Flowing Well Campground Rapid River, MI
Guide for Campers and Outdoor Enthusiasts
| ADDRESS |
|---|
| 10038-10062 National Forest Development Road 13 Rapid River, MI 45.936844, -86.706962 Elevation: 627′ |
| MANAGEMENT |
| Public – Forest Service This is a PAY campground. ($22 or less) $22 per night for a standard non-electric site $44 per night for a double campsite 906-428-5800 |
Previous Reviews:
Flowing Well Campground: Flowing Well Campground is situated along the western banks of the Sturgeon River, among large trees and a variety of wildflowers. Camping, fishing, picnicking and canoeing can be enjoyed in a serene setting. Flowing Well is open May-Nov.
Natural Features: The campground is sandwiched between Forest Highway 13 and the Sturgeon River, in the lower portion of MIs Upper Peninsula. It is about 10 miles from the northern shores of Lake MI. The region is dotted with wildflowers and mature trees.
Recreation: The area is most popular for canoeing and other non-motorized boating, as the Sturgeon River Canoe Trail runs right through the campground. The trail weaves with the river through a 41-mile portion of the heavily wooded Hiawatha National Forest. There are various access points along the river. Fishing is also popular, with brook trout, steelhead and salmon found in the river.
Facilities: The campground offers less than a dozen spacious sites for tent and RV camping. Some sites are situated along the bank, overlooking the slow-moving river. Each site is equipped with tables and campfire rings, and most come equipped with grills as well. Accessible vault toilets and drinking water are provided. The water from the well has a heavy iron and sulfur content, which is an acquired taste, but is safe to consume. A group picnic area is also equipped with tables and campfire rings with grills. It is adjacent to a good-sized parking area. Vault toilets and drinking water are also available
About This Location
Flowing Well Campground near Rapid River, Michigan, sits right on the banks of the Sturgeon River. It’s a laid-back spot for camping—spacious sites tucked among big trees and wildflowers, so you’re really out there in nature. The location makes it easy to fish, picnic, or wander the trails, so if you’re itching to get outside, this place delivers.
Getting to Flowing Well Campground isn’t complicated; it’s tucked in Hiawatha National Forest. Bring a tent, RV, or trailer—there’s space for all sorts of setups. The river views and the quiet help you slow down and forget about the rush of daily life for a while.
Key Takeaways
- Campground sites are roomy and sit along the Sturgeon River.
- Access works for tents, RVs, and trailers alike.
- Plenty of outdoor activities are right nearby.
Flowing Well Campground Rapid River, MI
You’ll find Flowing Well Campground close to Rapid River, right in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. It hugs the Sturgeon River inside Hiawatha National Forest—a peaceful, natural spot for pitching a tent or parking your camper.
There are 10 sites here, and they aren’t cramped. You’ll have room for tents or a small RV, shaded by tall trees and surrounded by wildflowers. It’s a mellow place to kick back.
Fishing draws a lot of folks to Flowing Well, but it’s also easy to picnic or canoe. The ground’s flat, so walking around and exploring is simple. If you check out the campground map ahead of time, you’ll get a sense of where everything is. Pictures from visitors show off the scenery and the thick woods.
You can use Flowing Well as a jumping-off point to explore more of Hiawatha National Forest. It’s not far from Rapid River, just off U.S. 2/Lakeshore Drive, so you can get here without too much effort, yet it still feels tucked away.
Things To Do
There’s a lot to do at Flowing Well Campground if you like the outdoors. The Sturgeon River runs right by, so you can canoe or fish pretty much anytime. Some folks paddle downstream, others just sit by the water and try their luck for brook trout or salmon.
The campsites themselves are roomy and close to the river. You can set up your tent and just soak in the surroundings. If you’re up for a walk, trails snake through the nearby Big Island Lake Wilderness. You might spot some wildlife or just enjoy a peaceful stroll.
Fishing’s a big draw, and besides the Sturgeon River, Lake Michigan isn’t too far off—so you’ve got options. The water here supports a mix of fish, so you never know what you might reel in.
Picnicking by the water or in camp is another simple pleasure. Bring a cooler and some snacks, and you’re set for a meal in the fresh air. The whole place has a relaxed vibe, which makes it easy to just breathe and take it easy.
