Black River Harbor Recreation Area

Campground Camping

Recreation areas with activity Campground Camping:

The campground has 39 paved camping spurs, 2 vault toilets and a pressurized water system. The campsites can accommodate tents, trailers, and motor homes. Seven campsites provide an overlook to Lake Superior. Each campsite is bordered by vegetation providing privacy for a quiet enjoyable experience.

General Info:

Seasonal Information

 

Please contact the Bessemer Ranger District at 906-932-1330 for additional information.

No. of Sites	39
Reservation Info	23 sites are reservable through recreation.gov
Fire Information	Fire ring in each campsite
No. of Accessible sites	0
Sleeping Shelter	No
Status:	Open
Fees:	$16 a night.
Reservation info:	Reservations are accepted for 23 sites. Seventeen (17) first come, first served sites are also available. Reservations can be made up to 6 months in advance of visit. Reservations must be made at least 3 days in advance of visit. Go to: Recreation.gov or call 1-877-444-6777 to make a reservation.
Hours of Operation:	Campground is open 24 hours a day, self pay
Difficulty Level:	Easy to Intermediate

Lake and Pond Fishing

Recreation areas with activity Lake and Pond Fishing:

Lake Superior is easily accessible from Black River Harbor for the enjoyment of all. If its deep water fishing or fishing from the shoreline, the facilities at Black River Harbor provide. The harbor is one of the area’s few access points to Lake Superior with boating being a major summertime activity. The boat ramp can accommodate most watercraft. There is a $5 use fee for day use amenities, including the boat ramp. The upper parking area is suited for large vehicles and vehicles with trailers.

Fish Species	Lake Trout, Coho Salmon, Steelhead Trout, Walleye, Bass, and Panfish
Fishing Mode	Boat or shoreline
Special Designations	Boat ramp and dock
Fishing Platform	No
Cleaning Station	No
Accessible Platform	No
Water Temperature	Cold
Open Season:	May-September
Best Season:	June-August
Difficulty Level:	Easy to Intermediate

Day Hiking

Recreation areas with activity Day Hiking:

• Conglomerate Waterfalls
• Potawatomi and Gorge Waterfalls
• Rainbow Falls
• Sandstone Falls

There are several opportunities for short hikes within the Black River Harbor Recreation Area.  You can take any of the five short (1/4 - 3/4 mile) trails to the waterfalls which are all accessible from paved parking lots.  If you prefer to make it more of a day you can access the North Country Trail at the trail head at the north end of Copper Peak Road and travel north along the Black River and view the waterfalls and continue into the Black River Harbor for a 6 mile hike.  If you desire more the North Country Trail continues across our famous suspension bridge and 5.8 miles to the edge of Porcupine Mountain Wilderness State Park.  

Difficulty Desc.	Most of the trails that lead to waterfalls are paths with steps.  This can be strenuous so please pace yourself and avoid over exertion.
Status:	Open
Fees:	None
Difficulty Level:	Easy to More Difficult

Backpacking

Recreation areas with activity Backpacking:

The North Country Trail travels through the heart of the Black River Harbor Recreation Area. There is a North Country Trail Trailhead located near Copper Peak and within the Black River Harbor Day use area. Additionally, the North Country Trail can be accessed from any of the Black River Waterfall day use areas and the Black River Harbor Campground. The trail parallels the Black River for most of the journey north from Copper Peak, crosses the Black River on the suspension bridge, and then continues east toward the Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park.

Status:	Open
Fees:	None
Difficulty Level:	Easy to More Difficult

Picnicking

Recreation areas with activity Picnicking:

The Black River Harbor Recreation Area Picnic area overlooks the Black River as it runs into the Harbor and on into Lake Superior.

General Info:

Parking

Large Parking lot.

