bessemer Ranger District, is a series of falls, so be sure you walk far enough to see them all. The trail is not long, but does…