Carr Lake Campsite

Star3.86
24 reviews
RAPID RIVER/MANISTIQUE RANGER DISTRICT, 8181 US HWY 2, Rapid River, MI 49878, USA
Summer Destination

Quick Facts

679 ft

Price

$8/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

The site is open for...

Cell

No Service

Pets

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Opens RAPID RIVER/MANISTIQUE RANGER DISTRICT site

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Real-Time Availability

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January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
Carr Lake Campsite
$8.00 - $8.00 / night
Campsite Fees
The nightly rate for standard nonelectric sites during peak season (May 15 - October 9) is $8. This fee does not include taxes, discounts, or...
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Standard Site Fee$8.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Provider
906-474-6442 / 906-387-2512
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What Campers Say

3.86

Mixed Reviews

Based on 24 reviews

6 Google reviews

Most mentioned

quietcleanlake

"The Carr Lake Campsite receives mixed reviews. Positive feedback emphasizes its solitude, natural beauty, and spaciousness. Negative feedback highlights issues with unregulated ATV traffic, difficulty finding the site, and occasional trash problems."

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Campground Map

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

Carr Lake Campsite

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

Driving directionsFrom Cooks (about 12 miles west of Manistique or 24 miles east of Rapid River on US-2): drive north 4.4 miles on County Road 442 to CR 437. Turn left (north) on CR 437 and drive 8.7 miles to FR 2217. Turn left (northwest) on FR 2217 and drive 2.5 miles to the road to Carr Lake. Turn right (north) and drive 0.25 mile to the campsite.
The road to Carr Lake campsite is challenging for standard cars without 4x4 capabilities, as noted in user reviews indicating that trucks and ATVs are more suited. Gravel roads are unmarked once inside the forest. Seasonal closure or adverse conditions are not explicitly mentioned.
Nearby places
Cooks (approximately 12 miles west of Manistique and 24 miles east of Rapid River).
Nearby supplies
Groceries, gasoline, fishing and camping supplies, ice, and deli are available five miles northeast on County Road 437 in the Thunder Lake Area.

Best Time to Camp at Carr Lake Campsite

Experience the dramatic seasonal transformations of Michigan's Upper Peninsula at Carr Lake. Summer brings warm days perfect for fishing and exploring, though savvy campers come prepared for nature's smallest residents – the mosquitoes that thrive in the lush forest environment. As autumn arrives, the hardwoods burst into spectacular color, though nights can turn surprisingly cold, with October temperatures often demanding extra layers and warm sleeping gear. Winter transforms the landscape into a snow-dusted wonderland, while spring awakens the forest with new life and excellent fishing conditions.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Summer gets the most positive reviews; warm days suit fishing and exploring.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
3.0 / 5

Fall scenic changes noted but cooler nights; at least one review mentioned cold sleeping conditions.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.0 / 5

Open from May 15 (late spring); conditions variable and fewer reviews than summer.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Site closed for reservations outside May 15–Oct 9; winter camping not supported here.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: May 15 - October 9. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: The site is open for reservations from May 15 to October 9 annually.
  • Current Alerts: No active alerts or closures are mentioned.

About Carr Lake Campsite

Escape to the untouched wilderness of Carr Lake, where rustic camping meets authentic outdoor adventure in Michigan's Hiawatha National Forest. This spacious 70ft x 40ft grassy clearing welcomes up to two families seeking a true back-to-basics experience. Without modern amenities like running water or facilities, Carr Lake offers the rare opportunity to disconnect completely and immerse yourself in nature's raw beauty. Here, the only sounds you'll hear are the gentle lapping of lake waters and the whisper of wind through towering pines.
The Carr Lake Campsite is a single, primitive, non-electric campsite offering a basic, rustic camping experience. It is suitable for tent camping and small group gatherings.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
After 11:00 AM
Check-out
By 12:00 PM
Stay Limit
14-day limit per visit during any time of the year.

Amenities available

Fire rings
Picnic tables
Firewood available

Activities you can enjoy

Carr Lake Campsite provides opportunities for fishing, swimming, berry picking, and boating. However, swimming conditions are considered poor. The lake supports a fishery for largemouth bass, yellow perch, northern pike, and brook or brown trout. Boating is limited to small watercraft, accessed via a constructed boat slide.
HikingNearby attractions include a number of horse, bike, and hiking trails within minutes of the campsite.
FishingFishing is a prominent activity at Carr Lake, with opportunities to catch largemouth bass, yellow perch, northern pike, and brook or brown trout. Access to Carr Creek also provides additional fisheries for trout. A license is required for fishing.
SwimmingSwimming is allowed, but conditions are described as poor. No details about swimming infrastructure or facilities are provided.
BikingBiking trails are available within minutes of the site, but specific details about terrain and difficulty are not provided.
BoatingSmall watercraft can be launched via a boat slide. The lake is accessible for non-motorized boating activities.
Winter Activities
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsMosquito activity is high in summer. Poor swimming conditions are noted, and cell service is non-existent.
Active AlertsNo active alerts or closures are mentioned.
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.
No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

Weather at Carr Lake Campsite

Reviews

3.9
24 reviews
Mixed Reviews
Mixed Reviews
Carr Lake Campsite has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews
The Carr Lake Campsite receives mixed reviews. Positive feedback emphasizes its solitude, natural beauty, and spaciousness. Negative feedback highlights issues with unregulated ATV traffic, difficulty finding the site, and occasional trash problems.
Review Summaries
Based on 24 reviews

What Campers Love

Users appreciated the seclusion and tranquility of the site: 'My favorite campsite by far,' wrote Jay, who valued the isolation and rustic feel. 'Quiet, clean, beautiful,' noted Ann W., who also...
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Based on 24 reviews

Common Concerns

Issues raised include unregulated ATV traffic and trash. Edward G. criticized the site: 'Constant ATV traffic... ATVs should be restricted to ATV trails.' Another complaint came from Dan L., who...
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Based on 24 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Visitors recommend using 4x4 vehicles due to difficult road conditions. Jamie Sutton noted, 'The road going in and out is not meant for cars without 4x4's.' Other tips include preparing for zero cell...
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Based on 24 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer receives the most positive reviews due to warm weather and abundant outdoor activities. Fall can bring colder temperatures, as noted by Michael L., who said sleeping conditions were 'cold as...
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Based on 24 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Rustic camping for sure with absolutely no amenities. Once stayed for 9 days and never saw a person.' – Jay 2. 'Quiet, clean, beautiful campsite overlooking small lake.' – Ann W. 3. 'I could not...
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Based on 24 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site 001 is the only available campsite at Carr Lake. It is described as 'spacious and quiet' by Jamie Sutton, though Edward G. noted issues with occasional trash and ATV intrusions.
Based on 24 reviews

Accessibility Features

No specific reviews address accessibility, though the challenging road conditions and lack of facilities suggest limited accessibility for individuals with disabilities.
Based on 24 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

No reviews specifically mention pets.
Based on 24 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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