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.
Flood Warning issued April 12 at 9:34AM EDT until April 12 at 12:45PM EDT by NWS Marquette MI
* WHAT...Flooding caused by heavy rainfall and snowmelt is expected. * WHERE...A portion of central Upper Michigan, including the following counties, Delta, Dickinson and Menominee. * WHEN...Until 1245 PM EDT /1145 AM CDT/. * IMPACTS...Flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations is imminent or occurring. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS... - At 933 AM EDT /833 AM CDT/, rain and snowmelt is occurring, and will cause flooding. Between 1.25 and 2 inches of rain have fallen. - Additional rainfall amounts up to 1 inch are possible in the warned area. - Some locations that will experience flooding include... Escanaba, Iron Mountain, Kingsford, Norway, Powers, Hermansville, Ford River, Wilson, Spalding, Bark River, Nadeau, Whitney, Waucedah, Gourley, Faithorn, Carney, Cunard, Schaeffer, Nathan and Hyde. - www.weather.gov/safety/flood
Flood Watch issued April 12 at 2:10AM EDT until April 15 at 8:00AM EDT by NWS Marquette MI
Heavy rain may fall on a deep primed snowpack leading to the melt increasing. Flows in rivers may increase quickly and reach critical levels. * WHAT...Flooding caused by rain and snowmelt continues to be possible. * WHERE...Portions of central Upper and western Upper Michigan, including the following areas, in central Upper Michigan, Alger, Baraga, Delta, Dickinson, Iron, Luce, Marquette, Menominee, Northern Schoolcraft and Southern Schoolcraft. In western Upper Michigan, Gogebic, Keweenaw, Northern Houghton, Ontonagon and Southern Houghton. * WHEN...Through Wednesday morning. * IMPACTS...Excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations. Flooding may occur in poor drainage and urban areas. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS... - www.weather.gov/safety/flood
Site restrictions for toilet installation
Some camp sites on the Hiawatha's West zone will be closed while staff install new vault toilets. For your safety, stay clear of work areas and watch for heavy materials and machinery.
Temporary Trail Closure for Hardwood & Iron Jaw Loops
Forest staff will be using mechanical equipment near the Hardwood and Iron Jaw Loops during treatments of BeechBark Disease. For public safety, sections of those trails will be closed during designated dates. See list of closure dates and map for details on safe, available trail options.Oct. 1-2-…
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. Other locations for accessing the beach for…
Prescribed Fire Notice
Weather and vegetation conditions are looking favorable to conduct prescribed fire operations tomorrow July 11, 2025, on Unit 1 of the Betchler Rx Unit, which is 323 acres. This unit is located southwest of Raco, MI and southeast of Eckerman Corner, MI. Smoke will be visible south of M-28…
Round Lake Road Closure for Bridge Replacement
The bridge at Pointe Aux Chenes Creek on Round Lake Road (FR3105) will be replaced over the summer of 2025. To accommodate this construction, Round Lake Road will be closed to through traffic from May 12th to July 31st, 2025. During the project, the road will be impassable. For the safety of the…
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.Two public meetings will be held, one each on May 12 and 14 from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the Alger Parks and Recreation building at 413 Maple Street in Munising, MI. All…
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. Please take time to read and…
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.Protection of objects and areas that are of significant…
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. (4/2018),(4/2021).The…
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
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