Council Lake Campsites

Star3.74
46 reviews
400 E. Munising Ave., Munising, MI, 49862, USA
Summer Destination

Quick Facts

787 ft

Price

$8/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

4 campsites

Season

Open for reservation...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Opens Munising Ranger District site

Official Website
Get Directions

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
Council Lake Campsites
$8.00 - $8.00 / night
Campsite Fees
The nightly rate for standard non-electric campsites during the peak season (May 15–October 9, 2025) is $8. This fee does not reflect discounts,...
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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

3.74

Mixed Reviews

Based on 46 reviews

22 Google reviews

Most mentioned

quietsites

Some mention

reservation

"Council Lake Campsites are favored for their seclusion, natural beauty, and affordability. However, concerns about mosquitoes, lack of privacy between some sites, and primitive facilities are common. Reviews frequently recommend site 4 for its privacy and proximity to the lake."

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Campground Map

400 E. Munising Ave., Munising, MI, 49862, USA

Council Lake Campsites

400 E. Munising Ave., Munising, MI, 49862, USA

Driving directionsFrom Munising, Michigan, take Highway M-28 east towards Shingleton. Turn right (south) on Forest Highway 13 at Wetmore and drive 9.9 miles south to Forest Road 2261. Turn right (west) onto Forest Road 226 and drive 1.7 miles. Continue until the road ends at Council Lake.
The access road is dirt/sand but well-maintained according to user reviews. However, some reviews suggest that vehicles with low ground clearance might struggle under adverse conditions, such as after rain. Quotes: "Our Honda Civic just made it, but if it had rained during our stay, I don't think we would have been able to successfully get down the road without a higher clearance vehicle." and "You most certainly will need a vehicle with four-wheel drive or at the very least a higher ground clearance in order to get into this site."
Nearby places
Munising: Approximately 20 minutes by car. Other nearby attractions such as Pictured Rocks are 20-50 minutes away.
Nearby supplies
A general store is 5 minutes away according to user reviews. Quote: "General store is 5 min away."

Best Time to Camp at Council Lake Campsites

Council Lake reveals its many moods through the seasons, from crisp mornings when mist dances across the water to those perfect summer days when gentle breezes ripple the lake's surface. While the Upper Peninsula can surprise with sudden showers that drum melodically on tent flies, most visitors are rewarded with stretches of clear, azure skies and comfortable temperatures that make both hiking and lounging equally appealing. The sweet spot for camping arrives during those magical weeks when moderate winds carry the scent of pine and wildflowers, creating ideal conditions for everything from dawn paddling to evening stargazing.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
3.0 / 5

Great for swimming/boating but mosquitoes and black flies are frequently cited in warm months.

Best
Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Fall visits noted for tranquility and fewer insects; good seasonal scenery implied.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.5 / 5

Spring blooms are noted and reviewers liked the season, but late-spring insects can be an issue.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground closed for reservations outside May 15–Oct 9; winter use not supported.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: May 15, 2025–October 9, 2025.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open for reservations from May 15–October 9 annually.
  • Current Alerts: Null.

About Council Lake Campsites

Escape to the untouched wilderness of Council Lake Campsites, where the rhythm of modern life fades into the gentle lapping of pristine waters against the shore. Nestled in Michigan's storied Upper Peninsula, these rustic sites invite adventurers to disconnect completely—no electricity hums through the trees, no taps offer running water. Instead, you'll find something far more valuable: absolute tranquility beneath towering pines and the kind of profound silence that has become rare in our connected world. This is camping as it was meant to be—raw, authentic, and deeply restorative for those who seek genuine solitude in nature's embrace.
Council Lake Campsites offer primitive camping with limited amenities. Tent and small RV camping are supported, but there are no group or cabin accommodations.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Any time on the first day of reservation.
Check-out
Before midnight on the end date of reservation.
Stay Limit
14-night limit per visit.

Amenities available

Fire rings
Picnic tables
Firewood available
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Council Lake offers a range of outdoor activities including swimming, fishing, kayaking, canoeing, and hiking. "There are 4 lakes connected to Council Lake. The fishing was good. Lots of good crappie and some average bass with some small pike" – Chris Jellel.
HikingA hiking trail mentioned by Jane C, located at the end of the campsite loop, is recommended for visitors.
FishingFishing opportunities include catching yellow perch, rock and largemouth bass, bluegill, black crappie, bullhead, and northern pike. Licenses are required for fishing in Michigan waters.
SwimmingSwimming is popular in the clear waters of Council Lake, described as perfect for the activity by Miriam Schwiebert.
Boating"Council Lake is part of a small chain of lakes and offers excellent canoeing and kayaking opportunities." Non-motorized boats are permitted, and a portage links Council Lake to Bar Lake and the Indian Wild and Scenic River.
Beach activitiesDay-use area near a beach is noted as ideal for lounging and swimming.
Winter Activities
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsHazards include vast numbers of mosquitoes and black flies during summer months, as noted by user reviews. Quote: "The ONLY issue we had were the inconceivably vast numbers of mosquitoes."
Active AlertsNull.
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Weather at Council Lake Campsites

Reviews

3.7
46 reviews
Mixed Reviews
Mixed Reviews
Council Lake Campsites has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews
Council Lake Campsites are favored for their seclusion, natural beauty, and affordability. However, concerns about mosquitoes, lack of privacy between some sites, and primitive facilities are common. Reviews frequently recommend site 4 for its privacy and proximity to the lake.
Review Summaries
Based on 46 reviews

What Campers Love

"Absolutely beautiful little campground, tucked way back in the woods." – Miriam Schwiebert. "Great primitive campsites." – Chris Jellel. "Quiet and beautiful." – Jennifer S.
Based on 46 reviews

Common Concerns

Mosquitoes and black flies are frequently cited as an issue during warmer months. Privacy concerns between sites 2 and 3 are a recurring theme. Some reviewers reported challenges with the reservation...
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Based on 46 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

"Make sure to bring water." – Sylvia Seay. "Bring bug spray." – Timothy M. "Reserve site 4 for the best experience." – Multiple reviewers.
Based on 46 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Mosquitoes and black flies are particularly bothersome in late spring and early summer. Fall visits are noted for tranquility and fewer insects. Winter activities are not supported.
Based on 46 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Site 4 is by far the best: beautiful view of the lake and set far away from the rest of the campsite loop." – Miriam Schwiebert. "Fishing was good. Lots of good crappie and some average bass." –...
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Based on 46 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site 4 is consistently praised for privacy and proximity to the lake. "Site 1 is tiny and near the bathroom. Sites 2 & 3 have no vegetation between them and are essentially one big site." – Miriam...
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Based on 46 reviews

Accessibility Features

No specific reviews address accessibility features; the rustic nature suggests limited options for campers with disabilities.
Based on 46 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

No specific reviews address pet policies or experiences, leaving this field as null.
Based on 46 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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