How much does camping cost at Colwell Lake Campground?

Camping fees at Colwell Lake Campground are $24 - $80/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Colwell Lake Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Colwell Lake Campground 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 Colwell Lake Campground before I book?

Yes! Colwell Lake Campground has 7 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 Colwell Lake Campground?

Colwell Lake Campground is open May 15 to October 09. 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 Colwell Lake Campground?

Colwell Lake Campground does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

How many campsites does Colwell Lake Campground have?

Colwell Lake Campground has 36 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Colwell Lake Campground?

Yes, pets are allowed at Colwell Lake Campground. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Colwell Lake Campground?

Colwell Lake Campground offers: Restrooms, Potable Water, Dump Station, Electrical Hookups, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Colwell Lake Campground?

Popular activities at Colwell Lake Campground include Hiking, Fishing, Swimming, Boating. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Colwell Lake Campground

Q: Can I have a campfire at Colwell Lake Campground?

Fire policies at Colwell Lake Campground: 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.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

4.55

245 reviews

P.O. Box 171, Munising, MI, 49862, USA

A-Report Card

Scenic ViewsTent CampingGreat for GroupsSummer Destination

Featured in:Swimming Camping Michigan#3 Family-Friendly Campgrounds Michigan Pet-Friendly Campgrounds Michigan +2 more

Quick Facts

764 ft

Price

$24 - $80/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

36 campsites

Season

The campground opens...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Electric

Book on Vista Recreation Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

764 ft

Price

$24 - $80/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

36 campsites

Season

The campground opens...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Electric

Book on Vista Recreation Official Website

Get Directions

Colwell Lake Campground

$24.00 - $80.00 / night

Campsite Fees

GROUP STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $80.00; STANDARD ELECTRIC: $30.00; STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $26.00; WALK TO: $24.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation...

Standard Site Fee$24.00

Hookup Site Fee$28.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$22.00

Group Site Fee$70.00

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Campground Map

P.O. Box 171, Munising, MI, 49862, USA

Colwell Lake Campground

P.O. Box 171, Munising, MI, 49862, USA

Nearby places

Manistique (25 miles, approximately 30 minutes)

Munising (28 miles, approximately 35 minutes)

Weather at Colwell Lake Campground

Current alerts(9)

Click here for more information on the Hiawatha National Forest Hiawatha
Hiawatha National Forest - West Day Use Fees: Day Use $8.00 Day Use Annual Pass $40.00
No lifeguards present at swim beach; children must be accompanied by an adult at all times
No switching sites upon arrival

Best Time to Camp at Colwell Lake Campground

Best season: summer. Summer offers the warmest, most reliable weather for enjoying Colwell Lake’s 145-acre shoreline — expect daytime highs in the mid-60s to mid-70s°F (≈18–24°C) with cool, breezy evenings in the 40s–50s°F. This is peak time for swimming, boating, lakeside fishing (bass and panfish are common), long hikes and family-friendly water recreation; campsites are shaded by mature conifers but fill up on summer weekends. Crowds are highest on holiday weekends, so plan to arrive early for first-come sites or Peak months: July, August, June Avoid: November, December, January, February

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.5 / 5

Listed best season: summer; warm weather and full access to swimming, boating and trails.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 15 to October 09. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: The campground opens May 23 and closes October 7 during peak season. It operates on a first-come, first-served basis from May 14 to May 22.

About Colwell Lake Campground

Colwell Lake Campground sits on a 145-acre lake in Hiawatha National Forest near Manistique, Michigan. Operated by Vista Recreation, the mid-sized campground offers electric hookups, a swim beach, and a well-groomed lakeside trail suitable for strollers. Campers fish for bass and panfish, launch boats, and enjoy large, private sites under mature conifers.

