How much does camping cost at Lyman Lake Campsites?

Camping fees at Lyman Lake Campsites 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 Lyman Lake Campsites first-come first-served or reservation?

Lyman Lake Campsites 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 Lyman Lake Campsites before I book?

Yes! Lyman Lake Campsites has 4 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 Lyman Lake Campsites?

Lyman Lake Campsites 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 Lyman Lake Campsites?

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

How many campsites does Lyman Lake Campsites have?

Lyman Lake Campsites has 10 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Lyman Lake Campsites?

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

What amenities are available at Lyman Lake Campsites?

Lyman Lake Campsites offers: Restrooms. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Lyman Lake Campsites?

Popular activities at Lyman Lake Campsites include Fishing, Swimming, Boating. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Lyman Lake Campsites

Q: Can I have a campfire at Lyman Lake Campsites?

Fire policies at Lyman Lake Campsites: 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.

3.69

50 reviews

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

Tent CampingSummer Destination

Featured in:Hiking Camping Michigan

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

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

Book on Rapid River/Manistique Ranger District Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

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

Book on Rapid River/Manistique Ranger District Official Website

Get Directions

Lyman Lake Campsites

$8.00 - $8.00 / night

Campsite Fees

STANDARD 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, MI, 49878, USA

Lyman Lake Campsites

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

Nearby places

Rapid River (14 miles, approximately 20 minutes), Thunder Lake area (7 miles, approximately 10 minutes)

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.

Weather at Lyman Lake Campsites

Current alerts(7)

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 Lyman Lake Campsites

Best season: summer. Summer offers the warmest, most comfortable conditions for everything Lyman Lake is best known for — swimming, paddling, boating, and shore fishing — with daytime highs typically in the mid‑60s to upper‑70s°F (≈18–26°C) and lake surface temperatures often in the mid‑60s to low‑70s°F. The 10-site campground stays relatively quiet compared with larger parks, but expect the busiest periods from late June through August (reservations begin June 21). Clear, long summer days make hiking and biking inH Peak months: July, August, September, June Avoid: November, December, January, February

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Summer is main season; lake temps mid-60s–low-70s and most visitors come then.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 15 to October 15. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open May 15 to October 9. Reservations start June 21.

About Lyman Lake Campsites

Lyman Lake Campsites sits on a quiet fishing and swimming lake in Hiawatha National Forest, managed by the Rapid River/Manistique Ranger District. This primitive campground offers direct water access and secluded sites with vault toilets and fire rings. Campers fish, swim, paddle, and enjoy the low-key atmosphere during the seasonal operating window.

Lyman Lake Campsites are primarily designed for primitive camping, offering dispersed sites with minimal amenities. Some sites can accommodate trailers, but conditions vary.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer offers the warmest, most comfortable conditions for everything Lyman Lake is best known for — swimming, paddling, boating, and shore fishing — with daytime highs typically in the mid‑60s to upper‑70s°F (≈18–26°C) and lake surface temperatures often in the mid‑60s to low‑70s°F. The 10-site campground stays relatively quiet compared with larger parks, but expect the busiest periods from late June through August (reservations begin June 21). Clear, long summer days make hiking and biking inH Peak months: July, August, September, June Avoid: November, December, January, February

Elevation745 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe 67-acre lake sits at 745 feet elevation, surrounded by northern hardwoods mixed with evergreen pines. Steep banks lead to the water in some areas, while other spots offer easier shore access. The forest canopy provides shade across most sites, though coverage varies. Several reviews mention good fishing, and the varied terrain creates pockets of seclusion near the shoreline.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo formal lodging accommodations such as lodges or cabins are available at Lyman Lake Campsites.

Programs & ActivitiesThere is no mention of cultural or educational programs.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

14-day maximum consecutive stay

Guests Allowed Per Site

Varies by campsite: Sites 1, 7, 10 (max 8 guests), Sites 2-4, 6, 8, 9 (max 16 guests), Site 5 (max 24 guests).

Groups

Group camping is not explicitly referenced.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov, contact center, or in person.

AccessibilityThe campground does not explicitly list accessibility features for campers with disabilities.

Site SizeSite sizes vary significantly, ranging from small (35 ft x 25 ft at Site 1) to very large (80 ft x 40 ft at Site 9).

PrivacySite privacy varies across the campground, with some sites described as semi-private or secluded. "We stayed at site 1 and it was quite private with a really nice view. It was a tight fit getting into with our 16' trailer." - Henry W.

Total Campsites10 campsites

Recommended SitesChoose Sites 2, 3, and 5 for good swimming access. Site 10 offers isolation and scenic views. Tents are recommended for Site 7 due to its sloped terrain.

Best CampsitesSite 5 is large and handles groups up to 24 people. Site 10 offers seclusion and lake views. Site 1 provides good privacy despite being tight for trailers over 16 feet. Site 9 is the largest at 80 feet by 40 feet.

Need help booking Lyman Lake Campsites?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

The Lyman Lake Campsites are rustic, offering minimal amenities that emphasize a natural camping experience. Reviewers describe the site as primitive, with upgrades over the years, such as outhouses now available at certain locations. However, there is no drinking water, and some sites lack picnic tables. "Site 5 is the biggest and easily can fit several campers/tents/families. Site 10 is pretty big too and set back from all the rest." - Jessica Lacosse.

Fire rings

Firewood available

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

RV details

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.

Fishing

Swimming

Boating

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 ToiletsFlush toilets are not available. Primitive toilets are present at several campsites.

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.

Fire PolicyYou are welcome to collect firewood from the area surrounding your campsite. Just remember that any firewood that you collect must be DEAD AND DOWN

Trash & RecyclingPack-in, pack-out policy is enforced. Campers commented on litter issues: "People used the woods as a toilet, and it wasn’t nice walking past toilet paper and crap." - Ernest H.

Cell CoverageThe availability of cell phone service is not explicitly stated in the authoritative sources or user reviews.

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

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Tips from campers

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Reviews

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From Booking Sources

3.7

50 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 50 reviews

Best sites at a glance

Pulled from per-site mentions in 50 reviews.

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

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...

Based on 50 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 50 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 50 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...

Based on 50 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." -...

Based on 50 reviews