Bob Lake Campground

Bob Lake Campground

Trail Length:

1.25 miles long with no loops.

Directions:

From Ontonagon, drive east on M-38 to Forest Highway 16. Turn right (south) and continue about 6.5 miles to South Laird Road. Turn right (west) and proceed about 2 miles to Forest Road 1470. Turn left (south) and follow the signs to the Bob Lake Campground. As with many unpaved roads in the U.P., access on Forest Road 1470 may be limited at times such as spring breakup and other wet periods.

Park Description:

A Forest Service campground (fees apply for camping) and the Beaver Lodge Interpretive Trail on this site help visitors explore and experience forest and wetland wildlife. Pick up a trail brochure at the campground trailhead or at the Ranger District Office in Ontonagon. Interpretive signs are posted along the trail at interesting points. A portion of this trail is marked with blue diamond markers that designate a short access trail leading to the North Country National Scenic Trail that runs from New York to North Dakota. Contact the Forest Service or the Ontonagon Ranger District for more information on the North Country Trail.

Wildlife Viewing:

Many kinds of wildlife inhabit this site year-round, but the best months for viewing them are May through July. During most winters, the site can be accessed by snowmobile. It’s just a short distance from a popular snowmobile route. In summer, watch for beavers, muskrats, and mink in the wetland areas. Lucky viewers might catch a glimpse of the fisher, a large member of the weasel family. Many kinds of waterfowl also live in the wetlands, including mallards, black ducks, wood ducks, and grebes. Sandhill cranes and loons are seen here occasionally. White-tailed deer are commonly seen in the area. On a few occasions, viewers have caught sight of gray wolves and black bears in the area. The lake is a popular site for fishing. Songbirds are very active in the wooded area around the lake, especially in the spring. Watch and listen for forest birds such as woodpeckers, wood thrushes, and ovenbirds. Tip: a night's stay at the campground and an early rise may be very rewarding. Early morning is usually the best time to view many animals.

Portions of this are open to public hunting. Contact the Michigan Department of Natural Resources for affected seasons and locations.

View/Download map of Bob Lake Campground

Information courtesy of the Department of Natural Resources

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