Black River Harbor Scenic Parkway & Campground

Black River Harbor Campground

The Ottawa National Forest campground is on a bluff overlooking the lake. It has 40 well spaced and nicely maintained campsites, some with Lake Superior Views. Seventeen camp sites are no reservation, first come first serve; but 23 of the 40 sites can now be reserved through recreation.gov.

There are 2 "modern" vault toilets at each end of the campground. [During our recent visit we found them clean and free of odors.]

Hiking trails lead to the harbor park and to an extensive sand beach (see picture) offering lots of rock picking for rock hounds and agate seekers, plus swimming and a secluded peaceful stroll along the lake for relaxing exercise.

In 2022, the road through the campground and all of the campsite parking pads were freshly paved.

    

Hiking Trails & Campground

Click on the map of the harbor camping, hiking trails, and recreational facilities. A quarter mile trail leads from the campground to the harbor park. (Right Picture)

 

< < < Also a section of the North Country Hiking Trail runs through the park linking all the waterfalls.

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Other Nearby Campgrounds

Curry Park, Ironwood, Michigan

Little Girls Point, Ironwood, Michigan

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Agate Hunting & Rock Picking

Black River Harbors sand beach is one of our favorite rock picking and agate hunting beaches. See our article on BRH Beach Rock Picking/Agate Collecting.

Hiking Trails & Waterfalls along the
Black River National Scenic Byway

In the last two miles before the Black River empties into Lake Superior, it drops 200 feet. Along this stretch there are five waterfalls, each of which has a trailhead parking area and a trail leading to the falls.

See the Black River Waterfalls Here.

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North Country Hiking Trail

The North Country Trail runs adjacent to the river and crosses the suspension bridge near the mouth of the river. The trail goes by the eastern side of Rainbow Falls before turning east towards Porcupine Mountains State Park.

< < < see graphic of the North Country Hiking Trail running through the park linking all the waterfalls.

Jo and the Andrews family pause along the trail to Rainbow Falls by a huge old hemlock tree. A beautiful old growth climax forest lines the river's gorge.

 

Scenic Fall Color Drive - Black River Harbor & Little Girls Point

One of our favorite fall color drives runs from just north and west of Hurley from US Highway 2 towards the lake and Saxon Harbor, then crosses into Michigan to Little Girls Point. From Little Girls Point you can return through the wooded hills and hardwood forest away from the lake and eventually connect with the Black River Scenic Byway that will return you to the lake shore. Learn More about the Black River Scenic Byway and our this color tour drive here.