Ironjaw Lake Campsite

The 62-acre Ironjaw Lake is located in the heart of the Ironjaw Semi-Primitive Area, which is managed for both motorized and non-motorized uses, with management efforts aimed at quiet, peaceful recreation in a semi-primitive setting. The single campsite is a pull-through that features a tent pad situated on a hill overlooking Lake Nineteen. It is suitable for only one family with a small trailer, holds up to eight people, and has limited turnaround space. The campsite is on the non-motorized Pine Marten Run Trail, which is open to hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding, and horse camping is allowed with up to two horses. The swimming area at this site is in poor condition. Ironjaw Lake is one of the better fishing lakes in the area. Crappie fishing is excellent in the spring, and the lake also contains northern pike, largemouth bass, bluegill and bullheads; a license is required for fishing in Michigan waters. Berry picking is another draw. Boat access is down a steep hill, but the surface is firm. Turn-around and back-in space at the base of the hill is very limited, and four-wheel-drive vehicles are highly recommended. Parking is restricted to a small area located at the top of the hill. The boat access is open to the public, so keep the road clear and expect other people to be using the launch. There is no drinking water, but a primitive toilet is located across the road from the parking area. Horse, bike and hiking trails are within minutes, and within about a mile of these campsites visitors can expect to find bait shops, general and grocery stores, gas, a pay phone, trailheads, a fishing pier, biking, and kayak/canoe rentals. Groceries, gasoline, fishing and camping supplies, boat rentals, ice, Michigan DNR licenses, a deli and restaurants are available approximately six miles west on Forest Highway 13.