Black River Harbor

Black River Harbor, located 15 miles north of Bessemer in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, offers one of the region's few public access points to Lake Superior. The boat ramp can accommodate most trailered watercraft, making it suitable for kayakers, canoeists, and motorboats. The site is part of the Black River Harbor Recreation Area and features a historic stone and wood pavilion built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s. There is a $5 day-use fee for access to the boat ramp and facilities.

The Black River itself is known for its scenic character—the tannin-rich water (colored by hemlock trees) and a series of scenic waterfalls mark the river as it descends to meet Lake Superior. Boating and fishing are the primary summer activities at the harbor. The area is well-developed for recreation, with fishing charters available at the harbor dock and nearby camping options, including Black River Harbor Campground (reservable). For specific details about hours, current conditions, or to arrange pavilion reservations, contact the facility at 906-932-1330.

Overview
Planning a visit to the Black River Harbor Pavilion? Watch for Alerts at the top of the page for any Alerts regarding this facility. The Black River Harbor Pavilion is located within the Black Harbor Recreation Area on Lake Superior in Michigans Upper Peninsula. The historic stone and wood pavilion was constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s.
Recreation
Lake...

Overview
Planning a visit to the Black River Harbor Pavilion? Watch for Alerts at the top of the page for any Alerts regarding this facility. The Black River Harbor Pavilion is located within the Black Harbor Recreation Area on Lake Superior in Michigans Upper Peninsula. The historic stone and wood pavilion was constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s.
Recreation
Lake Superior offers great opportunities for boating, fishing, and swimming. The North Country National Scenic Trail, which traverses through the recreation area, offers access to all five waterfalls and a scenic 12 mile hike to the Porcupine Mountain Wilderness State Park in Michigan.


The Black River Harbor Boating Club sponsors an annual fishing derby over Labor Day weekend.Facilities
The recreation area offers an enclosed pavilion with a fireplace and flush toilet facilities. A campground with first-come, first-served sites is also available. Facilities include vault toilets and a pressurized water system. A sandy beach is located on-site.Natural Features
Visitors enjoy boating, fishing, hiking, swimming, and viewing waterfalls. The Black River Harbor Recreation Area has docking and fuel services for day and transient boaters, a boat launch, a large picnic area with a swing set, a campground with 39 campsites, beach access to Lake Superior, and five scenic waterfalls along the wild and scenic Black River. The day-use picnic area has a suspension bridge over the Black River with a hiking trail to a beautiful sand and pebble beach on Lake Superior. The campground is situated among hemlock and pine trees at an elevation of 840 feet, on a bluff overlooking Lake Superior and offers a scenic overlook of Lake Superior's Apostle Islands.

The Ottawa National Forest encompasses nearly one million acres on the west side of Michigan's Upper Peninsula. The forest extends from the south shore of Lake Superior to the Wisconsin border. It is distinguished by rolling hills dotted with lakes, rivers and waterfalls.
Contact Info
For facility specific information, please call (906) 661-8870.
Nearby Attractions
For a panoramic view of the area, visit Copper Peak International Ski Flying Hill, a 17-story steel ski jump. Visitors can take an elevator up to the top. The attraction is a short drive from the campground. The Porcupine Mountain Wilderness State Park in Michigan can be seen in the distance from the beach and is less than a one-hour drive from the Harbor.Charges & Cancellations
Cancellations

If you cancel reservation at least 14 days prior to check in date, all recreation fees, minus a $10 cancellation fee and the reservation fee ($8 if made online or $9 if made through the call center) will be refunded.
If you cancel reservation less than 14 days prior to check in date, you forfeit the entire total paid. 

No Show
Staff will hold facility until check-in time on the arrival date. 

For more information about rules and reservation policies, visit the Recreaiton.gov Rules and Reservations Policy page.  

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