Featured amenities
Parking
Picnic Table
About Lake Ottawa Pavilion
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The Lake Ottawa Pavilion, located within the Lake Ottawa Recreation Area, sits in a beautiful north woods setting; along the shore of Lake Ottawa. The Civilian Conservation Corps-era pavilion provides a large indoor gathering area complete with picnic tables, limited seating and a fireplace.
Nearby Activities & Attractions
Boating
Fishing
Swimming
Campground Amenities
Most popular amenities
Parking
Picnic Table
Cooking and Fire
- Picnic Table
Parking and Transport
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Location Lake Ottawa Pavilion
Address:
E23979 Us 2 East
Watersmeet, MI, 49969
United States
From Iron River, Michigan:
Travel west on US Highway 2 to M 73. Turn left (south) on M 73 and travel approximately 3/4 mile to Lake Ottawa Road. Turn right (west) on Lake Ottawa Road and travel approximately 4 miles to the Lake Ottawa Recreation Area. Follow the signs to the day use area.
Highway access
Lake Ottawa Pavilion is accessible via US Highway 2 and M 73. It is located approximately 4 miles from Lake Ottawa Road, which connects to M 73.
Latitude & Longitude: 46.0768 / -88.7649
Elevation: 480 feet
Policies & Rules
Arrival & departure
- For questions, contact the Ottawa National Forest at the provided phone number.
Cancellation policy
- Reservation fees are non-refundable. For campsites, cabins, lookouts, yurts, group sites, and similar stays, we charge a reservation service fee of $8.
- Standard cancellations usually have a $10 cancellation fee. Customers can generally cancel before the check-in date online.
- Late cancellation rules differ by stay type.
- Individual campsites: cancelling after 12:00am local time the day before arrival usually means a $10 cancellation fee plus forfeiting the first night's fee.
- Cabins, lookouts, and yurts: cancelling less than 14 days before arrival usually means a $10 cancellation fee plus forfeiting the first night's fee.
- One-night reservations: a late cancellation usually forfeits the full amount paid, up to the total original reservation cost.
- Modifications are allowed before the cut-off window, but fees depend on the change. Changing to dates completely outside the original reservation dates may trigger a $10 change fee. Extending or shortening a stay that still includes original dates usually has no change fee, though refunds may depend on timing and facility rules. Switching to the same type of campsite for the same dates usually has no change fee, but price differences are charged or refunded.
- Early departures may or may not be refunded. At certain facilities, partial refunds may be possible if staff can mark the site available for other visitors. No refund is given for a night if the early departure is requested after that day's check-out time.
- Security deposits are separate. Security deposits may be refunded to the original payment method if the facility is left in acceptable condition, as determined by the property.
Safety & rules
- The Lake Ottawa Pavilion will be closed in 2026 for renovations. Check for updates.
- No items may be attached to the building's interior surfaces using adhesives or fasteners.
- All personal belongings must be taken when leaving each day.
- Gambling and gambling devices are prohibited.
- Selling alcohol and charging for picnics on public land is not allowed.
- All trash must be removed; a dumpster is available for disposal near the parking lot.
Site capacity
- Groups larger than 75 must apply for a special use permit.
- Reservations do not guarantee exclusive use of the day use building; the public must have access.
Vehicles & parking
- Vehicles must be parked in the designated parking lot and not on the grass.
Pets
- Pets must be leashed, and loud music is prohibited.
Fires & fuel
- Use portable grills safely; they cannot be used indoors, and charcoal must not be discarded on the grass.
- Do not bring firewood from outside the area to prevent pests; use local firewood only.
Utilities
- Use extension cords safely; outlets are available inside.
Site types & loops
- Overnight camping is not allowed; the area is open for day use only.
Nearby Campgrounds
Nearby destinations
Last updated: June 4, 2026
Managed by USDA Forest Service