Colwell Lake Campground accommodates a variety of camping styles with family sites, group sites, walk-to tent sites, and RV sites with optional electrical hookups.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer offers the warmest, most reliable weather for enjoying Colwell Lake’s 145-acre shoreline — expect daytime highs in the mid-60s to mid-70s°F (≈18–24°C) with cool, breezy evenings in the 40s–50s°F. This is peak time for swimming, boating, lakeside fishing (bass and panfish are common), long hikes and family-friendly water recreation; campsites are shaded by mature conifers but fill up on summer weekends. Crowds are highest on holiday weekends, so plan to arrive early for first-come sites or Peak months: July, August, June Avoid: November, December, January, February

Elevation764 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground wraps around a 145-acre lake at 764 feet elevation, surrounded by mixed conifer and deciduous forest. Lakefront sites face open water framed by mature pines and hardwoods. The forest provides solid shade and spacing between sites. Morning mist is common on the lake surface. Fall brings color to the hardwoods, though the conifers keep the campground green year-round. White-tailed deer move through the area regularly.

Lodging & AccommodationsThere are no hotel-style lodges available at Colwell Lake Campground as it focuses on outdoor camping experiences. Accommodations include family sites, group sites, and walk-in tent sites.

Programs & ActivitiesNo information is available regarding cultural or educational programs at the campground.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

2:00 PM

Check-out

12:00 PM

Stay Limit

Maximum stay of 14 nights during a visit.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Most sites accommodate 1 RV and a tow vehicle or 1 tent and vehicle.

Groups

The group site at Colwell Lake Campground can accommodate up to 24 people. It is equipped with standard amenities like campfire rings and picnic tables.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov online or by phone.

AccessibilityThe recreation area includes an accessible fishing pier and well-maintained trails suitable for snowshoeing and leisurely walks. However, some sites may be less accessible due to their proximity to the lake or uneven terrain.

Site SizeThe campsites are described as large and spacious. One user stated, "Our site was huge and the whole campground was kept very clean." Another noted, "Sites are large and wooded.

PrivacyCampsites are generally private, with some offering secluded settings. A review mentioned, "Very peaceful, private campsites." Another noted, "There is a little space between you and the next camper, which is nice for privacy.

Total Campsites36 campsites

Recommended SitesLakeside sites are recommended for scenic views and water access. Inner sites provide shelter from lake winds. Walk-to sites offer the most privacy.

Best CampsitesSites 004, 013, 015, and 031 get mentioned in reviews for size, privacy, and lake proximity. Walk-to sites sit closer to the water and offer more seclusion.

Need help booking Colwell Lake Campground?

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

Colwell Lake Campground offers a mix of essential and recreational amenities that cater to both tent and RV campers. "The campground consists of many individual family sites, as well as a group site that can hold 24 people and two tent-only sites along the lake shore." Campers can enjoy campfire rings, lantern posts, tent pads, and a picnic area equipped with pedestal grills and tables. A boat ramp and launching pier are located near the entrance, and there is adequate parking and a trailer turn-around. Vault toilets and drinking water are conveniently located throughout the campground. However, there are no showers or Wi-Fi facilities on site.

Potable water

Electricity hookups

Dump station

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

RV details

Things to do at Colwell Lake Campground

Colwell Lake Campground offers a range of recreational activities including swimming, fishing, boating, hiking, and picnicking. The lake is a central feature, providing opportunities for activities like kayaking, fishing, and enjoying scenic sunsets.

Hiking4.0/5

Well-groomed 2-mile trail around the lake, stroller-friendly and used for snowshoeing/biking.

Fishing4.0/5

Lake popular for largemouth bass, pike and crappie; anglers and a boat launch are noted.

Swimming4.0/5

Beach activities4.0/5

Sandy swim beach praised and scenic lakefront sites facing open water.

Water Sports4.0/5

Boating3.5/5

Signature experiences

Photography4.0/5Sunsets, morning mist, shoreline and forested sites provide varied photo opportunities.

Wildlife viewing3.5/5Birds and local fauna in mixed forest; morning mist and shoreline habitat offer sightings.

