Gooseneck Lake Campsites

Campsite 3 is a large quiet flat space for both van/rv and tent camping. No water, trash, or dumping options. There is a pit toilet, fire ring, and picnic table. The site has water access to the lake via steps. The main issue is that the road signage as well as the online directions do not direct campers to site 3. The road signs don’t display 3 at all and the online directions take campers to the opposite side of the lake from the site 3 location. It is not until you are at the site that you see a sign for “3”. This is really frustrating and could be easily resolved.

The location of the site is beautiful but the forest service does not take care of it. The steps going to the water are hazardous, dangerous, and somebody is going to end up getting hurt on them. We were there for two weeks and the rangers never once came to replace toilet paper in the outhouse in a group site with 12 people. They took great care of site 1 after putting huge boulders in there so only one camper can fit on the site.

This was a very nice secluded, rustic site. Mixed areas of sun and shade depending on the time of day. The lake is beautiful, and the access is good for a kayak or canoe. Swimming would be a challenge because of the soft and murky lake bottom at the campsite. Swimming was good at the nearby Camp 7 beach. Had a couple of people driving up to the campsite thinking it was unoccupied. Would be nice if there was an occupied or some type of indicator at the campsite driveway entrance. As the website indicates, no drinking water is available - need to go to Camp 7 (approx 2 mi) to get ice cold tasty water for drinking and cooking.

This was a very nice secluded, rustic site. Mixed areas of sun and shade depending on the time of day. The lake is beautiful, and the access is good for a kayak or canoe. Swimming would be a challenge because of the soft and murky lake bottom at the campsite. Swimming was good at the nearby Camp 7 beach. Had a couple of people driving up to the campsite thinking it was unoccupied. Would be nice if there was an occupied or some type of indicator at the campsite driveway entrance. As the website indicates, no drinking water is available - need to go to Camp 7 (approx 2 mi) to get ice cold tasty water for drinking and cooking.

Like the site but not all the big rocks. Ill probably try a different site next time.

Like the site but not all the big rocks. Ill probably try a different site next time.

On the lookout for my Hiawatha National forest passport stamp I stopped in here since we were nearby. I love going to all the random national park and forest offices, especially the quiet ones like these because the rangers are always so kind and helpful. While they didn’t have stamps (I doubt they get many walk ins, haha) they were so nice and gave my son tons of Smokey swag and gave us hiking tips. They were going to get some park stamps from another office so if you’re in the area they might have the stamps now! They have water refills and bathrooms too plus tons of materials and trail maps. I think I prefer these national forest offices to the bigger national park ones because the rangers have more time to talk. Make sure to support our parks and forests!! Thank you to the rangers working there and at all the forests. I always enjoy the time I spend in the ranger offices.

Had site 1 for 2 weeks, was a quiet and joyful time with many campfires at night, Forest Service should still move some of the big rocks so we can use the loop that was there forever, just saying!
Love Gooseneck Lake for all the boating and Lake activities!

Had site 1 for 2 weeks, was a quiet and joyful time with many campfires at night, Forest Service should still move some of the big rocks so we can use the loop that was there forever, just saying!
Love Gooseneck Lake for all the boating and Lake activities!

I visited in October of this year. The campsite is in excellent condition, big fire ring but there is no grate on it just FYI. The Coordinates 46°03'59.6"N 86°32'41.9"W give the exact location, but the maps link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/fcF3MDae1JTZUPea8 also shows you exactly where you need to turn to get to the campsite. The campsite road is marked with a post with the number 4 on it. The trail is bumpy but I made it work with a FWD Sedan. If you have any kind of 4x4 or car with some clearance you'll be fine.
There are neighbors nearby, the lake was calm but I could see it being louder in the warmer season with boats and the like. But this campsite is great, and big enough to accommodate multiple tents.