Mowe Lake Campsites

Campground · Michigan · 2 bookable sites ·

Managed by the USDA Forest Service

Hiawatha National Forest (NF) · Open Access

2
Bookable sites
32 ft
Max rig length
up to 8
People per site
792 ft
Elevation
MOWE LAKE CAMPSITE Carry in Boat Launch
Photo: USFS - Hiawatha National Forest · Recreation.gov

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 will be able to enjoy swimming, berry picking, and fishing at these dispersed campsites. Licenses are required for fishing in Michigan waters. 

Mowe Lake is a good fishery for northern pike, largemouth bass, pumpkinseed and yellow perch. Survesy indicate a good, healthy fishery. there is an unimproved access located across from site 2. It has a sand base and is recommneded for small boats and trailers only.

Facilities

There is NO drinking water provided at this site.

There is a primitive toilet shared by both sites

Lake Name: Mowe Lake

Number of Sites: 2

Max Number of People Per Site: 8 (for both sites)

Toilets: Yes

Boat Access: Carry in

Lake Size (acres): 25

Natural Features

There are two campsites located on Mowe Lake, each with their own set of characteristics:

  • Site 1 is located in a semi-open area bordered by hardwood trees. It is 60 ft. x 40 ft and suitable for one family and trailer.
  • Site 2 is similar to site 1 in layout, but slightly smaller in size. It is suitable for one family and trailer.

The access road to these sites is narrow, but capable of handling moderate sized vehicles and trailers.

Contact Info

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

Nearby Attractions

There are a number of horse, bike, and hiking trails within minutes of several of the sites. In over a mile from these campsites, visitors can expect to find: bait shops, general and grocery stores, gas, a pay phone, trailheads, a fishing pier, biking, and kayak/canoe rentals.

Gasoline, groceries, fishing and camping supplies, boat rentals, ice, MDNR, licenses, deli and restaurants are available approximately six miles northwest on Forest Highway 13.

The facts

  • Season: May 15 – Columbus Day — USDA Forest Service, Aug 24, 2026
  • 2 bookable sites
  • Vehicles up to 32 ft
  • Up to 8 people per site
  • Loops: MOWE LAKE CAMPSITE

Site types

  • 2 Standard Nonelectric

Amenities

  • Campfires allowed
  • Picnic tables
  • Grills
  • Shade
  • Pets allowed

Not recorded upstream: electric hookups, water hookups, sewer hookups, fire pits.

Book on Recreation.gov

2 campsites at Mowe Lake Campsites

Check-in 2:00 PM · Check-out 12:00 PM

SiteLoopTypeEntrySurfaceGradeWaterMax rigPeople
001MOWE LAKE CAMPSITEStandard NonelectricPull Through—SlightLakefront32 ft8 🐾
002MOWE LAKE CAMPSITEStandard NonelectricPull Through—SlightLakefront32 ft8 🐾

Getting there

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 3.5 miles to FR 2209. 
  • Turn right (southeast) on 2209 at the Big Springs North Trailhead and drive 0.4 mile to FR 8104. 
  • Turn right (west) and drive about 0.6 mile to the campsites.

46.14528, -86.57722 · 46°8'43.0"N 86°34'38.0"W

Directions (Google Maps) · Directions (Apple Maps)

Typical weather

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F————————————
Low °F————————————
Precip in2.31.81.62.63.33.33.82.83.74.73.12.6

1991–2020 averages from the nearest NOAA station, 12.6 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 Mowe Lake Campsites

Can you reserve a site at Mowe Lake Campsites?
Yes, Mowe Lake Campsites is reservable through Recreation.gov.
How many campsites does Mowe Lake Campsites have?
2 sites.
What is the maximum RV length at Mowe Lake Campsites?
32 ft. That is the longest vehicle the sites here are recorded as taking; individual sites may be shorter.
Are pets allowed at Mowe Lake Campsites?
Yes, pets are allowed at Mowe Lake Campsites.
Are campfires allowed at Mowe Lake Campsites?
Campfires are allowed at Mowe Lake Campsites. Check for a current fire restriction before you go.

Also listed by

Mowe Lake Campsites also appears in other federal recreation data. Facts below are matched by name and location, not confirmed by Mowe Lake Campsites's operator.

USDA Forest Service — data as of Aug 24, 2026

  • Camping fee is $8 per night per site. Federal Recreation Passes (Golden/America the Beautiful) are accepted.

USDA Forest Service's own page

Camping near Mowe Lake Campsites

Comments

Contact

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.