East Lake Campsites
Closed — Closed for the season. Typically operates from late spring through October, with seasonal closures during winter months.
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…
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
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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