Cookson Lake Campground In Manistique, MI – Outdoor Retreat for Families

Cookson Lake Campground In Manistique, MI
Outdoor Retreat for Families

Previous Reviews:

Cookson Lake Campground: 4 sites on Cookson Lake, with boat ramp. Good fishing! Site #2 is the only one with shade, the rest are in an open field. Vault toilet. Reservations are REQUIRED! $8 a night; half price with Fed. Sr. Pass. No cell signal. Lots of mosquitoes at night but none during the day. Cookson Lake is open May-Oct.

About This Location

Cookson Lake Campground in Manistique, MI, is a peaceful spot for anyone who loves nature and quiet lakeside camping. You’ll find a mix of open fields and shady patches right by the water—perfect for fishing, boating, or just hanging out by the lake. Even though it feels tucked away, it’s not a pain to reach, which is a relief if you don’t want to drive forever just to escape the crowds.

Nights here are pretty quiet, with just a few other campers around. You get the basics—a vault toilet and a boat ramp—but that’s about it. It keeps things simple and lets you focus on the outdoors. Whether you’re pitching a tent or rolling up with a small trailer, this place works well for folks chasing a no-fuss camping trip near the water.

If you’re thinking of camping here, make sure to reserve a spot. The fee’s reasonable, which is always nice. Cookson Lake lets you get close to nature without feeling packed in or overwhelmed by amenities. It’s really a sweet spot for a weekend or longer if you want a bit of comfort but still crave the wild.

Key Takeways

• Easy lakeside access, with both open and shaded campsites
• Basic facilities, so the experience stays simple and natural
• Reservations required, with affordable fees for the area

Cookson Lake Campground in Manistique, MI

Cookson Lake Campground gives us a chance to soak up nature in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. It’s near Manistique, close to Lake Michigan and Manistique Lake, so you’re not far from the water or a few decent day trips.

There are just a handful of campsites right on Cookson Lake. Some sit out in the open, and site #2 has some good tree cover if you want shade. You can fish here, or use the boat ramp to get out on the lake.

Camping costs $8 a night, and you’ll need to book ahead. There’s a vault toilet, but don’t expect hookups or running water—bring what you need.

The surrounding forest makes it feel quiet and tucked away. Since it’s part of the Hiawatha National Forest, you get the best of both worlds: peaceful woods and calm lakeshore.

What stands out about Cookson Lake Campground:

• Quiet, small campground—just 4 sites
• Fishing and boating right on Cookson Lake
• Close to Upper Peninsula sights and Lake Michigan
• Affordable fees, easy reservations

This campground is a good fit if you’re after a simple, relaxed camping trip near Manistique and Michigan’s pretty lakeshore.

Things To Do

There’s plenty to keep you busy at Cookson Lake Campground if you’re into the outdoors. Fishing in the 35-acre lake is solid—expect northern pike, walleye, and bluegill. Don’t forget your fishing license, though.

Swimming’s a great option on warmer days. The lake’s calm enough for a dip or a slow paddle in a canoe or kayak. If you’re up for it, you can take a longer canoe trip and explore more of Hiawatha National Forest.

If you want to stretch your legs, there are some nice hiking and biking trails nearby. Palms Book State Park isn’t far and has some good paths with views and wildlife. You’ll probably spot deer, birds, and who knows what else if you keep your eyes open.

Pack a picnic and eat by the water under the trees—there’s something about fresh air that just makes food taste better. For a bit more adventure, Seney National Wildlife Refuge is within reach and worth a visit if you’re curious about local animals and plants.

If you’re a nature fan, Indian Lake’s another quiet spot for paddling or fishing. With so many options, Cookson Lake Campground makes a pretty great base for anyone who loves being outside.

Directions

To reach Cookson Lake Campground, start from Munising, Michigan. Head east on M-28 toward Wetmore.

Once you hit Wetmore, turn right (south) onto Forest Highway 13. Keep going straight for about 11.9 miles.

Look for Forest Road 2258 and turn left—just follow that road until you reach the campground area.

Keep an eye out for Cookson Bridge; it’s a handy sign you’re almost there.

The road leads you right near the lake and the campsites. It’s quiet, with easy access to the water if you want to fish or take out a boat.

Drive carefully on the smaller forest roads—they can be narrow or gravel in spots. Having a map or GPS helps a lot.

Vehicle Access

You can reach most campsites at Cookson Lake Campground by vehicle without much trouble. Some spots, like Site 2, offer direct vehicle access, which makes unloading your gear less of a chore. The campground sits along the west shore of Indian Lake, and the driving paths are in decent shape.

To get there, take M-28 east from Munising to Wetmore. In Wetmore, turn south on Forest Highway 13 and drive about 12 miles. Then take Forest Service Road 2258 to the camping areas.

Most vehicles up to 40 feet long fit just fine. So, if you’re bringing an RV or trailer, you should be good. The roads are gravel but generally well maintained, so a regular car or truck does the job.

Some sites might need a short walk from where you park, but overall, vehicle access is solid for all types of campers. It makes it easier to bring what you need for a comfortable stay.

RV And Camping Trailer Information

Cookson Lake Campground has spots that fit RVs and camping trailers. The RV sites come with full hookups—electric, water, and sewer—which is honestly a relief if you like a bit of comfort out in the woods.

Each RV site has a picnic table, firepit, and chairs, so you can just hang out outside your trailer and enjoy the air. The sites are drive-through, so parking isn’t a headache.

If you’re more into tent camping, there are primitive campsites too. No hookups, but you’re close to the lake, and sometimes that’s all you really want.

Here’s what you get at the RV sites:

The campground sits close to Cookson Lake, so fishing and boat ramps are right there. Some sites have shade, others are more out in the open—you can pick what suits you. There’s a vault toilet close by, which is handy.

Bringing your RV or trailer here means you can have a bit of comfort without giving up that woodsy, lakeside feel. It’s a pretty chill spot for a relaxed stay.

Paid Or Permit Sites

At Cookson Lake Campground, you’ll need to pay a small fee to stay—about $8 a night. That money goes toward keeping the area tidy and taken care of. You can actually book your spot up to six months ahead, so if you’re the planning type, that’s a bonus.

Some campsites feel pretty open, while others tuck you away under the trees. It’s nice to have options, depending on whether you want to stretch out or just stay tucked in the shade. There’s a boat ramp too, which adds a little more to do if you’re not just there to camp.

Cookson Lake is a pay campsite, but if you’re up for a change of scenery, Indian Lake State Park is nearby. It’s got other camping options and honestly, the natural views are pretty great.

If you’re craving a little more action (or just a decent meal), Kewadin Casino Inn isn’t far. Sometimes it’s just nice to unwind with some food or a few games after a day outside.

Just a heads up—off-road vehicles aren’t allowed at Cookson Lake Campground or on the roads around it. And you can’t leave your campsite unattended for more than 24 hours, so it’s worth keeping that in mind. They’re just trying to keep the place safe and fair for everyone, which honestly makes sense.

Helpful Boondocking Information Links:

Over 10,000 Free Boondocking Locations
Boondocking Recipes for 1000’s Of Camping Meals
Bureau of Land Management
Government Recreation Area
National Park Service
Leave No Trace

State Specific Information Links

Michigan Park Service
Michigan Fish and Game
Department of Natural Resources