Cookson Lake Campsites
Hiawatha National Forest, Michigan
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As of October 2026, Cookson Lake Campsites is a campground in Hiawatha National Forest, Michigan with 5 campsites. Cookson Lake Campsites is booked through Recreation.gov.
- PermitSnag checks Cookson Lake Campsites for availability and tells alert holders when a site opens up.
- Cookson Lake Campsites is located at 46.1956° N, 86.5615° W.
- people allowed on 4 of 5 sites
- 16
Cookson Lake Campsites reservations and next available dates
October 2026
Stay and booking rules
- Tribal discount available
Published by Recreation.gov for Cookson Lake Campsites, read on September 30, 2026.
Campsites at Cookson Lake Campsites
- Standard 5
Amenities
- restrooms
- potable water
At a glance: Setting: Forest.
Things to do: fishing, boating, swimming, photography.
All sites at Cookson Lake Campsites, as listed by Recreation.gov
Every site is in the COOKSON LAKE CAMPSITE loop.
| Site | Type | Sleeps |
|---|---|---|
| 01 | Standard | 8 |
| 02 | Standard | 16 |
| 03 | Standard | 16 |
| 04 | Standard | 16 |
| 05 | Standard | 16 |
About Cookson Lake Campsites
Overview
The Munising and Rapid River/Manistique Ranger Districts of the Hiawatha National Forest offer a variety of camping experiences. Many are located on inland lakes in a rustic forest environment with no drinking water. The rustic environment offers a wonderfully serene and peaceful setting for your next camping experience.
Recreation
Visitors enjoy swimming and fishing in the 35-acre adjacent lake. Largemouth bass, northern pike, bluegill and bullhead are among the typical catch. Licenses are required for fishing in Michigan waters.
Fish cribs were placed around the Island in 2023.
A public boat ramp is located adjacent to site 2, which can be used to access Cookson Lake's fishery of largemouth bass, northern pike, bluegill and bullhead.
Facilities
The campground offers five primitive campsites for tent and RV camping. Each offers tables and campfire rings. A pit toilet is located near one of the sites, but toilet paper is not provided.
Drinking water is NOT present at these sites.
There is a primitive toilet present at these sites.
Lake Name: Cookson Lake
Number of Sites: 5
Maximum Number of People: Site 1 (8), Sites 2-5 (16)
Toilets: 1
Boat Access: Back-In
Lake Size (acres): 35
Natural Features
Cookson Lake Campsite offers a primitive place to stay in the thick of Michigan's wilderness. Beautiful forests surround several lakes in the area, providing ample opportunity to enjoy nature in all its forms.
These campsites is located in a large open field on the shores of Cookson Lake. All of the campsites are surrounded by a mixed stand of aspens and northern hardwoods on the south shore of the lake. This 35 - acre lake boasts two small islands, and a variety of wildflowers abound in the area during warmer months.
Nearby Attractions
Cookson Lake is near the Indian Wild and Scenic River and the Big Island Lake Wilderness Area.
Groceries, ice, gasoline, fishing and camping supplies, ice and deli are available 5 miles east on County Road 437 in the Steuben Area.
Contact Info
For local information, please call (906) 387-2512 or call (906) 474-6442 for general information.
Rules and notices at Cookson Lake Campsites
Recreation.gov does not date these notices. We last read them on September 30, 2026. Check Cookson Lake Campsites on Recreation.gov
Notices from Recreation.gov
Pack- in, Pack-out policy
There is a 14 day stay limit.
Off-road vehicles are not permitted at the campsite or on surrounding roads.
Campsite cannot be left unattended for more than 24 hours.
Campsite must be occupied the first night.
You are welcome to collect firewood from the area surrounding your campsite. Remember that any firewood that you collect must be DEAD AND DOWN.
Don't move firewood: To limit the spread of invasive tree-killing pests, firewood from outside the area is not permitted. Some states have quarantines and may confiscate your firewood. Please help protect our forests from invasive species by obtaining your firewood at or near your camping destination and burning it on-site. Visit dontmovefirewood.org for more information.
Cookson Lake Campsites FAQ
How hard is it to get a campsite at Cookson Lake Campsites?
Cookson Lake Campsites is rated "Hard to Book" based on historical demand. This campground is popular and often books out weeks in advance. Your best strategy is to monitor cancellations.
How do I find last-minute availability at Cookson Lake Campsites?
Cancellations happen frequently at Cookson Lake Campsites, especially 1-2 weeks before check-in dates. PermitSnag monitors availability 24/7 and sends instant alerts when sites open up due to cancellations. This is often the best way to snag popular campsites.
How many campsites does Cookson Lake Campsites have?
Cookson Lake Campsites has 5 campsites.
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