Council Lake - Sunset View
COUNCIL LAKE CAMPSITE day use area
Council Lake Campsite
Council Lake Campsite

Featured amenities

Parking Parking
Picnic Table Picnic Table
Fire Pit Fire Pit

About Council 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.

Available sites

4 total sites

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
Fire Pit Fire Pit
Cooking and Fire

Cooking and Fire

  • Picnic Table
  • Grill
  • Fire Pit
  • Campfire Ring
Parking and Transport

Parking and Transport

  • Parking
Water Access

Water Access

  • Beach Access
  • Lake Access
  • Boat Ramp / Launch

Cabin Interior

  • Toilet Type
Missing information?

Rates, Sites & Availability

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

4 Sites Available

Site
Price
🚐 01, Loop: COUNCIL LAKE CAMPSITE RV
Pet Friendly · 20 ft long
🚐 02, Loop: COUNCIL LAKE CAMPSITE RV
Pet Friendly · 25 ft long
⛺ 03, Loop: COUNCIL LAKE CAMPSITE Tent
Pet Friendly · Campfire · Yes shade
⛺ 04, Loop: COUNCIL LAKE CAMPSITE Tent
Pet Friendly · Campfire · Yes shade

Reviews (19)

What Guests Are Saying

Council Lake Campsites offers a beautiful and serene environment with great access to the lake and nearby trails. Many campers enjoyed the privacy and quality of sites, particularly #2 and #3, and appreciated the prompt response from park services during a storm. However, some noted issues with traffic, noise, and facilities like the toilets and fire pits, which detracted slightly from the experience. Overall, campers expressed a desire to return.

Review Summary

3.9
19 reviews
5
63.2%
12
4
10.5%
2
3
5.3%
1
2
0.0%
0
1
21.1%
4

Justen O

Verified

August 5, 2026 • Stayed at: 04, Loop: COUNCIL LAKE CAMPSITE

4

Beautiful area. We had fun. Only 4 stars simply because of the traffic in and out considering I had all 4 sites booked for a week and a day. One day a family came in to fish and called me in for a noise complaint in the middle of the day. Once I told the officer im the only one here and paid for the whole campground he replied "so I shouldn't even be here.. that would explain why they didnt give a name with the complaint." Every day there was a boat or 2 on the lake and there was a lot of cars that came through, even in the middle of the night. Not as remote as I thought we would be. The toilet is to be as expected. Better than digging a hole and squatting lol

Randy S

Verified

November 17, 2025 • Stayed at: 03, Loop: COUNCIL LAKE CAMPSITE

1

. Fire pit full of trash, toilet unacceptable,

James W

Verified

October 2, 2025 • Stayed at: 03, Loop: COUNCIL LAKE CAMPSITE

1

The photos of the site were poor. When we got there we couldn't fit into the campsite.

Nancy K

Verified

September 24, 2025 • Stayed at: 02, Loop: COUNCIL LAKE CAMPSITE

5

All 4 sites were amazing. Sites #2 and #3 had water access. We were even able to put the canoe in from #2. Site #2 had access to a trail as well. We reserved both #2 and #3 for a couple nights, because the sites were so small and we wanted privacy. We did have someone on #3 for a couple nights, and it wasn't bad. Site #4 is right at the beach/boat launch and was disappointed that it was already reserved, but honestly, I would take #2 for it's access to the lake and trail and more private; especially if you can get #2 and #3. Site #1 is across the road and all by itself and wooded so if you are not interested in being on the water it's perfect and a very short walk to the beach/boat launch. Sites 1, 2 and 3 are extremely close to the vaulted toilet. It was older but clean.

Kylie R

Verified

July 13, 2025 • Stayed at: 01, Loop: COUNCIL LAKE CAMPSITE

4

Quiet and secluded but still have a few other site neighbors, great access to (what I assume is )council lake

Mahesh S

Verified

July 12, 2025 • Stayed at: 04, Loop: COUNCIL LAKE CAMPSITE

5

Very Awesome site. Site NO 4 is very beautiful. Very serene. I will go there again and again
Just carry extra protection for mosquitoes.

Kay P

Verified

July 1, 2025 • Stayed at: 03, Loop: COUNCIL LAKE CAMPSITE

5

Very nice ! Had a storm come threw and tree blocked the road.
20 min. Later we had park service there and cleared the road !
Thank you for everything

Brianne B

Verified

September 22, 2024 • Stayed at: 03, Loop: COUNCIL LAKE CAMPSITE

5

I love to camp at Council Lake. I grew up in Wetmore just down the road. I will be back. Thank you!

Dan H

Verified

September 17, 2024 • Stayed at: 04, Loop: COUNCIL LAKE CAMPSITE

5

Secluded campsites on a very nice lake

Phillip N

Verified

October 9, 2023 • Stayed at: 01, Loop: COUNCIL LAKE CAMPSITE

5

Campsite 1 is the best flat spot for a tent, larger groups would fit on 2&3 as they are next to each other. Site 4 has the best view and access to the water but very limited flat space for a tent. Excellent relaxing campsite.

Location & Directions for Council Lake Campsites

Munising Ranger District, Munising, MI 49862 United States

Elevation: 253 ft

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 mi south to Forest Road 2261.

Turn right (west) onto Forest Road 226 and drive 1.7 mi.

Continue until the road ...

Nearest town

Munising, MI - 15 mi

About 21 min to downtown

Highway access

Council Lake Campsites is accessible via Highway M-28, which is approximately 10 miles north of the campground. From M-28, Forest Highway 13 provides access south towards the campground.

Policies & Rules

General

  • 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.

Nearby Campgrounds

Nearby destinations


Last updated: October 23, 2026

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Explore Munising, MI

Population: 1,975

Elevation: 620 ft

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