Cookson Lake Campsites

Star4.00
37 reviews
400 E. MUNISING AVE., Munising, MI 49862, USA
Summer Destination

Quick Facts

758 ft

Price

$8/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

5 campsites

Season

Open May 15 - Octobe...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Opens Hiawatha National Forest site

Official Website
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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
Cookson Lake Campsites
$8.00 - $8.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Recreation use fee is $8 per night during the peak season (May 15 - October 9). Reservation fees ($8 for online/app, $9 through contact center, $3...
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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
906-387-2512
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What Campers Say

4.00

Satisfactory

Based on 37 reviews

8 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewsquietcleanlake

"User reviews highlight the natural beauty, serenity, and remote appeal of Cookson Lake Campsites, but also note significant drawbacks such as the abundance of mosquitoes and the poor condition of the pit toilet. Fishing and wildlife viewing are well-received."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

400 E. MUNISING AVE., Munising, MI 49862, USA

Cookson Lake Campsites

400 E. MUNISING AVE., Munising, MI 49862, USA

Driving directionsFrom Munising, Michigan: Drive east on M-28 towards Wetmore. Turn right (south) on Forest Highway 13 at Wetmore and drive 11.9 miles to FR 2258. Turn left (southeast) and drive about 2.5 miles to FR 2257 (just before the bridge over the Indian River). Turn left (northeast) on FR 2257 and drive 1.8 miles across the access road.
Road access involves Forest Highway 13 and several forest roads (FR 2258 and FR 2257). Some reviews mention closures on nearby bridges that could affect route accessibility.
Nearby places
Munising: Approximately 22 miles away
Steuben area (5 miles east) for groceries, gas, and camping supplies.
Nearby supplies
Groceries, ice, gasoline, fishing, camping supplies, ice, and deli are available approximately 5 miles east on County Road 437 in the Steuben Area.

Best Time to Camp at Cookson Lake Campsites

Experience the dramatic seasons of Michigan's Upper Peninsula, where crisp winters give way to glorious camping weather from late spring through early fall. Summer brings comfortable temperatures perfect for lakeside adventures, while gentle rains occasionally sweep through to refresh the forest and fill the air with the earthy scent of pine and hardwood. Plan your visit between May and October to enjoy the most favorable conditions, when wildflowers carpet the forest floor and warm days melt into cool, campfire-perfect evenings.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
3.0 / 5

Good for swimming/fishing but high mosquito activity in summer is a major drawback.

Best
Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Fall is quieter with fewer insects—reviewers cite it as an ideal time to visit.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.0 / 5

Opens May 15 (late spring); pleasant weather but limited data on spring conditions.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground is closed in winter (open May 15 - Oct 9).

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: May 15 - October 9.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open May 15 - October 9. Reservations begin June 20.
  • Current Alerts: Potential bridge closures near Indian River may affect access routes. No other specific alerts currently.

About Cookson Lake Campsites

Escape to the tranquil embrace of Cookson Lake Campsites, where five primitive sites nestle among towering trees in Michigan's untamed wilderness. This rustic forest retreat offers the perfect blend of solitude and natural beauty, with each campsite equipped with a sturdy table and campfire ring for evening gatherings under starlit skies. While you'll need to bring your own water, a convenient pit toilet serves all sites. The crown jewel of your stay awaits just steps away—the pristine 35-acre Cookson Lake, where anglers cast for their dinner and paddlers glide across mirror-smooth waters dotted with two enchanting islands.
Cookson Lake Campsites provide primitive camping options for tent and RV campers. The sites are not equipped with electrical, water, or sewer hookups, but they offer fire rings and picnic tables. Group camping is possible, with specific sites accommodating up to 16 people.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Check-in time not explicitly mentioned.
Check-out
Check-out time not explicitly mentioned.
Stay Limit
14-day limit during any visit.

Amenities available

Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Group Sites

Activities you can enjoy

Visitors can enjoy a range of recreational activities, including fishing, swimming, boating, and wildlife viewing at Cookson Lake Campsites. The lake offers opportunities to catch largemouth bass, northern pike, bluegill, and bullhead. The surrounding area is ideal for nature exploration, and public boat access is available. However, mosquitoes are reported to be a significant nuisance during warmer months.
FishingFishing is popular in Cookson Lake, which hosts largemouth bass, northern pike, bluegill, and bullhead. "Good fishing in the lake had a great time," according to user Travis P. A public boat ramp adjacent to Site 2 provides easy access to the lake.
SwimmingVisitors enjoy swimming in Cookson Lake. However, user Harrison T noted they opted for nearby Pete's Lake for swimming.
BoatingPublic boat access is available adjacent to Site 2. The lake is accessible via back-in boat ramps.
Wildlife viewingWildlife such as loons, swans, and snapping turtles can be observed. User Elizabeth D observed "mother and baby loons and two swans."
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsMosquitoes are frequently mentioned in reviews as a major issue. Wildlife such as snapping turtles may be present in the lake.
Active AlertsPotential bridge closures near Indian River may affect access routes. No other specific alerts currently.
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 Cookson Lake Campsites

Reviews

4.0
37 reviews
Satisfactory
Satisfactory
Cookson Lake Campsites is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight the natural beauty, serenity, and remote appeal of Cookson Lake Campsites, but also note significant drawbacks such as the abundance of mosquitoes and the poor condition of the pit toilet. Fishing and wildlife viewing are well-received.
Review Summaries
Based on 37 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive highlights include well-maintained campsites, beautiful lake views, good fishing, and quiet surroundings. User Kevin K stated, "Beautiful Lake and clean campsites. Would definitely go back."
Based on 37 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints include relentless mosquitoes, poor pit toilet conditions, lack of cell service, and the difficulty of reaching the campsite due to road closures.
Based on 37 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Recommendations include bringing bug spray and layers for mosquito protection, packing sufficient drinking water, and preparing for no wireless service. User Harrison T advised, "Lots of bug spray...
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Based on 37 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer months see high mosquito activity and warmer weather conditions, which may detract from the experience. Fall appears to be quieter with fewer insect issues, making it an ideal time to visit.
Based on 37 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Literally the most bugs I have ever seen/experienced" - Erika D. "Overall great lake to relax by and quiet" - Elizabeth D. "No wireless service like 0 lol" - Travis P.
Based on 37 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site-specific reviews mention Site 1 as heavily affected by mosquitoes (Erika D) and Site 3 as spacious and featuring wildlife like loons and swans (Elizabeth D).
Based on 37 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility reviews are not explicitly mentioned.
Based on 37 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pet-related reviews are not provided.
Based on 37 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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