Lyman 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. The rustic environment offers a wonderfully serene and peaceful setting for your next camping experience.
More like this: reservable in Michigan · big rigs in Michigan · pets allowed in Michigan
Check availability on Recreation.gov ↗
Site mix
| Standard, no hookups | 10 |
Site guide
Will my RV fit
The longest site here provides 40 feet of vehicle capacity. Most sites are shorter.
10 sites. Tap a filter to narrow the list; the map follows.
| Site | Entry | Fits, ft | Shade | Waterfront | People / vehicles | Fires | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 001 | Pull-through | 24 | Partial | Lakefront | 8 / 2 | Yes | Basic |
| 002 | Pull-through | 20 | Partial | Lakefront | 16 / 4 | Yes | Preferred |
| 003 | Pull-through | 40 | Partial | Lakefront | 16 / 4 | Yes | Prime |
| 004 | Pull-through | 30 | Partial | Lakefront | 16 / 4 | Yes | Prime |
| 005 | Pull-through | 40 | Partial | Lakefront | 24 / 6 | Yes | Prime |
| 006 | Pull-through | 24 | Partial | Lakefront | 16 / 4 | Yes | Standard |
| 007 | Pull-through | 24 | Partial | Lakefront | 8 / 2 | Yes | Standard |
| 008 | Pull-through | 30 | Partial | Lakefront | 16 / 4 | Yes | Prime |
| 009 | Pull-through | 24 | Partial | Lakefront | 16 / 4 | Yes | Preferred |
| 010 | Pull-through | 24 | Partial | Lakefront | 8 / 2 | Yes | Preferred |
Per-site records as published by the managing agency on Recreation.gov. Blank cells mean the agency listed nothing for that site. Check-in 2:00 PM, checkout 12:00 PM.
Amenities & rules
| Hookups | None |
| Max vehicle length | 40 ft |
| Equipment | RVs & trailers, Tents |
| Pets | Allowed |
| Campfires | Allowed, subject to restrictions |
- There is NO drinking water available.
- Primitive toilets can be found at several of the campsites.
- Lake Name: Lyman Lake
- Number of Sites: 10
- Maximum number of people per site:
- Sites 1, 7, 10 (8)
- Sites 2-4, 6, 8, 9 (16)
- Site 5 (24)
- Toilets: Yes Sites 3,4,5,8, and 9
- Boat Access: Back-In, Public access launch in-between sites 6 and 7
- Lake Size (acres): 67
Individual sites vary. Confirm on Recreation.gov or with the managing office.
Season & status
| Status | Open |
| Season | May 15 to Columbus Day |
| Forest | Hiawatha National Forest |
| Booking | Reserve Lyman Lake sites and view an interactive map at https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/273358 |
| Fees | Camping fee is $8 per night per site. Federal Recreation Passes (Golden/America the Beautiful) are accepted. |
Weather by month
Getting there
Primary access is off Forest Roads 2218 and 2436, with secondary access depending on which site is chosen. From the Intersection of US-2 and Forest Highway 13 (about 14 miles east of Rapid River): drive north 8.4 miles on Highway 13 to CR 442. Turn right (east) and drive 8 miles to FR 2218.
| Nearest town | Rapid River, Michigan |
| Coordinates | 46.0697° N, 86.5306° W · Directions ↗ |
Supplies & services
| Dump station | Dump station ↗ | 27 mi |
| RV sales & service | Hilltop RV Superstore ↗ | 33.1 mi |
Locations © OpenStreetMap contributors. Call ahead; hours change seasonally.
Explore
Video
Lyman Lake Campground Review
Trails nearby
- 1.4 miVan Winkle Trail2.2 mi trail · hiking, horse, bike
- 2.3 miMurphy Creek Trail ↗16.1 mi trail · snowmobile, snowshoe, ski
- 4.4 mi440 Trailhead2 mi trail · snowmobile, snowshoe, ski
- 4.9 miCamel Riders2.5 mi trail · snowmobile, 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
This campground sits inside Hiawatha National Forest.
- inHiawatha National Forest ↗National Forest · Forest Service · 1,300,321 acres
- 8.7 miBig Island Lake Wilderness ↗Wilderness · Forest Service · 5,268 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
Cabin and lookout rentals nearby
Natural features
- Lyman Lake has 10 campsites lining its shores, which can make this lake very busy! Each campsite has its own set of specific features.
