Colwell Lake Trail

Colwell Lake Trail

Trail Distance:

2.1 miles with one loop.

Colwell Lake Campground and Recreation Area

The Colwell Lake Recreation Area is located in Schoolcraft County, Michigan, approximately 20 miles southeast of Munising, 25 miles northwest of Manistique and 60 northeast of Rapid River. The area lies adjacent to State Highway M-94 and FR-2246.

Colwell lake is 145 acres with an excellent swimming beach and boat access. Camping, fishing, picnicking and hiking are other popular recreation activities at Colwell Lake.

Renovated in 1993, the area meets most current Americans with Disabilities Act Guidelines. Electricity, water hydrants, a dump station, picnic ground, lakeside path, and skid pier have been added.

Camping

The campground consists of 35 individual family sites, five have electric RV hook-ups, fire ring, lantern post and tent pad. Toilets and water hydrants are conveniently spaced throughout the campground.

Group Site

Group site is available for those wishing to camp together. Reservations must be made for the group site.

Picnic Area

The picnic area is located adjacent to the swimming beach. Pedestal grills and tables for individual families or small groups are provided.

Hiking

The Colwell Lake Trail begins at the boat launch parking lot. This natural surface, nature trail is 1.6 miles long and crosses through a variety of northern hardwood stands and wetlands. The trail has several areas where stairs or plank boardwalks are traversed.

Swimming

Visitors will find a very large, sandy beach and swimming area. Sand mats connected to the shoreline trail allow access to the beach for the mobility impaired. The beach is roped off to protect swimmers from boating traffic, but no lifeguards are available. Caution should be taken with small children when near the waterfall.

Fishing

The most common fish found in Colwell Lake are northern pike, largemouth bass, bluegill, black crappie and perch.

Boating

A boat ramp and launching pier are located near the campground entrance. Adequate space for parking and a trailer turn-around exist.

General Information

A convenience store, with gasoline and restaurant are located in Shingleton, ten miles north of the campground, at the intersection of M-94 and M-28. Supplies may also be purchased three miles south, in Steuben, on County Road 437.

Colwell Lake Campground is a fee site. Golden Age and Golden Access Passports are honored.

Contact

Additional information about Colwell Lake Campground and Recreation Area is available from the Manistique Ranger District or the Forest Supervisor's Office.

Click to see the Colwell Lake Trail Map.

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