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Cookson Lake Campsites
FSU.S. Forest Service — Munising · Michigan · Hiawatha National Forest
| Agency | FSU.S. Forest Service |
|---|---|
| Area | Hiawatha National Forest |
| Location | Munising · Michigan · Hiawatha National Forest · 46.19560, -86.56151 · Map |
| Sites | 5 public sites counted from the federal listing — 5 standard nonelectric |
| Getting a site | Reservable — the federal listing marks this campground as taking reservations. Some sites or seasons may still be first-come; the listing’s own words are below. |
| Hookups | Electric at 0 of 5 sites Water hookups at 0 of 5 sites Sewer hookups at 0 of 5 sites Full hookups (all three at one site) at 0 of 5 sites Counted site by site from affirmative reports in the federal record. A site with no report is not counted either way. |
| Max RV length | Not reported in the federal data |
| Months open | Not in federal data — the federal listing does not publish a season for this campground. Check the official description below or Recreation.gov. |
| Fees | Not reported — the federal listing carries no fee description for this campground. |
| Check-in / out | In 2:00 PM · Out 12:00 PM (most common in the listing) |
| Pets | Allowed at 5 sites, as reported |
| Accessibility | N |
| Phone | 906-387-2512 |
Check availability & book on Recreation.gov →
This site takes no reservations and shows no live availability. Source: Recreation.gov (RIDB export pulled November 5, 2026); this listing was last updated in the federal record on 2026-03-11.
From the official listing
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, from the listing
From Munising, Michigan : Drive east on M-28 towards Wetmore.
Turn right (south) on Forest Highway 13 at Wetmore and drive 11.9 miles to FR 2258. Turn left (southeast) and drive about 2.5 miles to FR 2257 (just before the bridge over the Indian River). Turn left (northeast) on FR 2257 and drive 1.8 miles across the access road.
Nearest federal campgrounds
2 mi straight-line · Rapid River MichiganFSU.S. Forest ServiceLake Nineteen Campsite
2 mi straight-line · Rapid River MichiganFSU.S. Forest ServiceEwing Point Campsite
2 mi straight-line · Munising MichiganFSU.S. Forest ServiceMcKeever Cabin
2 mi straight-line · MUNISING MichiganFSU.S. Forest ServiceSwan Lake Campsites
2 mi straight-line · Rapid River Michigan
Trip Card — Cookson Lake Campsites
Munising · Michigan · Hiawatha National Forest
| Agency | FS · U.S. Forest Service |
|---|---|
| Location | Munising · Michigan · Hiawatha National Forest |
| Fees | Not reported in the federal data |
| Getting a site | Reservable |
| Hookups | None reported |
| Max RV | Not reported |
| Months open | Not in federal data |
| Sites | 5 sites |
Book: recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/233211 · Source: Recreation.gov, pulled November 5, 2026. Facility details come from federal recreation data and may be out of date — this site takes no reservations and shows no live availability; confirm details and book through Recreation.gov or the managing agency.