Swan Lake Campsites

I stayed at Site 1, which is isolated from the other three sites. Very quiet and peaceful. Swan Lake is one of the prettier little lakes in the Hiawatha Forest. Sites 2,3, and 4 are also very nice, #2 has plenty of shade. All the sites have easy access for canoes or kayaks, and site 1 is near a boat launch. I will definitely return.

There was logging going on around the campsite and the access road was impassable.

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.

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.

Amazing view! Is incredible fall time in this place

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!

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.

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! 🐴

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

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.