USDA Forest Service · Michigan
Council Lake Campsites
USDA Forest Service · Michigan, United States
- Sites
- 4
- Hookups
- 4 no hookups
- Season
- May 15 to October 15
- Max RV length
- 16 ft
- Drinking water
- No
- Restrooms
- Yes
- Pets
- Yes
- Elevation
- 787 ft
- Dark sky
- Bortle class 1
- Cell coverage
- T-Mobile none · AT&T none · Verizon none (carriers' 4G LTE filings to the FCC, 2025-12; not measured here)
- Access road
- RED JACK (NFSR 2261) · improved native material · suitable for passenger cars
- Lake
- Hiawatha National Forest
- Nearest town
- Munising
- Address
- MUNISING RANGER DISTRICT, Munising, MI, 49862
- Phone
- 906-387-2512
- Activities
- Biking, Boating, Camping, Fishing, Swimming Site
4 numbered sites are mapped one by one - open the site map to pick yours.
About
Overview
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.
Recreation
Council Lake is a 12-acre lake with yellow perch, rock and largemouth bass, bluegill, black crappie, bullhead and northern pike. Licenses are required to fish in Michigan waters.
Council Lake is part of a small chain of lakes and offers excellent canoeing and kayaking opportunities. There is a short portage that links Council Lake to Bar Lake and the Indian Wild and Scenic River.
Non-motorized boats can be used on the lake, however access at the campground is by land only. A boat ramp can be found at adjoining Red Jack Lake.
The day-use area is equipped with tables and a pedestal grill. The area is near a beach that is perfect for lounging and swimming. No drinking water is provided at the campsite; water must be brought in and garbage must be carried out.
Facilities
There are four campsites at Council Lake for tent and small RV camping. Each campsite is equipped with a table and a campfire ring. A pit toilet is located near site 1, but toilet paper is not provided.
There is NO drinking water.
Lake Name: Council Lake
Number of Sites: 4
Maximum Number of People: 8 (for each site)
Toilets: 1 (by site 1)
Boat Access: Carry-In
Lake Size (acres): 14
Natural Features
These four campsites are situated on the quaint 12 - acre Council Lake, nestled in a mixed stand of hardwood and pine trees. They are on the southern shores of Council Lake, close to adjoining Red Jack and Scout lakes.
Contact Info
For local information, please call (906) 387-2512 or call (906) 474-6442 for general information.
Weather, month by month
| Month | Typical high | Typical low | Coldest night | Hottest day | Years with a night below 32°F |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 23° | 11° | -15° | 39° | 11 of 11 |
| February | 25° | 12° | -8° | 50° | 11 of 11 |
| March | 36° | 22° | 4° | 59° | 11 of 11 |
| April | 45° | 31° | 12° | 76° | 9 of 11 |
| May | 61° | 41° | 29° | 78° | 2 of 11 |
| June | 70° | 50° | 39° | 86° | 0 of 11 |
| July | 78° | 59° | 48° | 97° | 0 of 11 |
| August | 76° | 59° | 51° | 87° | 0 of 11 |
| September | 70° | 56° | 42° | 82° | 0 of 11 |
| October | 53° | 42° | 29° | 73° | 2 of 10 |
| November | 39° | 31° | 8° | 56° | 8 of 10 |
| December | 30° | 20° | -4° | 51° | 10 of 10 |
Mid-month figures from 2016–2026 of daily weather at this spot (ERA5 reanalysis via Open-Meteo, CC BY 4.0), in °F. Typical is the median; coldest and hottest are the extremes seen.
Nearby campgrounds
- Widewaters Campground · USDA Forest Service · 2 mi · 32 sites
- Baldy Lake Camping Area · USDA Forest Service · 2 mi
- Island Lake · USDA Forest Service · 2 mi · 11 sites
- Petes Lake Recreation Area · USDA Forest Service · 2 mi
- Pete’s Lake Campground · USDA Forest Service · 3 mi · 48 sites
All public campgrounds in Michigan · Every state and province · Facts read from the operator 2026-03-11. Confirm fees, rules and current status with the operator before you go.