Mowe Lake Campsites
04 reviewsRAPID RIVER/MANISTIQUE RANGER DISTRICT, 8181 US HWY 2, Rapid River, MI 49878, USA
Mowe 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
Campground reservations are available at $8 per standard non-electric site during the peak season (May 15–October 9, 2025). No additional fees for electricity or water hookups are applicable as the sites are non-electric.
About this campground
Escape to the tranquil embrace of Mowe Lake Campsites, where the whisper of wind through towering pines and the gentle lap of water against the shore create nature's perfect symphony. Tucked away in the heart of Hiawatha National Forest, this rustic gem offers an authentic back-to-basics camping experience that feels worlds away from the hustle of modern life. Here, minimalist amenities give way to maximum immersion in the wilderness, where days are spent casting lines into the pristine 25-acre lake, filling baskets with wild berries, or simply basking in the profound peace that only untouched forests can provide. For those who measure luxury not in conveniences but in unspoiled natural beauty and soul-restoring solitude, Mowe Lake delivers an experience that lingers long after the campfire embers fade.
Mowe Lake Campsites provide dispersed, rustic camping with minimal facilities. They are suitable for tent camping and small trailers.
Weather and SeasonsFrom mid-May through early October, Mowe Lake transforms into a camper's paradise, with warm summer days perfect for swimming and cool evenings ideal for stargazing around the campfire. The camping season officially runs from May 15 to October 9, when temperatures hover in that sweet spot that makes outdoor living a joy. As autumn approaches, the surrounding hardwoods burst into a spectacular display of reds, oranges, and golds. Winter brings a dramatic transformation, blanketing the landscape in snow and ice, creating a serene but challenging environment that may limit access to this secluded retreat.
ElevationElevation information is not provided.
Natural Features and SceneryImagine waking to shafts of golden sunlight filtering through a cathedral of hardwoods and evergreens, where each campsite feels like its own private woodland sanctuary. The mixed forest creates a tapestry of textures and colors - from the rough bark of ancient pines to the smooth trunks of birch and maple. At the heart of it all lies Mowe Lake, a 25-acre jewel that mirrors the sky and surrounding forest in its calm waters. Early morning mists rise from the lake's surface, creating an ethereal atmosphere that photographers dream about. Wildlife thrives here - watch for deer stepping delicately to the water's edge at dawn, listen for the haunting call of loons at dusk, and keep your eyes peeled for the flash of a great blue heron's wings.
Geological RegionMowe Lake Campsites rest within the vast expanse of Hiawatha National Forest, a landscape sculpted by ancient glaciers and nurtured by centuries of natural succession. This remarkable ecosystem showcases the best of Michigan's Upper Peninsula wilderness, where northern hardwood forests blend seamlessly with stands of white and red pine. The region's numerous small inland lakes, including the campground's namesake Mowe Lake, are geological treasures left behind by retreating ice sheets thousands of years ago. Today, this diverse forest ecosystem supports an intricate web of plant and animal life, from the smallest woodland wildflowers carpeting the forest floor to the majestic trees that have stood sentinel for generations. The result is a camping destination that offers both ecological richness and the kind of profound tranquility that can only be found in places where nature still reigns supreme.
Campsite details
AccessibilityThe access road to the campsites is narrow but can handle moderate-sized vehicles and trailers. Larger setups may encounter difficulty due to dips and tree proximity.
Sites SizeSite 1 measures 60 ft. x 40 ft. and is located in a semi-open area bordered by hardwood trees. Site 2 is slightly smaller but similar in layout.
Sites PrivacyThe campsites are relatively private, but some reviews mentioned the occasional presence of four-wheelers on nearby trails.
Total Campsites2 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSite 1 is semi-open, bordered by hardwood trees, and accommodates one family with a trailer. It measures 60 ft x 40 ft. Site 2 is slightly smaller in size but similar in layout.
Best CampsitesThe campground features only two sites. Both offer proximity to Mowe Lake and suitability for family camping.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Check-in starts at 12:00 PM.
Check-out
Check-out is by 12:00 PM.
Stay Limit
14 days maximum during a visit.
Guests Allowed Per Site
8guests maximum per site.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutThe campground consists of two dispersed campsites located along Mowe Lake, each suitable for one family and trailer.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen May 15, 2025, to October 9, 2025.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made at Recreation.gov or through the contact center.
Walk-in AvailabilityWalk-up availability is not explicitly mentioned, but reservations are highly encouraged.
