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Council Lake Campsites in Michigan
Hard to BookNational Forest

Council Lake Campsites

Hiawatha National Forest, Michigan

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As of October 2026, Council Lake Campsites is a campground in Hiawatha National Forest, Michigan with 4 campsites. Council Lake Campsites is booked through Recreation.gov.

  • PermitSnag checks Council Lake Campsites for availability and tells alert holders when a site opens up.
  • Council Lake Campsites is located at 46.2416ยฐ N, 86.6472ยฐ W.
people allowed on each site
8

Council Lake Campsites reservations and next available dates

October 2026

open, tap to book on Recreation.govsold outin your alert

Stay and booking rules

  • Tribal discount available

Published by Recreation.gov for Council Lake Campsites, read on September 28, 2026.

Campsites at Council Lake Campsites

  • Standard 4

Amenities

  • restrooms
  • potable water

At a glance: Setting: Forest.

Things to do: fishing, boating, swimming, photography.

All sites at Council Lake Campsites, as listed by Recreation.gov

Every site is in the COUNCIL LAKE CAMPSITE loop.

SiteTypeSleeps
01Standard8
02Standard8
03Standard8
04Standard8

About Council 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

Council Lake is a 12-acre lake with yellow perch, rock and largemouth bass, bluegill, black crappie, bullhead and northern pike. Licenses are required to fish in Michigan waters.

Council Lake is part of a small chain of lakes and offers excellent canoeing and kayaking opportunities. There is a short portage that links Council Lake to Bar Lake and the Indian Wild and Scenic River.

Non-motorized boats can be used on the lake, however access at the campground is by land only. A boat ramp can be found at adjoining Red Jack Lake.

The day-use area is equipped with tables and a pedestal grill. The area is near a beach that is perfect for lounging and swimming. No drinking water is provided at the campsite; water must be brought in and garbage must be carried out.

Facilities

There are four campsites at Council Lake for tent and small RV camping. Each campsite is equipped with a table and a campfire ring. A pit toilet is located near site 1, but toilet paper is not provided.

There is NO drinking water.

Lake Name: Council Lake

Number of Sites: 4

Maximum Number of People: 8 (for each site)

Toilets: 1 (by site 1)

Boat Access: Carry-In

Lake Size (acres): 14

Natural Features

These four campsites are situated on the quaint 12 - acre Council Lake, nestled in a mixed stand of hardwood and pine trees. They are on the southern shores of Council Lake, close to adjoining Red Jack and Scout lakes.

Contact Info

For local information, please call (906) 387-2512 or call (906) 474-6442 for general information.

Rules and notices at Council Lake Campsites

Recreation.gov does not date these notices. We last read them on September 28, 2026. Check Council Lake Campsites on Recreation.gov

Notices from Recreation.gov

Pack-in, Pack-out policy

There is a 14 day stay limit.

No drinking water is provided at the campsite.

Campsite cannot be left unattended for more than 24 hours.

Campsite must be occupied the first night of your reservation.

Off-road vehicle use is prohibited at the campsite and in the surrounding areas.

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.

Council Lake Campsites FAQ

How hard is it to get a campsite at Council Lake Campsites?

Council 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 Council Lake Campsites?

Cancellations happen frequently at Council 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 Council Lake Campsites have?

Council Lake Campsites has 4 campsites.

More campgrounds in Hiawatha National Forest

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All 37 Hiawatha National Forest campgrounds

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