Bass Campground

For us Michiganders, the allure of the Upper Peninsula is a powerful call, drawing us to its vast forests and pristine lakes. If your idea of a perfect camping trip involves a blend of peaceful natural beauty, direct access to a beautiful lake, and a well-maintained setting, then Bass Campground, also known as Marion Lake Campground, near Watersmeet, is a destination you'll want to explore. Nestled within the expansive Ottawa National Forest, this campground offers a tranquil escape that feels miles away from the everyday hustle.

Bass Campground is celebrated for its serene atmosphere and its beautiful lakeside location. It provides an ideal backdrop for families, friends, and even larger groups to connect with nature and each other. With its well-spaced sites, a welcoming sandy beach, and clear waters for fishing and swimming, it perfectly embodies the serene, family-friendly camping experience that many Michigan residents seek. While the provided review is for a different "Bass Lake" (implying other Bass Lakes in Michigan exist), the information found for Bass Campground (Marion Lake Campground) in Watersmeet consistently highlights its positive attributes, making it a reliable choice for your next U.P. adventure.

If you're looking for a spot where you can unwind by the water, enjoy excellent fishing, and bask in the quiet beauty of Michigan's Northwoods, Bass Campground offers an inviting and accessible option for all who appreciate the outdoors.

Bass Campground, often referred to as Marion Lake Campground, is conveniently located just 4 miles east of Watersmeet, MI, in the heart of Michigan's Upper Peninsula, with the postal address Watersmeet, MI 49969, USA. This prime location places it within the sprawling and picturesque Ottawa National Forest, a region renowned for its abundant lakes, dense forests, and countless outdoor recreational opportunities.

Accessibility to the campground is straightforward, making it an easy destination for campers from across Michigan. From Watersmeet, you simply take US-2 East for approximately 4 miles, then turn left onto Forest Road (FR) 3980. You'll travel about 2 miles on FR 3980 before turning right onto FR 3985, and the campground is just ¾ mile down this road. The roads leading to the campground are well-maintained to accommodate tents, trailers, and motorhomes, ensuring a smooth journey even into this natural setting.

The campground’s proximity to Watersmeet means that while you feel immersed in nature, essential services like gas, groceries, and local dining are just a short drive away. This balance of seclusion and convenience is a significant advantage for campers. Furthermore, being situated on Marion Lake offers direct access to a beautiful body of water perfect for various activities. The wider Ottawa National Forest surrounding the campground provides endless opportunities for hiking, wildlife viewing, and exploring additional lakes and trails, making Bass Campground a fantastic base for extended outdoor adventures in Michigan's cherished U.P.

Bass Campground (Marion Lake Campground) is designed to offer a comfortable and well-equipped camping experience, balancing essential amenities with the natural environment of the Ottawa National Forest.

• Campsites: The campground features a total of 39 campsites distributed across three main camping loops. These drive-in sites are versatile, capable of accommodating tents, trailers, and motorhomes. Each individual site provides an accessible wooden picnic table, a fire ring for campfires and cooking, a lantern post, and a designated parking spur.
• Group Campsite: A well-used group camping site is also available, providing ample space for larger gatherings, such as family reunions or youth groups. This group site must be reserved in advance.
• Restroom Facilities: Five pairs of vault toilet facilities are strategically spaced throughout the campground, ensuring convenient access for all campers.
• Potable Water: Drinking water is readily available through centrally located hand pumps and pressurized faucets in each camping loop, providing clean water for all camping needs.
• Sandy Beach and Day Use Area: Adjacent to the campground is a beautiful sandy beach and a day-use area. This area typically includes picnic tables, grills, and a play area, perfect for swimming, relaxing by the lake, or enjoying a picnic.
• Boat Launch: A boat launch with a concrete base is available for easy access to Marion Lake, with no charge to launch a boat. Trailer parking is also available near the boat landing.
• Fire Information: Each campsite is equipped with a fire ring, allowing for safe and enjoyable campfires.
• Garbage Services: Garbage services are provided, though they may be reduced or unavailable outside of the main season (typically from September 30th onwards).
• Seasonal Operation: The campground is generally open with full services from the Friday before Memorial Day until September 30th. Loop 2 may remain open later into the fall until snow accumulation closes access.

Bass Campground (Marion Lake Campground) is celebrated for several key features that make it a standout choice for campers in Michigan:

• Tranquil and Beautiful Setting: The campground offers "tranquility and beauty not often found in other high use campgrounds." It's forested with white pine and oak, providing a serene and picturesque environment.
• Direct Lake Access to Marion Lake: Situated directly on Marion Lake, campers have immediate access to a beautiful body of water. This is ideal for swimming, with a sandy beach adjacent to the campground, as well as for boating and fishing.
• Excellent Fishing Opportunities: Marion Lake is known for its excellent fishing, with species like Walleye, Smallmouth Bass, Rock Bass, Northern Pike, Perch, and Panfish available. Anglers can fish by boat, canoe, or from the bank. Two boat ramps are available for convenient access.
• Spacious and Well-Maintained Campsites: With 39 drive-in sites, many of which are spacious, the campground is well-maintained and designed to accommodate various camping setups, from tents to motorhomes. Each site includes a picnic table, fire ring, and lantern post.
• Family-Friendly Amenities: The presence of a sandy beach, a day-use area with picnic tables and grills, and a potential play area (implied by "day use area features ... play area") makes it an excellent choice for families with children.
• Accessible Facilities: Accessible vault toilets are available, aiming to ensure basic accessibility for all visitors.
• Group Camping Option: The dedicated group campsite is a significant highlight for larger parties, allowing family reunions, youth groups, or other organizations to camp together in a shared, reserved space.
• Proximity to Watersmeet: The campground's location just 4 miles from Watersmeet provides convenient access to town amenities for resupply or dining, blending a wilderness experience with practical convenience.
• Part of Ottawa National Forest: Being nestled within the vast Ottawa National Forest provides endless opportunities for exploring beyond the campground, including hiking, wildlife viewing, and enjoying the expansive U.P. wilderness.

