Soldier Lake
A quiet, relaxing campground with campsites nestled in the pines surrounding Soldier Lake in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. The campground provides a feeling of remoteness but is still close to roads that lead to some of the best sightseeing the area has to offer.
Some sites take reservations on Recreation.gov. Others are first-come, first-served.
More like this: first-come in Michigan · reservable in Michigan · big rigs in Michigan · pets allowed in Michigan
Check availability on Recreation.gov ↗
Site mix
| Standard, no hookups | 44 |
Site guide
Will my RV fit
The longest site here provides 75 feet of vehicle capacity. Most sites are shorter.
44 sites. Tap a filter to narrow the list; the map follows.
| Site | Entry | Fits, ft | Surface | Shade | People / vehicles |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | Back-in | 35 | Gravel | Full | 8 / 1 |
| 02 | Back-in | 30 | Gravel | Full | 8 / 1 |
| 03 | Back-in | 75 | Gravel | Full | 8 / 1 |
| 04 | Back-in | 45 | Gravel | Full | 8 / 1 |
| 05 | Back-in | 30 | Gravel | Full | 8 / 1 |
| 06 | Back-in | 30 | Gravel | Full | 8 / 1 |
| 07 | Back-in | 30 | Gravel | Full | 8 / 1 |
| 08 | Back-in | 30 | Gravel | Full | 8 / 1 |
| 09 | Back-in | 30 | Gravel | Full | 8 / 1 |
| 10 | Back-in | 30 | Gravel | Full | 8 / 1 |
Per-site records as published by the managing agency on Recreation.gov. Blank cells mean the agency listed nothing for that site. Check-in 02:00 PM, checkout 12:00 PM.
Amenities & rules
| Hookups | None |
| Max vehicle length | 75 ft |
| Equipment | RVs & trailers, Tents |
| Pets | Allowed |
| Fees | Check-in time is anytime after 2 pm. Early arrivals will be charged for the previous day. |
The rustic campground offers shaded single-family sites for tent and RV camping. Each site is equipped with a table and a campfire ring. Vault toilets and drinking water are provided. No hookups are available. The campground also has two large day-use picnic areas with tables and grills. A sheltered picnic area is equipped with a fireplace. The picnic area has vault toilets and drinking water.
Individual sites vary. Confirm on Recreation.gov or with the managing office.
Season & status
| Status | Closed for the season. Forest Service sites close for the season; check the official page for the reopening date. |
| Season | May 23 to September 14 |
| Forest | Hiawatha National Forest |
| Fees | Site Fee $22 - Day Fee $6.00 - Federal Recreation Passes (Golden/America the Beautiful) are accepted. |
Weather by month
Getting there
23998 M-28 Raco Michigan 49715. From Sault Ste. Marie, take I-75 approximately 8 miles south to Exit 386. Turn right onto M-28 and travel 21.5 miles west to Forest Road 3138. Turn left and continue less than a mile to the campground.
| Nearest town | St. Ignace, Michigan |
| Coordinates | 46.3506° N, 84.8683° W · Directions ↗ |
Charges and cancellations
Please cancel 7 days in advance for reservation sites. Reservation sites cannot be transferred to walk-in sites.
Supplies & services
| Dump station | Dump station ↗ | 15.5 mi |
| Outdoor gear | Bird's Eye Outfitters ↗ | 27 mi |
Locations © OpenStreetMap contributors. Call ahead; hours change seasonally.
Explore
Video
Soldier Lake Campground
Trails nearby
- 0.1 miSoldier Lk/Nct Connector0.1 mi trail · hiking, horse, bike
- 4.8 miStrongs - Soo ORV Route ↗20.7 mi trail · hiking, horse, bike, motorcycle and 3 more
- 4.9 miMcNearney Ski-B0.5 mi trail · snowshoe, ski
- 5 miMcNearney Ski-A ↗5.9 mi trail · snowshoe, ski
- 5 miMcNearney Ski-C0.9 mi trail · snowshoe, ski
Trail and trailhead records are the Forest Service's. Distances are straight-line to the nearer trail end. Trail conditions are not tracked here.
Public land it sits in
Delirium Wilderness begins about 6.1 miles away, and it is the closest of these.
- 6.1 miDelirium Wilderness ↗Wilderness · Forest Service · 11,951 acres
Each unit is published as a centre point and an acreage rather than a boundary, so this section stands it in for a circle of the same area. Whether a campground is inside, and how far it is from one it is outside, are both approximate.
Other campgrounds nearby
On the National Register nearby
- M-28–Tahquamenon River BridgeStructure · Chippawa Township · 4.3 mi
- Point Iroquois Light StationBuilding · Brimley · 14.6 mi
Natural features
The campground surrounds 15-acre Soldier Lake. A scenic forest of pine, aspen and maple trees covers the area.
Recreation
Non-motorized boating is allowed on Soldier Lake. Swimming is also a popular activity. Two sandy beaches are found within the campground and day use areas. The North Country National Scenic Trail, which winds through several northern states, can be accessed from the day use area.
Nearby
The closest town is Strongs, 7 miles west. Services available include a fuel station, restaurants, and a general store.
Guidebooks for Hiawatha National Forest and Michigan
We earn a small commission if you buy through these links. It does not change what we list.
- Field Guide Hiawatha National Forest Ecological Classification SystemGreg Kudray, 2019Find at Bookshop.org
Titles come from Open Library's catalog, matched by subject heading or by title.
Reference
Questions people ask
Do I need a reservation at Soldier Lake?
For some sites. Some sites take reservations on Recreation.gov. Others are first-come, first-served.
Source: Recreation.gov
How much does it cost to camp at Soldier Lake?
Check-in time is anytime after 2 pm. Early arrivals will be charged for the previous day.
Source: Recreation.gov
What time is check-in at Soldier Lake?
Check-in 02:00 PM, checkout 12:00 PM.
Source: Recreation.gov
Is Soldier Lake open right now?
Closed for the season as of Oct 16, 2026. Season May 23 to September 14.
Source: Forest Service status
How many sites does Soldier Lake have?
44 sites, including 44 standard sites without power.
Source: Recreation.gov
Will my RV fit at Soldier Lake?
The longest site here provides 75 feet of vehicle capacity. Most sites are shorter. The sidebar tool checks a trailer or motorhome length against every site.
Source: Will my RV fit
Are pets allowed at Soldier Lake?
Yes, pets are allowed at Soldier Lake. Leash rules apply.
Source: Recreation.gov
Is there cell service at Soldier Lake?
FCC coverage maps show AT&T 5G at the campground point. Terrain changes that from one site to the next.
Source: FCC Broadband Map
What is there to do at Soldier Lake?
Non-motorized boating is allowed on Soldier Lake. The Recreation section on this page has the rest.
Source: Recreation
What is the nearest town to Soldier Lake?
St. Ignace, Michigan. The closest town is Strongs, 7 miles west.
Source: Getting there
What if Soldier Lake is full?
The nearest public campgrounds are Three Lakes (5.7 mi, partly first-come), Bay View (8.7 mi, partly first-come), and Monocle Lake (13.8 mi, partly first-come).
Source: Campgrounds nearby