Bear Lake Campsite
Closed — Open seasonally May 15 through Columbus Day for reservations at $8 per night. After Columbus Day through May 15, the site is accessible with no services, no reservations, and no fees.
Temporary Area Closure for Big Pines Picnic Area
The Big Pines Picnic Area will be temporarily closed due to timber harvest. Activities in the area may include logging trucks and other equipment. For your safety, please stay alert while in the vicinity and choose another location for recreation.
Hiawatha National Forest Seeks Public input on Grand Island Visitor Use Management Project
The Hiawatha National Forest is seeking input on the development of a management plan for the Grand Island National Recreation Area.
Forest Supervisor's Orders
As a visitor to the National Forest, you are asked to follow certain rules designed to protect the Forest, natural resources and to provide for public safety of visitors. These rules are available to you on-line below or at any office of the Hiawatha National Forest.
Restricting Public Entry to Stonington Quarry
Persons with a valid permit; Federal, State, or Local members of rescue or fire fighting force in the performance of official duties; Forest Service employees conducting surveys or monitoring and as approved by the Forest Supervisor.
Haymeadow Trail and Bridge Closed
The Haymeadow Creek Hiking Trail Bridge is closed until it can be repaired or replaced. -- Located on the hiking loop near Haymeadow Creek Dispersed Campsites, the bridge failed an inspection due to significant rot. We will update this notice as repairs are implemented.
About
Bear Lake Campsite offers a secluded, rustic camping experience on a 21-acre lake deep in the Hiawatha National Forest. Perched high on a hill overlooking the water, this single campsite is surrounded by spectacular paper birch, aspen, and oak trees, providing a wonderfully serene and peaceful forest setting. The lake features a carry-in boat launch at the day use area on the south end, intentionally designed to help preserve the excellent brook trout fishery that is maintained through annual stocking. A boat launch is also available on the east side of the lake via FR 2633. The campsite is small with a very tight turning radius, making it suitable for only one family with a tent or small trailer. This is a true rustic experience with no drinking water or restroom facilities provided. Campers should be prepared to pack in all necessary supplies and pack out all trash. Visitors can enjoy berry picking, fishing (Michigan fishing license required), and limited swimming. Groceries, gasoline, fishing and camping supplies are available five miles northeast on County Road 437 in the Thunder Lake Area. The surrounding forest offers numerous horse, bike, and hiking trails within minutes of the site.
Directions
From Cooks on US-2 (about 12 miles west of Manistique or 24 miles east of Rapid River), drive north 4.4 miles on County Road 442 to CR 437. Turn left on CR 437 and drive 8.7 miles to FR 2217. Turn left on FR 2217 and drive 2.4 miles to FR 2696. Turn left on 2696 and drive 0.5 mile to the campsite.
Nearby Campgrounds
Location
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | No |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $8 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | 24ft |
| Max Trailer Length | 24ft |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (906) 474-6442 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | None |
Availability
Photos
Community Posts
No posts yet. Be the first to share your experience!