OutReserve

Swan Lake Campsites

Swan Lake Boat Launch
Swan Lake Campsites
Swan Lake Campsites
Swan Lake Campsites
Swan Lake Campsites

About Swan 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.

Number of accommodations: 4

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 - Opens on May 15

Sites & Availability

4 Sites Available

Site
Price
🚐 001, Loop: SWAN LAKE CAMPSITE
No Hookups
$8.00
/ per night
🚐 002, Loop: SWAN LAKE CAMPSITE
No Hookups
$8.00
/ per night
🚐 003, Loop: SWAN LAKE CAMPSITE
No Hookups
$8.00
/ per night
🚐 004, Loop: SWAN LAKE CAMPSITE
No Hookups
$8.00
/ per night

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.

Review Summary

4.4
27 reviews
5
66.7%
18
4
22.2%
6
3
3.7%
1
2
0.0%
0
1
7.4%
2

Carol H

Verified

June 24, 2022 Stayed at: 003, Loop: SWAN LAKE CAMPSITE

4

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

Verified

June 19, 2022 Stayed at: 003, Loop: SWAN LAKE CAMPSITE

4

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

Verified

October 17, 2021 Stayed at: 004, Loop: SWAN LAKE CAMPSITE

5

Amazing view! Is incredible fall time in this place

Alan B

Verified

October 3, 2021 Stayed at: 002, Loop: SWAN LAKE CAMPSITE

4

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

Verified

August 12, 2021 Stayed at: 001, Loop: SWAN LAKE CAMPSITE

5

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

Verified

November 28, 2020 Stayed at: 001, Loop: SWAN LAKE CAMPSITE

5

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

Verified

October 10, 2020 Stayed at: 001, Loop: SWAN LAKE CAMPSITE

5

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

Verified

October 7, 2020 Stayed at: 001, Loop: SWAN LAKE CAMPSITE

4

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

Verified

August 9, 2020 Stayed at: 004, Loop: SWAN LAKE CAMPSITE

5

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

Verified

March 6, 2020 Stayed at: 004, Loop: SWAN LAKE CAMPSITE

3

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

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.

Nearby Campgrounds

Nearby destinations