Gooseneck Lake Campsites
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.
There is NO drinking water available at these sites.
Primitive toilets are available at the campsites:
- Site 1 has a primitive toilet, which is located and shared with the public using the boat launch
- Site 3 has a primtive toilet.
Lake Name: Gooseneck Lake
Number of Sites: 3
Maximum Number of People Per Site: Site 1 and 4 (8), Site 3 (16)
Toilets: Yes at sites 1 and 3
Boat Access: Back-In near Site 1
Lake Size (acres): 123
Need to Know
- Pack-In, Pack-out policy
- There is a 14-day stay limit.
- No drinking water provided.
- Campsite must be occupied the first night.
Campsite cannot be left unattended for more than 24 hours.
- You are welcome to collect firewood from the area surrounding your campsite. Just remember that any firewood that you collect must be DEAD AND DOWN
- Click here for more information on the Hiawatha National Forest
- 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.
Natural Features
Gooseneck Lake is an extremely busy lake with private land and cottages surrounding most of its shores. As a result, pontoon boats, jet skis and water skiers and even occasional fishing boats can be seen and heard on the lake.
There are three campsites on Gooseneck Lake:
- Site 1 is set back in a wooded area. Although its small, it is very nice. It is 40 ft. x 30 ft. with rough road access. It is suitable for a single family, but trailers are not recommended.
- Site 3 is an excellent camping area at the top of a small sandy bank. It is an open area, 100 ft x 70 ft in size. Access is good and this site is suitable for two families and trailers.
- Site 4 is located on the south side of the lake. The site is 70 ft. x 45 ft. and can accomodate one family. The access road is firm, but very narrow with sharp turns and washboard roots. Trailers are not recommended due to the very limited turning 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.
Gasoline, groceries, fishing and camping supplies, boat rentals, ice and MDNR licenses are available at Steuben, approximately 2 miles northwest on County Road 437.
Recreation
Visitors will be able to enjoy swimming, berry picking, and fishing at these dispersed campsites. Licenses are required for fishing in Michigan waters.
The best swimming opportunities are located at site 3 and site 4.
- Site 1 does NOT have good swimming conditions.
- Site 3 has good swimming conditions, however there are high banks at this site that block the view of the shoreline from the site.
- Site 4 has a very shallow beach area
An improved public boat access is located near site 1. A toilet is nearby, which is shared with site 1. The lake offers a good fishery of walleye, large and smallmouth bass, rock bass, sunfish and northern pike.
Contact Information
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RAPID RIVER/MANISTIQUE RANGER DISTRICT 8181 US HWY 2 Rapid River MI 49878
Phone Number
For campground inquiries, please call: 906-474-6442 OR 906-387-2512
Rental Options
Learn more about gear rental options for your trip
Driving Directions
From the Intersection of US-2 and Forest Highway 13 (about 14 miles east of Rapid River); drive north 8.4 miles on Highway 13 to CR 442.
- Turn right (east) and drive 8 miles to FR 2218.
- Turn left (north) and drive 1.6 miles to FR 2218EA or 0.8 mile to FR 2218G.
Available Campsites
- Site 004, Loop GOOSENECK LAKE CAMPSITE, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 001, Loop GOOSENECK LAKE CAMPSITE, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 003, Loop GOOSENECK LAKE CAMPSITE, Type Standard Nonelectric
