Mowe Lake Campsites

Star3.65
9 reviews
RAPID RIVER/MANISTIQUE RANGER DISTRICT, 8181 US HWY 2, Rapid River, MI 49878, USA
Summer Destination

Quick Facts

820 ft

Price

$8/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

2 campsites

Season

Open May 15, 2025, t...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Opens Hiawatha National Forest 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
Mowe Lake Campsites
$8.00 - $8.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Campground reservations are available at $8 per standard non-electric site during the peak season (May 15–October 9, 2025). No additional fees for...
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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

3.65

Mixed Reviews

Based on 9 reviews

2 Google reviews

Most mentioned

quietlake

"Mowe Lake Campsites are praised for their quiet, rustic setting and good fishing opportunities; however, some complaints include the poor condition of the boat launch and lack of cleaning for the bathroom."

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Campground Map

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

Mowe Lake Campsites

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

Driving directionsFrom the Intersection of US-2 and Forest Highway 13 (about 14 miles east of Rapid River), drive north 19 miles on Highway 13 to CR 440. Turn right (east) and drive 3.5 miles to FR 2209. Turn right (southeast) on 2209 at the Big Springs North Trailhead and drive 0.4 mile to FR 8104. Turn right (west) and drive about 0.6 mile to the campsites.
The access road to the campsites is narrow but capable of handling moderate-sized vehicles and trailers. Seasonal closures are not mentioned, but larger trailers might face challenges due to dips and proximity to trees.
Nearby places
Rapid River (14 miles, approximately 20 minutes), Munising (approximately 30 miles), Manistique (approximately 25 miles)
Nearby supplies
Gasoline, groceries, fishing and camping supplies, boat rentals, ice, MDNR licenses, deli, and restaurants are available approximately six miles northwest on Forest Highway 13.

Best Time to Camp at Mowe Lake Campsites

From mid-May through early October, Mowe Lake transforms into a camper's paradise, with warm summer days perfect for swimming and cool evenings ideal for stargazing around the campfire. The camping season officially runs from May 15 to October 9, when temperatures hover in that sweet spot that makes outdoor living a joy. As autumn approaches, the surrounding hardwoods burst into a spectacular display of reds, oranges, and golds. Winter brings a dramatic transformation, blanketing the landscape in snow and ice, creating a serene but challenging environment that may limit access to this secluded retreat.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Open and busiest mid‑May to Oct; reviews highlight prime summer lake setting.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
3.5 / 5

Open into early October; mixed forest likely offers fall color and quieter conditions.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.0 / 5

Open from mid‑May (late spring); pleasant but season starts mid‑spring so limited window.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground closed outside May 15–Oct 9; winter rating not applicable.

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

About Mowe Lake Campsites

Escape to the tranquil embrace of Mowe Lake Campsites, where the whisper of wind through towering pines and the gentle lap of water against the shore create nature's perfect symphony. Tucked away in the heart of Hiawatha National Forest, this rustic gem offers an authentic back-to-basics camping experience that feels worlds away from the hustle of modern life. Here, minimalist amenities give way to maximum immersion in the wilderness, where days are spent casting lines into the pristine 25-acre lake, filling baskets with wild berries, or simply basking in the profound peace that only untouched forests can provide. For those who measure luxury not in conveniences but in unspoiled natural beauty and soul-restoring solitude, Mowe Lake delivers an experience that lingers long after the campfire embers fade.
Mowe Lake Campsites provide dispersed, rustic camping with minimal facilities. They are suitable for tent camping and small trailers.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Check-in starts at 12:00 PM.
Check-out
Check-out is by 12:00 PM.
Stay Limit
14 days maximum during a visit.

Amenities available

Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Mowe Lake Campsites provide opportunities for fishing, berry picking, and swimming. The lake is known for its healthy fish population, and reviews praise its quiet and pristine setting.
HikingThere are horse, bike, and hiking trails within minutes of the campground. Trailheads can be found within a mile of the site.
FishingMowe Lake offers fishing for northern pike, largemouth bass, pumpkinseed, and yellow perch. An unimproved access near Site 2 is suitable for small boats and trailers.
SwimmingSwimming conditions are described as poor by official sources, but one review mentioned 'decent swimming.'
BikingBiking trails are accessible within a mile of the campground.
BoatingThe lake has an unimproved back-in access for small boats and trailers. A review noted that it is an 'easy yak put-in.'
Winter Activities
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include unimproved boat access and narrow roadways. Visitors are advised to be cautious on the boat launch and access roads.
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.
No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

Weather at Mowe Lake Campsites

Reviews

3.7
9 reviews
Mixed Reviews
Mixed Reviews
Mowe Lake Campsites has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews
Mowe Lake Campsites are praised for their quiet, rustic setting and good fishing opportunities; however, some complaints include the poor condition of the boat launch and lack of cleaning for the bathroom.
Review Summaries
Based on 9 reviews

What Campers Love

Users appreciated the quiet lake, the pristine setting, and the decent swimming and kayaking opportunities. One review described it as a 'beautiful quiet lake.'
Based on 9 reviews

Common Concerns

Complaints include four-wheelers using the access road as a trail, an unsafe boat launch, and unclean bathroom facilities.
Based on 9 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring your own drinking water as none is provided. Ensure you have appropriate footwear for navigating the boat launch.
Based on 9 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The campground is open from mid-May to early October, with several reviews highlighting the pristine lake setting during the summer months.
Based on 9 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Beautiful quiet lake.' - BUZA M, 2021 2. 'Boat launch is absolutely awful! Someone can roll an ankle going down to water!' - SCOTT L, 2022 3. 'Very nice, well-oriented site on pristine lake. Easy...
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Based on 9 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site 1 and Site 2 are similar in layout, with Site 1 being slightly larger. Both sites accommodate one family and a trailer.
Based on 9 reviews

Accessibility Features

The access road is narrow and may be challenging for larger vehicles. One review mentioned navigating a 20-foot trailer successfully but warned of dips and tree proximity.
Based on 9 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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