Mosquitoes arrive in droves during spring hatch season at this 25-site Forest Service campground on Colwell Lake, but the bugs subside as summer progresses. Each lakeside site connects directly to a walking path that circles the water, with spots to tie off boats right at many campsites. Walk-in sites offer even more privacy with dedicated lake access trails.
The sandy beach stretches along much of the shoreline, providing swimming access without the boat traffic found on larger lakes. A fishing pier extends into the water, and the loop trail around the lake works well for morning walks or evening bike rides. "Toilets are clean and nicely spaced out, as is water," notes Kinni P., and camp hosts maintain daily bathroom cleaning schedules.
Sites accommodate RVs up to 60 feet with electric hookups available, though the access road can be rough. Most sites require reservations, with only a handful available first-come, first-served. Cell service remains nearly nonexistent throughout the campground. The location puts campers within 25 minutes of Munising and Pictured Rocks, about an hour from Grand Marais, and 35 minutes from Manistique. For those planning extended stays in the region, campgrounds near Hiawatha National Forest provide additional options.
This campground works best for campers who prioritize direct water access and don't mind generator noise from neighbors.
Description
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.
Contact Info
For facility specific information, please call (906) 767-1111.
Nearby Attractions
Big Island, Fish and Straits lakes are all within 25 miles of the campground.
Fee Info
Discount only applies to base rate.Note: A $4.00 per night electrical hookup fee applies to Electric sites.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsColwell Lake Campground is located in Michigan near Wetmore
Directions
From Manistique, Michigan, drive north 25 miles on State Route 94 to Forest Road 2246. Turn right (east) and drive 0.5 miles to the campground road.
Coordinates
46.2216667 N
86.4375 W
Connectivity
T-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoors
T-MobileNo Coverage- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 6/7/26
Connectivity
T-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoors- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 6/7/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
- Boat-InSites accessible by watercraft.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
- Tent Cabin
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Firewood Available
- Reservable
- Drinking Water
- Electric Hookups
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
- Pull-Through Sites
- 30 Amp Hookups
- Big Rig Friendly
Drive Time
- 3 hrs 1 min from Green Bay, WI
- 3 hrs 21 min from Appleton, WI
- 3 hrs 59 min from Traverse City, MI
- 4 hrs 13 min from Wausau, WI
