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Established Camping

Cookson Lake Campground

CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BYFord

Cookson Lake Campground is located near Munising in the Huron-Manistee National Forests. The area features forested terrain with access to Cookson Lake. Temperatures range from lows in the 20s Fahrenheit in winter to highs in the 70s during summer. Nearby attractions include Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore and Munising Falls, offering opportunities for exploration and sightseeing.

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Location

Cookson Lake Campground is located in Michigan

Detail location of campground

Directions

From Munising, Michigan: Drive east on M-28 towards Wetmore. Turn right (south) on Forest Highway 13 at Wetmore and drive 11.9 miles to FR 2258. Turn left (southeast) and drive about 2.5 miles to FR 2257 (just before the bridge over the Indian River). Turn left (northeast) on FR 2257 and drive 1.8 miles across the access road.

Address

MUNISING RANGER DISTRICT 400 E. MUNISING AVE.
Munising, MI 49862

Coordinates

46.1955972 N
86.5615139 W

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Connectivity

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    Excellent Coverage

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Detours Nearby

LOCAL FAVORITES PRESENTED BYToyota Trucks
Mckeever Cabin

Mckeever Cabin

11 min away

Tom's Lake Cabin

Tom's Lake Cabin

13 min away

Drive Time

Presented byToyota Trucks

Connectivity

Presented byT-Mobile SatelliteT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    Verizon
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T5G
    Excellent Coverage

Access

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Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites

Features

For Campers

  • Picnic Table
  • Reservable
  • Toilets
  • Pets
  • Fires

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Reviews

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3.5

out of 5

2 Reviews

Reviewed Jul. 30, 2019

Super isolated

Spent one night here with my dog. I was looking for a place to unplug and I sure got what I was looking for. Have to admit I was a bit out of my element for tent camping at this location. There were others camping at this site with RVs, a boat and off road vehicles. They were more prepared for the wilderness! They told me about a pack of wolves roaming around and how they would snatch up my pup if given the opportunity and my girl had a growl off with something in the woods that night. Might have been a wolf! Mosquitos were crazy and there were some giant turtles that seemed to be taking over the whole area. Beautiful view of the big lake.

  • Review photo of Cookson Lake Campground by Dickie H., July 30, 2019
  • Review photo of Cookson Lake Campground by Dickie H., July 30, 2019
  • Review photo of Cookson Lake Campground by Dickie H., July 30, 2019
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Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find free camping near Cookson Lake in Michigan's Upper Peninsula?

The Upper Peninsula offers several free camping options near Cookson Lake. While Cookson Lake Campground itself may have fees, nearby national forest lands often provide free dispersed camping opportunities. Look for designated free camping areas in the Hiawatha National Forest or Ottawa National Forest. These locations typically offer primitive camping experiences with minimal amenities. Always check with the local ranger district for current regulations, as some areas may require a free permit even for dispersed camping. For the most reliable information on free camping options, contact the local Forest Service office before your trip.

Is dispersed camping allowed at Cookson Lake in the Upper Peninsula?

Cookson Lake Campground offers designated camping spots rather than dispersed camping. The campground provides simple, rustic sites situated right on the lake, making it ideal for those looking to enjoy fishing and water activities. While dispersed camping isn't available at the campground itself, the surrounding Upper Peninsula area does offer dispersed camping opportunities in various national forests and public lands. For those specifically seeking a camping experience at Cookson Lake, utilizing the established campsites is the appropriate option.

How far is Cookson Lake campground from Munising, MI?

Cookson Lake Campground is located approximately 45-50 miles from Munising, MI. The drive typically takes about an hour, depending on the route taken and road conditions. This makes Cookson Lake a viable option for those who want to visit Munising's attractions like Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore while staying at a more secluded campground. The remote setting offers a peaceful alternative to the busier campgrounds closer to Munising, though you'll need to factor in drive time when planning day trips to the area's popular destinations.