East Lake Campsites
Closed — Closed for the season. Typically operates from late spring through October, with seasonal closures during winter months.
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
East Lake Campsites consists of three primitive dispersed campsites located on the shores of 53-acre East Lake within the Rapid River/Manistique Ranger District of Hiawatha National Forest. These rustic sites provide a wonderfully serene camping experience in a forest environment with minimal amenities and no drinking water. All sites are nestled among hardwood trees and pines, offering privacy and a connection to nature. Site 1 is positioned on a wooded hillside overlooking East Lake's western shore, measuring approximately 100 by 75 feet and suitable for up to three families. Site 2 occupies the northeast side of the lake in a wooded area measuring 45 by 35 feet, appropriate for one family, with a narrow, winding access road that can accommodate small trailers. Site 3 is located in an open area extending into the lake, measuring 55 by 50 feet and suitable for one family, though trailers are not recommended due to the very narrow and winding access road. Swimming is excellent at Site 3 but not recommended at Sites 1 and 2. The lake offers fishing opportunities for largemouth bass, perch, bluegill, and bullheads. A boat access is located just past Site 1, though it is unimproved, shallow, and sandy; carry-in access is recommended. Gasoline, groceries, fishing and camping supplies, boat rentals, ice, and Michigan DNR licenses are available in Steuben, approximately two miles northwest on County Road 437.
Directions
From Manistique, drive north on M-94 22.5 miles to the intersection with CR 437. Turn right at the large parking lot opposite CR 437. For Site 1: take the immediate right on FR 2723, drive 0.7 miles to FR 2650, turn left on FR 2650 and drive 0.2 miles to the site. For Sites 2 and 3: proceed through the parking lot on FR 2247 and drive about 1 mile to FR 2247A, turn right on FR 2247A and drive less than a mile to the campsites.
Nearby Campgrounds
Location
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| 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 | 40ft |
| Max Trailer Length | 40ft |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (906) 474-6442 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | Yes |
Availability
Photos
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