Council Lake Campsites
Closed — Closed for the winter season. The campground typically operates from mid-May through late October, with 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
Council Lake Campsites offers a truly rustic camping experience on the southern shores of 12-acre Council Lake in the heart of Hiawatha National Forest. The four primitive campsites accommodate tents and small RVs up to 8 people per site, each equipped with a picnic table and campfire ring. A single pit toilet near site 1 serves the campground, though campers must bring their own toilet paper. The setting is ideal for those seeking solitude and simple pleasures. Council Lake provides excellent fishing opportunities for yellow perch, rock bass, largemouth bass, bluegill, black crappie, bullhead, and northern pike. The lake is part of a small chain of lakes offering outstanding canoeing and kayaking, with a short portage connecting Council Lake to Bar Lake and the Indian Wild and Scenic River. While non-motorized boats can be used on the lake, access at the campground is by land only; a boat ramp is available at nearby Red Jack Lake. A small beach area near the day-use facilities provides a perfect spot for swimming and relaxing. This is pack-in, pack-out camping with no drinking water, trash service, or modern amenities. Visitors can collect dead and down firewood from the surrounding area, but firewood from outside the region is prohibited to prevent the spread of invasive species. The campground enforces a 14-day stay limit, and campsites cannot be left unattended for more than 24 hours. Off-road vehicle use is prohibited. Reservations are available through Recreation.gov during the operating season.
Directions
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 2261 and drive 1.7 miles. Continue until the road ends at Council Lake.
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 | 18ft |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| 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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