Mc Donald Lake Park Boondocking in Ironwood, MI
Comprehensive Guide for RV Travelers
| ADDRESS |
|---|
| Ironwood, MI 46.390462, -90.013754 |
| MANAGEMENT |
| Public – County Park (Official) This is a FREE campsite. |
Previous Reviews:
Mc Donald Lake Park Boondocking: McDonald Lake, also referred to as McDonald Dam, is located in Erwin Township, MI just outside of Ironwood, MI. There are six designated campsites that are designed for tents only. To get to the campsites you must cross a bridge over the dam from the parking area.
There are also campsites located on the island in the middle of the lake, reachable by boat, kayak, or canoe. The campsites on the shore have tent pads and fire rings and the sites on the island do not.
There is a vault toilet located on-site. The lake is great for fishing and has a boat launch available. The park is about 9 miles from Bessemer, MI and 12 miles from Ironwood, MI. The route is mostly paved except for the short stretch of McDonald Dam Rd which is a well groomed dirt/gravel road suitable for nearly any car.
About This Location
If you’re looking for a quiet spot to boondock near Ironwood, Michigan, the Mc Donald Lake Park boondocking site might just do the trick. The campsites here are simple and free—no reservations, no permits, just show up and set up your tent. McDonald Lake Park offers first-come, first-served camping with easy tent access, making it perfect for anyone chasing a low-cost, no-fuss outdoor escape.
Tucked near McDonald Dam in Ironwood, the park gives you lake access and plenty of peace. You won’t find crowds or fancy amenities, but the setting is relaxed, and there’s a public boat landing if you want to get out on the water. The roads are easy to navigate, especially if you’re coming with a small rig or just camping with a tent.
If you want to try boondocking without much hassle and still stay close to town, the Mc Donald Lake Park boondocking site checks a lot of boxes. It’s rustic, sure, but it covers the basics for a quiet stay surrounded by nature.
Key Takeaways
- Camping is free and first-come, first-served.
- Best for tents and smaller vehicles.
- Direct lake access and natural surroundings.
Mc Donald Lake Park Boondocking in Ironwood, MI
At the Mc Donald Lake Park boondocking site, you can get back to basics with some simple boondocking near Ironwood, Michigan. The campground has six designated sites, all meant for tent camping. Free, no reservations—just grab a spot if one’s open.
There aren’t any hookups or RV facilities, so you’ll want to come ready for a primitive camping experience. It’s quiet, and you really get to disconnect from the daily grind.
The park sits right by McDonald Lake, a 3,138-acre stretch of water with a max depth of about 25 feet. Public boat landings make it easy to fish, kayak, or just float around.
No official visitor center here, but Ironwood’s nearby with places to stock up on supplies or grab some local info.
If you’re traveling with an RV, this probably isn’t your best bet. No electric or water hookups, and the sites are really set up for tents and lighter gear.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Number of campsites | 6 (tent only) |
| Fees | None |
| Hookups | None |
| Lake Size | 3,138 acres |
| Max Depth | 25 feet |
| Location | McDonald Dam Road, Ironwood, MI |
Try to arrive early if you want a spot in the Mc Donald Lake Park boondocking site—weekends get competitive.
Things To Do
You’ve got a handful of ways to stay busy at the Mc Donald Lake Park boondocking site. Fishing is a big draw, and you can cast off from the dock or launch a boat if you brought one. Kayaks and canoes work great on these calm waters.
The park’s a nice place for bird-watching too. If you stroll around the picnic area or wander the shoreline, you’ll spot plenty of local birds. It’s peaceful, and the views are pretty solid for photos.
There aren’t any official hiking trails in the park itself, but the area around Ironwood is loaded with options. You can take quick day hikes or hop in the car for a scenic drive through the woods. If you’re up for something bigger, national parks like Zion or the Grand Canyon are way farther out—but hey, maybe you’re on a long road trip.
Sometimes, the best thing to do is just chill—picnic by the water, watch the sunset, or listen to the wind in the trees. It’s that kind of spot.
