About MARION LAKE GROUP SITE
Overview The sparkling Marion Lake offers breathtaking and exciting camping for your next family trip. Live it up on the water with your jet skis or wake board, or tone down the pace with a full day of fishing. The Marion Lake Group Site is an ideal way to spend time with friends and family for all the water activities you can imagine. Marion Lake is in the Ottawa National Forest, a protected area in the Western Upper Peninsula of Michigan. It stretches from the Lake Superior shoreline to the Wisconsin border, and attracts deer and many types of migrating birds. Recreation A swim beach is adjacent to the group site.Facilities A convenient path leads to the lake and boat launch. Water is not available on-site, but is a short walk away.Natural Features The campground is in a large, grassy field surrounded by hemlock and hardwood trees with an opening to Marion Lake. The altitude is 1,627 feet, with lightly rolling hills stretched between the many other lakes in the area. Nearby Attractions Hiking enthusiasts will find scenic trails throughout the Sylvania Wilderness area, a region to the west with old-growth forests and 34 named lakes. On the way, stop by the Ottawa Visitor Center in Watersmeet for some interesting exhibits. Contact Info For facility specific information, please call (906) 661-8870.
How to Get There
Marion Lake Group Camping site is accessed most easily from U.S. Highway 2. Turn north from US-2 onto Marion Lake Road, also known as Forest Road 3980. Travel approximately 1.5 miles north and then turn right onto Forest Road 3985. Travel until road makes a Y, where a location map is located there to show you the layout of the campground.
Driving directions (Google Maps) →What to Pack for Your Stay
Tuned to the live forecast for this park.
👔 What to Wear
- 👕
Long-sleeve shirt
Synthetic or merino, sun-protective.
- 🧥
Light shell or windbreaker
Even on warm days, wind can chill (avg wind 0 mph).
- 👖
Hiking pants or convertible
Layer for variable conditions.
- 🥾
Trail runners or low boots
Comfortable, broken in.
🎒 What to Pack
- 💧
Water
Bring at least 1L of water; more in heat.
- 🍫
High-energy snacks
A snack for the trail.
- 🧴
Sun protection
Sunscreen, sunglasses, brimmed hat.
- 🩹
First-aid kit
Blister patches, ibuprofen, tape, antiseptic wipes.
- 🗺
Offline map
Download your route in advance via Gaia, Caltopo, or OSM-based apps.
Recommendations adapt to the current forecast + trail stats. Use them as a starting point — local conditions, your experience, and the time of day you start all matter.
Plan Your Visit to MARION LAKE GROUP SITE
Heading to MARION LAKE GROUP SITE? A few things to know before you go:
- Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
- Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
- Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
- Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
- Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation for MARION LAKE GROUP SITE?
No central reservation system listed for MARION LAKE GROUP SITE. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/233207) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to MARION LAKE GROUP SITE?
Marion Lake Group Camping site is accessed most easily from U.S. Highway 2. Turn north from US-2 onto Marion Lake Road, also known as Forest Road 3980. Travel approximately 1.5 miles north and then turn right onto Forest Road 3985. Travel until road makes a Y, where a location map is located there to show you the layout of the campground.
How do I contact MARION LAKE GROUP SITE?
You can reach the park at phone: 906-358-4724 or email: sm.fs.Ottawa_NF@usda.gov.
References & Official Resources
