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.
Repaving Monocle Lake Campground
The Monocle Lake Campground will be temporarily closed for repaving. The closure will occur from mid-May through mid-June, during which time it will be inaccessible. Those traveling in the area should remain alert for work vehicles.Reservations for the campground can be made online at…
Repaving Bay Furnace Campground
The Bay Furnace Campground will be temporarily closed for repaving. The closure will occur from mid-May through mid-June, during which time it will be inaccessible. Those traveling in the area should remain alert for work vehicles.Reservations for the campground can be made online at…
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…
Haymeadow Trail and Bridge Closed
The Haymeadow Creek Hiking Trail Bridge is closed until it can be repaired or replaced. -- Located on the hiking loop near Haymeadow Creek Dispersed Campsites, the bridge failed an inspection due to significant rot. We will update this notice as repairs are implemented. (4/2018),(4/2021).The…
Fire Restrictions within the Hiawatha National Forest
Outlines the fire restrictions and conditions within the Hiawatha National Forest.
Roads and Trails Restrictions for Vehicles in the Hiawatha National Forest
It is illegal to commercial haul without a permit. It is illegal to violate posted speed, load, weight, height, length, width or other limitations specified by Michigan State Law. It is illegal to operate a vehicle carelessly, recklessly, or without regard for the rights or safety of other persons…
Occupancy and Use Within the Hiawatha National Forest
This order outlines the restrictions and conditions of camping within the Hiawatha National Forest.
Drug and Alcohol Use on the Hiawatha National Forest
It is illegal to possess, utilize, or distribute a control substance or any associated paraphernalia. It is also illegal to possess or consume alcohol in violation of any state of Michigan statute
Grand Island Occupancy and Use
This order outlines the restrictions and conditions of camping and recreating at Grand Island National Recreation Area.
Restricting the use of watercraft on the Indian River
Watercraft use is restricted in within the Wild and Scenic Corridor of the Indian River.
Use of Wilderness areas
Restrictions in Wilderness areas include storing equipment, personal property, and supplies; use or possession of a vehicle or wagon.
Occupancy and use of Big Island Lake Wilderness
Restrictions will be enforced in Big Island Lake Wilderness area for campfires, camping, groups, horses, and sanitation.
Occupancy and use of Lake Superior Shoreline
Camping is prohibited along the Lake Superior shoreline in areas of the Sault Ste. Marie Ranger District near Whitefish Bay and Lakeshore Drive.
Restrictions on entry to any beach posted closed
Entry is restricted to beach that is roped off, signed "closed to entry" in certain areas of the St. Ignace, Manistique, and Rapid River Ranger Districts.
Firewood Restrictions on the Hiawatha and Ottawa National Forests
It is illegal to possess or transport firewood from the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.
Restrictions on the use of fireworks
Use of fireworks is prohibited across the Hiawatha National Forest.
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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