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

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. 

Drinking water is NOT present at these sites.

There is a primitive toilet present at these sites.

Lake Name: Cookson Lake

Number of Sites: 5

Maximum Number of People: Site 1 (8), Sites 2-5 (16)

Toilets: 1

Boat Access: Back-In

Lake Size (acres): 35

Natural Features

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.

These campsites is located in a large open field on the shores of Cookson Lake. All of the campsites are surrounded by a mixed stand of aspens and northern hardwoods on the south shore of the lake. This 35 - acre lake boasts two small islands, and a variety of wildflowers abound in the area during warmer months.

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. 

Fish cribs were placed around the Island in 2023.

A public boat ramp is located adjacent to site 2, which can be used to access Cookson Lake's fishery of largemouth bass, northern pike, bluegill and bullhead.

Nearby Attractions

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

Groceries, ice, gasoline, fishing and camping supplies, ice and deli are available 5 miles east on County Road 437 in the Steuben Area.

Contact Info

Important Notices

• Pack- in, Pack-out policy

• There is a 14 day stay limit.

• Off-road vehicles are not permitted at the campsite or on surrounding roads.

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

• Campsite must be occupied the first night.

• 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

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

Directions

<p><strong>From Munising, Michigan</strong>: Drive east on M-28 towards Wetmore.</p> <ul> <li>Turn right (south) on Forest Highway 13 at Wetmore and drive 11.9 miles to FR 2258. </li> <li>Turn left (southeast) and drive about 2.5 miles to FR 2257 (just before the bridge over the Indian River).</li> <li>Turn left (northeast) on FR 2257 and drive 1.8 miles across the access road.</li> </ul>

Contact Information

Phone: 906-387-2512

Rental Options

Learn more about gear rental options for your trip