Perch Lake Campground

For us Michiganders who truly appreciate getting away from the daily grind and immersing ourselves in the serene beauty of the Upper Peninsula, Perch Lake Campground in Watton is an "Awesome little slice of heaven!" Nestled deep within the vast Ottawa National Forest, this rustic campground offers a genuine escape, where the primary sounds are those of nature, and the views are nothing short of spectacular. If you're seeking a tranquil lakeside retreat with excellent fishing and direct water access, all for an incredibly reasonable price, Perch Lake Campground is a destination you'll want to experience for yourself.

Perch Lake Campground stands out for its natural charm and the peaceful atmosphere it generally provides. Many visitors laud it as a "beautiful campground! Wooded and sunny lots, many right on the lake." This direct connection to the water is a huge draw, allowing "kids able to swim/fish right off the campsite." While it operates on a "First come, first served" basis, the value is undeniable at "$14/night." The facilities, though rustic, are well-maintained, with "pit toilets (which were the cleanest I've ever seen)." It’s a place where you can relax, cast a line, and truly unwind, making it an ideal choice for Michigan locals who cherish quiet moments in the great outdoors.

Perch Lake Campground is located in Watton, MI 49970, USA, specifically 10 miles south of Sidnaw on the Kenton Ranger District within the Ottawa National Forest. This puts it in the heart of Michigan's western Upper Peninsula, a region celebrated for its pristine forests, numerous lakes, and abundant wildlife.

Accessibility to Perch Lake Campground involves navigating a mix of paved and gravel roads, typical for destinations deep within a National Forest. From Sidnaw, visitors travel south on Sidnaw Road for approximately 10 miles to reach the campground. The road is paved for about 6.5 miles before turning to gravel, indicating a relatively smooth journey for most vehicles and RVs. For those coming from Iron River, take County Road 657 north approximately 15 miles, turn slight right onto FR 2130, travel approximately 9.5 miles on FR 2130 to Sidnaw Road, then turn left onto Sidnaw Road and travel approximately 2 miles to the campground. While it feels "off the beaten path," it's certainly "worth the drive." The nearest larger towns like L'Anse (17 miles), Ishpeming (45 miles), and Marquette (within a 2-hour drive) offer more extensive services, including grocery stores, gas stations, and other supplies. However, the true appeal of Perch Lake Campground lies in its remote, natural setting, allowing campers to truly disconnect and immerse themselves in the tranquility of the Michigan Northwoods.

• 20 Drive-In Campsites: The campground offers 20 drive-in campsites, capable of accommodating tents, trailers, and motorhomes.

• Rustic Camping (No Electric Hookups): All sites are non-electric, promoting a traditional, rustic camping experience.

• Basic Site Amenities: Each site is equipped with a wood picnic table, a fire ring for campfires, and a parking spur.

• Vault Toilets: Two sets of vault toilets are available within the camping loop, including one accessible vault toilet near site #11, and were noted by one reviewer as being "the cleanest I've ever seen."

• Drinking Water: Potable drinking water is available via two hand pumps located within the camping loop.

• Boat Launch: A boat landing with a concrete base and a vehicle/trailer parking area is located just north of the campground, providing easy access to Perch Lake (no fee to launch).

• Fishing Opportunities: The lake offers excellent fishing for Northern Pike, Walleye, Crappie, and Perch.

• First-Come, First-Served: Campsites are available on a "First come, first served" basis, meaning no reservations are taken.

• Affordable Fees: The camping fee is $14 per night.

• Site Occupancy Rules: Each campsite allows a maximum of eight people and two motorized vehicles, with either one RV/camper trailer and two tents, or three tents per site.

• Length of Stay: Camping in a developed recreation site is allowed for a period no longer than 14 days, with a requirement to move to another campground or dispersed site for at least 24 hours afterward.

• Pet-Friendly: Pets are typically allowed in National Forest campgrounds, though standard leash and cleanup rules apply.

• Beautiful Lakeside Setting: Perch Lake Campground is situated directly on the shore of Perch Lake, a 994-acre lake, offering "awesome lake and views" and a "relaxing vibe." Many sites provide direct "lake access," allowing campers to "get into lake from the site."

• Peaceful and Quiet Environment: Campers consistently describe the campground as "mostly quiet" and a "peaceful and quiet" retreat, making it ideal for those seeking serenity and natural sounds.

• Excellent Fishing: Perch Lake is renowned for its fishing, with abundant Northern Pike, Walleye, Crappie, and Perch. The easy boat access makes it a prime spot for anglers.

• Spacious and Wooded Sites: The campground features "wooded and sunny lots," with campsites "separated by natural vegetation for screening," providing a good degree of privacy and a natural feel.

• Clean Rustic Facilities: Despite being rustic, the "pit toilets (which were the cleanest I've ever seen)" are a significant highlight, demonstrating good maintenance and enhancing the comfort of a primitive camping experience.

• Affordable Camping: At just "$14/night," it offers an exceptionally budget-friendly way to enjoy a high-quality lakeside camping experience in the Upper Peninsula.

• Boat Launch On-Site: A convenient boat launch just north of the campground provides easy access for launching motorized and non-motorized boats onto Perch Lake.

• Water Activities: Ideal for "canoeing and kayaking," providing an excellent way to "experience the beauty of this area" on the water. Kids can "swim/fish right off the campsite."

• First-Come, First-Served: This system allows for spontaneous trips and provides opportunities for those who don't plan far in advance, though it's wise to arrive early during peak times.

• Deep Woods Immersion: Located deep in the Ottawa National Forest, it's perfect for those who "like to get out into the deep woods to fish" and enjoy a truly remote destination.

Address: Watton, MI 49970, USA

Phone: For inquiries regarding Perch Lake Campground, contact the Kenton Ranger District of the Ottawa National Forest at (906) 852-3500. This is the managing office for the area.

Mobile Phone: +1 906-852-3500 (Same as the main number for the Kenton Ranger District, Ottawa National Forest)

For us Michiganders, Perch Lake Campground in Watton is more than just a place to camp; it's an authentic slice of Upper Peninsula heaven that embodies everything we love about our state's wild side. It's perfectly suited for locals because it offers that coveted blend of rustic immersion and accessible amenities, all at an unbeatable price. The consistent praise for its "awesome lake and views" and the ability to "get into lake from the site" speaks directly to our passion for lakeside living and easy water access.

The "mostly quiet" and "peaceful" atmosphere is a huge draw for those of us looking to truly disconnect. We understand the unwritten rules of the woods, and while the occasional inconsiderate camper might pop up, the overall environment fosters a sense of tranquility that’s hard to find elsewhere. The "beautiful campground! Wooded and sunny lots, many right on the lake" are precisely the kind of natural settings we seek for relaxation and rejuvenation.

Furthermore, the "First come, first served sites $14/night" make it an incredibly attractive option for budget-conscious adventurers and those who prefer spontaneous trips over rigid planning. The "cleanest" pit toilets and the convenience of a boat launch show that while it's rustic, it's also thoughtfully maintained. Perch Lake's reputation for "excellent fishing" for walleye, pike, and perch caters to a beloved Michigan pastime. For any Michigander yearning for a genuine, affordable, and profoundly peaceful camping experience deep in the Northwoods, where the focus is truly on nature and the simple joys of outdoor life, Perch Lake Campground is an absolute gem waiting to be discovered – and revisited, again and again.