Swan Lake Campsites

The Munising and Rapid River/Manistique Ranger Districts of the Hiawatha National Forest offer a variety of camping experiences. Many are located on inland lakes in a rustic forest environment with no drinking water — a wonderfully serene and peaceful setting for your next camping experience. Swan Lake is the most popular lake in the designated campsite program, so getting a permit to camp here can be quite competitive. All four campsites are located on the non-motorized Pine Marten Run Trail and horse camping is allowed — two horses at sites 1 and 2, four at site 3 and six at site 4. Site 1 is located on a small hill overlooking the west shore and is isolated from the other three campsites; it is 60 by 30 feet and suitable for one family, and trailers are not recommended unless they are set up in the parking area at the base of the knoll. The public boat launch is located near this site, so campers may have boaters accessing the lake. Site 2 is on the southwest side, 65 by 50 feet, level and suitable for two families and small trailers, though turn-around space is very limited. Site 3 is a nice level area, 65 by 35 feet, that can accommodate two families and trailers. Site 4 is 80 by 70 feet and suitable for two families. Sites 3 and 4 are adjacent to one another and can be reserved together to accommodate larger groups. If you have site 3, please do not block the access road to site 2. There are three primitive toilets available — at sites 1 and 2, and between sites 3 and 4 — but no drinking water. Site 1 is limited to eight people, sites 2 through 4 to 16. Visitors will be able to enjoy swimming, berry picking and fishing; licenses are required for fishing in Michigan waters. All campsites on the 169-acre lake have excellent swimming areas, and Swan Lake offers a good fishery for large and smallmouth bass, bluegills and pumpkinseeds. All sites have access to the Pine Marten Run trail system, and there are a number of horse, bike and hiking trails within minutes of several of the sites; a short distance away visitors can expect to find bait shops, general and grocery stores, gas, a pay phone, trailheads, a fishing pier, biking, and kayak/canoe rentals.