Monocle Lake

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.