About Minerva Lake Campsite
Overview 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 with no drinking water. The rustic environment offers a wonderfully serene and peaceful setting for your next camping experience.Recreation Visitors will be able to enjoy swimming, berry picking, and fishing at these campsites. Licenses are required for fishing in Michigan waters. The 45-acre Minerva Lake contains largemouth bass and perch. This lake has always enjoyed a good reputation for fishing. There is an improved, day use boat access located adjacent to the campsite. It has a gravel base and is recommended for small boats and trailers only. Parking is limited. Swimming conditions are poor. Facilities There is NO primitive toilet or drinking water available at this site. Lake Name: Minerva Lake Number of Sites: 1 Maximum Number of People Per Site: 8 Toilets: No Boat Access: Back-In Lake Size (acres): 45 Natural Features There is one primitive campsite located on Minerva Lake. It is located in a small, semi-open area bordered by hardwood trees and hemlocks. It is 40ft. x 30 ft. and suitable for one family and tents or small trailers due to limited turn-around space. Contact Info For local information, please call (906) 474-6442 or call (906) 387-2512 for general information. Nearby Attractions 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 approximately three miles south on County Road 437 in the Thunder Lake area
How to Get There
From Cooks (about 12 miles west of Manistique or 24 miles east of Rapid River on US-2): drive north 4.4 miles on County Road 442 to CR 437. Turn left (north) on CR 437 and drive 14.4 miles to FR 2767. Turn right (east) and drive 0.25 mile to the campsite. The access road crosses a short, steep hill and is narrow, but still capable of handling moderate sized vehicles.
Driving directions (Google Maps) →What to Pack for Your Stay
Tuned to the live forecast for this park.
👔 What to Wear
- 👕
Long-sleeve shirt
Synthetic or merino, sun-protective.
- 🧥
Light shell or windbreaker
Even on warm days, wind can chill (avg wind 0 mph).
- 👖
Hiking pants or convertible
Layer for variable conditions.
- 🥾
Trail runners or low boots
Comfortable, broken in.
🎒 What to Pack
- 💧
Water
Bring at least 1L of water; more in heat.
- 🍫
High-energy snacks
A snack for the trail.
- 🧴
Sun protection
Sunscreen, sunglasses, brimmed hat.
- 🩹
First-aid kit
Blister patches, ibuprofen, tape, antiseptic wipes.
- 🗺
Offline map
Download your route in advance via Gaia, Caltopo, or OSM-based apps.
Recommendations adapt to the current forecast + trail stats. Use them as a starting point — local conditions, your experience, and the time of day you start all matter.
Plan Your Visit to Minerva Lake Campsite
Heading to Minerva Lake Campsite? A few things to know before you go:
- Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
- Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
- Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
- Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
- Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation for Minerva Lake Campsite?
No central reservation system listed for Minerva Lake Campsite. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/273353) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to Minerva Lake Campsite?
From Cooks (about 12 miles west of Manistique or 24 miles east of Rapid River on US-2): drive north 4.4 miles on County Road 442 to CR 437. Turn left (north) on CR 437 and drive 14.4 miles to FR 2767. Turn right (east) and drive 0.25 mile to the campsite. The access road crosses a short, steep hill and is narrow, but still capable of handling moderate sized vehicles.
How do I contact Minerva Lake Campsite?
You can reach the park at phone: 906-474-6442 OR 906-387-2512.
References & Official Resources
