Hiawatha National Forest
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.
Small Craft Advisory issued May 22 at 1:44PM EDT until May 23 at 11:00PM EDT by NWS Gaylord MI
* WHAT...Highest gusts up to 30 kts from the east and highest waves around 8 feet expected. * WHERE...In Lake Huron, Straits of Mackinac within 5 nm of Mackinac Bridge including Mackinac Island. In Lake Michigan, Seul Choix Point to 5NM West of Mackinac Bridge and Norwood MI to 5NM West of Mackinac Bridge including Little Traverse Bay. * WHEN...Until 11 PM EDT Saturday. * IMPACTS...Conditions will be hazardous to small craft.
Small Craft Advisory issued May 22 at 1:44PM EDT until May 24 at 5:00AM EDT by NWS Gaylord MI
* WHAT...Highest gusts up to 30 kts from the east and highest waves around 9 feet expected. * WHERE...St Ignace to False Detour Channel, 5NM East of Mackinac Bridge to Presque Isle Light MI including Bois Blanc Island, Presque Isle Light to Sturgeon Pt MI Including Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary and Sturgeon Pt to Alabaster MI. * WHEN...Until 5 AM EDT Sunday. * IMPACTS...Conditions will be hazardous to small craft.
Beach Hazards Statement issued May 22 at 1:21PM EDT until May 23 at 11:00PM EDT by NWS Gaylord MI
* WHAT...Dangerous swimming conditions due to 4 to 8 foot waves and rip currents. * WHERE...Cheboygan, Presque Isle, Alpena, Alcona, Iosco, Arenac, Southeast Chippewa and Eastern Mackinac Counties, and Mackinac Island/Bois Blanc Island. * WHEN...From Saturday morning through Saturday evening. * IMPACTS...Strong currents can pull swimmers into deeper water and high waves can sweep people off piers.
Small Craft Advisory issued May 22 at 10:48AM EDT until May 22 at 11:00PM EDT by NWS Marquette MI
* WHAT...East winds 15 to 20 kt with gusts up to 30 kt and waves 1 to 4 ft expected. * WHERE...Green Bay North of line from Cedar River MI to Rock Island Passage, Seul Choix Point to Point Detour MI and 5NM East of a line from Fairport MI to Rock Island Passage. * WHEN...From 5 PM this afternoon to 11 PM EDT this evening. * IMPACTS...Conditions will be hazardous to small craft.
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. **
Beach Hazards Statement issued May 22 at 4:11AM EDT until May 22 at 10:00PM EDT by NWS Marquette MI
* WHAT...Dangerous swimming conditions are expected due to high wave action and strong rip currents. * WHERE...Southern Schoolcraft County. * WHEN...From 4 PM EDT this afternoon through this evening. * IMPACTS...High wave action and dangerous currents will lead to life threatening swimming conditions. Waves in rapid succession can tire swimmers quickly. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Current related fatalities and rescues in the past have occurred due to similar wave conditions at locations listed below: For Southern Schoolcraft County: Near Lakeview Park and Seul Choix Point.
Special Weather Statement issued May 22 at 3:49AM EDT by NWS Marquette MI
Gusty southeast winds as high as 20 to locally 25 mph, combined with dry conditions will lead to elevated wildfire potential this afternoon across most of Upper Michigan away from the shorelines of the Great Lakes. Avoid outdoor burning today. Immediately report any wildfires to local emergency services by calling 911. Burn restrictions remain in effect. For complete details, visit www.dnr.state.mi.us/burnpermits, or by calling 866-922-2876.
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.
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.
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.
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