Gooseneck Lake Campsites
4.1213 reviews8181 US HWY 2, RAPID RIVER/MANISTIQUE RANGER DISTRICT, Rapid River, MI, 49878, USA
Gooseneck Lake Campsites
$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
Standard Nonelectric site fees are $8.00 per night during peak season (May 15 - October 9). Additional fees may apply for reservation service, cancellation, or late changes.
About this campground
Escape to Gooseneck Lake Campsites, where the whisper of wind through towering hardwoods and pines creates nature's perfect soundtrack. This rustic retreat nestled along the shores of vibrant Gooseneck Lake invites adventurers to dive into crystal-clear waters, cast a line for the day's catch, or paddle across the lake's gentle ripples. Here, forest meets water in a timeless dance, offering campers an authentic wilderness experience just steps from swimming beaches and boat launches.
Gooseneck Lake Campsites offers primitive camping experiences on three dispersed sites. Each site is unique and caters to families and small groups.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the best of Michigan's outdoor seasons at Gooseneck Lake, where moderate temperatures create ideal conditions for camping adventures. Summer days bring warm sunshine perfect for lake activities, while gentle rains occasionally sweep through to refresh the forest floor. As autumn approaches, crisp mornings give way to comfortable afternoons. Early and late season visitors might wake to find a delicate frost or light snow dusting the pine boughs, adding a magical touch to the wilderness landscape.
Natural Features and SceneryImmerse yourself in a living tapestry where stately hardwoods mingle with evergreen pines, creating a diverse forest ecosystem that changes with every season. Small inland lakes dot the landscape like nature's mirrors, reflecting the sky and surrounding greenery. Gooseneck Lake itself buzzes with life and activity, its waters shared by fellow outdoor enthusiasts from nearby cottages and private lands that line the scenic shores. This blend of pristine wilderness and lakeside community creates a unique atmosphere where solitude and camaraderie coexist.
Geological RegionDiscover the natural wonders of Hiawatha National Forest, where ancient geological forces have sculpted a landscape of remarkable beauty. This pristine pocket of Michigan's Upper Peninsula showcases the region's signature mix of hardy northern hardwoods and aromatic pine groves. Scattered throughout are jewel-like inland lakes, each carved by time and ice into the forest floor. The rustic forest environment tells the story of the North Woods, where every tree, rock, and waterway plays a part in an ecosystem that has thrived for millennia.
Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessibility features are not explicitly mentioned in the source materials.
Sites SizeThree sites are available: Site 1 (40 ft x 30 ft), Site 3 (100 ft x 70 ft), and Site 4 (70 ft x 45 ft).
Sites PrivacySites vary in privacy, with Site 1 being small and set back in the woods, Site 3 being open at the top of a small sandy bank, and Site 4 nestled on the south side of the lake with narrow access.
Total Campsites3 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSite 3 is recommended for swimming and trailers. Site 1 and Site 4 are less suitable for trailers due to road conditions.
Best CampsitesSite 3 is highly praised for its excellent location and suitability for families.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
11:00 AM
Check-out
12:00 PM
Stay Limit
14 consecutive nights
Guests Allowed Per Site
- Site 1 and Site 4 allow up to 8 people
- Site 3 allows up to 16 people.
Groups
Group sites are not available at Gooseneck Lake Campsites.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutThree sites: Site 1 (40 ft x 30 ft), Site 3 (100 ft x 70 ft), and Site 4 (70 ft x 45 ft).
Open and Closed SeasonOpen May 15 - October 9. Reservations can start June 21.
Reservation PlatformsRecreation.gov for online reservations.
Walk-in AvailabilityInformation unavailable.
Cancellation PolicyReservations can be canceled anytime before the arrival date with a $10 cancellation fee. Late cancellations (within 1 day of arrival) will also forfeit the first night's recreation use fee.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Visitors to Gooseneck Lake Campsites can enjoy a variety of recreational activities including fishing, swimming, boating, and berry picking. The lake is known for its good fishery, featuring walleye, largemouth and smallmouth bass, rock bass, sunfish, and northern pike. Swimming conditions vary by site, with Site 3 offering good conditions but limited shoreline visibility due to high banks, and Site 4 having a shallow beach area.
