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.

Facilities

There are four campsites at Council Lake for tent and small RV camping. Each campsite is equipped with a table and a campfire ring. A pit toilet is located near site 1, but toilet paper is not provided.

There is NO drinking water.

Lake Name: Council Lake

Number of Sites: 4

Maximum Number of People: 8 (for each site)

Toilets: 1 (by site 1)

Boat Access: Carry-In

Lake Size (acres): 14

Natural Features

These four campsites are situated on the quaint 12 - acre Council Lake, nestled in a mixed stand of hardwood and pine trees. They are on the southern shores of Council Lake, close to adjoining Red Jack and Scout lakes.

Recreation

Council Lake is a 12-acre lake with yellow perch, rock and largemouth bass, bluegill, black crappie, bullhead and northern pike. Licenses are required to fish in Michigan waters.  

Council Lake is part of a small chain of lakes and offers excellent canoeing and kayaking opportunities. There is a short portage that links Council Lake to Bar Lake and the Indian Wild and Scenic River.
Non-motorized boats can be used on the lake, however access at the campground is by land only. A boat ramp can be found at adjoining Red Jack Lake. 

The day-use area is equipped with tables and a pedestal grill. The area is near a beach that is perfect for lounging and swimming. No drinking water is provided at the campsite; water must be brought in and garbage must be carried out.

Contact Info

Important Notices

• Pack-in, Pack-out policy

• There is a 14 day stay limit.

• No drinking water is provided at the campsite.

• Campsite cannot be left unattended for more than 24 hours.

• Campsite must be occupied the first night of your reservation.

• Off-road vehicle use is prohibited at the campsite and in the surrounding areas.

• You are welcome to collect firewood from the area surrounding your campsite. Remember that any firewood that you collect must be DEAD AND DOWN.

• Don't move firewood: To limit the spread of invasive tree-killing pests, firewood from outside the area is not permitted. Some states have quarantines and may confiscate your firewood. Please help protect our forests from invasive species by obtaining your firewood at or near your camping destination and burning it on-site. Visit dontmovefirewood.org for more information.

Available Activities

• Swimming Site - Swimming Site
• Camping - Camping
• Biking - Biking
• Fishing - Fishing
• Boating - Boating

Directions

<p><strong>From Munising</strong>, Michigan, take Highway M-28 east towards Shingleton. </p> <ul> <li>Turn right (south) on Forest Highway 13 at Wetmore and drive 9.9 miles south to Forest Road 2261.</li> <li>Turn right (west) onto Forest Road 226 and drive 1.7 miles. </li> <li>Continue until the road ends at Council Lake.</li> </ul>

Contact Information

Phone: 906-387-2512

Rental Options

Learn more about gear rental options for your trip