Not sure what to pack?Our complete camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not provided. Instead, the campground is equipped with vault toilets. Multiple user reviews praised the cleanliness and maintenance of the vault toilets: "Vault toilets were the cleanest I've seen!" and "Bathrooms could be cleaned more often (it seemed it was not done daily)."

Fire PolicyDon'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.

Trash & RecyclingTrash collection is available on-site, and access to trash facilities is described as convenient. Recycling information is not provided.

Cell CoverageUser reviews suggest there is no cell phone service for approximately 15 miles around the campground. One review stated, "Even tried a hotspot to no avail!" Another camper mentioned, "No cell service for Verizon" and described it as "a welcome break." However, some users found this lack of connectivity inconvenient for staying in touch with loved ones.

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

4.6

245 reviews

Top-Rated

Colwell Lake Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews

Colwell Lake Campground is highly rated for its natural beauty, spacious sites, and well-maintained facilities. Positive highlights include the cleanliness of vault toilets, the well-kept hiking trail around the lake, and the friendly and helpful camp hosts. Some complaints involve issues such as heavy mosquito presence, generator noise, and lack of cell service.

Review Summaries

Based on 245 reviews

What Campers Love

Clean facilities, large and private campsites, beautiful lake views, well-maintained hiking trail, and friendly camp hosts. "Vault toilets were the cleanest I've seen," remarked one camper. Another...

Based on 245 reviews

Common Concerns

Heavy mosquito infestations during certain seasons, lack of cell service, noise from generators, and overcrowding on the lake due to jet skis and speed boats. One user wrote, "The mosquitos were the...

Based on 245 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site #31 is noted for its strong winds due to its lakeside location, while interior sites are protected from the wind. Sites near the lake are highly sought after for their scenic views and direct...

Based on 245 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring mosquito repellent, especially during the summer months. For those needing connectivity, plan on traveling 15 miles to get cell service. Consider bringing portable showers as there are no...

Based on 245 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Some reviews highlighted seasonal issues such as cold lake water in early spring, heavy mosquito activity in summer, and reduced campsite availability during peak seasons.

Based on 245 reviews

Camper Quotes

"We love Colwell Lake! The trail around the lake is awesome." - Tonia L. "The vault toilets were the cleanest I've seen!" - Adrianne M. "The hosts were very friendly and helpful." - John J.

Based on 245 reviews

Accessibility Features

The accessible fishing pier is a notable feature, but uneven terrain at some sites may present challenges. No specific reviews from users with disabilities were found.

Based on 245 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed with a limit of two per site. No specific reviews about pet-friendly features were available.

Based on 245 reviews

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Colwell Lake Campground

$24.00 - $80.00 / night

Campsite Fees

GROUP STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $80.00; STANDARD ELECTRIC: $30.00; STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $26.00; WALK TO: $24.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation...

Standard Site Fee$24.00

Hookup Site Fee$28.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$22.00

Group Site Fee$70.00

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

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Provider

Go if

You want spacious, private sites on a quiet Upper Peninsula lake with electric hookups and a family-friendly trail.

Skip if

You need cell service, want to avoid summer mosquitoes, or prefer campgrounds without generator noise.

Nearby Campgrounds

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0.0

(3)

Crooked Lake Campsite

8181 US HWY 2, Rapid River, MI, 49878, USA

Crooked Lake Campsite is a single-site primitive spot in Hiawatha National Forest, managed by the Rapid River/Manistique Ranger District near Rapid River, Michigan. The lakefront location offers direct fishing and boating access in a quiet, low-elevation forest setting. Campers appreciate the solitude and bluegill fishing, though the site sits near a public boat launch that can bring occasional evening visitors.

Colwell Lake Campground

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Quick Facts

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Current alerts(9)

Best Time to Camp at Colwell Lake Campground

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About Colwell Lake Campground

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Amenities available

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Current alerts(9)

Best Time to Camp at Colwell Lake Campground

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Things to do at Colwell Lake Campground

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