East Lake Campsites
Closed for the season. Opens May 15, 2026 and operates through Columbus Day. Reservation only through Recreation.gov; walk-ins not allowed. Check-in 2pm, check-out 11am.
Repaving Bay Furnace Campground
The Bay Furnace Campground will be temporarily closed for repaving. The closure will occur from mid-May through mid-June, during which time it will be inaccessible. Those traveling in the area should remain alert for work vehicles.Reservations for the campground can be made online at…
Repaving Monocle Lake Campground
The Monocle Lake Campground will be temporarily closed for repaving. The closure will occur from mid-May through mid-June, during which time it will be inaccessible. Those traveling in the area should remain alert for work vehicles.Reservations for the campground can be made online at…
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…
Drug and Alcohol Use on the Hiawatha National Forest
It is illegal to possess, utilize, or distribute a control substance or any associated paraphernalia. It is also illegal to possess or consume alcohol in violation of any state of Michigan statute
Fire Restrictions within the Hiawatha National Forest
Outlines the fire restrictions and conditions within the Hiawatha National Forest.
Roads and Trails Restrictions for Vehicles in the Hiawatha National Forest
It is illegal to commercial haul without a permit. It is illegal to violate posted speed, load, weight, height, length, width or other limitations specified by Michigan State Law. It is illegal to operate a vehicle carelessly, recklessly, or without regard for the rights or safety of other persons…
Occupancy and Use Within the Hiawatha National Forest
This order outlines the restrictions and conditions of camping within the Hiawatha National Forest.
Firewood Restrictions on the Hiawatha and Ottawa National Forests
It is illegal to possess or transport firewood from the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.
About
East Lake Campsites offers three primitive dispersed camping sites on different shores of 53-acre East Lake in the Hiawatha National Forest's Rapid River/Manistique Ranger District. Site 1 is the largest at 100x75 feet, located on a wooded hilltop overlooking the western shore, accommodating up to 24 people and suitable for trailers. Site 2 is smaller at 45x35 feet on the wooded northeast shore, accommodating 8 people with access for small trailers via a narrow winding road. Site 3 at 55x50 feet sits on an open peninsula extending into the lake with excellent swimming but no trailer access due to a very narrow and winding road. The campsites are nestled among hardwood trees and pines, providing a serene forest environment. East Lake offers fishing for largemouth bass, perch, bluegill, and bullheads. An unimproved boat launch is located past Site 1, though carry-in access is recommended due to shallow sandy conditions. Swimming is excellent at Site 3 but not recommended at Sites 1 and 2. This is primitive camping with no potable water. Campers must bring their own drinking water. Primitive toilets are available at Sites 1 and 2 only. Nearby amenities including bait shops, grocery stores, gas, and boat rentals are available in Steuben, approximately two miles northwest on County Road 437.
Directions
From Manistique, MI: drive north on M-94 22.5 miles to the intersection with CR 437. Turn right at the big parking lot opposite CR 437. For Site 1: take the immediate right on FR 2723, drive 0.7 mi to FR 2650, turn left (east) on FR 2650 and drive 0.2 mi to site 1. For Sites 2 and 3: proceed directly through the parking lot on FR 2247 and drive about 1 mile to FR 2247A, turn right (south) on 2247A and drive less than a mile to the campsites.
Location
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | — |
| 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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