No. of Sites	26 accessible picnic tables
Reservation Info	None
Fire Information	Outdoor grills
No. of Accessible Sites	26 accessible picnic tables
Status:	Open
Fees:	$5 day use fee
Hours of Operation:	Area opens at 6am and closes at 10pm daily during open season
Difficulty Level:	Easy

Group Picnicking

Recreation areas with activity Group Picnicking:

The Black River Harbor Pavilion is available for group use by reservation. This historic building sits overlooking the Black River Harbor, Lake Superior, and the picnic area. It has flush toilets, tables, and a fireplace inside. This is ideal for small gatherings. To reserve this building go to www.recreation.gov or call 877-444-6777.

Check out the attached document for guidelines on using the Black River Harbor Pavillion:  Black River Harbor Pavilion Guidelines.

No. of Sites	1
Reservation Info	To reserve the Black River Harbor pavilion go to www.recreation.gov or call 877-444-6777
Group Shelter	Yes, with public restrooms
Hookups - Electric	yes, 110 two sets of interior outlets.
No. of Accessible Sites	1
No. of Accessible sites	1
Status:	Closed
Open Season:	May-September
Fees:	$100 a day
Reservation required?:	Y
Reservation info:	To reserve the Black River Harbor Pavilion contact the National Recreation Reservation Service at 1-877-444-6777 or their website www.recreation.gov
Best Season:	June-August
Hours of Operation:	6am - 10pm daily, during open season.

Scenic Driving

Recreation areas with activity Scenic Driving:

The Black River Scenic Byway begins northwest of Bessemer, Michigan, at the intersection of CR 204 (Airport Rd) and CR 513 (Black River Road) and continues for 11 miles to Black River Harbor. Officially dedicated as a National Scenic Byway on September 19, 1992, for its exceptional beauty, recreational beauty and recreational opportunities. To access the Black River Scenic Byway from Ironwood take US 2 east and turn left on Powderhorn Road, travel north until you intersect with CR 513, turn left on CR 513 and you are on the Black River Scenic Byway. From Wakefield and points east, take US 2 west to Bessemer, at the west end of Bessemer turn right on Powderhorn Road, travel north until you intersect with CR 513, turn left onto CR 513 and you are on the Black River Scenic Byway.

Pavement Type for Parking	Asphalt
Vechicle Clearance	Normal highway clearance is available.
Size Restrictions	Road Restrictions controlled by Gogebic County Road Commission. Expect Weight Restriction in the Spring.
Status:	Open
Difficulty Level:	Easy

Boating - Motorized

Recreation areas with activity Boating - Motorized:

Lake Superior is easily accessible from Black River Harbor for the enjoyment of all. Deep water fishing by boat or shoreline fishing are both popular at this site. The harbor is one of the area’s few access points to Lake Superior with boating being a major summertime activity. The boat can accommodate almost any craft that is trailered in. The docking fee area is managed by the Ottawa National Forest. For more information or questions, please contact the Bessemer Ranger District at 906-932-1330. The launch ramp has a concrete base and a $5 day use fee

Trailer Parking	Yes
Class of rapids	None
Type of Craft	Harbor can normally accept a boat that draws 7 feet or less.
Motor Type	No Restrictions
Water/Flow Level
Marina/Mooring	Yes, docking is on a first come first serve basis, rates are determined by the size of your craft and the pay station is located right on the stationary dock with a pay tube.
Status:	Open
Fees:	The transient docking fees are based upon the length of the watercraft and are posted at the information kiosk on the dock. User fees to park and use the day use area are $5/day per vehicle or the $30 Annual Ottawa National Forest Pass.
Hours of Operation:	24 hours a day, self pay.
Difficulty Level:	Easy to Intermediate

Swimming

Recreation areas with activity Swimming:

The Black River Harbor provides access to ½ mile of natural Lake Superior shoreline to the east and west of the river mouth. The shoreline is a natural mixture of sand and stone. The natural shoreline is accessed by crossing the famous wooden suspension bridge and then following the trail to the water. Please note, the Ottawa National Forest does not maintain the shoreline and provides no lifeguard or other services. Please practice “Pack it in/out” standards when recreating near Lake Superior.

Clothing Requirements	Bathing Suit Required. No Lifeguard On Duty
Water Temperature	Lake Superior is a cold lake due to its size and depth.
Difficulty Level:	Easy to Difficult