How much does camping cost at Camp Cook Campsite?

Camping fees at Camp Cook Campsite are $8/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Camp Cook Campsite first-come first-served or reservation?

Camp Cook Campsite accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Camp Cook Campsite before I book?

Yes! Camp Cook Campsite has 4 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Camp Cook Campsite?

Camp Cook Campsite is open May 15 to October 15. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Camp Cook Campsite?

Camp Cook Campsite does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

How many campsites does Camp Cook Campsite have?

Camp Cook Campsite has 1 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Camp Cook Campsite?

Pets are not allowed at Camp Cook Campsite. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at Camp Cook Campsite?

Camp Cook Campsite offers: Restrooms, Potable Water. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Camp Cook Campsite?

Popular activities at Camp Cook Campsite include Fishing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Camp Cook Campsite

3.95

9 reviews

RAPID RIVER/MANISTIQUE RANGER DISTRICT, 8181 US HWY 2, Rapid River, MI, 49878, USA

Top 21% in MIFall

Peace & Quiet

Featured in:Tent Camping Michigan

Quick Facts

791 ft

Price

$8/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Open season: May 15 ...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Book on Rapid River/Manistique Ranger District, Hiawatha National Forest Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

791 ft

Price

$8/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Open season: May 15 ...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Book on Rapid River/Manistique Ranger District, Hiawatha National Forest Official Website

Get Directions

Camp Cook Campsite

$8.00 / night

Campsite Fees

STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $8.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

No campsite fee categories listed.

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Provider

906-474-6442 OR 906-387-2512

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Campground Map

RAPID RIVER/MANISTIQUE RANGER DISTRICT, 8181 US HWY 2, Rapid River, MI, 49878, USA

Camp Cook Campsite

RAPID RIVER/MANISTIQUE RANGER DISTRICT, 8181 US HWY 2, Rapid River, MI, 49878, USA

Nearby places

Rapid River (14 miles, ~20 min), Manistique (22 miles, ~30 min)

Weather at Camp Cook Campsite

Best Time to Camp at Camp Cook Campsite

Best season: fall. Autumn offers the clearest reason to visit Camp Cook: cool, crisp days (typically 40–65°F) and brilliant hardwood color make hiking, wildlife viewing, and landscape photography exceptional. Foliage peaks in early–mid September in many parts of the Hiawatha, with quiet campsites and far fewer biting insects than summer, so trails and the nearby lakes feel more solitary. Crowds are generally light to moderate — expect weekends to be busier — and early October can still deliver great color, but the Peak months: September, October, August, June Avoid: November, December, January, February

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.5 / 5

Top 21% in MI

Site called 'best season: fall' for brilliant hardwood color and photography.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 15 to October 15. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open season: May 15 - October 09. Reservable start dates begin June 21.

About Camp Cook Campsite

Camp Cook Campsite sits in the Hiawatha National Forest near Rapid River, managed by the Rapid River/Manistique Ranger District. This free, primitive campground offers vault toilets, potable water, and spacious sites that feel genuinely remote. Campers fish nearby waters and enjoy the quiet of a very small, seasonal forest setting.

Camp Cook Campsite is a primitive camping site that can accommodate individual or group reservations. It is specifically designed for those seeking a rustic and secluded experience.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: fall. Autumn offers the clearest reason to visit Camp Cook: cool, crisp days (typically 40–65°F) and brilliant hardwood color make hiking, wildlife viewing, and landscape photography exceptional. Foliage peaks in early–mid September in many parts of the Hiawatha, with quiet campsites and far fewer biting insects than summer, so trails and the nearby lakes feel more solitary. Crowds are generally light to moderate — expect weekends to be busier — and early October can still deliver great color, but the Peak months: September, October, August, June Avoid: November, December, January, February

Elevation791 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe site occupies a large grassy clearing surrounded by hardwood forest and pines. The Fishdam River runs nearby, holding native brook trout. The forest canopy creates good shade, and the secluded location means minimal light pollution at night. Wildlife sightings are common. Some campers find the dense woods and darkness a bit unsettling, but that's part of the deep-woods experience.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo additional lodging accommodations are provided at Camp Cook Campsite.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are described in the available materials.

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Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Maximum stay is 14 consecutive nights.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Up to 24 guests allowed.

Groups

The site accommodates up to 24 people, making it suitable for group camping. It has a large grassy area for gatherings.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov and its associated mobile app.

Site SizeThe campsite is larger than anticipated, as noted by a user review, and is suitable for up to 24 people.

PrivacyThe site is secluded and provides high privacy, highlighted by users who appreciated the solitude and lack of disturbances.

