Hiawatha National Forest holds Mowe Lake Campsites, a small drive-in campground in the Rapid River area managed by the US Forest Service at $8 per night. Just two sites sit here. Access runs rough, so drivers should account for road conditions before arriving, and RVs are limited to 32 feet. The site sits near both a lake and a river, with forested and open terrain nearby, making it well-suited to anglers. Pets are allowed, and campfires are permitted. Campers who want low-density, pet-friendly camping near Hiawatha National Forest with water access close at hand will find this a functional base.
Description
Overview
The Munising and Rapid River/Manistique Ranger Districts of the Hiawatha National Forest offer a variety of camping experiences. Many are located on inland lakes in a rustic forest environment with no drinking water. The rustic environment offers a wonderfully serene and peaceful setting for your next camping experience.
Recreation
Visitors will be able to enjoy swimming, berry picking, and fishing at these dispersed campsites. Licenses are required for fishing in Michigan waters. Mowe Lake is a good fishery for northern pike, largemouth bass, pumpkinseed and yellow perch. Survesy indicate a good, healthy fishery. there is an unimproved access located across from site 2. It has a sand base and is recommneded for small boats and trailers only.
Facilities
There is NO drinking water provided at this site. There is a primitive toilet shared by both sites Lake Name: Mowe Lake Number of Sites: 2 Max Number of People Per Site: 8 (for both sites) Toilets: Yes Boat Access: Carry in Lake Size (acres): 25
Natural Features
There are two campsites located on Mowe Lake, each with their own set of characteristics: Site 1 is located in a semi-open area bordered by hardwood trees. It is 60 ft. x 40 ft and suitable for one family and trailer. Site 2 is similar to site 1 in layout, but slightly smaller in size. It is suitable for one family and trailer. The access road to these sites is narrow, but capable of handling moderate sized vehicles and trailers.
Contact Info
For local information, please call (906) 474-6442 or call (906) 387-2512 for general information.
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. Gasoline, groceries, fishing and camping supplies, boat rentals, ice, MDNR, licenses, deli and restaurants are available approximately six miles northwest on Forest Highway 13.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsMowe Lake Campsites is located in Michigan near Wetmore
Directions
From the Intersection of US-2 and Forest Highway 13 (about 14 miles east of Rapid River), drive north 19 miles on Highway 13 to CR 440. Turn right (east) and drive 3.5 miles to FR 2209. Turn right (southeast) on 2209 at the Big Springs North Trailhead and drive 0.4 mile to FR 8104. Turn right (west) and drive about 0.6 mile to the campsites.
Address
RAPID RIVER/MANISTIQUE RANGER DISTRICT
8181 US HWY 2
Rapid river, MI 49878
Coordinates
46.145278 N
86.577222 W
Connectivity
T-MobileNo Coverage- VerizonNo Coverage
AT&T5GGood CoverageVerified by 4 usersLast on 7/20/26
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&T5GGood CoverageVerified by 4 usersLast on 7/20/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
Features
For Campers
- Reservable
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Pull-Through Sites
Drive Time
- 2 hrs 41 min from Green Bay, WI
- 3 hrs from Appleton, WI
- 3 hrs 52 min from Wausau, WI
- 4 hrs 13 min from Traverse City, MI
