Cookson Lake Campsites
Closed — Closed for the season from December 1 to April 30 and not accessible during the snow season. Opens May 1. Reservations available through Recreation.gov.
Temporary Area Closure for Big Pines Picnic Area
The Big Pines Picnic Area will be temporarily closed due to timber harvest. Activities in the area may include logging trucks and other equipment. For your safety, please stay alert while in the vicinity and choose another location for recreation.
Hiawatha National Forest Seeks Public input on Grand Island Visitor Use Management Project
The Hiawatha National Forest is seeking input on the development of a management plan for the Grand Island National Recreation Area.
Forest Supervisor's Orders
As a visitor to the National Forest, you are asked to follow certain rules designed to protect the Forest, natural resources and to provide for public safety of visitors. These rules are available to you on-line below or at any office of the Hiawatha National Forest.
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.
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.
About
Cookson Lake Campsites offers a primitive camping experience in the Hiawatha National Forest's wilderness. The campground consists of five rustic sites located in a large open field on the south shore of Cookson Lake, a 35-acre body of water featuring two small islands. The sites are surrounded by a mixed stand of aspens and northern hardwoods, with wildflowers abundant during warmer months. Each campsite is equipped with a table and campfire ring, and one pit toilet serves the campground. Campers must bring their own water as no potable water is available on-site. The campground accommodates both tent and RV camping, with site 1 able to handle 8-foot units and sites 2-5 accommodating up to 16-foot units. A public boat ramp adjacent to site 2 provides easy lake access for fishing and boating. The lake offers excellent fishing opportunities for largemouth bass, northern pike, bluegill, and bullhead. Fish cribs were placed around the islands in 2023 to enhance the fishery. Swimming is also popular in the lake during summer months. The campground is located near the Indian Wild and Scenic River and the Big Island Lake Wilderness Area, offering additional recreation opportunities. Firewood collection is permitted from dead and downed wood surrounding campsites.
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 across the access road.
Nearby Campgrounds
Location
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $8 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | 16ft |
| Max Trailer Length | 16ft |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| 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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