Council Lake Campsites

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.