Colwell Lake Campground

Star4.64
173 reviews
P.O. Box 171, Munising, MI, 49862, USA
Summer Destination

Quick Facts

764 ft

Price

$22 - $70/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

36 campsites

Season

The campground opens...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyElectric

Opens Vista Recreation site

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Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
Colwell Lake Campground
$22.00 - $70.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Peak season rates range from $22 for walk-to sites, $24 for standard non-electric sites, $28 for standard electric sites, and $70 for group sites. A...
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Standard Site Fee$24.00
Hookup Site Fee$28.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$22.00
Group Site Fee$70.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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What Campers Say

4.64

Top-Rated

Based on 173 reviews

86 Google reviews

Most mentioned

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Some mention

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"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."

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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

Driving directionsFrom Manistique, Michigan, drive north 25 miles on State Route 94 to Forest Road 2246. Turn right (east) and drive 0.5 miles to the campground road.
The campground is accessible via paved roads from State Route 94 and Forest Road 2246. The entrance road conditions are suitable for RVs and vehicles with trailers.
Nearby places
Manistique (25 miles, approximately 30 minutes)
Munising (28 miles, approximately 35 minutes)
Nearby supplies
Essential supplies, including groceries and fuel, can be obtained in Manistique (25 miles away). Campfire wood is sold on-site by campground hosts.

Best Time to Camp at Colwell Lake Campground

Summer transforms Colwell Lake into a sun-drenched paradise where warm days invite endless outdoor adventures. Yet nature adds its own character here—refreshing lake breezes sweep across waterfront campsites, offering natural air conditioning on the warmest afternoons, while occasional winds remind visitors of the lake's wild spirit. As twilight falls during peak summer months, the local mosquito community emerges for their evening performance, making bug spray as essential as your camping gear.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Summer is peak: sun, swimming, boating, fishing; but mosquitoes and lake crowding noted.

Best
Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Fall offers foliage, quieter conditions and maintained trails; good seasonal appeal.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.0 / 5

Early spring has cold lake water; campground opens mid-May with limited early-season conditions.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground is closed Nov–Apr (open May–Oct), so winter camping not supported.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: May 23 to October 7 annually.. 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.
  • Current Alerts: Current warnings include high mosquito activity in the summer and occasional generator noise impacting quiet hours.

About Colwell Lake Campground

Nestled along the pristine shores of a 145-acre wilderness lake, Colwell Lake Campground beckons outdoor enthusiasts seeking an authentic Upper Peninsula escape. Here, where ancient conifers mingle with vibrant deciduous forests, campers discover a peaceful haven that welcomes everyone from solo adventurers to bustling families. Whether you arrive with a fully equipped RV or simply a tent and a sense of adventure, you'll find yourself immersed in a landscape where morning mist dances across the water and the day's activities range from casting a line at dawn to paddling beneath star-filled skies.
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.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Check-in begins at 2:00 PM.
Check-out
Check-out is by 12:00 PM.
Stay Limit
Maximum stay of 14 nights during a visit.

Amenities available

Potable water
Electricity hookups
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Group Sites

Activities you can enjoy

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.
HikingThe campground features a 2-mile trail around Colwell Lake, described as well-maintained and suitable for hiking, biking, and snowshoeing. "The trail around the lake is a must-see!" remarked one user. Another noted, "It is groomed so well you could use a stroller or wagon."
FishingFishing is a popular activity at Colwell Lake, where largemouth bass, northern pike, crappie, and other species can be caught. One user commented, "Fishing was good," while another complained about jet skis disturbing the fishing experience.
SwimmingThe campground offers a sandy swimming beach, described by users as "nice for swimming." However, one review noted that the water was too cold for swimming during early spring visits.
BikingThe 2-mile trail around the lake is suitable for biking and is part of the recreational offerings at the campground.
BoatingBoating is supported by a boat ramp and launching pier. However, some reviewers expressed concerns over the lack of a no-wake rule, with one stating, "Too many jet skis and speed boats. Can’t fish."
Wildlife viewingWildlife viewing opportunities include observing local bird species and other fauna around Colwell Lake. The forested environment provides a tranquil setting for nature enthusiasts.
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsMosquitoes can be extreme during summer months, as noted by multiple user reviews. Strong winds may impact lakefront sites.
Active AlertsCurrent warnings include high mosquito activity in the summer and occasional generator noise impacting quiet hours.

Weather at Colwell Lake Campground

Reviews

4.6
173 reviews
Top-Rated
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 173 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...
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Based on 173 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...
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Based on 173 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...
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Based on 173 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 173 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 173 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...
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Based on 173 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 173 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 173 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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