
Cookson Lake Campsites
Munising, Michigan
Free — you'll pick up right here.
Conditions: Blocked
for campground, todayAn agency closure order is in effect for this area; weather is good
2 factors · 2 sources
Newest 23 h ago · oldest 1 d
problem: Agency alerts
16 active alerts in Hiawatha National Forest; most severe: Brevoort Lake Autumn Drawdown
USFSPosted Oct 5 · checked 1 d ago
clear: Weather
Clouds, high 53°F / low 50°F, 0% precip — 96/100 for campground
OpenWeather23 h ago
Been out here in the last few days? One report keeps this current for everyone.
Campsite availability
Live from Recreation.gov for Cookson Lake Campsites.
Here's your stay, mapped
Cookson Lake Campsites
Suggested plan · check conditions before you go
Gear for the day
Meals
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About this campground
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 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. 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. 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 For local information, please call (906) 387-2512 or call (906) 474-6442 for general information.
Directions & GPX
Facts about this campground
When to go
Typical monthly averages (not a forecast) from the Munising, MI weather station, 16 mi away. High / low in °F.
- Jan23° high11° low
- Feb25° high11° low
- Mar33° high19° low
- Apr45° high28° low
- May59° high39° low
- Jun68° high49° low
- Jul73° high55° low
- Aug72° high55° low
- Sep65° high49° low
- Oct52° high38° low
- Nov39° high27° low
- Dec29° high18° low
Where it is
- Munising Ranger District · Ranger district
- Hiawatha National Forest · National forest
- Managed by
- Forest Service
Conditions
Active alerts for Hiawatha National Forest as of Oct 9, 2026:
Restricting Public Entry to Stonington Quarry
caution · posted Oct 8, 2026
critical · posted Oct 8, 2026
Restrictions on the use of fireworks
information · posted Aug 24, 2026
Firewood Restrictions on the Hiawatha and Ottawa National Forests
information · posted Aug 24, 2026
Drug and Alcohol Use on the Hiawatha National Forest
information · posted Aug 24, 2026
Restrictions on entry to any beach posted closed
information · posted Aug 24, 2026
Occupancy and use of Lake Superior Shoreline
information · posted Aug 24, 2026
Occupancy and use of Big Island Lake Wilderness
information · posted Aug 24, 2026
information · posted Aug 24, 2026
Restricting the use of Raco Airfield
information · posted Aug 24, 2026
Source: USFS forest alerts
Nearby
- Indian River Deer Creek Camping AreaCamping0.5 mi
- Pine Marten RunHiking1.7 mi
- Ironjaw Lake CampsiteCamping1.8 mi
- Ironjaw Lake Camping AreaCamping1.8 mi
- Lake Nineteen CampsitePier fishing1.9 mi
- Bil - Neds Lake PortageHiking2.1 mi
- Bil - Vance HikingHiking2.3 mi
- Swan Lake CampsitesPier fishing2.3 mi
Source: Roamze catalog (indexable pages within 10 miles, PostGIS distance)
Add to a trip & share
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