Ottawa National Forest Burned Dam Dispersed Sites

Burned Dam sits where an old logging splash dam once controlled water flow on the Ontonagon River, now offering a cluster of primitive dispersed sites along the rocky riverbank. The sites are carved out of dense mixed forest, mostly suitable for smaller rigs and tent camping due to tight maneuvering between mature pines and maples. The river here runs fast and cold year-round, creating excellent ambient sound and decent brook trout fishing in the deeper pools. A few sites sit right on the water, while others are set back 50-100 yards in the timber.

Forest Road 208 provides access via 3 miles of rough dirt road that can be challenging after heavy rain or during spring thaw. Standard clearance vehicles can make it in dry conditions, but 4WD helps in marginal weather. The area tends to fill up during peak fall color season but stays quiet most other times.

Riverside camping at historic logging dam site