40
Total Campsites
Campground
—
Reservable Sites
Mostly first-come
—
Accessible
ADA-compliant sites
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Organization
Managing agency
Overview
About COLWELL LAKE CAMPGROUND
Overview Colwell Lake Campground is situated on Colwell Lake in the center of Michigan's Hiawatha National Forest. Guests of all ages can enjoy nature and the outdoors in this picturesque setting. The campground has much to offer in terms of recreation, such as swimming, fishing, boating and picnicking, and can accommodate families, individuals, small groups, RV and tent campers with several amenities. Recreation With an excellent swimming beach, boat access and an accessible fishing pier, Colwell Lake has plenty to offer families and anglers. Largemouth bass, northern pike, crappie, pumpkinseed sunfish, perch and bluegill are all available in the lake. The facility also provides a leisurely 2 mile hiking and snowshoeing trail. Facilities With an excellent swimming beach, boat access and an accessible fishing pier, Colwell Lake has plenty to offer families and anglers. Largemouth bass, northern pike, crappie, pumpkinseed sunfish, perch and bluegill are all available in the lake. The facility also provides a leisurely 2 mile hiking and snowshoeing trail. Natural Features The campground is situated on Michigan's Upper Peninsula, on the eastern shore of the 145-acre Colwell Lake. The area is forested with a variety of deciduous and conifer trees, and some campsites overlook the water. Nearby Attractions Big Island, Fish and Straits lakes are all within 25 miles of the campground.
- 40 total campsites listed.
- Primarily first-come camping based on current listing data.
- Most common site type: unknown (40).
- Map coordinates are available for trip planning.
Our Take
What makes COLWELL LAKE CAMPGROUND special
Perched on the wooded shores of its namesake lake in the heart of the Hiawatha National Forest, Colwell Lake Campground is a peaceful retreat that captures the quiet charm of Michigan's Upper Peninsula. The lake's clear, spring-fed waters reflect the surrounding birch, maple, and pine forest, creating a setting that feels far removed from the rush of everyday life. Colwell Lake is well suited for paddling, with a boat launch that welcomes canoes, kayaks, and small motorized watercraft. The fishing is reliable, with bass, perch, and panfish keeping anglers occupied through the warmer months. A network of forest roads and trails near the campground invites hiking, mountain biking, and wildlife observation. Loons are frequently heard calling across the water at dusk, and the dark skies overhead make for exceptional stargazing. The campground features around 35 sites tucked among the trees, offering a good balance of privacy and lake access. Each site includes a picnic table and fire ring, with vault toilets and potable water available on-site. A short drive south leads to Munising and the spectacular Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, one of the Upper Peninsula's crown jewels. Reservations are recommended for peak summer weekends in July and August. The season generally runs from mid-May through September, with early fall bringing vivid foliage and a welcome drop in crowds.
Campsite Inventory
40 sites to choose from
Unknown
0
Reservable
0
Accessible
Amenities & Details
Everything you need to know
Campfire Allowed
Yes
Site capacity
Group, Single
Check-in time
0:00 AM, 2:00 PM
Check-out time
0:00 AM, 11:00 AM
Condition Rating
Good, Prime
Driveway entry
Back-In, Pull-Through
Driveway length (ft)
65, 70, 72, 73
Driveway surface
Gravel
Electricity Hookup
15 amp, 30 amp
Fire Pit
Yes
GRILLS
Yes
Lantern Pole
Yes
Location Rating
Good
Max guests
24, 8
Max vehicle length (ft)
40, 60
Minimum guests
Yes, 2
Pets allowed
Yes
Picnic Table
Yes
Reservations & Contact
Plan your stay
Getting There
From Manistique, Michigan, drive north 25 miles on State Route 94 to Forest Road 2246. Turn right (east) and drive 0.5 miles to the campground road.
FAQ
Common questions
Everything you need to know before your trip to COLWELL LAKE CAMPGROUND.
How do reservations work for COLWELL LAKE CAMPGROUND?
Reservation availability for COLWELL LAKE CAMPGROUND can vary by season and campsite type. Check the contact and access section before booking.
What campsite types are available at COLWELL LAKE CAMPGROUND?
COLWELL LAKE CAMPGROUND currently lists Unknown (40).
Where is COLWELL LAKE CAMPGROUND located?
COLWELL LAKE CAMPGROUND is in Michigan near Munising. Coordinates: 46.2217, -86.4375.
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