Jackpine Lake Campsites
3.8612 reviews8181 US HWY 2, Rapid River, MI 49878, USA
Jackpine 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
Recreation use fee is $8 per night for standard non-electric sites during the peak season of May 15 - October 9, 2025. Additional reservation fees apply.
About this campground
Escape to the tranquil shores of Jackpine Lake, where rustic campsites beckon beneath a canopy of majestic hardwoods and towering pines in the heart of Hiawatha National Forest. This 63-acre pristine lake offers an authentic back-to-nature experience, perfect for those seeking solitude and simplicity. While you won't find modern amenities like running water here, you'll discover something far more valuable: the peaceful rhythm of forest life and the gentle lapping of lake waters against the shore.
The Jackpine Lake Campsites provide a rustic camping experience with minimal facilities, attracting visitors who enjoy primitive camping. There are two sites available, each with different capacities and features.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the dramatic beauty of Michigan's Upper Peninsula weather, where nature paints an ever-changing canvas above Jackpine Lake. While sunshine graces the forest just 17.6% of the time, the frequent cloud cover creates a mystical atmosphere that photographers and nature lovers cherish. Winter enthusiasts will delight in the area's snowy character, with a 23.9% chance of snowfall transforming the landscape into a wonderland. Despite the northern location, temperatures remain surprisingly mild, ranging from crisp 15.7°C mornings to comfortable 26.4°C afternoons. The dry humidity makes for pleasant camping conditions, with minimal rainfall (just 1.1% chance) ensuring your outdoor adventures stay on track.
Natural Features and SceneryImmerse yourself in a landscape where ancient hardwoods stretch their branches skyward, creating a natural cathedral alongside stately pines that whisper secrets in the breeze. The rustic campsites blend seamlessly into this forest tapestry, offering intimate spots where morning mist rises from the forest floor and evening light filters through the canopy in golden streams. Jackpine Lake itself serves as the crown jewel of this wilderness sanctuary, its calm waters reflecting the surrounding forest and sky in perfect mirror images.
Geological RegionDiscover the enchanting wilderness of Hiawatha National Forest, where centuries of natural forces have sculpted a landscape of remarkable diversity. This protected expanse showcases the Upper Peninsula's characteristic blend of hardy hardwood forests and resilient pine groves, punctuated by crystalline inland lakes that serve as windows into the region's glacial past. The forest represents a living museum of North American woodland ecology, where each tree tells a story of survival and each lake holds secrets of the ancient ice sheets that once covered this land.
Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessibility features are not explicitly mentioned in the available materials.
Sites SizeSite 1 measures 45ft x 40ft, while Site 2 is smaller, at 30ft x 20ft.
Sites PrivacySite 1 is in an open area, while Site 2 is more secluded and wooded.
Total Campsites2 campsites
Recommended CampsitesFor families or groups, Site 1 is more spacious (45ft x 40ft) and accessible for trailers. Site 2 is better for smaller groups or those seeking seclusion.
Best CampsitesSite 1 offers better swimming conditions and is suitable for trailers. Site 2 is more secluded but not recommended for trailers due to limited turnaround space.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
11:00 AM
Check-out
12:00 AM
Stay Limit
14-day stay limit per visit.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Site 1 allows up to 16 people. Site 2 allows up to 8 people.
Groups
There are no designated group camping sites at Jackpine Lake.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutSite 1 is open and located on a hill, while Site 2 is wooded and compact.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen May 15 - October 9, 2025. Reservations start June 21, 2025.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Recreation.gov online, via the app, or through the contact center.
Walk-in AvailabilityFirst-come, first-served options may not be widely available due to the reservation system in place.
Cancellation PolicyCancellations can be made at any time before the scheduled arrival date with a $10 fee. Late cancellations (starting from midnight 1 calendar day before check-in) will also forfeit the first night's use fee.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Firewood available
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
The Jackpine Lake Campsites offer opportunities for swimming, berry picking, and fishing. The lake is well-regarded as a fishery for smallmouth bass and bluegills, with some yellow perch and bullheads also present. An unimproved boat access is available on the south side of the lake near Site 1, suitable for small, lightweight craft. 'Parking space is limited,' and the access is intended for day use only.