Total Campsites1 campsites

Recommended SitesBring extra toilet paper as the outhouse supply may be insufficient. Use written directions to locate the site due to GPS inaccuracies.

Need help booking Camp Cook Campsite?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

Camp Cook Campsite is a single-site campground located in a rustic forest environment within the Hiawatha National Forest. The site is set in a grassy opening near the Fishdam River and is surrounded by hardwood trees and pines. The area is especially suited for large gatherings and emphasizes serenity and privacy. Amenities are minimal, including a toilet and drinking water.

Potable water

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Group Sites

I manage this campground

Things to do at Camp Cook Campsite

Camp Cook Campsite offers a tranquil environment for activities such as fishing, berry picking, and camping. The Fishdam River nearby is popular among anglers for brook trout fishing. Other recreational opportunities, such as swimming, are not available directly at the site but can be found two miles away at Camp 7 Lake Campground.

Fishing4.0/5

Fishdam River runs nearby holding native brook trout; fishing is called a significant draw.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Signature experiences

Stargazing4.0/5Secluded location with minimal light pollution noted; good night skies expected.

Photography3.5/5Hardwood fall color, river, and secluded clearing offer good landscape/photo ops seasonally.

Not sure what to pack?Our complete camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not available; instead, an outhouse is provided.

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.0

9 reviews

Mixed Reviews

Camp Cook Campsite has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews for Camp Cook Campsite are mixed. Positive aspects highlight the site's seclusion, privacy, and large area, while concerns include the outdated GPS location and lack of clear labeling for the site.

Review Summaries

Based on 9 reviews

What Campers Love

Users appreciate the solitude, large campsite area, and better-than-expected outhouse facilities. One user noted, 'We really enjoyed our time at this campsite because it was very secluded and a large...

Based on 9 reviews

Common Concerns

Complaints focus on the lack of proper GPS location and signage, as well as the removal of the water hand pump. One user stated, 'The only issue we had is that the GPS location is not correct for the...

Based on 9 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

The campsite (001) is noted for its seclusion, large size, and outhouse facilities. However, the lack of proper labeling and GPS inaccuracy detracts from the experience.

Based on 9 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring extra toilet paper, as the outhouse may not be fully stocked. Use the written directions to locate the site due to inaccurate GPS coordinates.

Based on 9 reviews

Seasonal Insights

No seasonal trends are explicitly mentioned in the reviews, but the site's popularity seems to be low, with one user noting, 'No one has camped here in months.'

Based on 9 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Dark and creepy.' - Steve C. 2. 'We really enjoyed our time at this campsite because it was very secluded and a large area that we had to ourselves.' - Jessica H. 3. 'Nice quiet spot.' - Alan...

Based on 9 reviews

Accessibility Features

No specific reviews address accessibility features.

Based on 9 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

There are no reviews specifically discussing pet policies or experiences.

Based on 9 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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Camp Cook Campsite

$8.00 / night

Campsite Fees

STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $8.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

No campsite fee categories listed.

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free to start · paid plans add 2-min scans

263,000+ sites monitored · Email alerts to start; SMS and in-app with an account

Learn more about alerts →

Share this campground

Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

906-474-6442 OR 906-387-2512

Go if

You want solitude and spacious sites in a quiet forest without paying camping fees.

Skip if

You need reliable GPS navigation or prefer campgrounds that feel less isolated after dark.

Nearby Campgrounds

Less Visited

3.6

(28)

Chicago Lake Campsites

8181 US HWY 2 RAPID RIVER/MANISTIQUE RANGER DISTRICT, Rapid River, MI, USA, 49878

Chicago Lake Campsites sits on a small, secluded lake in Hiawatha National Forest near Rapid River, managed by the Rapid River/Manistique Ranger District. This very small, rustic campground offers primitive tent and RV sites with vault toilets, fire rings, and direct water access for fishing, swimming, and boating. Reviewers consistently praise the solitude and private-lake feel, though road access can be challenging and amenities are minimal.

Camp Cook Campsite

Quick Facts

Quick Facts

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Campground Map

Weather at Camp Cook Campsite

Best Time to Camp at Camp Cook Campsite

Planning Tips

About Camp Cook Campsite

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Need help booking Camp Cook Campsite?

Amenities available

Things to do at Camp Cook Campsite

Policies & Safety

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What Campers Love

Common Concerns

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Best Time to Camp at Camp Cook Campsite

Planning Tips

Best Campsites

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Need help booking Camp Cook Campsite?

Amenities available

Things to do at Camp Cook Campsite

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns

Site-Specific Reviews