MANISTIQUE - RAPID RIVER DISPERSED CAMPSITES will soon be updated to make it easier to search for individual campsites. Each lake will be listed separately along with the corresponding campsites for each. You will be able to make reservations on Recreation.gov for the 2018 season as soon as the changes have been completed. Please check back for updates.



## Overview

There are many campsites on the Munising and Rapid River/Manistique Ranger Districts of the Hiawatha National Forest. Many are located on inland lakes and are in a rustic forest environment with few to no amenities and no drinking water. The rustic environment offers a wonderfully serene and peaceful setting for your next camping experience. All of these sites are nestled in hardwood trees and pines. All of them are on small inland lakes, which offer a wide variety of fishing opportunities.

## Recreation

Visitors will be able to enjoy swimming, berry picking, and fishing at these campsites. Licenses are required for fishing in Michigan waters. 

Swimming is not recommended at this site.

Clear Lake boasts a great fishery of yellow perch, smallmouth bass, and largemouth bass. Occasionally, splake may be caught as well.

There is a back-in boat launch located adjacent to the campsite. It is used as public access point, so campers can expect users to cross their site to access this launch.

## Facilities

There is **NO** drinking water.

There are **NO** primitive toilets.

**Lake Name:** Clear Lake

**Number of Sites:** 1

**Maximum Number of People:** 8

**Toilets:** No

**Boat Access:** Back-In

**Lake Size (acres):** 109

## Natural Features

Clear Lake hosts a single campsite in an open area, located on the eastern side of the lake. This site measures 50 ft x 30 ft and can accomodate 2 families and trailers. There is a boat launch located adjacent to this site that is used by the public. Campers can expect public use of this boat access.

## Nearby Attractions

There are a number of horse, bike, and hiking trails within minutes of several of the sites. In over a mile from 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. 

## contact_info

For local information, please call (906) 474-6442 or call (906) 387-2512 for general information.

Clear Lake Campsite

## Overview

Colwell Lake Campground is situated on Colwell Lake in the center of Michigan's Hiawatha National Forest. Guests of all ages can enjoy nature and the outdoors in this picturesque setting.   
  
The campground has much to offer in terms of recreation, such as swimming, fishing, boating and picnicking, and can accommodate families, individuals, small groups, RV and tent campers with several amenities.

## Recreation

With an excellent swimming beach, boat access and an accessible fishing pier, Colwell Lake has plenty to offer families and anglers.   
  
Largemouth bass, northern pike, crappie, pumpkinseed sunfish, perch and bluegill are all available in the lake. The facility also provides a leisurely 2 mile hiking and snowshoeing trail.

## Facilities

The campground consists of many individual family sites, as well as a group site that can hold 24 people and two tent-only sites along the lake shore. Sites are equipped with campfire rings, lantern posts and tent pads, with vault toilets and drinking water located throughout the facility.   
  
A picnic area sits adjacent to the sandy swimming beach. Pedestal grills and tables for individual families or small groups are provided.   
  
Boaters will find a boat ramp and launching pier near the campground entrance. There is adequate space for parking and a trailer turn-around.

## Natural Features

The campground is situated on Michigan's Upper Peninsula, on the eastern shore of the 145-acre Colwell Lake. The area is forested with a variety of deciduous and conifer trees, and some campsites overlook the water. 

## Nearby Attractions

Big Island, Fish and Straits lakes are all within 25 miles of the campground.

Colwell Lake Campground

Jack Pine Lodge and Campground

## Overview

Cookson Lake Campsite offers a primitive place to stay in the thick of Michigan's wilderness. Beautiful forests surround several lakes in the area, providing ample opportunity to enjoy nature in all its forms.

## Recreation

Visitors enjoy swimming and fishing in the 35-acre adjacent lake. Largemouth bass, northern pike, bluegill and bullhead are among the typical catch. Licenses are required for fishing in Michigan waters.   
  
Boating the lake is also a popular pastime, and a boat ramp is located near the campsite.

## Facilities

The campground offers five primitive campsites for tent and RV camping. Each offers tables and campfire rings. A pit toilet is located near one of the sites, but toilet paper is not provided.

## Natural Features

The campsite is located in a large open field on the shores of Cookson Lake. The lake boasts two small islands, and a variety of wildflowers abound in the area during warmer months. 

## Nearby Attractions

Cookson Lake is near the Indian Wild and Scenic rivers and the Big Island Lake Wilderness Area.