Hiking
While direct hiking trails within the campsite are not mentioned, nearby areas offer a number of trails for hiking, biking, and horse riding.Fishing
The lake is known for its excellent fishing opportunities, particularly for smallmouth bass and bluegills. Licenses are required for fishing in Michigan waters. User reviews and the official text highlight the 'great fishery' and opportunities for catching large yellow perch and bullheads.Swimming
Site 1 offers good swimming conditions near the boat access area, while swimming is not recommended at Site 2. The lake features sandy and shallow areas, suitable for casual swimming.Boating
The lake features an unimproved boat access point near Site 1, suitable for small, lightweight craft only. This access road is 'firm sand with some gravel,' and parking is limited.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Campfires are permitted in designated fire rings. Firewood must be local and dead/down to prevent invasive species.
Hazards
General hazardsHorseflies and black flies can be pesky, as noted by reviews. Roads may prove challenging for vehicles with low clearance.
Weather forecast
60
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 54%
Moderately humid conditions
Wind: 9.7 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
Closest emergency services are in Rapid River, MI. Contact numbers include (906) 474-6442 and (906) 387-2512.
Good to know
Peak season datesMay 15 - October 9, 2025.
Trash and recyclingThe campground follows a strict pack-in, pack-out policy for trash and recycling. Campers are expected to take their waste with them.
Proximity to water featuresBoth sites are adjacent to Jackpine Lake, which spans 63 acres. Site 1 shares swimming space with the boat access, while swimming is not recommended at Site 2.
Common complaintsReviews mention unclear road signage and challenging roads.
Campground Map
8181 US HWY 2, Rapid River, MI 49878, USA
Driving directionsFrom Cooks (12 miles west of Manistique or 24 miles east of Rapid River on US-2), drive north 4.4 miles on County Road 442 to CR 437. Turn left (north) on CR 437 and drive 8.7 miles to FR 2217. Turn left (northwest) on FR 2217 and drive 4.3 miles to FR 2715. To get to site #1: Turn right (east) on to FR 2715 and drive about 0.6 mile to campsite #1. To get to site #2: Continue north on FR 2217 an additional 0.5 mile to FR 8137. Turn right (north) and drive about 1 mile to campsite #2.
The road access includes firm sand with some gravel. Some reviews suggest that vehicles with clearance and four-wheel drive are better suited for the journey, though economy cars are not impossible to use. The road includes steep sections, particularly when accessing Site 1.Nearby places
Manistique: 12 miles west
Rapid River: 24 miles east.
Nearby supplies
Supplies can be found in Thunder Lake area approximately 7 miles southeast on CR 437. Available resources include gasoline, groceries, fishing and camping supplies, ice, and deli.
Camper Reviews
3.9
12 reviews
Jackpine Lake Campsites has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews of the Jackpine Lake Campsites highlight the area's peaceful and serene setting, with a focus on its rustic nature. Some reviewers appreciate the solitude and natural beauty, while others mention challenges such as road conditions and limited amenities.
Review Summaries
Based on 12 reviews
What Campers Love
Many reviewers praise the campground's quiet and magical atmosphere. For example, Angela Viator calls it 'magical camping, away from everyone and everything. Very peaceful.' The lake's beauty and...
Based on 12 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Common concerns include the need for better signage to find the lake (as noted by Maura Elliott) and road conditions, which Kristina S describes as 'better for vehicles with clearance and four-wheel...
Based on 12 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Users recommend bringing sufficient supplies due to the lack of amenities and preparing for rough roads. Kristina S advises, 'Not impossible with an economy car but not recommended.'
Based on 12 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Reviews do not provide detailed seasonal analysis, but summer observations suggest an increase in insects such as horseflies, as noted by Mark A.
Based on 12 reviewsCamper Quotes
1. 'Magical camping, away from everyone and everything. Very peaceful.' - Angela Viator 2. 'Road leading to site better for vehicles with clearance and four-wheel drive.' - Kristina S 3. 'Beautiful...
Based on 12 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Site 1: Robert S gave a 4-star rating, noting it was adequate but without specific elaboration. Sherri J points out that the GPS location on Recreation.gov is inaccurate. Site 2: Mark A gave a 4-star...
Based on 12 reviewsShow more
Accessibility Features
There are no specific reviews addressing accessibility features.
Based on 12 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pet policies are not discussed in the available reviews.
Based on 12 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025