Swan Lake Campsites

Star4.29
40 reviews
Rapid River/Manistique Ranger District, 8181 US HWY 2, Rapid River, MI, 49878, USA
Summer Destination

Quick Facts

774 ft

Price

$8/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

4 campsites

Season

Open May 15th, reser...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet 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
Swan Lake Campsites
$8.00 - $8.00 / night
Campsite Fees
A nightly fee of $8 applies to standard non-electric campsites. Additional reservation service fees may apply ($8 online, $9 via contact center, $3...
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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

4.29

Satisfactory

Based on 40 reviews

2 Google reviews

Most mentioned

clean

"User reviews highlight the serene environment, excellent swimming areas, and rustic charm. However, issues such as logging activity, horse manure management, and lack of amenities like drinking water are common complaints."

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Campground Map

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

Swan 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 2.7 miles to FR 2258. Turn left (north) on 2258 and drive 0.25 mile to FR 2725. To reach sites 2-4: Turn left (east) onto FR 2725. Drive about 0.75 mile on FR 2725 to reach the sites. To reach site 1: Drive about 1.3 miles north on FR 2258 to FR 2013. Turn right (east) on FR 2013 and drive about 0.7 mile to the site.
The access roads to the Swan Lake campsites are mixed quality. Logging debris has been noted on nearby roads, and limited turn-around space is available for trailers, particularly at Site 2.
Nearby places
Rapid River: 14 miles, Steuben: approximately 10 miles (exact distance not provided).
Nearby supplies
General and grocery stores, gas stations, bait shops, a pay phone, trailheads, fishing pier, biking trails, and kayak/canoe rentals are within one mile of the Swan Lake campsites.

Best Time to Camp at Swan Lake Campsites

Each season paints Swan Lake with its own distinctive palette. Summer arrives with balmy days perfect for splashing in the lake's refreshing waters and lazy afternoons beneath the forest canopy. As autumn approaches, the surrounding hardwoods burst into a symphony of golds, crimsons, and burnt oranges, while crisp mornings invite cozy campfires and hot coffee. Though occasional rain showers sweep through the forest, bringing the earthy scent of pine and fresh moss, visitors should note that logging activities may temporarily affect road conditions during wet periods.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Summer offers swimming and kayaking; reviewers note good water access but abundant mosquitoes.

Best
Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.5 / 5
Top 15% in MI

Fall colors are praised and scenic views peak per reviewer comments.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.5 / 5

Open beginning May 15; spring is shoulder season with fewer reviews but decent access.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground is open May 15–Oct 9; winter conditions/use not covered.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: May 15th through October 9th.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open May 15th, reservable June 21st to October 9th.
  • Current Alerts: Logging activity and road debris have caused accessibility issues. Flies are abundant during warm temperatures, attributed to manure mismanagement.

About Swan Lake Campsites

Nestled deep within the Hiawatha National Forest, Swan Lake Campsites beckons adventurers seeking an authentic back-to-nature experience. Here, towering hardwoods mingle with whispering pines to create a natural cathedral where time slows down. Wake to the gentle lapping of pristine waters against the shore, spend sun-drenched afternoons diving into crystal-clear swimming holes, and cast your line into waters teeming with promise. This rustic paradise offers the perfect blend of wilderness solitude and recreational abundance.
Swan Lake Campsites are rustic and cater to primitive camping. The sites are suitable for tent camping, horse camping, and small trailers.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Check-in begins at 11:00 AM.
Check-out
Check-out is at 12:00 PM.
Stay Limit
You may stay up to 14 nights during a visit at this campground.

Amenities available

Fire rings
Picnic tables
Firewood available
Vault toilets
Group Sites

Activities you can enjoy

Swan Lake Campsites offer a variety of activities, including swimming, hiking, fishing, horseback riding, and boating. The campground is located near the non-motorized Pine Marten Run Trail, a highlight for hikers. Berry picking is also an option during certain times of the year.
HikingHiking trails are accessible from all sites, including the Pine Marten Run Trail. Howard S praised the hiking experience and noted, "Great hiking within the Pine Marten Preserve, and very few people wandering through due to the restricted access."
FishingSwan Lake provides fishing opportunities for bass, bluegills, and pumpkinseeds. Fishing licenses are required in Michigan waters. Alan B enjoyed kayaking and fishing, calling Swan Lake "beautiful."
SwimmingSwimming areas are highly rated at Swan Lake. "All campsites on Swan Lake have excellent swimming areas," according to the forest description. Warm water and easy access are noted by campers.
BikingThere are biking trails within minutes of several campsites. Details regarding difficulty and terrain are not specified.
BoatingBoating is supported via a public boat launch near Site 1. Sebastian G noted that while the boat launch is convenient, it may reduce privacy at Site 1.
Wildlife viewingWildlife viewing is a highlight, with opportunities to see beavers, as noted by Carol H.
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsLogging debris on access roads, uneven camp areas, and poor horse manure management have been reported. Horse areas are poorly drained, leading to water accumulation in rainy conditions.
Active AlertsLogging activity and road debris have caused accessibility issues. Flies are abundant during warm temperatures, attributed to manure mismanagement.
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 Swan Lake Campsites

Reviews

4.3
40 reviews
Satisfactory
Satisfactory
Swan Lake Campsites is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight the serene environment, excellent swimming areas, and rustic charm. However, issues such as logging activity, horse manure management, and lack of amenities like drinking water are common complaints.
Review Summaries
Based on 40 reviews

What Campers Love

"Amazing view," noted Laura C during fall camping. "Clean campsite, private when boat launch not in use," shared Lois L. "We love camping here because you get a true camping experience," shared...
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Based on 40 reviews

Common Concerns

Logging activity disrupting access roads was mentioned by James G. Alan B criticized uneven camping areas and poorly maintained horse areas. Carol H expressed disappointment with horse manure...
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Based on 40 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring mosquito repellent, especially in summer. Howard S suggested visitors might want to "put your phone in airplane mode and save on your battery" due to the lack of cell service. Laura K...
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Based on 40 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Fall is praised for its colors, as noted by Howard S: "The fall colors were just about peaking." In summer, mosquitoes are abundant but swimming and kayaking are enjoyable. Winter trends are not...
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Based on 40 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Had a wonderful time at Camp Site 1. The weather was unseasonably warm for mid-September," shared Howard S. "Site 2 has plenty of shade," commented James D. "Nice swimming access, warm water," Iryna...
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Based on 40 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site 1 is described as isolated and peaceful by James D. Site 2 offers plenty of shade and privacy but has limited turn-around space for trailers, according to Alan B. Sites 3 and 4 are adjacent and...
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Based on 40 reviews

Accessibility Features

No reviews specifically address accessibility features.
Based on 40 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are a welcome addition at the campsites. "Our dog loved it!" exclaimed Iryna O.
Based on 40 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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