Directions to Flowing Well Campground
If you’re coming from Rapid River, Michigan, hop on U.S. 2 (Lakeshore Drive) and head east for about 16 miles.
Next, turn north on Forest Highway 13 and follow it for a couple of miles—maybe three at most—until you spot the campground. The signs are usually clear, but keep an eye out.
The campground sits on the west bank of the Sturgeon River, surrounded by big trees. Checking the weather before you go is smart, especially in spring or fall when rain or snow can make roads tricky.
Winter or early spring can mean icy or slick roads, so plan on driving a bit slower. In the summer and early fall, you’ll usually have an easier time with dry, clear conditions.
Here’s a quick step-by-step:
- Head east on U.S. 2/Lakeshore Drive from Rapid River
- Go for 16 miles
- Turn left onto Forest Highway 13, head north
- Continue 2–3 miles to the entrance
Keeping these directions handy and watching the weather should get you there without much fuss.
Vehicle Access
You’ll reach Flowing Well Campground by driving east from Rapid River on U.S. 2 for about 13 to 16 miles, depending on your route. After that, turn north on Forest Highway 13 and go another 2 or 3 miles.
There aren’t a ton of sites, but they’re roomy, and you can pull in with a tent or an RV. The forest roads are usually in good shape, but they’re still forest roads—so take it easy, especially if the weather’s bad.
Each site has parking close by, so you won’t have to haul your gear too far. There aren’t big paved lots, though, so if you’re driving something oversized, you’ll want to be careful with tight turns.
Fresh drinking water’s available nearby, so you don’t need to lug in everything, but bringing some backup isn’t a bad idea.
Restrooms are basic but kept up by the forest service, and you can walk to them from your campsite without any trouble.
All in all, getting in and out with your vehicle is pretty straightforward, but the natural setting and limited services mean you’ll want to stay alert.
RV And Camping Trailer Information
At Flowing Well Campground, you’ll find just a handful of sites—six, to be exact—set up for both tents and RVs. Each spot is big and private, with the creek running close by, so it feels peaceful and tucked away.
You won’t find full hookups here, so if you’re bringing an RV or trailer, plan on roughing it a bit. There’s no electric or water at the sites, but honestly, the rustic vibe is part of the charm.
If you need more amenities—like hookups or cabins—check out nearby campgrounds such as Brevoort Lake, Camp Seven Lake, or Carp River Campground. Widewaters Campground and Lyman Lake have electric and water, if that’s a must-have for you.
For those towing a camping trailer, Flowing Well works best for smaller or mid-size rigs. The site sizes and the terrain just aren’t made for big setups. If you need more space or easier access, Soldier Lake, Pete’s Lake, or Three Lakes Campgrounds might suit you better.
You won’t find cabins here, but if that’s what you’re after, Island Lake Campground and Colwell Lake Campground have options for getting a roof over your head while still enjoying the woods.
If you’re after a quiet, private spot by the water with simple RV or trailer camping, Flowing Well is a solid pick. For more comforts, it’s worth looking into the other campgrounds in the area.
Paid Or Permit Sites
At Flowing Well Campground, most campsites come with a fee. We pay $22 per night for a standard non-electric site. If you want a double campsite—room for two units—that’ll run you $44 per night.
The campground takes Federal Recreation Passes like the Golden Age or America the Beautiful. Depending on the pass, you might get a discount or even cover some fees.
Most sites don’t have electricity, but you’ll find options for both tent camping and RVs. Some offer pull-through parking, fire rings, and picnic tables, so you can set up however you like.
You’ve got to grab a permit to camp here, usually at the entrance or online before you show up. Honestly, it helps keep the place organized and in good shape.
Spots disappear fast, especially in peak season. If you want a site, planning ahead and reserving early is the smart move.
Pets? Yeah, they’re welcome at a lot of the campsites, as long as you follow the campground’s rules.
Here’s a quick look at the site fees:
| Site Type | Fee Per Night | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Non-Electric | $22 | Single unit |
| Double Campsite | $44 | Two units, more space |
| AMENITIES: | ACTIVITIES: |
|---|---|
| Drinking Water Restrooms |
RV Camping Tent Camping Boating Fishing |
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