- Sites 2,3,5,8, and 9 all had rock work and split rail done to them to bring back the edges of the site.
- Site 1 is on a small, wooded area, 35 ft x 25 ft and has good road access. This site is suitable for one family and a small trailer. Access to the lake is steep, but a stairway is provided.
- Site 2 is a level area that measures 40 ft x 30 ft in size and is suitable for two families and trailers. Access to the lake is steep, but a stairway is provided.
- Site 3 is on an open area, 75ft x 70 ft and is suitable for two families with trailers.
- Site 4 is 40 ft x 40 ft and very wooded. This site can accomodate two families with trailers, but turn-around space is very limited.
- Site 5 is a large area that measures 75 ft x 50 ft. and has good road access. It is suitable for three families and trailers.
- Site 6 is a large area that measures 75 ft x 60 ft. The ground slopes, making it difficult for trailers. This site is suitable for two families. Turning radius is very limited.
- Site 7 is 45 ft x 35 ft and is on a slope. It is suitable for one family. Tents are recommended at this site.
- Site 8 is wooded, 55 ft x 35 ft, and is situated on a hill overlooking Lyman Lake. The site is level and suitable for two families and trailers.
- Site 9 is wooded, 80 ft x 40 ft and on a hill overlooking Lyman Lake. The site is level and suitable for two families and trailers. There is limited turn-around space.
- Site 10 is in a wooded area, 50 ft x 30 ft, and overlooks Lyman Lake. It is isolated from the other campsites and has a seperate access road. This site is suitable for one family.
Recreation
- Visitors will be able to enjoy swimming, berry picking, and fishing at these campsites. Licenses are required for fishing in Michigan waters.
- Lyman Lake supports a diverse fishery of bluegills, pumpkinseeds, rock bass, largemouth bass and northern pike. There is a back-in boat access, with parking, located between sites 6 and 7.
- Swimming conditions vary based on site choice.
- Good swimming areas can be found at sites 3 and 5.
- Sites 4 and 6 have fair swimming areas.
- Sites 1, 2, 7, 8, 9 and 10 have poor swimming areas.
Nearby
There are a number of horse, bike, and hiking trails within minutes of several of the sites. In over a mile from these campsites, visitors can expect to find: bait shops, general and grocery stores, gas, a pay phone, trailheads, a fishing pier, biking, and kayak/canoe rentals. Groceries, gasoline, fishing and camping supplies, ice and deli are available seven miles northeast on County Road 437 in the Thunder Lake area.
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 Lyman Lake Campsites?
Sites at Lyman Lake Campsites are reservable on Recreation.gov. Reserve Lyman Lake sites and view an interactive map at https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/273358 Any walk-up sites are listed on the booking page.
Source: Recreation.gov
How much does it cost to camp at Lyman Lake Campsites?
Camping fee is $8 per night per site. Federal Recreation Passes (Golden/America the Beautiful) are accepted.
Source: Recreation.gov
What time is check-in at Lyman Lake Campsites?
Check-in 2:00 PM, checkout 12:00 PM.
Source: Recreation.gov
Is Lyman Lake Campsites open right now?
Open as of Oct 16, 2026. Season May 15 to Columbus Day.
Source: Forest Service status
How many sites does Lyman Lake Campsites have?
10 sites, including 10 standard sites without power.
Source: Recreation.gov
Will my RV fit at Lyman Lake Campsites?
The longest site here provides 40 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 Lyman Lake Campsites?
Yes, pets are allowed at Lyman Lake Campsites. Leash rules apply.
Source: Recreation.gov
Can I have a campfire at Lyman Lake Campsites?
Fires are allowed in the provided rings under normal conditions.
Source: Recreation.gov
What is there to do at Lyman Lake Campsites?
Visitors will be able to enjoy swimming, berry picking, and fishing at these campsites. Licenses are required for fishing in Michigan waters. The Recreation section on this page has the rest.
Source: Recreation
What is the nearest town to Lyman Lake Campsites?
Rapid River, Michigan. There are a number of horse, bike, and hiking trails within minutes of several of the sites.
Source: Getting there
What if Lyman Lake Campsites is full?
The nearest public campgrounds are Jackpine Lake Campsites (0.8 mi), Gooseneck Lake Campsites (0.8 mi), and Carr Lake Campsite (1.2 mi).
Source: Campgrounds nearby