Hiking
Hiking opportunities are available in the nearby area, with trails located within minutes of the campsites.Fishing
Fishing is a popular activity at Gooseneck Lake, which supports a good fishery of walleye, largemouth and smallmouth bass, rock bass, sunfish, and northern pike. A Michigan fishing license is required.Swimming
Swimming conditions vary by site. Site 3 offers good swimming conditions despite high banks, and Site 4 features a very shallow beach area. Site 1 is not suitable for swimming.Biking
Biking trails are located within a short drive from the campground.Boating
Gooseneck Lake is equipped with a back-in public boat launch near Site 1. The lake is busy with pontoon boats, jet skis, water skiers, and fishing boats.Beach activities
Beach activities are primarily limited to Site 4, which has a shallow beach area.Winter Activities
No winter-specific activities are mentioned in the source material.Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports are not explicitly mentioned, though the lake supports recreational activities like boating and fishing.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Campers are allowed to collect dead and downed firewood for campfires.
- Quiet hours are No specific quiet hours mentioned, but reviews complain about noise disturbances late at night.
Hazards
General hazardsReviews mention sharp nails from construction debris, cigarette butts, and leftover trash at some sites.
Active alertsNo alerts mentioned.
Weather forecast
53
°F
Aug 26
Tuesday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 68%
Moderately humid conditions
Wind: 4.9 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
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
Rapid River is the nearest population center for emergency services.
Good to know
Peak season datesMay 15 - October 9
Trash and recyclingPack-in, pack-out policy applies; no formal trash and recycling facilities are mentioned.
Proximity to water featuresSites are located on Gooseneck Lake (123 acres). Site 3 and Site 4 have good swimming conditions; Site 1 lacks quality swimming access.
Common complaintsComplaints focus on construction issues at Site 1, lack of signage for Site 4, noise disturbances from boat parties, and leftover trash/debris.
Campground Map
8181 US HWY 2, RAPID RIVER/MANISTIQUE RANGER DISTRICT, Rapid River, MI, 49878, USA
Driving directionsFrom the Intersection of US-2 and Forest Highway 13 (about 14 miles east of Rapid River), drive north 8.4 miles on Highway 13 to CR 442. Turn right (east) and drive 8 miles to FR 2218. Turn left (north) and drive 1.6 miles to FR 2218EA or 0.8 mile to FR 2218G.
Road access varies based on campsite location. Site 1 has rough road access, while Site 4 has firm but narrow roads with sharp turns and washboard roots, making trailer access challenging.Nearby places
Rapid River (14 miles east), Steuben (2 miles northwest)
Nearby supplies
Gasoline, groceries, fishing and camping supplies, boat rentals, ice, and MDNR licenses are available at Steuben, approximately 2 miles northwest on County Road 437.
Camper Reviews
4.1
13 reviews
Gooseneck Lake Campsites is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews for Gooseneck Lake Campsites are mixed, with some campers praising its beautiful and serene location, while others highlighted issues such as lack of clear signage, noisy neighbors, and leftover trash at campsites.
Review Summaries
Based on 13 reviews
What Campers Love
Campers appreciated the 'beautiful and serene' location, 'large and secluded' campsites, and the opportunity to enjoy water activities and fishing. 'The water in the lake was crystal clear, the...
Based on 13 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Users frequently mentioned issues such as leftover trash, lack of clear signage, and noise disturbances. 'The site was not labeled, and I had to circle forever with my kids,' complained one reviewer....
Based on 13 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Campers recommend bringing all necessary supplies due to the lack of drinking water and on-site amenities. It is also advised to be cautious of campsite cleanliness and to prepare for potential noise...
Based on 13 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
Summer reviews highlight the busy nature of the lake and occasional noise from other campers or water activities. Rainy weather and high site occupancy were noted in some off-season reviews.
Based on 13 reviewsCamper Quotes
1. 'Beautiful clean sites. So peaceful and beautiful scenery,' said one reviewer. 2. 'This place was incredible. There was no noise, and the area was quiet by 10 pm each night (4 total),' praised...
Based on 13 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Site 1: Praised for its wooded setting but noted as small and unsuitable for trailers. Site 3: Described as excellent for families and trailers, with good road access and a sandy bank. Site 4:...
Based on 13 reviewsShow more
Accessibility Features
No reviews specifically address accessibility features or experiences for users with disabilities.
Based on 13 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No reviews specifically address pet policies or experiences for pet owners.
Based on 13 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025