Here’s a quick rundown:
- Fishing from dock or boat
- Kayaking on the lake
- Bird watching and photography
- Picnicking by the water
- Exploring nearby trails and forests
- Scenic drives around Ironwood
You can keep things mellow or go a little more adventurous—it’s really up to you.
Directions
Getting to the Mc Donald Lake Park boondocking site is pretty straightforward. Head toward Ironwood—it’s about 12 miles from downtown. Hop on McDonald Dam Road, and just follow it right to the park entrance. The drive is mostly rural, and you’ll spot signs for McDonald Lake and Gogebic County Park along the way.
Coming from Bessemer? It’s about 9 miles out. Just find the main road between Bessemer and Ironwood, then head north on McDonald Dam Road.
Here’s the gist:
- From Ironwood, drive west on U.S. Highway 2.
- Turn onto McDonald Dam Road heading north.
- Stay on that road until you spot the park signs.
- Parking is near the boat launch or campsites.
Look out for landmarks like the dam and the lake—they’re hard to miss. GPS or a map app helps, but the signs are decent.
Plug in McDonald Dam Road, Ironwood, MI, for directions and you’ll get there without much trouble.
Vehicle Access
You can drive right up to the Mc Donald Lake Park boondocking site with pretty much any car. Most of the route is paved, so the ride’s smooth. The only exception is a short stretch of McDonald Dam Road that turns to dirt and gravel.
That bit’s well-kept, though, and you don’t need a truck or anything fancy. Just go slow on the gravel, and you’ll be fine.
Parking’s right by the campsites, so you won’t have to lug your gear far—always a plus.
Thinking about bringing something bigger, like an RV or trailer? Double-check the size first. Most of the road is wide enough, but a couple tight turns might be tricky.
Quick summary:
| Road Type | Condition | Vehicle Suitability |
|---|---|---|
| Paved roads | Good condition | All vehicle types |
| McDonald Dam Road | Dirt/gravel road | Almost all vehicles |
Overall, it’s an easy drive, and most cars will make it just fine.
Rv And Camping Trailer Information
The Mc Donald Lake Park boondocking site is really set up for tents only. The sites just aren’t made for RVs or camping trailers. If you try to bring one in, it’s probably not going to fit.
No hookups—no water, electric, or sewer. It’s a rustic camping experience, and you won’t pay any extra fees. Just show up and grab a spot if it’s open (first-come, first-served).
Camping stays are capped at about 7 nights per month most of the time. Sometimes it’s up to 15 nights, but that depends on the season and current rules.
The campsites are small and really focused on tents, so parking a big vehicle just doesn’t work. If you’re hoping to use an RV or trailer, you’ll want to check out other nearby parks.
If you browse reviews, most folks mention the peaceful setting and the lack of RV facilities. It’s best for campers who want quiet, simple tent camping—not RV hookups or extra services.
Paid Or Permit Sites
The Mc Donald Lake Park boondocking site in Ironwood, MI doesn’t require any fees or permits for camping. You just show up and claim a spot.
There are six tent-only campsites, and it’s always first-come, first-served. No reservations, no paperwork—just roll in and set up if there’s space.
They do set a stay limit, usually up to 7 nights per month, though that might shift depending on the season or park use.
Since camping here’s free, these sites get snapped up quickly during busy stretches. If you actually want a spot, it’s smart to get there early.
You’ll need to follow the usual rules—pack out your trash, keep it down during quiet hours—but there’s nothing else you need to do to camp here.
Here’s a quick summary:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Fee | None |
| Permit Needed | No |
| Camp Type | Tent-only |
| Number of Sites | Six |
| Stay Limit | Up to 7 nights per month |
| Reservation | Not allowed, first-come |
All in all, it’s a straightforward, budget-friendly option for tent campers who want something simple and natural.
| AMENITIES: | ACTIVITIES: |
|---|---|
| Fire Ring Near Water Restrooms |
Tent Camping Fishing Canoeing Kayaking |
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