Marenisco Campgrounds

OTTAWA NATIONAL FOREST CAMPGROUNDS
(906) 932-1330; no reservations
On four of the many fishing lakes south of Marenisco are four small (11-13 sites) rustic campgrounds (first-come, first-served) of the Ottawa National Forest: Bobcat Lake (with swimming), Henry Lake, Moosehead Lake, and the Pomeroy Lake campground, in a forest setting of hardwoods and old-growth hemlocks. For a few more camping details and general info about various recreational opportunities, visit www.fs.fed.us/r9/ottawa and scroll to "recreation." Hardwoods and old-growth hemlocks shade the grounds. Randy Charles recommends it above many others for its forest setting.

On 5 of the many fishing lakes south of Marenisco are 5 small (mostly 11-13 sites) rustic campgrounds (no showers or electricity; pit toilets; water from pump). They are open and serviced from mid-May through September, but plowed earlier. The nightly fee is currently $10. Spring and fall camping without services is OK. Many campgrounds are on or near the Pomeroy/Henry Lake Mountain Bike Trail complex. In contrast to larger Ottawa campgrounds with mown lawns, these campgrounds are in natural forest settings of hardwoods and hemlocks, some trees quite large. Vegetation makes for good privacy in all sites. And these quiet campgrounds are seldom full. All have drive-in sites for motor homes with gravel spurs, tent pads, and picnic tables.
Campgrounds open in January for ice fishing and winter camping. Closing depends on weather. Call Ottawa National Forest concessionaire for details: (906) 265-5420. No fees charged when no services are provided—no water, no trash collection, no flush toilet, no pump-out station.
Arranged from west to east. Campgrounds are clearly signed from major highways. All campgrounds are noted on the DeLorme Michigan Gazetteer. Some are noted on the state highway map, too. Online maps are on fs.usda.gov/ottawa. Maps are also available at the Ottawa Visitor Center in Watersmeet.
. ■ HENRY LAKE southwest of Marenisco. The only campground west of M-64— 4 miles west. 11 sites. Boat ramp adjacent. Sandy beach, picnic area ½ mile to east. Drinking water. Wheelchair-accessible fishing pier and restrooms.
The other four lakes are off Forest Roads or County Roads that are south off U.S. 2 east of Marenisco.
■ BOBCAT LAKE. About 2 miles southeast of Marenisco. 11 sites. Next to the boat ramp. Nice swimming beach with swimming and picnic area half a mile from campground.
■ POMEROY LAKE. 9 miles south of U.S 2 via FH 7300 or FH 710 due south of the end of Lake Gogebic. 17 sites. Adjacent boat landing.
■ MOOSEHEAD LAKE. 3 miles south of Pomeroy Lake, almost on Wisconsin line. Exceptionally isolated.
■ LANGFORD LAKE. Midway between Marenisco and Watersmeet. About 6 miles southwest of U.S. 2 via 527/Thayer Rd. Close to Cisco Chain of Lakes, but not connected by road or water.

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MARENISCO
POINTS OF INTEREST

Wolf Mountain. In this undeveloped forestland is the far western U.P.'s highest point, with great views both east and west ... more

Yondota Falls. From U.S. 2 exactly opposite the Marenisco turnoff, turn north onto CR 523. Go 3 miles north, up to and over the bridge across the Presque Isle River. Park on the road's west side just over the bridge. Trail starts here. This is 15 miles east of Wakefield. ... more

Nelson Canyon Falls/Ottawa National Forest. It's not easy to get to, but the reward is the view of an exceptionally beautiful, little-known waterfall ... more

Kakabika Falls. Well worth the drive north of U.S. 2, this is a terrific stretch of river ... more

Pomeroy/Henry Lake Mountain Bike Complex

A hundred miles of loops on gravel roads are shared by occasional motorists and anglers. This is an easy, family mountain bike complex in a beautiful area of small lakes and wetlands on Ottawa National Forest land south and southwest of Marenisco. A map of the trails is included in the big "Pines and Mines" mountain bicycling map produced by tourism people in Gogebic County, Michigan, and neighboring Iron County, Wisconsin. The Ironwood Welcome Center and Ottawa Visitor Center in Watersmeet should stock the map, too. Ask for it.

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