Cookson Lake, view from the Boat Launch
Cookson Lake Site 3-5
Cookson Lake Outhouse
Cookson Lake Site 1
Cookson Lake Campsite

Featured amenities

Parking Parking
Picnic Table Picnic Table
Restrooms Restrooms
Fire Pit Fire Pit

Available sites

5 total sites

About Cookson Lake Campsites

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.

Seasonal information

2026 (Current year)

2026 Season availability

Current season
Upcoming seasons
Past seasons
Closed periods
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Currently closed

Campground Amenities

Most popular amenities

Parking Parking
Picnic Table Picnic Table
Restrooms Restrooms
Fire Pit Fire Pit
Site Setup and Access

Site Setup and Access

  • Shaded Site
Water and Hygiene

Water and Hygiene

  • Restrooms
Cooking and Fire

Cooking and Fire

  • Picnic Table
  • Fire Pit
  • Firewood Available
Parking and Transport

Parking and Transport

  • Parking
Water Access

Water Access

  • Lake Access
Missing information?

Rates, Sites & Availability

Select check-in and check-out dates to see real-time availability for each site.

5 Sites Available

Site
Price
🚐 01, Loop: COOKSON LAKE CAMPSITE RV
Pet Friendly · 20 ft long
🚐 02, Loop: COOKSON LAKE CAMPSITE RV
Pet Friendly · 30 ft long
🚐 03, Loop: COOKSON LAKE CAMPSITE RV
Pet Friendly · 40 ft long
🚐 04, Loop: COOKSON LAKE CAMPSITE RV
Pet Friendly · 40 ft long
🚐 05, Loop: COOKSON LAKE CAMPSITE RV
Pet Friendly · 10 ft long

Reviews (38)

What Guests Are Saying

Cookson Lake Campsites offers a serene and peaceful experience, with well-maintained sites and a beautiful natural setting. Many guests appreciate the privacy and tranquility, especially at Site 2. However, some concerns were raised about overgrown grass, limited cell service, and issues with unauthorized parking.

Review Summary

4.3
38 reviews
5
65.8%
25
4
18.4%
7
3
5.3%
2
2
0.0%
0
1
10.5%
4

Larry L

Verified

November 1, 2024 • Stayed at: 05, Loop: COOKSON LAKE CAMPSITE

5

Love the location.

Hunter H

Verified

July 27, 2024 • Stayed at: 02, Loop: COOKSON LAKE CAMPSITE

5

Excellent, peaceful campsite. Well maintained, clean, and off the beaten path. Cell service is spotty here, so make your reservation ahead of time. Pack it in and pack it out, keep the area beautiful!

Hunter H

Verified

July 27, 2024 • Stayed at: 02, Loop: COOKSON LAKE CAMPSITE

5

Excellent, peaceful campsite. Well maintained, clean, and off the beaten path. Cell service is spotty here, so make your reservation ahead of time. Pack it in and pack it out, keep the area beautiful!

Nicholas C

Verified

July 17, 2024 • Stayed at: 05, Loop: COOKSON LAKE CAMPSITE

4

We've been to Cookson Lake a few times now and this past time was as good as any other. Only real issue was people who didn't have a site rented parking trucks/trailers across sites when they put their boat in the lake.

Nicholas C

Verified

July 17, 2024 • Stayed at: 05, Loop: COOKSON LAKE CAMPSITE

4

We've been to Cookson Lake a few times now and this past time was as good as any other. Only real issue was people who didn't have a site rented parking trucks/trailers across sites when they put their boat in the lake.

Mark C

Verified

October 17, 2023 • Stayed at: 02, Loop: COOKSON LAKE CAMPSITE

5

Cookson Lake is a beautiful little lake, especially in the fall when the trees are changing colors.

Mark C

Verified

October 17, 2023 • Stayed at: 02, Loop: COOKSON LAKE CAMPSITE

5

Cookson Lake is a beautiful little lake, especially in the fall when the trees are changing colors.

Larry L

Verified

October 14, 2023 • Stayed at: 01, Loop: COOKSON LAKE CAMPSITE

5

Great out-of-the-way camping spot. Pit toilet old, but clean. Fire ring and picnic table in good shape. Nice open spaces for camping and charging our batteries with solar power.

Larry L

Verified

October 14, 2023 • Stayed at: 01, Loop: COOKSON LAKE CAMPSITE

5

Great out-of-the-way camping spot. Pit toilet old, but clean. Fire ring and picnic table in good shape. Nice open spaces for camping and charging our batteries with solar power.

Robert H

Verified

August 25, 2023 • Stayed at: 01, Loop: COOKSON LAKE CAMPSITE

4

Took some work to reach the site due to coming from the south, the bridge over the Indian river was closed and being worked on.

Location & Directions for Cookson Lake Campsites

Munising Ranger District, Munising, MI 49862 United States

Elevation: 232 ft

Getting There

<p><strong>From Munising, Michigan</strong>: Drive east on M-28 towards Wetmore.</p>
<ul>
<li>Turn right (south) on Forest Highway 13 at Wetmore and drive 11.9 mi to FR 2258. </li>
<li>Turn left (southeast) and drive about 2.5 mi to FR 2257 (just ...

Nearest town

Munising, MI - 19 mi

About 27 min to downtown

Highway access

Cookson Lake Campsites is accessible via M-28, a state highway, which is approximately 11.9 miles from the intersection with Forest Highway 13.

Policies & Rules

General

  • 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.

Nearby Campgrounds

Nearby destinations


Last updated: October 21, 2026

Message us

Need help?

Our team is here to help you find the perfect spot for your next adventure.

Message us

Replies within minutes

Explore Munising, MI

Population: 1,975

Elevation: 620 ft

USDA Forest Service Logo
Managed by the USDA Forest Service