Monocle Lake
Closed — Closed for the season. Typically operates from late May through mid-September. Reservations available through Recreation.gov during operating season.
Cold Weather Advisory issued January 19 at 2:12AM EST until January 20 at 11:00AM EST by NWS Gaylord MI
* WHAT...Very cold wind chills as low as 22 below expected. * WHERE...Central Chippewa, Eastern Mackinac, Southeast Chippewa, Western Chippewa, and Western Mackinac Counties. * WHEN...From 10 PM this evening to 11 AM EST Tuesday. * IMPACTS...The dangerously cold wind chills as low as 20 below zero could cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 30 minutes. Frostbite and hypothermia will occur if unprotected skin is exposed to these temperatures.
Winter Storm Warning issued January 19 at 1:50AM EST until January 20 at 7:00AM EST by NWS Gaylord MI
* WHAT...Heavy snow expected. Total snow accumulations between 4 and 9 inches with locally higher amounts possible. * WHERE...Western Chippewa County. * WHEN...Until 7 AM EST Tuesday. * IMPACTS...Travel could be very difficult. The hazardous conditions could impact the Monday morning and evening commutes.
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
Monocle Lake Campground offers a serene retreat along the shores of a 172-acre inland lake in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, less than two miles from the historic Point Iroquois Lighthouse. The campground features 39 heavily shaded sites nestled in a mixed hardwood forest of aspen, maple, birch, and pine trees, providing scenic lake and forest views throughout. Each site includes a picnic table, fire ring with grill, and lantern post, with hardened surfaces suitable for both tent and RV camping. The recreation opportunities are extensive. Monocle Lake is populated with walleye, smallmouth bass, northern pike, rock bass, and yellow perch, with two man-made reefs just off the eastern shore providing excellent fishing. A paved boat launch with trailer parking allows easy access to the all-sports lake, while a fishing dock is conveniently located within the campground. The day-use area features a swimming beach adjacent to a large parking area, equipped with picnic tables, grills, and accessible vault toilets. Hiking enthusiasts will appreciate the 14.5-mile Monocle Lake Trail system, which includes two miles of interpretive displays and begins with an accessible 1,100-foot elevated boardwalk. The trail connects to the Binnobbin hiking trail, which leads to Spectacle Lake overlook with an elevation gain of approximately 165 feet. The campground's central location makes it an ideal base for exploring the Whitefish Bay National Scenic Byway, Tahquamenon Falls (35 miles away), and the Sault Ste. Marie area (25 miles away). Some sites are available first-come, first-served, while others can be reserved through Recreation.gov.
Directions
From Bay Mills, travel west on County Road 42 (Whitefish Bay Scenic Byway) for approximately half a mile, then turn south on Forest Road 3699 to the campground entrance.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | — |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | No |
| Water Hookups | No |
| Sewer Hookups | No |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $24 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | 80ft |
| Max Trailer Length | 80ft |
| Big Rig Friendly | — |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (906) 203-9872 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Availability
Photos
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