Cookson Lake Dispersed Campsite

Herman Lake Dispersed

Ewing Point is located on the beautiful, 132-acre McKeever Lake in the forests of Michigan. This spacious campground provides a rustic environment in a secluded setting. Bruno's Run Hiking Trail weaves throughout the Ewing Point area, offering 9 miles of adventure for hikers. The trail is accessible at various locations, two of which are near the Ewing Point parking area. One section of the trail leads to Grassy Lake, while the other heads along the southeastern portion of McKeever Lake. McKeever Lake offers great fishing for musky, pike, bass and pan fish, and there is boat access in the parking area. Boats must be carried to the site by hand or through the water. Because the water is quite shallow, large boats are not recommended. The campsite is equipped with tables and a campfire ring with a grill. A lantern post and pit toilet are also available. There is one walk-in campsite on Ewing Point. The site, located right on the point, is a grassy area 50 feet by 75 feet, surrounded by cedar and hemlock. A fire grill, lantern post, and picnic tables are provided at the site. Drinking water must be carried in. Water is available at Pete's Lake.

Ewing Point Dispersed Campsite

## Overview

Petes Lake Campground, located in the center of Michigan's Hiawatha National Forest, is surrounded by several lakes and offers excellent hiking, biking, fishing, boating and more.   
  
Snuggled amongst mixed hardwood trees, the campground offers a swimming beach and day-use picnic area away from the hustle and bustle of city life. 

## Recreation

Visitors enjoy a variety of water-related recreation opportunities. The campground also has fishing pier next to the day-use area. Anglers can expect healthy populations of northern pike, bass, walleye and perch in the lake.  
  
The nine-mile Bruno's Run Trail, which winds its way past a host of small lakes in the area, passes directly through the campground and is a popular trail for hiking and biking, as well as snowshoeing and cross-country skiing in the winter.

## Facilities

The campground offers multiple spacious and forested private campsites for tent and RV camping. A few sites overlook the lake.  
  
Each site is equipped with tables and campfire rings and about half of the sites have access to a grill. Accessible vault toilets and drinking water are provided.   
  
A shaded day-use picnic area at the campground offers multiple tables and benches right on the lake shore. Accessible vault toilets and drinking water are also provided in the picnic area, as well as a fairly large parking area.

## Natural Features

The campground is situated on the upper peninsula of Michigan, on the shores of the 190-acre Petes Lake. It sits amid rolling hills that are forested with a variety of deciduous and conifer trees. Many of the campsites are shaded and private. 

## Nearby Attractions

Big Island, Fish and Straits lakes are all within 25 miles of the campground.

Pete’s Lake Campground

Ironjaw Lake is located in the heart of the Ironjaw Semi-Primitive Area, which is managed for both motorized and non-motorized uses. Our management efforts seek to provide for quiet, peaceful recreation opportunities in a semi-primitive setting. The campsite is also located on the trail system of the non-motorized Pine Marten Run Trail, which is open to hiking, mountain biking and horse back riding. The campsite at Ironjaw is a pull-through site that also features a tent pad situated on a hill overlooking Lake Nineteen. This site is suitable for only one family with a small trailer. There is limited turnaround space. A primitive toilet is located across the road. There is no drinking water available at this site. The swimming area is poor. The boat access to Ironjaw Lake (62 acres) 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 however, and 4 wheel drive vehicles are recommended. Parking is restricted to a small area located at the top of the hill. Ironjaw Lake is one of the better fishing lakes in the area. Crappie fishing is excellent in the spring. The lake also contains northern pike, largemouth bass, bluegill and bullheads. Horse camping is allowed at Ironjaw Lake.

Ironjaw Lake Dispersed Campsite

## Overview

McKeever Cabin is located in the Hiawatha National Forest in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, approximately 14 miles south of Munising, Michigan. The Cabin was constructed in 1991 and overlooks the 132-acre McKeever Lake.   
  
While the facility offers little in the way of modern amenities, convenient access to a number of recreational activities, including hunting, fishing, hiking, mountain biking, swimming and cross-country skiing, make this cabin a desirable destination for the outdoors enthusiast.   
  
During warmer months, visitors may park their vehicle and access the cabin by foot via a 1,000 ft. trail. When snow is present, the cabin may be accessed by snowshoe or cross-country skis via a 1-mile trail.

## Recreation

During winter months, visitors can enjoy the McKeever Hills Ski Trail, which offers a quieter, less manicured alternative to highly groomed trails without sacrificing quality. The trail to the cabin connects directly to the ski trail, so visitors can ski right out the cabin door.   
  
The Bruno's Run Trail offers a 9 mile (14.48 km) loop ideal for hiking and mountain biking in spring, summer and fall and snow shoeing in winter. Although the trail is not groomed for cross-country skiing, it does offer a suitable source for experienced skiers who prefer to break their own way.   
  
Seasonal activities also include swimming, canoeing, kayaking and fishing on the lake as well as hunting in designated areas. See the Michigan Department of Natural Resource's website for information about [hunting seasons and permits](http://www.michigan.gov/dnr/0,4570,7-153-10363_14518---,00.html).