As Bass Campground (Marion Lake Campground) is managed by the U.S. Forest Service within the Ottawa National Forest, it operates under federal fee structures and does not typically offer commercial "promotions" or "special offers" like private businesses. However, there are established pricing policies and potential discounts that benefit qualifying visitors:

• Standard Camping Fees: Individual campsites are priced at $22 per night per camping unit.
• Group Campsite Fee: The group campsite has a separate fee of $75 per night. This site requires a reservation.
• Day Use/Swimming Site Fee: There is a $5 per day fee, or a $30 seasonal pass, for vehicle entry into the day use/swimming area.
• Boat Launch Fee: A $5 per day fee, or a $30 seasonal pass, applies for vehicle entry to the boat launch area.
• Pavilion Rental: A pavilion can be rented for $100 per day.
• Interagency Passes Accepted: Holders of certain Interagency Passes may qualify for discounts on camping fees.
  • Interagency Senior Pass and Interagency Access Pass typically offer a 50% discount on the per-night camping unit fee.
  • Other Interagency Passes (e.g., Annual Pass, Military Pass, Every Kid Outdoors Pass) usually provide free entry to federal lands but generally do not apply to camping unit fees at developed sites like Bass Campground, unless specifically stated for a particular pass type.
• Reservation System: While some individual sites may be first-come, first-served (15 sites noted as such at a similar nearby campground, Lake Ottawa Recreation Area), 16 sites are accepted for reservations. Reservations can typically be made up to 6 months in advance via Recreation.gov or by calling 1-877-444-6777. The group campsite specifically requires a reservation through Recreation.gov.
• Seasonal Operation: Full services are typically available from the Friday before Memorial Day. Reduced services begin on September 30th (no water or garbage services), with Loop 2 remaining open until snow accumulation limits access. Fees are charged during the full-service operational period.

For the most accurate and up-to-date information on fees, reservation policies, and operational dates, prospective campers should consult the official U.S. Forest Service website for the Ottawa National Forest or contact the Watersmeet/Iron River Ranger District directly.

Bass Campground (Marion Lake Campground) is a U.S. Forest Service managed facility within the Ottawa National Forest. As such, direct inquiries and reservations are typically handled through their centralized systems or the relevant Ranger District office:

• Address: Watersmeet, MI 49969, USA. (The specific location is approximately 4 miles east of Watersmeet on US-2, then onto FR 3980 and FR 3985.)
• Managing Ranger District: Watersmeet/Iron River Ranger District
• Watersmeet/Iron River Ranger District Phone: 906-358-4551
• Watersmeet/Iron River Ranger District Address: E23979 US 2 East, Watersmeet, MI 49969
• Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. (CT) (Closed on federal holidays)
• Reservations (for reservable sites and group site): Recreation.gov or call 1-877-444-6777
• Online Information: For comprehensive details, including maps, fees, amenities, and current operating status, the official U.S. Forest Service website for the Ottawa National Forest is the best resource. Search for "Marion Lake Campground Ottawa National Forest."

It is highly recommended to contact the Watersmeet/Iron River Ranger District directly before your trip to confirm any details, such as current conditions, fire restrictions, or specific seasonal closures.

For us Michiganders, Bass Campground (Marion Lake Campground) represents an ideal blend of accessibility and authentic Upper Peninsula charm. It’s perfectly suited for those seeking a tranquil lakeside retreat without venturing too far into the deep wilderness. The ease of access from Watersmeet, combined with its well-maintained facilities, makes it a convenient choice for a family getaway or a relaxed weekend escape.

The biggest draw for locals is its direct connection to Marion Lake. Whether you're planning a day of fishing for walleye or northern pike, enjoying a swim at the sandy beach, or simply taking a leisurely paddle in a canoe or kayak, the lake is right there at your fingertips. For families, the dedicated sandy beach and day-use area offer a safe and enjoyable space for children to play and swim, making it a very family-friendly destination.

Furthermore, the availability of both individual and a reservable group campsite makes it incredibly versatile. Whether you're seeking a quiet spot for just your immediate family or planning a larger gathering, Bass Campground can accommodate. Its location within the vast Ottawa National Forest also means that while you enjoy the lakeside tranquility, endless hiking, wildlife viewing, and additional forest exploration opportunities are just moments away. For Michigan residents looking for a comfortable, picturesque, and activity-rich camping experience in the heart of the U.P., Bass Campground (Marion Lake Campground) offers a reliable and highly enjoyable option.