How much does camping cost at Lake Nineteen Campsite?

Camping fees at Lake Nineteen Campsite range from $8/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Lake Nineteen Campsite first-come first-served or reservation?

Lake Nineteen Campsite 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 Lake Nineteen Campsite before I book?

Yes! Lake Nineteen Campsite has 5 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 Lake Nineteen Campsite?

Lake Nineteen Campsite is open May 15 to October 15. 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 Lake Nineteen Campsite?

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

Can I have a campfire at Lake Nineteen Campsite?

Fire policies at Lake Nineteen Campsite: You are welcome to collect firewood from the area surrounding your campsite. Just remember that any firewood that you collect must be DEAD AND DOWN. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

How many campsites does Lake Nineteen Campsite have?

Lake Nineteen Campsite has 1 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Lake Nineteen Campsite?

Pets are not allowed at Lake Nineteen Campsite. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What activities can I do at Lake Nineteen Campsite?

Popular activities at Lake Nineteen Campsite include Hiking, Fishing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Lake Nineteen Campsite

2.77

12 reviews

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

Featured in:Fishing Camping Michigan

Real-Time Availability

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Quick Facts

804 ft

Price

$8/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Open for reservation...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Book on Rapid River/Manistique Ranger District Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

804 ft

Price

$8/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Open for reservation...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Book on Rapid River/Manistique Ranger District Official Website

Get Directions

Lake Nineteen Campsite

$8.00 - $8.00 / night

Campsite Fees

TENT ONLY NONELECTRIC: $8.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

No paid fee categories listed.

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

906-474-6442 OR 906-387-2512.

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

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

Lake Nineteen Campsite

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

Nearby places

Rapid River (14 miles, approximately 20-minute drive)

Weather at Lake Nineteen Campsite

Current alerts(10)

Campsite cannot be left unattended for more than 24 hours.
Campsite must be occupied the first night.
Click here for more information on the Hiawatha National Forest
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.

Best Time to Camp at Lake Nineteen Campsite

Best season: fall. Fall offers the clearest skies, the crispest air, and peak hardwood color—making it the best time to experience Lake Nineteen's solitude and scenery. Expect daytime highs roughly 45–60°F and chilly mornings that can dip into the 25–40°F range; these cooler conditions sharpen trout feeding and make hiking and photography especially rewarding. Insects are largely gone and crowds remain low thanks to the site's semi-primitive character, though plan visits before the campground closes for the season Peak months: September, October, August, June Avoid: November, December, January, February

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Fall described as best: peak color, crisp air, fewer insects and excellent hiking/photography conditions.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 15 to October 15. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open for reservations from May 15 - October 9, with reservable dates starting June 21.

About Lake Nineteen Campsite

Lake Nineteen Campsite sits in Hiawatha National Forest near Rapid River, managed by the Rapid River/Manistique Ranger District. This very small primitive campground offers low-elevation lakeside camping with fire rings and a 14-day stay limit. Visitors come for fishing and hiking in a quiet, wooded setting, though trail maintenance can be inconsistent.

Lake Nineteen Campsite is a rustic, primitive site designed for tent camping. It is the only designated campsite on the eastern shore of Lake Nineteen. The site is best suited for campers seeking a secluded and semi-primitive experience.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: fall. Fall offers the clearest skies, the crispest air, and peak hardwood color—making it the best time to experience Lake Nineteen's solitude and scenery. Expect daytime highs roughly 45–60°F and chilly mornings that can dip into the 25–40°F range; these cooler conditions sharpen trout feeding and make hiking and photography especially rewarding. Insects are largely gone and crowds remain low thanks to the site's semi-primitive character, though plan visits before the campground closes for the season Peak months: September, October, August, June Avoid: November, December, January, February

Elevation804 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe campsite occupies a pocket where mature hardwoods mix with evergreen pines, the canopy filtering light onto the forest floor. Lake Nineteen's 26 acres reflect the sky and surrounding trees, and the glacially shaped landscape creates gentle hills dotted with small inland lakes. Wildflowers and wild berries grow in patches throughout the forest. At 804 feet elevation, the terrain is rolling rather than dramatic, and the semi-primitive designation means you won't see another soul most days.

