Dispersed camping along Mowe Lake provides forest service access without developed facilities or designated sites. This Hiawatha National Forest location accommodates RVs up to 32 feet with drive-in and walk-in access options. Basic amenities include vault toilets and picnic tables, while cell service remains available for connectivity needs.
The forest service prohibits pets at this dispersed area, distinguishing it from many nearby options. Campers can consume alcohol on-site under standard forest regulations. For those wanting established campsites, Mowe Lake Campsites — Hiawatha National Forest offers developed facilities at the same lake.
Description
This gorgeous 21 acre lake is nestled down among paper birch, aspen and oak and features one campsite high upon a hill overlooking the lake. A carry-in boat launch is intended to prevent over fishing its excellent brook trout fishery, which is maintained by annual stocking. This campsite is small with a very tight turning radius and is suitable for only one family with a tent or small trailer. Swimming is considered marginal with a thin layer of sand covering a mucky bottom.
RV Road Trip Guides
Location
Dispersed CampingMowe Lake - Manistique Rapid River Dispersed is located in Michigan
Directions
From Cooks (about 12 miles west of Manistique or 24 miles east of Rapid River) on US-2 drive north 4.4 miles on County Road 442 to CR 437. Turn left (north) on CR 437 and drive 8.7 miles to FR 2217. Turn left (northwest) on FR 2217 and drive 2.4 miles to FR 2696. Turn left (south) on 2696 and drive 0.5 mile to the campsite.
Coordinates
46.14537907 N
86.5769054 W
Connectivity
T-MobileNo Coverage- VerizonNo Coverage
AT&T5GGood CoverageVerified by 4 usersLast on 4/2/26
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&T5GGood CoverageVerified by 4 usersLast on 4/2/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Dispersed
- Group
Features
For Campers
- Picnic Table
- Phone Service
- Toilets
- Alcohol
For Vehicles
- Pull-Through Sites
- Big Rig Friendly
DISPERSED CAMPING
Enjoy dispersed camping on government land and leave no trace. Pack in and pack out. No (or limited) services at this camping area. Permit may be required.
PERMIT might be REQUIRED
We curate permit requirements across the US for our PRO members. Try PRO to see if Mowe Lake - Manistique Rapid River Dispersed needs a permit.
Drive Time
- 2 hrs 41 min from Green Bay, WI
- 3 hrs from Appleton, WI
- 3 hrs 52 min from Wausau, WI
- 4 hrs 10 min from Traverse City, MI
