East Lake Campsites

Summary

The Hiawatha National Forest's Munising and Rapid River/Manistique Ranger Districts offer campers peaceful, rustic sites to enjoy nature and activities such as fishing, swimming, and berry picking. Each site is nestled in hardwood trees and pines, within a mile of bait shops, gas stations, and general stores. There are also a number of trails in the area for horseback riding, biking, and hiking.

Overview

There are many campsites on the Munising and Rapid River/Manistique Ranger Districts of the Hiawatha National Forest. Many are located on inland lakes and are in a rustic forest environment with few to no amenities and no drinking water. The rustic environment offers a wonderfully serene and peaceful setting for your next camping experience. All of these sites are nestled in hardwood trees and pines. All of them are on small inland lakes, which offer a wide variety of fishing opportunities. 

Recreation

Visitors will be able to enjoy swimming, berry picking, and fishing at these dispersed campsites. Licenses are required for fishing in Michigan waters. 

East Lake has fishing for largemouth bass, perch, bluegill and bullheads. Boat access is located just past site 1. It is unimproved, shallow and sandy. Carry-in access is recommended.

Swimming at Site 3 is excellent, but is not recommended at sites 1 and 2.

Facilities

There is NO drinking water at this location. There are primitive toilets located at sites 1 and 2.

Lake Name: East Lake

Number of Sites: 3

Max Number of People per site: Site 1 (24), Site 2 and 3 (8)

Toilets: Yes

Boat Access: Back-In

Lake Size (acres): 53

Natural Features

There are 3 campsites located on different shores of the 53-acre East Lake:

• Site 1 is located in a wooded area, on a hill, overlooking East Lake. It is located on the western shore of the lake. The site is 100 ft. x 75 ft. and is suitable for three families. 
• Site 2 is located on wooded site on the northeast side of the lake. It is 45 ft. x 35 ft. and would be suitable for one family. The access road to this site is narrow and winding, but can be traversed by small trailers.
• Site 3 is located at an open area the extends into East Lake. It is 55 ft. x 50 ft. and is suitable for one family. Trailers are NOT recommended due to the very narrow and winding access road.

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.

Gasoline, groceries, fishing and camping supplies, boat rentals, ice and MDNR licenses are availalbe at Steuben, approximately two miles northwest, on County Road 437.

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