Burned Dam Boondocking Location Guide to Rustic Camping Adventures

Burned Dam Boondocking Location
Guide to Rustic Camping Adventures

Previous Reviews:

Burned Dam Boondocking Location: This rustic campground provides visitors with access to deep woods with fishing and canoeing opportunities on the Middle Branch of the Ontonagon River. This dispersed campground is just a short walk from the Mex-I-Min-E falls. As you overlook this jewel you can feel the history when loggers used this area to transport their product to the saw mills.

Burned Dam boondocking location is open Year-round. Free camping in the Ottawa National Forest

At a Glance
Area Amenities: Tent camping, Camping trailer, Picnic tables, Pit Toilets, Parking
Usage: Light
Restrictions: There are no services at this campground. Please pack in and pack out.
Closest Towns: Watersmeet, Mi is 7 miles to the West.
Water: None
Operating Days: 139
Total Capacity: 25

About This Location

If you’re itching to escape into nature without bumping elbows with the usual campground crowd, Burned Dam boondocking location in Watersmeet, MI, might be just your thing. Tucked beside the Middle Branch of the Ontonagon River, this spot gives us quiet, rustic camping wrapped in forest and the sound of flowing water. Burned Dam Boondocking location lets us soak up a peaceful, free camping experience close to nature’s beauty.

This place works well for folks who want to camp without hookups but still want scenic views, hiking, and fishing nearby. It’s pet-friendly, too, so our dogs can tag along. With smooth vehicle access and those chill surroundings, it’s a good place to unplug and catch our breath.

Whether we’re paddling the river or just sitting back with a coffee, Burned Dam makes for a no-fuss getaway. No reservations, no permits—just show up when it suits us and stay as long as we like.

Key Takeways

• Free, quiet boondocking right by the river.
• Easy vehicle access for camping trailers and RVs.
• Outdoor activities like hiking and fishing are close at hand.

Burned Dam Boondocking Location In Watersmeet, MI

Burned Dam boondocking location sits near Watersmeet, Michigan, right on the Middle Branch of the Ontonagon River. We get easy fishing and canoeing access, and the quiet woods make it a peaceful place to land.

It’s a small campground—about five camping units. Each spot has a picnic table and grill, so we can cook outside. There are toilets, but no electrical hookups, which keeps things simple and close to nature.

A small waterfall runs right inside the campground. I’ve always liked falling asleep to the sound of water.

If we’re into paddling or fishing, this site’s a winner. The river’s full of fish, and river access is just steps from camp. It’s a nice spot to launch a canoe or kayak.

Here’s a quick look at what Burned Dam offers:

We don’t get power or water hookups out here, so we bring what we need. It’s all about enjoying the basics—the forest, the river, and a bit of quiet.

Things To Do

At Burned Dam boondocking location, there’s no shortage of ways to get outside. Fishing along the Middle Branch of the Ontonagon River is a big draw. We can try our luck for different fish species while surrounded by forest.

Canoeing’s another favorite. The river’s calm, making it friendly for both newbies and seasoned paddlers. Bringing our own canoe or kayak opens up quiet corners only reachable by water.

If we’d rather just watch nature than chase it, the deep woods are great for wildlife viewing. Birdwatching is big here, and we might spot deer or something else wandering through. It’s a nice break from all the noise of daily life.

Winter brings snowmobiling on nearby trails, and you can rent gear if you don’t have your own. Makes for a different kind of adventure when the snow’s flying.

Here’s a quick look at what we can do:

There’s a good mix here—adventure if we want it, or just a place to rest and listen to the woods.

Directions

To get to Burned Dam boondocking location from Watersmeet, MI, we start out on US 45 north. It’s about a mile from the US 2 intersection.

Then we hang a right, heading east on Old US 2, and follow that for about 7 miles.

We’ll spot signs or landmarks as we go, so keep your eyes peeled. The campground sits just off this road and is pretty easy to notice once we’re close.

If we’re punching it into the GPS, “Burned Dam boondocking location” or “Ottawa National Forest” usually gets us there.

Quick recap:

• Drive 1 mile north on US 45 from US 2 in Watersmeet
• Turn right (east) onto Old US 2
• Go 7 miles east to Burned Dam area

The campsite’s small, with just a handful of spots, so drive slow and watch for the turnoff.

Vehicle Access

To reach Burned Dam boondocking location, we start from Watersmeet, MI. From the US 45 and US 2 intersection, we head north on US 45 for about a mile, then turn right onto Old US 2 and keep going east for a few miles.

The last stretch is FR 4500. Most vehicles can handle it, but if it’s been raining or the road’s rough, higher clearance helps. It’s smart to check road conditions before heading out.

Parking’s pretty basic—no paved lots. We can pull in close to the river or find an open patch near the camp spots. Since it’s boondocking, there aren’t marked pull-throughs or hookups for RVs.

A few tips for the drive:

• Use a vehicle with moderate clearance
• Pack a spare tire and some tools
• Leave the giant trailers at home; smaller rigs are easier
• Watch for narrow or bumpy spots

We like to bring a map or GPS, since cell service drops out sometimes. Driving slow and steady keeps things safe. Burned Dam is peaceful, but we do need to be ready for a bit of a backcountry drive.

RV And Camping Trailer Information

At Burned Dam boondocking location in Watersmeet, MI, we can bring our RV or trailer for a no-frills stay. There’s space for rigs up to about 33 feet.

A couple of campsites and a big loop driveway make parking easier for bigger setups. Camping here is free, which is always a win for the budget.

Amenities are basic—picnic tables and toilets. No electricity or water hookups, so we’ve got to be ready for true boondocking.

We can park our RVs or trailers near the pond, and the state highway’s close by, which is handy. It suits folks who like rustic camping and don’t mind skipping the extras.

If you’ve got a travel trailer or 5th wheel, this spot can work—just remember the space limits and bring your own water and power.

Quick overview:

We really enjoy the natural setting at Burned Dam boondocking location. There’s enough space for our RV or camping trailer, and it’s a quiet place to spend a few days off the grid.

Paid Or Permit Sites

At Burned Dam boondocking location, most of the camping spots are pretty rustic and straightforward. You won’t find many full-service paid sites out here. Honestly, this place is more about soaking up the outdoors than enjoying fancy amenities.

If you’re thinking about camping here, Michigan doesn’t require a burn permit. But if you want to have a fire, you’ll need to get permission from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. They’re just trying to prevent wildfires, which makes sense.

Ottawa National Forest manages the campground. Their office is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Central Time. If you’ve got questions about camping or permits, just call them at 906-358-4551.

If you want to camp for free, there are some nearby spots that don’t charge. Still, for a peaceful and popular place like Burned Dam boondocking location, it’s probably smart to double-check if there’s a fee or permit before you set up camp.

Just a thought—following the rules keeps the forest nice for everyone.

Helpful Boondocking Information Links:

Over 10,000 Free Boondocking Locations
Boondocking Recipes for 1000’s Of Camping Meals
Bureau of Land Management
Government Recreation Area
National Park Service
Leave No Trace

State Specific Information Links

Michigan Park Service
Michigan Fish and Game
Department of Natural Resources