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Council Lake Campsite

Council Lake Campsites

Open

Open for the 2026 season. Operating dates are May 15 through Columbus Day. Reservations required via Recreation.gov; walk-ins not permitted. Closed December 1 through April 30.

Beach Hazards Statement issued July 22 at 2:03AM EDT until July 22 at 5:00PM EDT by NWS Marquette MI

2:03 AM — 5:00 PM

* WHAT...Dangerous swimming conditions are expected due to high wave action and strong rip currents. * WHERE...Alger County. * WHEN...From 6 AM EDT this morning through this afternoon. * IMPACTS...High wave action and dangerous currents will lead to life threatening swimming conditions. Waves in rapid succession can tire swimmers quickly. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Current related fatalities and rescues in the past have occurred due to similar wave conditions at locations listed below: For Alger County: The Au Train River mouth at Au Train, the exposed regions of Grand Marais Harbor, and Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore.

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…

About

Council Lake Campsites is a small primitive campground nestled in a mixed hardwood and pine forest on the southern shores of Council Lake in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. The four campsites sit on a 12-acre lake that is part of a chain including nearby Red Jack and Scout lakes. Each campsite accommodates up to 8 people and includes a picnic table and fire ring. The campground offers excellent recreation opportunities including fishing for yellow perch, largemouth and rock bass, bluegill, black crappie, bullhead, and northern pike. Non-motorized boats are permitted, with carry-in access at the campground and a boat ramp available at adjacent Red Jack Lake. A short portage connects Council Lake to Bar Lake and the Indian Wild and Scenic River for extended paddling adventures. A day-use area with tables and a pedestal grill sits near a beach suitable for swimming. Facilities are minimal: a single pit toilet is located near site 1 (bring your own toilet paper), no drinking water is available, and campers must pack out all trash. Firewood from outside the area is prohibited; only dead and down wood may be gathered on site.

Directions

From Munising, 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 226 and drive 1.7 miles. Continue until the road ends at Council Lake.

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 No
Pull Through Sites No

Contact

Phone +1 (906) 387-2512

Cell Service

AT&T None
Verizon None
T-Mobile None

Availability

Photos

Council Lake Campsite
 COUNCIL LAKE CAMPSITE day use area
Seating area at the Council Lake Campground
View of sunset over Council Lake

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