Swan Lake Campsites
01 reviewSwan 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
Camping fee is $8 per night per site. Federal Recreation Passes (Golden/America the Beautiful) are accepted.
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About this campground
Discover the crown jewel of Michigan's primitive camping experience at Swan Lake, where adventure seekers find solace in four secluded campsites nestled along the serene Pine Marten Run Trail. This beloved wilderness retreat offers an authentic back-to-nature experience with three strategically placed pit toilets serving the sites. While you'll need to bring your own water supply, the reward is unparalleled access to one of the forest's most pristine destinations, where motorized vehicles are left behind and only the sounds of nature prevail.
Swan Lake Campsites primarily offers primitive camping options with four designated sites accessible by reservation. The area does not support RV hookups or luxury camping accommodations.
Weather and SeasonsTime your visit wisely to make the most of Swan Lake's seasonal personality. From May 15 through Columbus Day, the campground transforms into a warm-weather paradise perfect for hiking, biking, and lakeside relaxation. Outside these peak months, winter's embrace brings a blanket of snow and crisp temperatures that paint the landscape in dramatic whites and blues. Summer visitors enjoy long days filled with sunshine and comfortable temperatures ideal for exploring every corner of this natural wonderland.
Natural Features and SceneryImmerse yourself in the breathtaking beauty of a 52-acre wilderness lake that mirrors the sky and surrounding forest canopy. Ancient trees frame winding trails that beckon hikers, mountain bikers, and equestrians alike to explore this untouched corner of Michigan's Upper Peninsula. The crystal-clear waters of Swan Lake create a natural amphitheater of tranquility, where morning mists dance across the surface and evening light transforms the landscape into a photographer's dream.
Geological RegionNestled within the vast expanse of Hiawatha National Forest, Swan Lake represents a pristine 52-acre aquatic gem in Michigan's Upper Peninsula wilderness. This motor-free sanctuary showcases the region's characteristic northern forest ecosystem, where ancient geological forces have carved out a perfect basin now filled with some of the clearest water in the national forest system.
Campsite details
AccessibilityNo specific information on accessibility features is provided.
Sites SizeNo specific information about campsite sizes is available.
Sites PrivacyUser reviews suggest that privacy varies by site. 'Site 2 is slightly separated from sites 3 and 4,' wrote one reviewer, while noting that 'sites 3 and 4 are not really separated.'
Total Campsites4 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSite 2 is noted for its separation from other sites and flat terrain. Sites 3 and 4 lack separation, minimizing privacy.
Best CampsitesUser mentions 'Site 2' as being flat with great lake views.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
2PM
Check-out
11 AM
Stay Limit
14 days
Groups
No specific information about group sites is available.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutFour sites: Site 1 located north on FR 2258 and 2013; Sites 2-4 clustered along FR 2258 and 2725.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen May 15 - Columbus Day. Closed Columbus Day - May 15.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through www.recreation.gov or by calling 877-444-6777.
Walk-in AvailabilityCamping is by reservation only. Walk-ins are not permitted.
Amenities available
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
The campground offers a range of outdoor activities centered around its location by Swan Lake and the Pine Marten Run Trail. Activities include hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, swimming, and fishing. User reviews highlight the appeal of 'great trail access for hiking.'
Hiking
Hiking is available along the Pine Marten Run Trail, which is also open to mountain biking and horseback riding. The trail is non-motorized and provides scenic access to the area.Fishing
Swan Lake offers fishing opportunities for large and smallmouth bass, bluegills, and pumpkinseeds. Official sources describe it as 'a good fishery.'Swimming
Swimming areas are described as excellent. User reviews confirm this, with one reviewer noting the appeal of the lake for various recreational activities.Biking
Mountain biking is permitted on the Pine Marten Run Trail, which is non-motorized and shared with other activities like horseback riding and hiking.Boating
Non-motorized boating is supported at the lake. However, there is no dedicated boat ramp at sites 2-4, and users must carry boats in or drive to the ramp at Site 1. A reviewer noted, 'No boat ramp here, but you can carry a boat in.'Winter Activities
No information on winter activities is provided.Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports such as kayaking and canoeing can be enjoyed at the lake.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
Hazards
General hazardsLimited amenities (no potable water, no boat ramp). Be prepared for primitive conditions.
Weather forecast
60
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 55%
Moderately humid conditions
Wind: 9.5 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
Good to know
Peak season datesMay 15 - Columbus Day
Trash and recyclingNo information is provided about trash or recycling facilities.
Proximity to water featuresDirect access to Swan Lake (52 acres). Ideal for non-motorized boating, swimming, and fishing.
Common complaintsNo potable water or drinking water. Limited privacy between sites 3 and 4.
Campground Map
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 2.7 miles to FR 2258. Turn left (north) on 2258 and drive 0.25 mile to FR 2725. Sites 2-4 are about 0.75 mile on 2725. To reach site #1 drive about 1.3 miles north on 2258 to FR 2013. Turn right (east) on 2013 and drive about 0.7 mile to site #1.
Access involves unpaved roads (FR 2258, FR 2725, and FR 2013). Seasonal access may be impacted as the site is open only from May 15 to Columbus Day.Nearby places
Rapid River (14 miles east, ~19 miles north from US-2 intersection)
Camper Reviews
0.0
1 reviews
Swan Lake Campsites has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
Users generally commend the area's natural beauty, affordability, and accessibility for outdoor activities. Privacy varies by site, and the lack of amenities is noted.
Review Summaries
Based on 1 reviews
What Campers Love
Reviewers appreciate the scenic views of Swan Lake, the affordability ($8 per night), and outdoor activities such as hiking and swimming. 'Very pretty, flat, and inexpensive! The perfect trio,' one...
Based on 1 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
The campground lacks basic amenities such as drinking water, flush toilets, and a boat ramp at most sites. 'No drinking water' and 'no boat ramp' were commonly mentioned.
Based on 1 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Bring your own drinking water and firewood. Consider Site 2 for better privacy and lake views. Carry boats to the lake if at sites 2-4, or use the boat ramp at Site 1.
Based on 1 reviewsSeasonal Insights
The site is open from May 15 to Columbus Day, and users highlight the relatively mild weather during this period. However, the competition for permits increases during peak summer months.
Based on 1 reviewsCamper Quotes
1. 'These campsites are very pretty, flat, and inexpensive! The perfect trio.' 2. 'Site 2 is slightly separated from sites 3 and 4 and has a great view of the lake.' 3. 'No boat ramp here, but you...
Based on 1 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Site 2 is described as flat, private, and scenic, making it a favored choice. Sites 3 and 4 are closer together and lack separation.
Based on 1 reviewsAccessibility Features
No user reviews specifically addressing accessibility features are available.
Based on 1 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No user reviews addressing pet policies or features are available.
Based on 1 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025