Leg Lake Campsites
4.017 reviewsRapid River/Manistique Ranger District, 8181 US HWY 2, Rapid River, MI 49878, USA
Leg 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
The nightly fee for standard nonelectric camping during the peak season (May 15 - Oct 9, 2025) is $8. Additional reservation fees apply: $8 online/app, $9 via contact center, $3 in-person.
About this campground
Escape to the hidden gem of Leg Lake Campsites, where tranquility reigns supreme in the heart of Hiawatha National Forest. These two intimate campsites offer an authentic back-to-nature experience, tucked away beneath a canopy of majestic hardwoods and towering pines. With the pristine 40-acre Leg Lake as your backyard, you'll discover why seasoned campers treasure this off-the-beaten-path destination for its remarkable solitude and unspoiled beauty. Far from the crowds, this is where you'll find the peaceful wilderness retreat you've been searching for.
Leg Lake Campsites are rustic and primitive, offering just two designated sites. These are suited for visitors seeking a minimalist camping experience in a natural forest setting. The sites are categorized as dispersed, with no hookups or modern facilities.
Weather and SeasonsPlan your wilderness adventure between May and October, when Leg Lake reveals its most inviting personality. These prime months bring comfortable temperatures perfect for hiking and paddling, with predominantly dry conditions ideal for campfire gatherings under starlit skies. As autumn approaches, the surrounding hardwoods burst into brilliant colors, creating a photographer's paradise. Winter transforms the landscape into a snow-dusted wonderland, though freezing temperatures and overcast skies make this season best suited for the most intrepid cold-weather enthusiasts.
ElevationElevation details are not provided for the campground.
Natural Features and SceneryImmerse yourself in the timeless beauty of Michigan's northwoods, where ancient hardwoods mingle with evergreen pines to create a living cathedral above your campsite. Both sites enjoy coveted waterfront locations, offering unobstructed access to Leg Lake's mirror-like waters. Wake to mist rising off the lake at dawn, spend afternoons watching eagles soar overhead, and fall asleep to the gentle lapping of waves against the shore. This pristine forest sanctuary showcases nature at its most authentic, from the delicate wildflowers dotting the forest floor to the majestic trees that have stood sentinel here for generations.
Geological RegionLeg Lake Campsites rest within the remarkable ecosystem of Hiawatha National Forest, where the ancient geological forces of the Upper Peninsula have sculpted a landscape of gentle hills, pristine lakes, and dense woodlands. This region's unique blend of hardwood forests and pine groves creates diverse habitats surrounding numerous small inland lakes. The area's glacial history is evident in the crystal-clear waters and the rolling terrain that provides both shelter and scenic vistas, making it a perfect representation of Michigan's untamed northern wilderness.
Campsite details
AccessibilityThere is no specific information about accessibility features at Leg Lake Campsites. Site 2 is noted to have limited turn-around space, making it less suitable for trailers.
Sites SizeSite 1 is described as a large, semi-open area suitable for family gatherings or groups with trailers, while Site 2 is small and heavily wooded, appropriate for a single family.
Sites PrivacySite 1 is semi-open, offering moderate privacy, whereas Site 2 is more secluded and wooded, providing greater privacy for campers.
Total Campsites2 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSite 1 is recommended for group camping or trailer setups due to its size and semi-open layout. Site 2 is ideal for families but not recommended for trailers due to limited turn-around space.
Best CampsitesSite 1 is highly rated for its spaciousness and quiet environment (e.g., "Very large and quiet campsite (#1)" – Gina P, "Great spot! Plenty of room" – Holly J).
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
11:00 AM
Check-out
12:00 PM
Stay Limit
14 days during a visit at this campground.
Guests Allowed Per Site
- Site 1: Max 24 people
- Site 2: Max 8 people.
Groups
Site 1 is suitable for group camping, with a capacity of up to 24 people and space for trailers. Site 2, however, is designed for individual families and has a maximum capacity of eight people.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutSite 1: Large, semi-open area suitable for group camping. Site 2: Small, wooded area with limited turn-around space.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen May 15, 2025, and closes October 9, 2025. Reservations start June 21, 2025.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made on Recreation.gov using the website, app, or via their contact center.
Walk-in AvailabilityCampsites are reservable in advance. Walk-up availability is not explicitly mentioned, but the pack-in, pack-out policy indicates preparedness for self-sufficiency is essential.
Cancellation PolicyCancellations can be made any time before the scheduled arrival date with a $10 cancellation fee and reservation fee deduction. Late cancellations start at midnight before the scheduled check-in and incur additional penalties.
