Swan Lake Boat Launch at site 1
Open

Open for the 2026 season. The campground operates from May 15 through Columbus Day, with reservations required through Recreation.gov. No services, reservations, or fees apply during the off-season (Columbus Day through May 15). Current forest fire danger is high.

Repaving Bay Furnace Campground

The Bay Furnace Campground will be temporarily closed for repaving. The closure will occur from mid-May through mid-June, during which time it will be inaccessible. Those traveling in the area should remain alert for work vehicles.Reservations for the campground can be made online at…

Repaving Monocle Lake Campground

The Monocle Lake Campground will be temporarily closed for repaving. The closure will occur from mid-May through mid-June, during which time it will be inaccessible. Those traveling in the area should remain alert for work vehicles.Reservations for the campground can be made online at…

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…

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…

Drug and Alcohol Use on the Hiawatha National Forest

It is illegal to possess, utilize, or distribute a control substance or any associated paraphernalia. It is also illegal to possess or consume alcohol in violation of any state of Michigan statute

Fire Restrictions within the Hiawatha National Forest

Outlines the fire restrictions and conditions within the Hiawatha National Forest.

Roads and Trails Restrictions for Vehicles in the Hiawatha National Forest

It is illegal to commercial haul without a permit. It is illegal to violate posted speed, load, weight, height, length, width or other limitations specified by Michigan State Law. It is illegal to operate a vehicle carelessly, recklessly, or without regard for the rights or safety of other persons…

Occupancy and Use Within the Hiawatha National Forest

This order outlines the restrictions and conditions of camping within the Hiawatha National Forest.

Firewood Restrictions on the Hiawatha and Ottawa National Forests

It is illegal to possess or transport firewood from the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.

About

Swan Lake Campsites is a collection of four designated dispersed camping areas on the shores of Swan Lake in Hiawatha National Forest. Located along the non-motorized Pine Marten Run Trail system, these sites are among the most sought-after in the forest's primitive campsite program. The 52-acre lake provides excellent swimming from all four campsites and quality fishing for largemouth and smallmouth bass, bluegills, and pumpkinseeds. Site 1 sits on an elevated knoll overlooking the west shore, isolated from the other sites, with a public boat launch nearby. Sites 2, 3, and 4 are clustered on the southwest shore, with Sites 3 and 4 adjacent and available for group reservations. Small trailers are permitted at Sites 2-4, though turn-around space is limited. Site 1 is not recommended for trailers except in the parking area below the knoll. This is a pack-in, pack-out facility with no potable water. Three primitive toilets serve the area. Horse camping is allowed with specific requirements for manure and feed removal. Firewood may be collected from dead and down material on-site; importing outside firewood is prohibited.

Directions

From the intersection of US-2 and Forest Highway 13 (about 14 miles east of Rapid River): Drive north 19 miles on Highway 13 to CR 440. Turn right (east) and drive 2.7 miles to FR 2258. Turn left (north) on FR 2258. For Sites 2-4: Turn left (east) onto FR 2725 and drive about 0.75 mile. For Site 1: Continue north on FR 2258 about 1.3 miles to FR 2013, turn right (east) and drive 0.7 mile to the site.

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 40ft
Max Trailer Length 40ft
Big Rig Friendly No
Pull Through Sites No

Contact

Phone +1 (906) 474-6442

Cell Service

AT&T None
Verizon None
T-Mobile None

Availability

Photos

Swan Lake Boat Launch at site 1
Fall View of Swan Lake
 Campsite 3 located at Swan Lake on the Hiawatha National Forest
Campsite 4 located at Swan Lake on the Hiawatha National Forest
 Campsite 2 located at Swan Lake on the Hiawatha National Forest
 Campsite 1 located at Swan Lake on the Hiawatha National Forest
Horse camping availability at Swan Lake
Swan Lake Site 2

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