Established Camping

Minerva Lake Campsite — Hiawatha National Forest

Minerva Lake Campsite is located in the Hiawatha National Forest near Rapid River, Michigan. The area features forested terrain with numerous lakes and rivers. Campers can experience temperatures ranging from 20°F in winter to 80°F in summer, and nearby attractions include Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore and Kitch-iti-kipi, Michigan's largest freshwater spring.

Description

US Forest Service

Hiawatha National Forest

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. The 45-acre Minerva Lake contains largemouth bass and perch. This lake has always enjoyed a good reputation for fishing. There is an improved, day use boat access located adjacent to the campsite. It has a gravel base and is recommended for small boats and trailers only. Parking is limited. Swimming conditions are poor.

Natural Features

There is one primitive campsite located on Minerva Lake. It is located in a small, semi-open area bordered by hardwood trees and hemlocks. It is 40ft. x 30 ft. and suitable for one family and tents or small trailers due to limited turn-around space.

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. Groceries, gasoline, fishing and camping supplies, ice and deli are available approximately three miles south on County Road 437 in the Thunder Lake area

Contact Info

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

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Location

Minerva Lake Campsite — Hiawatha National Forest is located in Michigan

Detail location of campground

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 14.4 miles to FR 2767. Turn right (east) and drive 0.25 mile to the campsite. The access road crosses a short, steep hill and is narrow, but still capable of handling moderate sized vehicles.

Address

RAPID RIVER/MANISTIQUE RANGER DISTRICT 8181 US HWY 2
Rapid river, MI 49878

Coordinates

46.144722 N
86.479444 W

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Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site

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Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)

Features

For Campers

  • Reservable
  • Pets
  • Fires

For Vehicles

  • Pull-Through Sites

Contact

General Info

Reservations

Drive Time


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1 Review

Reviewed Jun. 30, 2022

Best campsite ever!

At least according to my buddy, that is. We (two couples and our two dogs) stayed at Minerva Lake four nights, from June 17 until June 21, 2022. The dispersed site was large enough for our two tents, a privacy tent, three tables, a chuck box, and plenty of seating around the fire ring. The site is adjacent to a boat ramp, but only one fisherman showed up all weekend. We did get a few other four-wheel visitors, mostly folks exploring in their side-by-sides. USFS personnel paid us a visit the day after a strong thunderstorm, just to make sure we were ok. And we're fairly certain we had a couple of bears pass us by while we were relaxing by the campfire. If not bears, something else certainly set the dogs off! Mosquitoes were not the worst we've experienced, though they did pick up in the early mornings and evenings.

Month of VisitJune

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is the max vehicle length at Minerva Lake Campsite — Hiawatha National Forest?

    Minerva Lake Campsite — Hiawatha National Forest allows vehicles up to 16 feet.

  • Are fires allowed at Minerva Lake Campsite — Hiawatha National Forest?

    Yes, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, fires are allowed at Minerva Lake Campsite — Hiawatha National Forest, although make sure to check current fire restrictions in the area.