Accomodation available
GroupGroup campsites are offered for larger parties such as families, schools, or organizations. These sites provide space and facilities to accommodate multiple people camping together.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Firewood available
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
The activities at Leg Lake Campsites are centered around enjoying the outdoors, with options for swimming, fishing, berry picking, and boating. The authoritative source highlights, 'Visitors will be able to enjoy swimming, berry picking, and fishing at these dispersed campsites,' with fishing opportunities including northern pike, largemouth bass, and bluegills. There is also a small boat launch adjacent to site 2.
Fishing
Leg Lake offers excellent fishing for northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappies, bluegills, and occasionally yellow perch and bullheads. A user review notes that site 2, located near the boat launch, sees a lot of activity from anglers.Swimming
Swimming is available, with site 1 featuring a good swimming area. However, it is noted that the swimming area is lower than the campsite and not visible from it.Boating
An unimproved boat access point is located adjacent to site 2, intended for day use. Only small boats and trailers are recommended due to the rustic nature of the access.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife viewing opportunities include turtles nesting at site 1, as noted in a user review. Campers may also observe the natural fauna of the surrounding forest.Winter Activities
There is no information about winter activities directly at Leg Lake Campsites.Water Sports
Canoeing, kayaking, and other non-motorized water sports are possible on the lake, though no specific facilities are mentioned.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Campers can collect dead and down firewood from the area surrounding the campsite. Transporting firewood from outside the area is prohibited to prevent invasive species.
Hazards
General hazardsThe area is known for heavy bug activity based on user reviews (e.g., "The bugs were horrible – left early" – Ted F). Limited turn-around space for trailers at site 2.
Weather forecast
60
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 53%
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
Emergency services are not explicitly located on-site. For local inquiries, contact Rapid River/Manistique Ranger District at 906-474-6442 or 906-387-2512.
Good to know
Peak season datesMay 15 - October 9, 2025
Trash and recyclingThere is no formal trash or recycling service. Campers are required to adhere to the pack-in, pack-out policy.
Proximity to water featuresCampsites are located directly on Leg Lake, a 40-acre lake known for fishing and swimming opportunities.
Common complaintsBug activity is a recurring issue (e.g., "The bugs were horrible – left early" – Ted F). Site 2 proximity to the boat launch may result in less privacy (e.g., "Site was pretty busy with people fishing and site is very close to the boat launch" – Tammy G).
Campground Map
Rapid River/Manistique Ranger District, 8181 US HWY 2, Rapid River, MI 49878, USA
Driving directionsFrom Cooks (about 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 13.3 miles to FR 2697. Turn left (west) and drive to site 2 or to get to site 1, turn left (west) off CR 437 at about 13.2 miles on FR 2438 and drive 0.7 mile to reach site 1.
The roads leading to the campsites are forest roads. While accessible, site 2 is not recommended for trailers due to limited turn-around space. There is unimproved boat access adjacent to site 2 intended for day use only.Nearby places
Cooks (about 12 miles west of Manistique or 24 miles east of Rapid River).
Nearby supplies
Gasoline, groceries, fishing and camping supplies, ice, and deli are available approximately two miles south on County Road 437 in the Thunder Lake area.
Camper Reviews
4.0
7 reviews
Leg Lake Campsites is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
Leg Lake Campsites have mixed reviews, ranging from glowing praise for the serene and spacious settings to complaints about bugs and proximity to the boat launch at site 2. The overall sentiment is positive, especially for those seeking solitude and a rustic camping environment.
Review Summaries
Based on 7 reviews
What Campers Love
Users appreciate the quiet and secluded atmosphere, the natural beauty of the lake, and the large size of site 1. Several reviews describe the area as 'peaceful' and 'perfect for group gatherings.'
Based on 7 reviewsCommon Concerns
Complaints include the abundance of bugs during some seasons and the busyness of site 2 due to its proximity to the boat launch.
Based on 7 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Bring bug spray, especially during the summer months. Firewood is readily available for purchase en route to the site. Families or groups should consider site 1 for its size and swimming area, while...
Based on 7 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
Summer months see higher bug activity, but also highlight the nesting turtles as a unique feature during this season. Late summer and early fall may provide a quieter experience with fewer bugs and...
Based on 7 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
1. 'Very peaceful and secluded, took a minute to find because the road wasn't shown on my GPS.' - Craig B.
2. 'The turtles were nesting at the campsite so we had to be very watchful of them but it...
Based on 7 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Site 1: Loved by users for being large and suitable for group camping. Highlights include the spaciousness and the swimming area.
Site 2: Mixed reviews due to its proximity to the boat launch, making...
Based on 7 reviewsShow more
Accessibility Features
No specific accessibility reviews or feedback were provided by users.
Based on 7 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No specific reviews or feedback were provided regarding pets.
Based on 7 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025