Council Lake Campsites
Campground · Michigan · 4 bookable sites ·
Managed by the USDA Forest Service
Hiawatha National Forest (NF) · Open Access
- 4
- Bookable sites
- up to 8
- People per site
- 806 ft
- Elevation
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.The facts
- 4 bookable sites
- Up to 8 people per site
- Loops: COUNCIL LAKE CAMPSITE
Site types
- 4 Standard Nonelectric
Amenities
- Campfires allowed
- Picnic tables
- Grills
- Shade
- Pets allowed
Not recorded upstream: electric hookups, water hookups, sewer hookups, fire pits.
4 campsites at Council Lake Campsites
Check-in 2:00 PM · Check-out 12:00 PM
| Site | Loop | Type | Entry | Surface | Water | Max rig | People | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | COUNCIL LAKE CAMPSITE | Standard Nonelectric | — | — | — | — | 8 | 🐾 |
| 02 | COUNCIL LAKE CAMPSITE | Standard Nonelectric | — | — | Lakefront | — | 8 | 🐾 |
| 03 | COUNCIL LAKE CAMPSITE | Standard Nonelectric | — | — | Lakefront | — | 8 | 🐾 |
| 04 | COUNCIL LAKE CAMPSITE | Standard Nonelectric | — | — | Lakefront | — | 8 | 🐾 |
Getting there
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 226 and drive 1.7 miles.
- Continue until the road ends at Council Lake.
46.24163, -86.64718 · 46°14'29.9"N 86°38'49.8"W
Typical weather
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| Low °F | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| Precip in | 2.3 | 1.8 | 1.6 | 2.6 | 3.3 | 3.3 | 3.8 | 2.8 | 3.7 | 4.7 | 3.1 | 2.6 |
1991–2020 averages from the nearest NOAA station, 5.8 mi away — not measured at the facility itself, and elevation can make a real difference over that distance.
Map
More photos
Member photos
Common questions about Council Lake Campsites
- Can you reserve a site at Council Lake Campsites?
- Yes, Council Lake Campsites is reservable through Recreation.gov.
- How many campsites does Council Lake Campsites have?
- 4 sites.
- Are pets allowed at Council Lake Campsites?
- Yes, pets are allowed at Council Lake Campsites.
- Are campfires allowed at Council Lake Campsites?
- Campfires are allowed at Council Lake Campsites. Check for a current fire restriction before you go.
Camping near Council Lake Campsites
- Widewaters Campground 1.8 mi · Campground · we watch it
- Island Lake 2 mi · Campground · we watch it
- Pete’s Lake Campground 2.6 mi · Campground · we watch it
- McKeever Cabin 2.9 mi · Campground · we watch it
- Ewing Point Campsite 3.2 mi · Campground · we watch it
- Cookson Lake Campsites 5.2 mi · Campground · we watch it
- Council Lake Campsites 1.5 mi · Campground
- Pete's Lake Campground 2.1 mi · Campground
- McKeever Cabin 2.4 mi · Campground
- Hovey Lake Campsites 4.1 mi · Campground
- Big Island Lake Wilderness 4.5 mi · Facility
- Swan Lake Campsites 5.6 mi · Campground
Contact
- Phone 906-387-2512
- Book Recreation.gov
Recreation.gov last updated this record on 2026-03-11.
Facility information and photographs from Recreation.gov (RIDB). SpotOpened is not affiliated with Recreation.gov or any federal agency.
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