Crooked Lake Campsite
01 review8181 US HWY 2, Rapid River, MI, 49878, USA
Crooked Lake Campsite
$8.00 - $8.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$8.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
The nightly rate for the single campsite is $8 during the peak season (May 15 to October 9). Reservation fees may apply depending on the booking method: $8 online/app, $9 via contact center, $3 in-person. Discounts are available for eligible Interagency Pass holders.
About this campground
Nestled deep within the verdant expanse of Hiawatha National Forest, Crooked Lake Campsite offers an intimate escape where solitude meets natural splendor. This hidden gem features just one carefully positioned campsite, creating an exclusive retreat for those who treasure privacy in the great outdoors. While the sparkling 190-acre Crooked Lake attracts visitors to nearby resorts and waterfront homes, your secluded forest hideaway remains blissfully peaceful—a perfect balance of lake access and woodland tranquility.
Crooked Lake Campsite caters to campers seeking a highly rustic experience. It is most suitable for tent or small trailer camping with no amenities provided.
Weather and SeasonsFrom mid-May through early October, gentle breezes sweep across Crooked Lake, bringing comfortable temperatures ideal for outdoor adventures. Summer days invite swimming and lazy afternoons by the water, though wise campers come prepared with insect repellent—the local mosquito population thrives in this lush environment and can be particularly enthusiastic about greeting visitors during the warmer months. As one seasoned camper notes, 'Mosquitoes are ferocious so bring your bug spray.'
Natural Features and SceneryA cathedral of towering hardwoods and whispering pines creates a natural sanctuary around your campsite, their canopy filtering sunlight into dancing patterns on the forest floor. Just beyond the trees, Crooked Lake stretches across 190 acres of pristine water, its shores dotted with wild berry patches waiting to be discovered. While lakefront homes and resorts punctuate portions of the shoreline, nature still reigns supreme here—morning mists rise from the water, fish jump at sunset, and the forest comes alive with birdsong at dawn.
Geological RegionThis enchanting corner of Hiawatha National Forest showcases the region's signature blend of hardy northern hardwoods and aromatic pine groves. Crooked Lake itself exemplifies the area's glacial heritage—a 190-acre jewel carved by ancient ice, now cradled by rolling forest lands. The interplay between pristine wilderness and tasteful lakefront development creates a unique landscape where rustic camping coexists harmoniously with modern lake life.
Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessibility information is not provided, but the rustic nature and narrow roads leading to the campsite could pose challenges for some individuals.
Sites Size35ft. by 35ft.
Sites PrivacyThe site offers significant privacy, as it is the only campsite on Crooked Lake. However, users should note that the lake is frequented, and the boat access shared with the public allows anglers to pass through the site.
Total Campsites1 campsites
Recommended CampsitesBring bug spray due to mosquitoes, and plan for careful maneuvering of larger vehicles on narrow access roads.
Best CampsitesCrooked Lake Campsite has only one available site, marked as campsite 001.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Check-in policy allows for occupation starting at 11:00 AM.
Check-out
Check-out policy requires vacating by 12:00 PM.
Stay Limit
14 consecutive nights allowed per visit.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Maximum number of guests allowed per site is 8.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutSingle campsite measuring 35 ft. by 35 ft., level and suitable for one family and a trailer.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen May 15, 2025, through October 9, 2025.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made online, via mobile app, contact center, or in person.
Walk-in AvailabilitySingle campsite, walk-up availability not confirmed.
Cancellation PolicyReservations can be canceled at any time before the scheduled arrival date with a $10 cancellation fee, plus any reservation fees. Late cancellation fees apply starting from midnight one day before check-in and include forfeiting the first night's recreation fee.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Firewood available
Activities you can enjoy
The campsite provides a mix of recreational activities in a rustic setting. Visitors can enjoy fishing, berry picking, and limited swimming opportunities. Fishing is a highlight, with species like bluegill, crappie, northern pike, and occasionally smallmouth bass available. Swimming is described as poor by the official sources. Boating is allowed with carry-in access to the 190-acre Crooked Lake.
