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 The campground consists of many individual family sites, as well as a group site that can hold 24 people and two tent-only sites along the lake shore. Sites are equipped with campfire rings, lantern posts and tent pads, with vault toilets and drinking water located throughout the facility. A picnic area sits adjacent to the sandy swimming beach. Pedestal grills and tables for individual families or small groups are provided. Boaters will find a boat ramp and launching pier near the campground entrance. There is adequate space for parking and a trailer turn-around.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. Contact Info For facility specific information, please call (906) 767-1111. Nearby Attractions Big Island, Fish and Straits lakes are all within 25 miles of the campground.
How to Get 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.
Driving directions (Google Maps) →What to Pack for Your Stay
Tuned to the live forecast for this park.
👔 What to Wear
- 👕
Long-sleeve shirt
Synthetic or merino, sun-protective.
- 🧥
Light shell or windbreaker
Even on warm days, wind can chill (avg wind 0 mph).
- 👖
Hiking pants or convertible
Layer for variable conditions.
- 🥾
Trail runners or low boots
Comfortable, broken in.
🎒 What to Pack
- 💧
Water
Bring at least 1L of water; more in heat.
- 🍫
High-energy snacks
A snack for the trail.
- 🧴
Sun protection
Sunscreen, sunglasses, brimmed hat.
- 🩹
First-aid kit
Blister patches, ibuprofen, tape, antiseptic wipes.
- 🗺
Offline map
Download your route in advance via Gaia, Caltopo, or OSM-based apps.
Recommendations adapt to the current forecast + trail stats. Use them as a starting point — local conditions, your experience, and the time of day you start all matter.
Plan Your Visit to COLWELL LAKE CAMPGROUND
Heading to COLWELL LAKE CAMPGROUND? A few things to know before you go:
- Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
- Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
- Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
- Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
- Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation for COLWELL LAKE CAMPGROUND?
No central reservation system listed for COLWELL LAKE CAMPGROUND. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/232319) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to COLWELL LAKE CAMPGROUND?
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.
References & Official Resources
