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Council Lake Campsites

FSU.S. Forest Service — Munising · Michigan · Hiawatha National Forest

AgencyFSU.S. Forest Service
AreaHiawatha National Forest
LocationMunising · Michigan · Hiawatha National Forest · 46.24163, -86.64718 · Map
Sites4 public sites counted from the federal listing — 4 standard nonelectric
Getting a siteReservable — 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.
HookupsElectric at 0 of 4 sites
Water hookups at 0 of 4 sites
Sewer hookups at 0 of 4 sites
Full hookups (all three at one site) at 0 of 4 sites
Counted site by site from affirmative reports in the federal record. A site with no report is not counted either way.
Max RV lengthLongest reported site fits 16 ft
Sites that fit at least — 25 ft: 0 sites · 30 ft: 0 sites · 35 ft: 0 sites · 40 ft: 0 sites
Months openNot in federal data — the federal listing does not publish a season for this campground. Check the official description below or Recreation.gov.
FeesNot reported — the federal listing carries no fee description for this campground.
Check-in / outIn 2:00 PM · Out 12:00 PM (most common in the listing)
PetsAllowed at 4 sites, as reported
AccessibilityN
Phone906-387-2512

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 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, from the listing

From Munising , Michigan, take Highway M-28 east towards Shingleton. 

Turn right (south) on Forest Highway 13 at Wetmore and drive 9.9 miles south to Forest Road 2261. Turn right (west) onto Forest Road 226 and drive 1.7 miles.  Continue until the road ends at Council Lake.

Nearest federal campgrounds

FSU.S. Forest ServiceWidewaters Campground
2 mi straight-line · Munising Michigan
FSU.S. Forest ServiceIsland Lake
2 mi straight-line · Munising Michigan
FSU.S. Forest ServicePete's Lake Campground
3 mi straight-line · Munising Michigan
FSU.S. Forest ServiceMcKeever Cabin
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FSU.S. Forest ServiceEwing Point Campsite
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Trip Card — Council Lake Campsites

Munising · Michigan · Hiawatha National Forest

AgencyFS · U.S. Forest Service
LocationMunising · Michigan · Hiawatha National Forest
FeesNot reported in the federal data
Getting a siteReservable
HookupsNone reported
Max RVUp to 16 ft
Months openNot in federal data
Sites4 sites

Book: recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/233210 · 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.