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
Operating hours and availability for the current season.
Upcoming seasons
Planned operating dates for future seasons to help you plan ahead.
Past seasons
Historical operating dates from previous years for reference.
Closed periods
View dates when this campground is temporarily closed during the season.
Carr Lake Campsite offers a beautiful, secluded setting with a nice trail and good fishing opportunities. While the boat launch could use improvement and some areas need maintenance, the site is generally accessible and has a well-maintained outhouse. Overall, it is a peaceful spot that many visitors enjoy.
I could not find this location. The GPS coordinates took me into the town of Manstique to a completely different campground. Once I found the written directions on how to find it, I had no service within the forest (no huge surprise there of course), but none of the roads were marked once I got onto the gravel backroads. It was definitely very frustrating as I had to throw away my reservation here & shell out for a hotel. Very disappointed.
Nice and secluded -- ZERO cell service, thank god!! -- but sleeping was cold as hell. Not the fault of the site, just the weather in the UP in October.
Haven't been to Carr lake in 5 years. Forgot how beautiful the view of the lake is every morning. Went to a nice deli by the water in Manistique and other shops and had breakfast. Can have a great walk at the boardwalk at the lighthouse. Also drove to Munising and bought pasties for the next nights dinner.
Getting real tired of how the forest is being sold out for money. The people that use these sites now trash the area around them. I’m also getting tired of ATVs pulling in and having picnics. You’re turning the forest into a theme park for people from the city.
Constant atv traffic. At one point they even stopped and picnicked. Trash in the surrounding woods. A couple guys even tried to park a camper! A girl was camped there when we arrived! We had to kick her out! You’re selling the UP out to Detroit. ATVs should be restricted to ATV trails. They have no respect. The forest used to be a place to enjoy the solitude nature has to offer. You’ve ruined that. Thanks
No Internet. Has a nice trail but it fades away halfway around the lake. Saw several decent sized fish. Outhouse is in good condition. Pretty accessible.
Helpful
Location & Directions for Carr Lake Campsite
Rapid River/Manistique Ranger District, Rapid River, MI 49878 United States
The campsite is accessible via US-2, which is about 12 miles south, providing a connection to major routes in the region.
Policies & Rules
General
Pack-In, Pack-out policy
There is a 14-day stay limit.
No drinking water provided.
Campsite must be occupied the first night.
Campsite cannot be left unattended for more than 24 hours.
You are welcome to collect firewood from the area surrounding your campsite. Just remember that any firewood that you collect must be DEAD AND DOWN
Click here for more information on the Hiawatha National Forest
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.
