Cookson Lake Outhouse

Cookson Lake Campsites

Open

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.

Hiawatha National Forest

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…

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.Protection of objects and areas that are of significant…

Hiawatha National Forest

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…

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.

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

 Cookson Lake Outhouse
 Cookson Lake Site 3-5
Spring View of Cookson Lake

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