Cookson Lake Campsites
Open for the 2026 season. Operating dates are May 15 through Columbus Day. Reservations required via Recreation.gov at least 24 hours in advance; walk-ins are not permitted. Maximum 14-day stay. Campsites cannot be left unattended for more than 24 hours.
Temporary closure and reroute for road work at Echo Creek crossing on Grand Island
A washout occurred earlier this year at the Echo Creek crossing on Grand Island Rd. 17 due to heavy rains, and a new culvert needs to be installed. To accommodate this work, a section of the West Rim Trail on Grand Island will be closed for repairs in early August.Crews are scheduled to begin on…
FR 3303 (Dam Road) closure for bridge replacement on Brevoort River
The bridge on FR 3303 (Dam Road) on the Brevoort River is being replaced and the area will be closed Monday, June 22 through Monday, August 31. Closure area begins approximately 2.1 miles from Brevoort Lake Road. Visitors should expect to see heavy equipment and workers in the area, and find an…
Restricting Public Entry to Stonington Quarry
Persons with a valid permit; Federal, State, or Local members of rescue or fire fighting force in the performance of official duties; Forest Service employees conducting surveys or monitoring and as approved by the Forest Supervisor.Protection of objects and areas that are of significant…
About
Cookson Lake Campsites is a small primitive campground on the south shore of Cookson Lake, a scenic 35-acre lake with two small islands in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. Managed by the Munising Ranger District of Hiawatha National Forest, the five campsites occupy a large open field surrounded by mixed aspens and northern hardwoods. Site 1 accommodates up to 8 people while Sites 2-5 each hold up to 16 people. The open layout means minimal privacy between sites. Amenities are basic: each site has a picnic table and fire ring, and one pit toilet serves the area. There is no potable water, so campers must bring their own supply. Pack-in, pack-out rules apply for trash. A public boat ramp next to Site 2 provides access to the lake's fishery of largemouth bass, northern pike, bluegill, and bullhead. Only dead and down firewood may be collected; outside firewood is prohibited. The campground sits near the Indian Wild and Scenic River and the Big Island Lake Wilderness Area. Supplies including groceries, ice, and gasoline are available 5 miles east on County Road 437 in the Steuben area.
Directions
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 to the campground access road.
Location
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | — |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $8 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | — |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (906) 387-2512 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Availability
Photos
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