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Council Lake Campsites

MI

Dispersed camping — conditions change

Fire restrictions, road washouts, and seasonal closures are common on public lands. Confirm current rules with the managing agency (BLM/USFS field office) before traveling. Practice Leave No Trace.

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Dispersed Area Free · No reservation USFS · USFS Dispersed Camping

What is dispersed camping?

Dispersed camping is primitive camping on public land outside of developed campgrounds. There are no facilities — no toilets (usually), no water, no trash service, no marked sites. You may camp anywhere within the area, usually for free, subject to the agency's rules below. Pack everything out, follow Leave No Trace, and check current conditions with the land manager before you go.

Dispersed camping permitted on this Forest Service unit subject to current Forest Orders, MVUM, and fire restrictions. Verify rules with the managing ranger district before any visit.

USFS Motor Vehicle Use Map required
You must use the Forest Service Motor Vehicle Use Map for this district to identify which roads allow camping. Off-MVUM driving and camping is illegal.

Managing agency: USFS · Hiawatha National Forest
Designation: USFS Dispersed Camping
Max stay: 14 days per location
Distance from water (LNT): 200+ ft

Facilities

✗No toilets — pack out human waste (WAG bag)
✗No water — bring all you'll need

Seasonal notes: Season: May 15 – Columbus Day

Official sources & verification

Managed by Dispersed/Primitive

Verify before you go

Source of truth

Agency source page
The page our published rules and notes are derived from.

Verify by phone or mail

Address:MI

About

The four primitive campsites are located in a mixed stand of hardwood and beech trees on the south shore of Council Lake. There is fishing in Council Lake for yellow perch, rock bass, bluegill, largemouth bass, black crappie, bullhead and northern pike. The 12 acre Council Lake is part of a small chain of lakes and offers excellent canoeing and kayaking. Each campsite has a fire pit. A toilet is located near site #1. Bring your own toilet paper. No drinking water is available. Bring your own or filter or boil lake water to make it safe to drink. Link to Map