Swan Lake Campsites

Area Status: Open

Swan Lake (52 acres) is the most popular lake in the primitive campsite program, so getting a permit to camp can be quite competitive! All four campsites are located on the non-motorized Pine Marten Run Trail, which is open to hiking, mountain biking and horse back riding. There are three primitive toilets available, but no drinking water. All campsites on Swan Lake have excellent swimming areas. Swan Lake offers a good fishery for large and smallmouth bass, bluegills and pumpkinseeds.

At a Glance

Current Conditions: Reservations through Columbus Day. No services/no reservations/no fees after that time Columbus Day through May 15.
Operational Hours: Beginning May, 2022
  • Check-in Time: 2 pm
  • Check-out Time: 11 am
Reservations: Reserve Swan Lake sites and view an interactive map at https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/273361
Fees: Camping fee is $8 per night per site. Federal Recreation Passes (Golden/America the Beautiful) are accepted. 
Permit Info: Camping at Swan Lake is by reservation only. Walk ins are not allowed. These sites may be reserved for up to 14 days. Reservations are made on our national recreation reservation system. To check availability of the campsites or to make a reservation, call 877-444-6777 or go to www.recreation.gov .
Open Season: May 15 - Columbus Day
Water: None

General Information

Directions:

From 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.


Recreation Map

Map showing recreational areas. Map Information

Activities

Campground Camping

There are four primitive campsites located on Swan lake. Site #1 is located on a small hill overlooking the west shore of the lake. Access is on FR-2013. This site is 60 ft. by 30 ft. and is suitable for one family. Trailers are not recommended unless they are set up in the parking area at the base of the knoll. Site #2 is on the southwest side of the lake and is 65 ft. by 50 ft. This site is level and suitable for two families and small trailers. Turn-around space is limited. Site #3 is a nice, level area 65 ft. by 35 ft. This site can accommodate two families and trailers. Site #4 is a small site, 40 ft. by 35 ft., suitable for one family. Trailers are not recommended at this site because the ground is not level. There is a primitive toilet located on the southwest side of the lake that serves sites #2, #3 and #4.

Lake and Pond Fishing

Swan Lake is 52 acres. There is a very good unimproved boat access with ample turn-around and parking space at site #1. Boat access at other sites is by carry-in only.

Fish Species Smallmouth bass,Bluegill

Day Hiking

Swan Lake has access to the Pine Marten Run Hiking/Horseback Riding Trail.

Horse Camping

Horse Friendly Campground

Boating - Non-Motorized

There is a very good unimproved boat access with ample turn-around and parking space at site #1. Boat access at other sites is by carry-in only.

Difficulty Level: Easy

Swimming

All campsites on Swan Lake have excellent swimming areas. These sites, however, have not been checked for possible hazards, so caution should be exercised. Lifeguards are not present. Children should be accompanied in the water by an adult at all times.

Related Information

Recreation Areas

Recreation Activities

Location

 
  Latitude : 
46.172152

  Longitude : 
-86.588838