Fishing
Fishing is highly recommended, with opportunities to catch bluegill, crappie, and northern pike. Occasionally, smallmouth bass may also be caught. Licenses are required for fishing in Michigan waters.Swimming
Swimming opportunities are limited and described as poor by official sources.Biking
Nearby areas offer biking trails within minutes of the campsite.Boating
Boating is supported with carry-in access to Crooked Lake directly from the campsite. Visitors should note that the boat access is shared with the public.Water Sports
Non-motorized boating such as kayaking or canoeing is possible due to the carry-in access of the lake.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Campfires allowed using dead and down wood collected on-site. External firewood is prohibited due to invasive species concerns.
Hazards
General hazardsFerocious mosquitoes are common in warm months. Narrow and bumpy access roads may pose challenges for inexperienced drivers.
Weather forecast
59
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 54%
Moderately humid conditions
Wind: 9.8 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
Clear sky
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
For emergencies, the nearest ranger stations are the Rapid River/Manistique Ranger District (8181 US HWY 2, Rapid River, MI, phone: 906-474-6442 or 906-387-2512).
Good to know
Peak season datesMay 15 to October 9
Trash and recyclingVisitors are expected to follow a pack-in, pack-out policy as trash and recycling facilities are not available on-site.
Proximity to water featuresLocated directly on Crooked Lake with carry-in boat access shared with the public.
Common complaintsSome reviews mention road noise due to proximity to public access points. "We did have some people pull up at 10pm one night to fish, but they were considerate."
Campground Map
8181 US HWY 2, Rapid River, MI, 49878, USA
Driving directionsFrom Manistique, MI: drive north 25 miles on M-94 to FR 2246 (Clear Lake Road). Turn right (east) and drive 0.15 mile to FR 2661. Turn right (southeast) and drive 0.25 mile south of Forest Road 2246 on the hard-pack, sandy road.
The access road is described as hard-pack and sandy, which may present challenges for larger vehicles or those unfamiliar with maneuvering campers. "The drive is quite bumpy and narrow. It was a bit of a chore getting our 19' camper backed into the spot. A less experienced person would probably struggle."Nearby places
Manistique (25 miles north), Steuben (4 miles southwest)
Nearby supplies
Steuben, located approximately 4 miles southwest on County Road 437, offers gasoline, groceries, fishing and camping supplies, boat rentals, ice, and MDNR licenses.
Camper Reviews
0.0
1 reviews
Crooked Lake Campsite has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews suggest that the campsite provides a peaceful and rustic experience, though the lack of amenities and the shared lake access with anglers can pose challenges. Mosquitoes are frequently mentioned as a significant concern.
Review Summaries
Based on 1 reviews
What Campers Love
Users praise the peaceful and quiet atmosphere of the campsite. The fishing opportunities are particularly appreciated, with mentions of catching bluegill and perch.
Based on 1 reviewsCommon Concerns
Mosquitoes are noted as ferocious, making bug spray a necessity. Some reviews mention road noise and challenges with the narrow, bumpy road leading to the site.
Based on 1 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Bring ample bug spray to deal with mosquitoes. Be prepared for a bumpy and narrow road to the campsite, which could challenge less experienced drivers. A fishing license is required.
Based on 1 reviewsSeasonal Insights
The campsite is most suitable for the summer season when fishing and berry picking can be enjoyed. However, mosquito activity appears to be a common issue during warmer months.
Based on 1 reviewsCamper Quotes
"The drive is quite bumpy and narrow. It was a bit of a chore getting our 19' camper backed into the spot. A less experienced person would probably struggle." "Mosquitoes are ferocious so bring your...
Based on 1 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
The site is identified as 001 in the Crooked Lake Dispersed Campsite loop. It is described as being quiet and peaceful but occasionally subject to road noise and late-night visitors accessing the...
Based on 1 reviewsShow more
Last updated August 10, 2025