## Facilities

The cabin can accommodate up to four people comfortably and a maximum of six people. There are two sets of bunk beds (with 4 mattresses), one table with stools, one counter top, one corner seat and a wood burning stove. There is no longer a loft with a mattress in this cabin. There are no modern bathroom facilities or electricity offered at this cabin. In order to ensure a comfortable stay, visitors must bring several of their own supplies including a camp stove, dishes, cooking utensils, containers for carrying water, toilet paper, lanterns, sleeping bags and pillows. A vault toilet is located just off the trail to the cabin and there is a (summer/winter) hand pump with drinking water located down the trail to the lake. Do not bring firewood from home: firewood will be supplied at the cabin.

## Natural Features

The cabin is situated on a small knoll surrounded by young evergreens and hardwood trees, overlooking the western shores of McKeever Lake. The lake was stocked with northern muskie in 1990, but also supports a good population of northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass and bluegill.   
  
The Big Island Lake Wilderness is located near the cabin and features 23 small lakes ranging in size from 5 to 149 acres. White birch, maple and aspen cover the wooded hills that surround the lakes. Berries, mushrooms and wildflowers grow throughout the area and a wide range of wildlife and waterfowl, including sensitive species, may be carefully observed here.

Mckeever Cabin

## Overview

Tom's Lake Cabin was built in 1991 and will accommodate up to eight people. The cabin is situated on a small knoll overlooking Tom's Lake, a 23 acre lake in the heart of the Hiawatha National Forest.

## Recreation

There are several hiking, biking, and horseback riding trails within a few miles from the cabin, including the Ironjaw semi-primitive area and the Pine Marten Run trail system offering 26 miles of trail. For the winter enthusiast, snowmobile trails can be found nearby, and the Pine Marten Run trail is frequently used for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing (although the trail is not groomed). Those trying their hand at fishing on the lake should note that boat access is carry-in only.

## Facilities

The cabin has a wood stove and firewood is provided in addition to the pedestal grill and fire pit outside. The cabin does not have modern bathroom facilities or electricity. There is a hand pump for drinking water just outside the cabin and a pit toilet behind the cabin. The cabin is furnished with four twin bunk beds with mattresses and seating for eight. You should plan to bring all your own camping equipment including camp stove, dishes, cooking and eating utensils, toilet paper, water containers, lanterns, flashlights, bedding and pillows. There is a gate at the entry road for your use. You can close it if you wish for privacy, but we ask that you don't lock it in the event we need to get in for routine maintenance. We will leave it the way we found it. During the winter months, the 1/4 mile road into the cabin is not plowed. One must park in the parking lot provided along Co. Rd. 440 and walk, ski, or snowmobile in.

## Natural Features

Tom's Lake Cabin is nestled adjacent to Tom's Lake and is ideal for swimming and fishing. Anglers will enjoy a day on the lake in search of largemouth bass and bluegill. After a day fishing and swimming, settle in for a wonderful campfire overlooking the lake and relax around the outdoor fire pit lined with a few benches. The Hiawatha National Forest is rich in wildlife, which includes 312 species that live within the Hiawatha National Forest region including whitetail deer, black bear, grey wolves, coyote, eagles, hawks, and rabbits. Over 250 species of birds use the Hiawatha, either when migrating through the area, as summer or winter range, or as permanent residents. 

## Nearby Attractions

The cabin is within a short commute of the Big Island Lake Wilderness with its 23 small lakes and portages to challenge the canoeist. The nationally-designated Wild and Scenic Indian River is also nearby, and its 51 miles offer outstanding canoeing and fishing opportunities.   
Groceries, gasoline, fishing, camping supplies, boat rentals, ice, MDNR licenses, deli, and restaurants are available on Highway 13.

Tom's Lake Cabin

## Overview

Widewaters Campground is remotely located on Michigan's upper peninsula in the Hiawatha National Forest.   
  
It sits on a stretch of heavily forested land between Lake Superior and Lake Michigan, near a series of smaller lakes and the Indian River, making it an ideal getaway for anglers and explorers alike.

## Recreation

This small, quiet campground is perfect for fishing, canoeing and kayaking. Anglers enjoy catching brook trout in the area.   
  
The 9-mile Bruno's Run Trail, which winds its way past a host of small lakes in the area, passes directly through the campground and is a popular trail for hiking and biking, as well as snowshoeing and cross-country skiing in the winter.

## Facilities

The campground offers multiple well-spaced single-family sites, available for tent and RV camping. Sites vary from being heavily wooded and private, to open with little privacy. A few waterfront sites have access to the river. Some additional sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis.   
  
Each site is equipped with tables and campfire rings and some have access to grills. Accessible vault toilets and drinking water are provided.   
  
Boat ramps are available at the campground and also at Fish Lake.

## Natural Features

Widewaters is in a beautiful forest of mature hardwoods, sandwiched between Irwin Lake and Indian River.

Widewaters Campground

USDA Forest Service

The rusticness of this dispersed campsite is really refreshing! Private location with grills and fire rings.  The campground is open from mid-May-early October. Lakefront camping with good hiking and biking nearby campsite.

Clear Lake Campsite

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