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Hiawatha/Colwell Lake
Overview
Hiawatha/Colwell Lake is a serene escape located within the Hiawatha National Forest. This campground offers a quintessential Upper Peninsula experience, focusing on natural beauty rather than resort-style luxuries. Situated on the shores of a 145-acre lake, it provides a peaceful setting for RVers who value quiet nights and direct access to the water. The sites are designed to blend seamlessly into the surrounding hardwoods and pines, ensuring privacy and a deep connection to nature.
Location & Surroundings
Located just south of Shingleton, MI, the park is nestled deep within the Hiawatha National Forest. The surrounding landscape is defined by lush forests and the crystal-clear waters of Colwell Lake. This area is a haven for wildlife, where visitors frequently spot loons, bald eagles, and even the occasional moose. The secluded atmosphere makes it feel worlds away from the busy tourist hubs, yet it remains easily accessible for those exploring the central Upper Peninsula.
Amenities & Park Features
The campground features well-spaced sites with hardened gravel pads suitable for various RV sizes. While it emphasizes a rustic experience, guests have access to pressurized water, vault toilets, and a convenient boat launch. One of the standout features is the Colwell Lake Hiking Trail, a two-mile accessible loop that skirts the shoreline. There is also a designated swimming beach and a fishing pier for enjoying the lake’s calm and inviting waters during the summer months.
Nearby Attractions & Things to Do
Its central location serves as an excellent base for exploring Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, which is only a short drive away. Travelers can spend their days hiking to impressive waterfalls or taking boat tours along the Lake Superior coast. Locally, the lake is perfect for paddling and fishing for largemouth bass and northern pike. The nearby Seney National Wildlife Refuge offers additional opportunities for world-class nature photography and birdwatching.
Who This Park Is Best For
This destination is ideal for self-contained RVers who prefer a rustic, forest setting over a commercial park. It is a perfect match for nature lovers, kayakers, and families looking to disconnect from digital distractions and embrace the outdoors. If you appreciate starlit skies and the sound of wind through the trees, this quiet National Forest gem offers the tranquil Michigan retreat you are seeking for your next adventure.
Amenities
- Recreational Facilities
- Policies
- Other Amenities & Services
- Facility
- Hunting Nearby (within 20 miles)
- On-Site Rentals
- Sites
User Reviews
Matt Maes
Beautiful campground. Huge sites, extremely clean bathrooms, and the camp hosts were the absolute best. Highly recommended.
bob reddy
Nice campgrounds, great hosts, very well kept. Beautiful lake.
Gregory Rogers
A packed state forest campground, with couple of ele sites. They also offer a dump station. Problem is they take reservations. So most of sites resv thur-sun. Nice beach
no libera
Really really nice place. Quiet, decent spread out sites Only downside no showers. Has RV dump station. Will absolutely return.
H. Seymour
Best place in the U.P to camp and spend time with family/friends in the summers when we were growing up and a lil as adults! Absolutely love this place and will cherish every memory there❤️
Paivi Oh
Best campground ever! Large sites with space and trees between them. Some have electric hook- ups, not sure about water at sites but you can fill at the dump station. no extra charge. Many of the campsites have direct access to the lake, and all have good, if not direct access. Some sites are first come first served. Colwell also has day use availability with parking. I'm not sure if there is a fee for day use; info on one of my pics. There's a huge day use area; the fishing pier can be used by all. There's a 2.25 walking trail around the lake. It is mostly flat and an easy walk. With camping season over, I still like to go for a walk. No charge to park, and there's a restroom at the trail head. Yay! There's a boat launch area; I don't recall if it's open off season. Watch for the pot holes on your way in! Love this place!
Sean Stevens
This has got to be my absolute favorite place on Earth! The campsites are spacious, and there is enough trees between the sites to give you privacy from your fellow campers. The lake is beautiful, and the host is friendly.
Matt Miltenberger
This was our 4th year going to the UP. We love Colwell Lake Campground. The camp hosts are always friendly and keep the place clean. Absolutely no wifi or cell signal anywhere on the grounds always good fishing(large mouth, Pike, blue gill, crappie, and perch) and better views. The camp sites are huge and always clean! The first 5 sites have electricity. None of the sites are full hookup, and none have water hookups. All of the lake front sites have a personal beach for each site! Great place to relax, unwind, and enjoy the outdoors. No showers, only restrooms. There is no park for the kids, but there is a 2 mile path following the lake. Hope this helps. Have fun and enjoy!
Edith G
Great campground! We had lot 30 its very spacious and beautiful lot that faces the lake. Vault toilets but very clean. Nice beach to swim. We didn't had shore power but oy 22$ a night. Weather was perfect around 75F mid July so no needed AC or heat at night. Mosquitoes was a bit nuts even during the day. So def don't forget the spray or fogger so you can enjoy evening by the fire...Aldo nice 2mile hike or bike around the lake trail. We had a great time and I definitely recommend this place!
Tea Martin
Camp hosts are awesome here. Clean vault toilets and lots of nature to get lost in. Leave the city behind.