About Swan Lake Campsites
Number of accommodations: 4
Seasonal information
2026 Season availability
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Reviews (27)
What Guests Are Saying
Swan Lake Campsites offers a serene and picturesque environment, ideal for a relaxing getaway with clean facilities and helpful rangers. Visitors appreciated the quiet atmosphere, opportunities for kayaking, and the availability of resources like trail maps and water refills. While some found the site challenging for larger campers, the overall experience was positive, highlighted by friendly staff and enjoyable outdoor activities.
What Guests Are Saying
Swan Lake Campsites offers a serene and picturesque environment, ideal for a relaxing getaway with clean facilities and helpful rangers. Visitors appreciated the quiet atmosphere, opportunities for kayaking, and the availability of resources like trail maps and water refills. While some found the site challenging for larger campers, the overall experience was positive, highlighted by friendly staff and enjoyable outdoor activities.
Review Summary
Carol H
VerifiedJune 24, 2022 • Stayed at: 003, Loop: SWAN LAKE CAMPSITE
We have camped at Swan Lake as a family for many years - since our adult kids were babies. We love the lake and camping area. However, we were very disappointed that the occupants before us put their horse manure and old hay in the woods - inviting flies… and the logging that was going on was messy. We’re so sad that is happening around the lake. It changes the atmosphere greatly! Some in our group were also told by the men logging, that they would have to wait 20 or 30 minutes to leave or access our camping site. We were surprised at that and when we asked they did eventually choose to let us drive through. 20 to 30 years ago, the site was more readily available. Now that it is so heavily advertised, it is difficult to find a spot. We also noticed that a beaver has moved in. It was fun to watch it. We’re not sure that has anything to do with the level of the lake, but there is no longer a sandy beach around the shore. We miss that as well. However, we made wonderful memories and are thankful we were able to spend a bit of time there this summer.
Erin S
VerifiedJune 19, 2022 • Stayed at: 003, Loop: SWAN LAKE CAMPSITE
Excellent spot near the lake with a comfortable spot to pitch a tent. Be aware that the road to the campsite is littered with logging debris.
Laura C
VerifiedOctober 17, 2021 • Stayed at: 004, Loop: SWAN LAKE CAMPSITE
Amazing view! Is incredible fall time in this place
Alan B
VerifiedOctober 3, 2021 • Stayed at: 002, Loop: SWAN LAKE CAMPSITE
The lake view is beautiful, we enjoyed kayaking. Also was able to walk horses into water, even thou water level was still high. The uneven camping areas make it hard setting up camper. Site 2 has so many trees, it is very hard to get trailer turned around.
The designated horse areas are in very bad condition. When it rains the water drains right to the horse area. Also their locations have been poorly picked. They are to far from campers and can not be seen at night. Unfortunately the horse campers are not hauling out manure, there needs to be a manure pit installed. these camp site are so over due for improvements, its very sad. WHEN will improvements be made?
Also Pine Martin Camp needs to be enlarged and improved! BUT the trails are beautiful, and well maintained!
Sebastian G
VerifiedAugust 12, 2021 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: SWAN LAKE CAMPSITE
Loved the spot but, and this is my fault but, I should have known that when its a boat launch it's not really a private site as others will show up here and there.
Only has one run in with anyone else so not a biggie.
Patrick R
VerifiedNovember 28, 2020 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: SWAN LAKE CAMPSITE
If you don’t mind a little horse doo-doo, it’s a beautiful place to stay! There beautiful walking trails all around, & the view of lake with the hills in the background is amazing! Absolutely no cell service either. Just put your phone in airplane mode and save on your battery! 🐴
Brian V
VerifiedOctober 10, 2020 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: SWAN LAKE CAMPSITE
This was an amazing site! We had so much fun and the forest had multiple places to visit for stunning photos. Check out our walkthrough of sites 1,2,3 & 4. https://youtu.be/8pNdA2uv5zc
Howard S
VerifiedOctober 7, 2020 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: SWAN LAKE CAMPSITE
Had a wonderful time at Camp Site 1. The weather was unseasonably warm for mid-September. The fall colors were just about peaking. The only issue were incessant flies (not biting fortunately) any time the temperature went above 70F. I chalked this up to the abundant supply of horse manure poorly managed by past campers. Otherwise, great hiking within the Pine Marten Preserve, and very few people wandering through due to the restricted access. Still, a few "explorers" coming down the path. One drove his Blazer right through camp. Also, a few people using the boat ramp, though only one to actually put in a boat. There are pit toilets at the camp sites, not noted in the literature, a nice convenience.
Cherie B
VerifiedAugust 9, 2020 • Stayed at: 004, Loop: SWAN LAKE CAMPSITE
Swan lake is our favorite place to camp. It’s private and gives you the real camping experience. We have been camping there for 30 years and are so grateful it opened up this year ❤️
Laura K
VerifiedMarch 6, 2020 • Stayed at: 004, Loop: SWAN LAKE CAMPSITE
We LOVED the campsite. The lake was fantastic, peaceful, and beautiful. However, we did not like the fact that we had to pack out the horse manure. We did haul out all of our horse manure/hay droppings, but noted that many other previous campers had strewn their manure/hay in the woods near the high ties. We suggest you put in and maintain a manure bunker at that site to manage the waste more effectively. We'd love to camp there again, but won't if we have to haul out manure.
Location Swan Lake Campsites
Address:
Rapid River/Manistique Ranger District
Rapid River, MI, 49878
United States
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 2.7 miles to FR 2258.
- Turn left (north) on 2258 and drive 0.25 mile to FR 2725.
- To reach sites 2-4: Turn left (east) onto FR 2725. Drive about 0.75 mile on FR 2725 to reach the sites.
- To reach site 1: Drive about 1.3 miles north on FR 2258 to FR 2013. Turn right (east) on FR 2013 and drive about 0.7 mile to the site.
Latitude & Longitude: 46.1625 / -86.5728
Elevation: 241 feet
Policies & Rules
| Category | About |
|---|---|
| General |
Pack-In, Pack-out policy |
| General |
There is a 14-day stay limit. |
| General |
No drinking water provided. |
| General |
Campsite must be occupied the first night. |
| General |
Campsite cannot be left unattended for more than 24 hours. |
| General |
Horse camping: All straw, hay, feed and manure must be raked up and hauled home. |
| General |
Horses must be properly tethered in designated areas |
| General |
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 |
| General |
Click here for more information on the Hiawatha National Forest |
| General |
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. |