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Hiawatha National Forest

Brevoort Lake Autumn Drawdown

Residents of Brevoort Lake should take notice that the Hiawatha National Forest will start the draw down of Brevoort Lake starting in October. The purpose of the draw down is to minimize the development of ice dams during the spring melt. The lake will be drawn down gradually over the next few…

Repaving Monocle Lake Campground

The Monocle Lake Campground repaving project will take place during the autumn of 2026 and spring of 2027. It is scheduled during the regular seasonal campground closure. The schedule is weather dependent and therefore subject to change. Those traveling in the area should remain alert for work…

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…

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.

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

Grand Island Occupancy and Use

This order outlines the restrictions and conditions of camping and recreating at Grand Island National Recreation Area.

Restricting the use of watercraft on the Indian River

Watercraft use is restricted in within the Wild and Scenic Corridor of the Indian River.

Restricting the use of Raco Airfield

Use of the Raco Airfield is prohibited.

Use of Wilderness areas

Restrictions in Wilderness areas include storing equipment, personal property, and supplies; use or possession of a vehicle or wagon.

Occupancy and use of Big Island Lake Wilderness

Restrictions will be enforced in Big Island Lake Wilderness area for campfires, camping, groups, horses, and sanitation.

Occupancy and use of Lake Superior Shoreline

Camping is prohibited along the Lake Superior shoreline in areas of the Sault Ste. Marie Ranger District near Whitefish Bay and Lakeshore Drive.

Restrictions on entry to any beach posted closed

Entry is restricted to beach that is roped off, signed "closed to entry" in certain areas of the St. Ignace, Manistique, and Rapid River Ranger Districts.

Firewood Restrictions on the Hiawatha and Ottawa National Forests

It is illegal to possess or transport firewood from the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.

Restrictions on the use of fireworks

Use of fireworks is prohibited across the Hiawatha National Forest.

Jackpine Lake Campsites

From Recreation.gov

Please note that the access road to Jackpine Lake Campsite Site 2 has changed. It was FR8137 off of 2217. The new access road is just South of that intersection still on 2217. You will now need to take FR2715. Turn left onto FR2841. Then turn right onto FR2841A, the site will be at the end of this road.

Monocle Lake

From Recreation.gov

Opening day for Monocle Lake has been postponed to June 12th, 2026, due to a Forest Service paving project. We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding.

Bay Furnace Campground

From Recreation.gov

**Opening day for this campground has been delayed to mid-June due to a USFS paving project within the campground. We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding. **

Overview

Hiawatha National Forest spans nearly 900,000 acres across Michigan's Upper Peninsula, uniquely positioned along three Great Lakes (Superior, Huron, and Michigan). The forest is currently open and fully operational for recreation. Current alerts include: Big Pines Picnic Area temporarily closed for timber harvest operations (as of October 2025), Haymeadow Creek Hiking Trail Bridge closed since 2017 due to structural issues (significant rot), and public entry restricted at Stonington Quarry. The forest is actively seeking public input on a management plan for the Grand Island National Recreation Area. The forest offers 19 developed campgrounds, 2 cabins for rent, 6 historic lighthouses, 6 designated Wild and Scenic Rivers, 3 islands, and hundreds of miles of trails including the North Country National Scenic Trail. The forest features both Eastside and Westside units separated geographically. Fee-free days are available throughout the year on major holidays. Visitors should be aware of Forest Supervisor's Orders regarding occupancy and use restrictions. With 100 miles of Great Lakes shoreline, the forest offers extensive water-based recreation including sea kayaking, canoeing, and fishing across 75+ lakes and 600 miles of streams.

Notify on Availability Official Website

Campgrounds

Au Train Lake Campground Bass Lake Campsite Bay Furnace Campground Bay View Bear Lake Campsite Bermuda Campsite On Grand Island Brevoort Lake Campground Camp Cook Campsite Camp Seven Lake Campground Camp Seven Lake Recreation Area Carp River Campground Carr Lake Campsite Channel Marker Campsite On Grand Island Chicago Lake Campsites Clear Lake Campsite Colwell Lake Campground Cookson Lake Campsites Corner Lake Recreation Area Council Lake Campsites Crooked Lake Campsite Driftwood Campsite On Grand Island Duck Lake Campsite On Grand Island East Lake Campsites Ewing Point Campsite Flowing Well Campground Freighter View Campsite On Grand Island Game Fence Campsite On Grand Island Gooseneck Lake Campsites

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