Lodging & AccommodationsThere are no hotel-style accommodations available at the Lake Nineteen Campsite.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are offered at this campsite.

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Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

14-day stay limit during any single visit.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Maximum of 8 people per site.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made on Recreation.gov either online or through the app.

AccessibilityThe campsite can only be accessed via boat, foot, or horseback, which makes it less accessible for individuals with mobility challenges. There are no specific accessibility features mentioned.

Site SizeThe site accommodates a maximum of 8 people. Only one campsite is available.

PrivacyThe campsite is located in a serene, semi-primitive setting, offering significant seclusion and privacy.

Total Campsites1 campsites

Recommended SitesChoose this site for its secluded and peaceful setting. Plan carefully for water and toilet needs as none are provided.

Need help booking Lake Nineteen Campsite?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

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Amenities available

The Lake Nineteen Campsite is located in the Hiawatha National Forest and offers minimal amenities. It is a single-site, rustic campsite designed to provide a quiet, peaceful recreational experience in a semi-primitive environment. There are no toilets or drinking water available on-site, and campers are expected to follow a pack-in, pack-out policy. The campsite is located on the eastern shore of Lake Nineteen and can be accessed by boat, foot, or horseback via the Pine Marten Run Trail, which is 2.5 miles away from the middle trailhead. Visitors should note that parking is limited, and trailers must be backed down a steep road to access the lake.

Fire rings

I manage this campground

Activities you can enjoy

The Lake Nineteen Campsite offers a variety of recreational activities, including fishing, swimming, hiking, horseback riding, and berry picking. However, the swimming area is noted to be in poor condition.

Hiking

Fishing

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

No Flush ToiletsThere are no flush toilets available at the Lake Nineteen Campsite.

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

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

2.8

12 reviews

Mixed Reviews

Lake Nineteen Campsite has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews for Lake Nineteen Campsite are highly mixed. Some reviewers appreciate the pristine and secluded nature of the site, while others highlight issues such as inaccessible trails, lack of maintenance, and unfulfilled expectations for fishing activities.

Review Summaries

Based on 12 reviews

What Campers Love

Reviewers who enjoyed their stay noted the beautiful and peaceful surroundings. One reviewer described it as "a beautiful spot in an amazing area."

Based on 12 reviews

Common Concerns

Multiple users expressed frustration with inadequate trail maintenance and difficulty accessing the site. For example, one user wrote, "We spent the whole first night trying to find it and around...

Based on 12 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

The single site, numbered 001, is the focus of all reviews. Feedback varies, with some emphasizing its beauty and others criticizing its inaccessibility and lack of upkeep.

Based on 12 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers are advised to bring all necessary supplies, including drinking water, as none is provided on-site. It's also recommended to confirm trail access and navigation ahead of time to avoid...

Based on 12 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Seasonal reviews suggest potential usability challenges due to trail conditions. Summers may attract more visitors, and this is when most negative reviews about maintenance were recorded.

Based on 12 reviews

Camper Quotes

"We were never able to find the site because the trail that went around was almost nonexistent." "It was a beautiful spot in an amazing area." "The lake has no trout, only panfish."

Based on 12 reviews

Accessibility Features

No specific reviews address accessibility for individuals with disabilities, but the site is generally described as challenging to access.

Based on 12 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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Go if

You want budget-friendly solitude on a small lake and don't need maintained trails or developed amenities.

Skip if

You expect well-maintained hiking trails, stocked fishing, or facilities beyond basic fire rings.

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Ironjaw Lake Campsite

8181 US HWY 2, Rapid River, MI, USA

Ironjaw Lake Campsite sits in Hiawatha National Forest near Rapid River, Michigan, offering primitive lakeside camping at minimal cost. Operated by the Forest Service, this very small site attracts anglers and hikers seeking seclusion along the Pine Marten Trail. The vault toilet is well-maintained, and the lack of cell service reinforces the remote character.

Lake Nineteen Campsite

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Overview

Plan a trip to Lake Nineteen Campsite

Current alerts(10)

Best Time to Camp at Lake Nineteen Campsite

Planning Tips

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Need help booking Lake Nineteen Campsite?

Amenities available

Activities you can enjoy

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns

Site-Specific Reviews