Leg Lake Campsites

Star4.01
16 reviews
Rapid River/Manistique Ranger District, 8181 US HWY 2, Rapid River, MI 49878, USA
Summer Destination

Quick Facts

735 ft

Price

$8/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

2 campsites

Season

Open May 15, 2025, a...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Opens Rapid River/Manistique Ranger District 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
Leg Lake Campsites
$8.00 - $8.00 / night
Campsite Fees
The nightly fee for standard nonelectric camping during the peak season (May 15 - Oct 9, 2025) is $8. Additional reservation fees apply: $8...
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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
906-474-6442 OR 906-387-2512
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What Campers Say

4.01

Satisfactory

Based on 16 reviews

Most mentioned

viewsquietpeacefullake

Some mention

bugs

"Leg Lake Campsites have mixed reviews, ranging from glowing praise for the serene and spacious settings to complaints about bugs and proximity to the boat launch at site 2. The overall sentiment is positive, especially for those seeking solitude and a rustic camping environment."

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Campground Map

Rapid River/Manistique Ranger District, 8181 US HWY 2, Rapid River, MI 49878, USA

Leg Lake Campsites

Rapid River/Manistique Ranger District, 8181 US HWY 2, Rapid River, MI 49878, USA

Driving directionsFrom Cooks (about 12 miles west of Manistique or 24 miles east of Rapid River on US-2): drive north 4.4 miles on County Road 442 to CR 437. Turn left (north) on CR 437 and drive 13.3 miles to FR 2697. Turn left (west) and drive to site 2 or to get to site 1, turn left (west) off CR 437 at about 13.2 miles on FR 2438 and drive 0.7 mile to reach site 1.
The roads leading to the campsites are forest roads. While accessible, site 2 is not recommended for trailers due to limited turn-around space. There is unimproved boat access adjacent to site 2 intended for day use only.
Nearby places
Cooks (about 12 miles west of Manistique or 24 miles east of Rapid River).
Nearby supplies
Gasoline, groceries, fishing and camping supplies, ice, and deli are available approximately two miles south on County Road 437 in the Thunder Lake area.

Best Time to Camp at Leg Lake Campsites

Plan your wilderness adventure between May and October, when Leg Lake reveals its most inviting personality. These prime months bring comfortable temperatures perfect for hiking and paddling, with predominantly dry conditions ideal for campfire gatherings under starlit skies. As autumn approaches, the surrounding hardwoods burst into brilliant colors, creating a photographer's paradise. Winter transforms the landscape into a snow-dusted wonderland, though freezing temperatures and overcast skies make this season best suited for the most intrepid cold-weather enthusiasts.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
3.0 / 5

Prime season for activities but reviewers note increased bug activity in summer months.

Best
Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Late summer/early fall noted as quieter with fewer bugs and pleasant conditions.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.0 / 5

Opens May 15; late spring offers good conditions but season start is mid-May.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground closed Oct–May; winter rating not applicable.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: May 15 - October 9, 2025. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open May 15, 2025, and closes October 9, 2025. Reservations start June 21, 2025.

About Leg Lake Campsites

Escape to the hidden gem of Leg Lake Campsites, where tranquility reigns supreme in the heart of Hiawatha National Forest. These two intimate campsites offer an authentic back-to-nature experience, tucked away beneath a canopy of majestic hardwoods and towering pines. With the pristine 40-acre Leg Lake as your backyard, you'll discover why seasoned campers treasure this off-the-beaten-path destination for its remarkable solitude and unspoiled beauty. Far from the crowds, this is where you'll find the peaceful wilderness retreat you've been searching for.
Leg Lake Campsites are rustic and primitive, offering just two designated sites. These are suited for visitors seeking a minimalist camping experience in a natural forest setting. The sites are categorized as dispersed, with no hookups or modern facilities.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
11:00 AM
Check-out
12:00 PM
Stay Limit
14 days during a visit at this campground.

Amenities available

Fire rings
Firewood available
Vault toilets
Group Sites

Activities you can enjoy

The activities at Leg Lake Campsites are centered around enjoying the outdoors, with options for swimming, fishing, berry picking, and boating. The authoritative source highlights, 'Visitors will be able to enjoy swimming, berry picking, and fishing at these dispersed campsites,' with fishing opportunities including northern pike, largemouth bass, and bluegills. There is also a small boat launch adjacent to site 2.
FishingLeg Lake offers excellent fishing for northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappies, bluegills, and occasionally yellow perch and bullheads. A user review notes that site 2, located near the boat launch, sees a lot of activity from anglers.
SwimmingSwimming is available, with site 1 featuring a good swimming area. However, it is noted that the swimming area is lower than the campsite and not visible from it.
BoatingAn unimproved boat access point is located adjacent to site 2, intended for day use. Only small boats and trailers are recommended due to the rustic nature of the access.
Wildlife viewingWildlife viewing opportunities include turtles nesting at site 1, as noted in a user review. Campers may also observe the natural fauna of the surrounding forest.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsThe area is known for heavy bug activity based on user reviews (e.g., "The bugs were horrible – left early" – Ted F). Limited turn-around space for trailers at site 2.
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Weather at Leg Lake Campsites

Reviews

4.0
16 reviews
Satisfactory
Satisfactory
Leg Lake Campsites is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
Leg Lake Campsites have mixed reviews, ranging from glowing praise for the serene and spacious settings to complaints about bugs and proximity to the boat launch at site 2. The overall sentiment is positive, especially for those seeking solitude and a rustic camping environment.
Review Summaries
Based on 16 reviews

What Campers Love

Users appreciate the quiet and secluded atmosphere, the natural beauty of the lake, and the large size of site 1. Several reviews describe the area as 'peaceful' and 'perfect for group gatherings.'
Based on 16 reviews

Common Concerns

Complaints include the abundance of bugs during some seasons and the busyness of site 2 due to its proximity to the boat launch.
Based on 16 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring bug spray, especially during the summer months. Firewood is readily available for purchase en route to the site. Families or groups should consider site 1 for its size and swimming area, while...
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Based on 16 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer months see higher bug activity, but also highlight the nesting turtles as a unique feature during this season. Late summer and early fall may provide a quieter experience with fewer bugs and...
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Based on 16 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Very peaceful and secluded, took a minute to find because the road wasn't shown on my GPS.' - Craig B. 2. 'The turtles were nesting at the campsite so we had to be very watchful of them but it...
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Based on 16 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site 1: Loved by users for being large and suitable for group camping. Highlights include the spaciousness and the swimming area. Site 2: Mixed reviews due to its proximity to the boat launch, making...
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Based on 16 reviews

Accessibility Features

No specific accessibility reviews or feedback were provided by users.
Based on 16 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

No specific reviews or feedback were provided regarding pets.
Based on 16 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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