Swan Lake Campsites

4.4·16 reviews
·Hiawatha National Forest

Overview

There are many campsites on the Munising and Rapid River/Manistique Ranger Districts of the Hiawatha National Forest. Many are located on inland lakes and are in a rustic forest environment with few to no amenities and no drinking water. The rustic environment offers a wonderfully serene and peaceful setting for your next camping experience. All of these sites are nestled in hardwood trees and pines. All of them are on small inland lakes, which offer a wide variety of fishing opportunities.

Great Facilities and Amenities

  • Campfire Allowed

    (All campsites have Campfire Allowed)

  • Checkin Time

    (All campsites have Checkin Time)

  • Checkout Time

    (All campsites have Checkout Time)

  • Driveway Entry

    (All campsites have Driveway Entry)

  • Max Num Of People

    (Up to 16)

  • Max Num Of Vehicles

    (Up to 4)

  • Pets Allowed

    (Majority of the campsites have true)

  • Shade

    (3 of 4 campsites have Shade)

  • Site Access

    (All campsites have Site Acceses)

Natural Features

Swan Lake - Fall - Credits: USFS - Hiawatha National Forest
PMR Trailhead Signage - Credits: USFS - Hiawatha National Forest
Swan Lake - Horse Camping - Credits: USFS - Hiawatha National Forest
Swan Lake Campsite 1 - Credits: USFS - Hiawatha National Forest

Swan Lake is the most popular lake in the designated campsite program, so getting a permit to camp here can be quite competitive. All four campsites are located on the non-motorized Pine Marten Run Trail and horse camping is allowed.

  • Site 1 is located on a small hill overlooking the west shore of the lake and is isolated from the other three campsites on the lake. This site is 60 ft x 30 ft, and is suitable for one family. Trailers are NOT recommended unless they are set up in the parking area at the base of the knoll. The public boat launch to the lake is located near this site, so campers may have boaters accessing the lake.
  • Site 2 is on the southwest side of the lake and is 65 ft x 50 ft. This site is level and suitable for two families and small trailers. Turn-around space is very limited.
  • Site 3 is a nice level area, 65 ft x 35 ft, that can accomodate two families and trailers. 
  • Site 4 is 80 ft x 70 ft and suitable for two families. 

Sites 3 and 4 are adjacent to one another and can be reserved together to accomodate larger groups.

Recreation

Swan Lake - panoramic view - Credits: USFS - Hiawatha National Forest

Visitors will be able to enjoy swimming, berry picking, and fishing at these campsites. Licenses are required for fishing in Michigan waters.

All campsites on Swan Lake have excellent swimming areas.

Swan Lake offers a good fishery for large and smallmouth bass, bluegills and pumpkinseeds. There is a public boat launch to Steuben Lake located near Site 1. 

Permitted Equipment

  • rv-Up to 40ft

  • tent-Up to 40ft

  • trailer-Up to 40ft

Nearby Attractions

There are a number of horse, bike, and hiking trails within minutes of several of the sites. In over a mile from these campsites, visitors can expect to find: bait shops, general and grocery stores, gas, a pay phone, trailheads, a fishing pier, biking, and kayak/canoe rentals.

Additional Information

Campsites