Black River Harbor Campground

This review is a case of high expectations meeting mediocre reality. We wanted to stay here a couple years ago but couldn't and the thought of staying here persisted. Site 21 is adjacent to Lake Superior, though it is clear that it's a very short distance from the lakeshore. The reality is the lake is barely visible through a thick growth of low underbrush and relatively young trees. And the lakeshore is actually 50' or more down a steep and eroded bank that isn't safely accessible by adult humans. A sign some feet back from the edge warns of dangerous erosion...and it's a righteous warning. There has been a recent landslide with a number of large trees toppled over and on their way into the lake far below.

The campground is reached via a very bumpy two-lane road that took us about 25 minutes to cover from the main highway. Once in the campground, the sites are accessed via a single-lane recently paved loop road that is nice, but narrow. We're towing a 27' overall trailer and it was a bit tight maneuvering into our site. The entire campground is on a slope and it appears most sites will need a bit of effort for a level setup. The non-paved portion of the campsite is a rough mixed-rock/gravel base that is not tent-friendly although small patches of grass might accommodate a tent in some sites. The water spigots are all turned off and bagged with signs saying, "Do not use for any purpose", they are being prepared for use -- but that was back in early July and it is now mid-September.

On the plus side, there are a few scenic waterfalls a short drive away with relatively short hikes to overlooks. But at least two of the overlook sites were closed and blocked off with planks in the steps/decking visibly missing.

Another very nice Federal Forest Campground. Blacktop roads into and the road in the campground is also blacktop. Pit toilets, but they were cleaned every day. Sites are gravel, but hard-packed, and mostly level. There was no camp host at the time, as I stayed in what would have been the Host's site. Not busy, but I was there in the middle of September.

We used to sail our boat into here for years. Black River was originally a harbor of refuge built by the Feds. to provide a safe harbor for sport and commercial fishing boats and recreational boaters. Theree is a gorgeous park with buildings and shelters originally built by the CCC out of local rock. The river cuts back through the high hills and is crossed by a high swinging bridge. Boats dock alongside the riversides toed to sturdy wooden docks.

The campground is up the hill, about a 1/4 mile walk. It is tucked into the woods and again is a place for locals there for sport fishing or hunting. Driving back to the c/g from hgwy 2 is about a 20 mile jaunt on asphalt. It is worth the drive, but come prepared to boondocks.