Cancellation PolicyReservations canceled before the day of arrival will incur a $10 cancellation fee. Late cancellations (after midnight local time the day before) will also forfeit the first night's recreation use fee.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Mowe Lake Campsites provide opportunities for fishing, berry picking, and swimming. The lake is known for its healthy fish population, and reviews praise its quiet and pristine setting.
Hiking
There are horse, bike, and hiking trails within minutes of the campground. Trailheads can be found within a mile of the site.Fishing
Mowe Lake offers fishing for northern pike, largemouth bass, pumpkinseed, and yellow perch. An unimproved access near Site 2 is suitable for small boats and trailers.Swimming
Swimming conditions are described as poor by official sources, but one review mentioned 'decent swimming.'Biking
Biking trails are accessible within a mile of the campground.Boating
The lake has an unimproved back-in access for small boats and trailers. A review noted that it is an 'easy yak put-in.'Winter Activities
No winter activities are explicitly mentioned.Water Sports
Water sports like kayaking and canoeing are supported due to the lake's suitability for small boats.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Campfires are permitted, but wood must be sourced locally and dead/down to minimize ecological impacts.
Hazards
General hazardsPotential hazards include unimproved boat access and narrow roadways. Visitors are advised to be cautious on the boat launch and access roads.
Weather forecast
60
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 54%
Moderately humid conditions
Wind: 10.1 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 include gasoline, groceries, and basic supplies available approximately six miles northwest on Forest Highway 13. Specific emergency facilities like hospitals or police stations are not explicitly mentioned.
Good to know
Peak season datesMay 15, 2025–October 9, 2025.
Trash and recyclingPack-in, Pack-out policy is enforced. Campers must take all trash and recycling with them.
Proximity to water featuresBoth campsites are located directly on Mowe Lake. However, swimming conditions are reported as suboptimal. Fishing is highly recommended.
Common complaintsUser reviews have mentioned issues with privacy due to four-wheeler activity, poorly maintained boat access, and cleanliness of the primitive toilet.
Campground Map
RAPID RIVER/MANISTIQUE RANGER DISTRICT, 8181 US HWY 2, 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 19 miles on Highway 13 to CR 440. Turn right (east) and drive 3.5 miles to FR 2209. Turn right (southeast) on 2209 at the Big Springs North Trailhead and drive 0.4 mile to FR 8104. Turn right (west) and drive about 0.6 mile to the campsites.
The access road to the campsites is narrow but capable of handling moderate-sized vehicles and trailers. Seasonal closures are not mentioned, but larger trailers might face challenges due to dips and proximity to trees.Nearby places
Rapid River (14 miles, approximately 20 minutes), Munising (approximately 30 miles), Manistique (approximately 25 miles)
Nearby supplies
Gasoline, groceries, fishing and camping supplies, boat rentals, ice, MDNR licenses, deli, and restaurants are available approximately six miles northwest on Forest Highway 13.
Camper Reviews
0.0
4 reviews
Mowe Lake Campsites has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
Mowe Lake Campsites are praised for their quiet, rustic setting and good fishing opportunities; however, some complaints include the poor condition of the boat launch and lack of cleaning for the bathroom.
Review Summaries
Based on 4 reviews
What Campers Love
Users appreciated the quiet lake, the pristine setting, and the decent swimming and kayaking opportunities. One review described it as a 'beautiful quiet lake.'
Based on 4 reviewsCommon Concerns
Complaints include four-wheelers using the access road as a trail, an unsafe boat launch, and unclean bathroom facilities.
Based on 4 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Bring your own drinking water as none is provided. Ensure you have appropriate footwear for navigating the boat launch.
Based on 4 reviewsSeasonal Insights
The campground is open from mid-May to early October, with several reviews highlighting the pristine lake setting during the summer months.
Based on 4 reviewsCamper Quotes
1. 'Beautiful quiet lake.' - BUZA M, 2021
2. 'Boat launch is absolutely awful! Someone can roll an ankle going down to water!' - SCOTT L, 2022
3. 'Very nice, well-oriented site on pristine lake. Easy...
Based on 4 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Site 1 and Site 2 are similar in layout, with Site 1 being slightly larger. Both sites accommodate one family and a trailer.
Based on 4 reviewsAccessibility Features
The access road is narrow and may be challenging for larger vehicles. One review mentioned navigating a 20-foot trailer successfully but warned of dips and tree proximity.
Based on 4 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025