Lyman Lake Campsites

Star3.61
47 reviews
8181 US HWY 2, Rapid River, MI, 49878, USA
Summer Destination

Quick Facts

745 ft

Price

$8/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

10 campsites

Season

Open May 15 to Octob...

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
Lyman Lake Campsites
$8.00 - $8.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Facility rate for Standard Nonelectric sites during Peak Season (May 15 – October 9) is $8/night. Additional fees may apply for reservation services...
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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

3.61

Mixed Reviews

Based on 47 reviews

8 Google reviews

Most mentioned

quietlake

"Mixed reviews highlight the rustic charm and challenges of Lyman Lake Campsites. Positive sentiments focus on the natural beauty, spacious sites, and lake access, while negative feedback includes complaints about cleanliness, noise, and road conditions."

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Campground Map

8181 US HWY 2, Rapid River, MI, 49878, USA

Lyman Lake Campsites

8181 US HWY 2, Rapid River, MI, 49878, USA

Driving directionsPrimary access is off Forest Roads 2218 and 2436, with secondary access depending on which site is chosen. From the Intersection of US-2 and Forest Highway 13 (about 14 miles east of Rapid River): drive north 8.4 miles on Highway 13 to CR 442. Turn right (east) and drive 8 miles to FR 2218. Turn left (north) and drive 1.5 miles to the access to site #1. For sites 2-10: drive 1.4 miles from the intersection of CR 442 and FR 2218 to FR 2880. Turn right (east) and drive to the campsites.
The campground is accessed via unpaved forest roads (Forest Roads 2218, 2436, and FR 2880). User reviews consistently describe the roads as 'terrible,' with difficulties including potholes, uneven terrain, and narrow sections. Seasonal accessibility may be impacted by weather conditions.
Nearby places
Rapid River (14 miles, approximately 20 minutes), Thunder Lake area (7 miles, approximately 10 minutes)
Nearby supplies
Groceries, gasoline, camping supplies, bait shops, ice, and deli are available seven miles northeast on County Road 437 in the Thunder Lake area.

Best Time to Camp at Lyman Lake Campsites

Summer transforms Lyman Lake into an aquatic playground, with warm temperatures beckoning swimmers to its refreshing waters and creating perfect conditions for anglers seeking their next catch. As autumn arrives, the surrounding hardwoods burst into a spectacular display of reds and golds, offering breathtaking views across the lake. Winter brings a hushed tranquility to the forest, though heavy snowfall and freezing temperatures make this primarily a fair-weather destination. Spring awakens the campground with wildflowers and the return of migrating birds, making each season a unique chapter in the Lyman Lake story.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Summer is described as an 'aquatic playground' ideal for swimming and fishing.

Best
Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Fall favored for quieter camping; reviewers called fall 'best time.'

Spring(Mar-May)
3.5 / 5

Open from May 15; spring signals are positive though season is short.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground open May 15–Oct 9; closed in winter.

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

About Lyman Lake Campsites

Discover your own piece of wilderness paradise at Lyman Lake Campsites, where 10 secluded sites dot the pristine shoreline of this hidden gem in the Hiawatha National Forest. Here, the gentle lapping of lake waters against the shore becomes your morning alarm, and the only neighbors you'll encounter are the occasional deer stepping through the hardwood forest. Whether you're casting a line into the crystal-clear waters, taking a refreshing swim on a warm afternoon, or paddling across the glassy surface at sunset, this rustic retreat offers an authentic back-to-nature experience for those seeking solitude and simplicity.
Lyman Lake Campsites are primarily designed for primitive camping, offering dispersed sites with minimal amenities. Some sites can accommodate trailers, but conditions vary.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Flexible based on site reservation policies.
Check-out
Check-out time is before 12:00 PM on the final day of reservation.
Stay Limit
14-day maximum consecutive stay

Amenities available

Fire rings
Firewood available
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Visitors can enjoy a variety of recreational activities such as fishing, swimming, berry picking, and boating. The lake supports fishing for species such as bluegills and northern pike. "We love how the site is very secluded and right on the lake with easy access and easy launch for kayaks and canoes." - Cassandra K.
HikingNearby hiking trails are reported within minutes of several campsites. Specific trail names or difficulty levels are not provided.
FishingFishing is popular at Lyman Lake, which supports a diverse fishery including bluegills and northern pike. A license is required to fish in Michigan waters.
SwimmingSwimming conditions depend on site choice. Sites 3 and 5 offer good swimming areas, while others are poor. "Some of the sites as far as swimming or fishing from shore stink." - Christine B.
BikingBiking trails are accessible nearby. Specific trails are not named in the authoritative content.
BoatingThere is back-in boat access with parking located between sites 6 and 7. Site 9 is described as ideal for kayaking.
Winter Activities
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsRoads leading to the campground are challenging and hazardous due to poor maintenance. Wildlife hazards include potential bear encounters (as noted in user reviews).
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Weather at Lyman Lake Campsites

Reviews

3.6
47 reviews
Mixed Reviews
Mixed Reviews
Lyman Lake Campsites has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews
Mixed reviews highlight the rustic charm and challenges of Lyman Lake Campsites. Positive sentiments focus on the natural beauty, spacious sites, and lake access, while negative feedback includes complaints about cleanliness, noise, and road conditions.
Review Summaries
Based on 47 reviews

What Campers Love

- "Great place to camp lots of space." - Leslie A. - "Quiet! Good lake for fishing! Large space! Will return!" - Carrie F. - "We love how the site is very secluded and right on the lake with easy...
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Based on 47 reviews

Common Concerns

- "Road going into campsite is terrible!" - Rick L. - "Prior campers left garbage everywhere." - Keryl S. - "The outhouse hasn’t been cleaned in who know how long and stunk up campsite." - Gene S.
Based on 47 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring bug repellant, pack drinking water, and prepare for primitive conditions. Site 5 is highly recommended for larger groups. Consider avoiding peak times to minimize noise and crowds.
Based on 47 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer and early fall are considered ideal for camping due to activities like berry picking and fishing. Fall is favored for its quieter atmosphere as noted by Rod K: "Did some fall camping, best...
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Based on 47 reviews

Camper Quotes

- "HUGE campsites. Families could camp together on each site." - Marie Cooper - "The view was amazing, but prior campers left garbage everywhere." - Keryl S. - "Always a great time camping here." -...
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Based on 47 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site 1: Private, tight fit for trailers. Site 5: Large and accommodates multiple tents. Site 6: Spacious but noisy due to boat launch proximity. Site 10: Secluded with good lake access.
Based on 47 reviews

Accessibility Features

No reviews specifically address accessibility for disabled visitors.
Based on 47 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

No reviews specifically address pet-friendly features or policies.
Based on 47 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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