
Council Lake Campsites
Munising, Michigan
Free — you'll pick up right here.
No verdict for this campground
We won't guess. Here is exactly what we do and don't know.
What we do know
Inside Hiawatha National Forest
2 managing-area boundaries mapped — agency alerts for them feed this page automatically.
Boundary data
What's missing
No access route mapped
We don't yet know which road reaches this trailhead, so we can't tell you if it's gated.
Nobody's filed a report here yet — be the first.
Campsite availability
Live from Recreation.gov for Council Lake Campsites.
Here's your stay, mapped
Council Lake Campsites
Suggested plan · check conditions before you go
Gear for the day
Meals
Photos
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 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. 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. 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, 12 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 Canoe RouteHiking0.7 mi
- Indian River Fish Lake Island Camping AreaCamping1.2 mi
- Brunos RunHiking1.5 mi
- Widewaters CampgroundCamping1.8 mi
- Island LakeCamping2 mi
- Big Island Lake PortalHiking4.5 mi
- Swan Lake CampsitesPier fishing6.5 mi
- Ironjaw Lake CampsitePier fishing6.8 mi
Source: Roamze catalog (indexable pages within 10 miles, PostGIS distance)
Add to a trip & share
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