Swan Lake Campsites

Star0
4 reviews
Summer Destination

Quick Facts

830 ft

Price

$8/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

4 campsites

Season

Open May 15 - Columb...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Opens Hiawatha National Forest site

Official Website
Get Directions
Swan Lake Campsites
$8.00 - $8.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Camping fee is $8 per night per site. Federal Recreation Passes (Golden/America the Beautiful) are accepted.
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

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free with account · Checks every 2 minutes

150,000+ sites monitored · Email, SMS, or in-app notifications

Share this campground
USFS
Provider
Help improve this page
See something outdated or incorrect? Let us know!

What Campers Say

N/A

Limited Reviews

Based on 4 reviews

2 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewshikinglake

"Users generally commend the area's natural beauty, affordability, and accessibility for outdoor activities. Privacy varies by site, and the lack of amenities is noted."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Swan Lake Campsites

46.1722, -86.5888

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 2.7 miles to FR 2258. Turn left (north) on 2258 and drive 0.25 mile to FR 2725. Sites 2-4 are about 0.75 mile on 2725. To reach site #1 drive about 1.3 miles north on 2258 to FR 2013. Turn right (east) on 2013 and drive about 0.7 mile to site #1.
Access involves unpaved roads (FR 2258, FR 2725, and FR 2013). Seasonal access may be impacted as the site is open only from May 15 to Columbus Day.
Nearby places
Rapid River (14 miles east, ~19 miles north from US-2 intersection)

Best Time to Camp at Swan Lake Campsites

Time your visit wisely to make the most of Swan Lake's seasonal personality. From May 15 through Columbus Day, the campground transforms into a warm-weather paradise perfect for hiking, biking, and lakeside relaxation. Outside these peak months, winter's embrace brings a blanket of snow and crisp temperatures that paint the landscape in dramatic whites and blues. Summer visitors enjoy long days filled with sunshine and comfortable temperatures ideal for exploring every corner of this natural wonderland.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.5 / 5

Peak season May 15–Columbus Day; hiking, swimming, fishing, and boating available.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Open through Columbus Day; trails and lake views make fall appealing for foliage and quiet visits.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.0 / 5

Opens May 15 (late spring); limited spring window but pleasant late-spring conditions.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground closed Columbus Day–May 15; winter camping not available.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: May 15 - Columbus Day. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open May 15 - Columbus Day. Closed Columbus Day - May 15.

About Swan Lake Campsites

Discover the crown jewel of Michigan's primitive camping experience at Swan Lake, where adventure seekers find solace in four secluded campsites nestled along the serene Pine Marten Run Trail. This beloved wilderness retreat offers an authentic back-to-nature experience with three strategically placed pit toilets serving the sites. While you'll need to bring your own water supply, the reward is unparalleled access to one of the forest's most pristine destinations, where motorized vehicles are left behind and only the sounds of nature prevail.
Swan Lake Campsites primarily offers primitive camping options with four designated sites accessible by reservation. The area does not support RV hookups or luxury camping accommodations.
Advertisement

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers
Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in
2PM
Check-out
11 AM
Stay Limit
14 days

Amenities available

Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

The campground offers a range of outdoor activities centered around its location by Swan Lake and the Pine Marten Run Trail. Activities include hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, swimming, and fishing. User reviews highlight the appeal of 'great trail access for hiking.'
HikingHiking is available along the Pine Marten Run Trail, which is also open to mountain biking and horseback riding. The trail is non-motorized and provides scenic access to the area.
FishingSwan Lake offers fishing opportunities for large and smallmouth bass, bluegills, and pumpkinseeds. Official sources describe it as 'a good fishery.'
SwimmingSwimming areas are described as excellent. User reviews confirm this, with one reviewer noting the appeal of the lake for various recreational activities.
BikingMountain biking is permitted on the Pine Marten Run Trail, which is non-motorized and shared with other activities like horseback riding and hiking.
BoatingNon-motorized boating is supported at the lake. However, there is no dedicated boat ramp at sites 2-4, and users must carry boats in or drive to the ramp at Site 1. A reviewer noted, 'No boat ramp here, but you can carry a boat in.'
Winter Activities
Advertisement

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsLimited amenities (no potable water, no boat ramp). Be prepared for primitive conditions.
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Weather at Swan Lake Campsites

Reviews

0.0
4 reviews
Limited Reviews
Limited Reviews
Swan Lake Campsites has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
Users generally commend the area's natural beauty, affordability, and accessibility for outdoor activities. Privacy varies by site, and the lack of amenities is noted.
Review Summaries
Based on 4 reviews

What Campers Love

Reviewers appreciate the scenic views of Swan Lake, the affordability ($8 per night), and outdoor activities such as hiking and swimming. 'Very pretty, flat, and inexpensive! The perfect trio,' one...
Show more
Based on 4 reviews

Common Concerns

The campground lacks basic amenities such as drinking water, flush toilets, and a boat ramp at most sites. 'No drinking water' and 'no boat ramp' were commonly mentioned.
Based on 4 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring your own drinking water and firewood. Consider Site 2 for better privacy and lake views. Carry boats to the lake if at sites 2-4, or use the boat ramp at Site 1.
Based on 4 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The site is open from May 15 to Columbus Day, and users highlight the relatively mild weather during this period. However, the competition for permits increases during peak summer months.
Based on 4 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'These campsites are very pretty, flat, and inexpensive! The perfect trio.' 2. 'Site 2 is slightly separated from sites 3 and 4 and has a great view of the lake.' 3. 'No boat ramp here, but you...
Show more
Based on 4 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site 2 is described as flat, private, and scenic, making it a favored choice. Sites 3 and 4 are closer together and lack separation.
Based on 4 reviews

Accessibility Features

No user reviews specifically addressing accessibility features are available.
Based on 4 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

No user reviews addressing pet policies or features are available.
Based on 4 reviews

0
0 review
1
2
3
4
5

Add your voice to the Outdoorithm community

Been to Swan Lake Campsites? Your review helps fellow campers discover what makes this place special—and what to expect.


Last updated January 5, 2026
Advertisement

Nearby Campgrounds

Campgrounds you may also like

Popular campgrounds in Michigan

Campgrounds
Hiawatha National Forest
Swan Lake Campsites