Overview

The Munising and Rapid River/Manistique Ranger Districts of the Hiawatha National Forest offer a variety of camping experiences. Many are located on inland lakes in a rustic forest environment with no drinking water. The rustic environment offers a wonderfully serene and peaceful setting for your next camping experience.

Facilities

There is NO drinking water available at these sites.

There are NO toilets.

Lake Name: Bear Lake

Number of Sites: 1

Maximum Number of People per Sites: 8

Toilets: No

Boat Access: Carry in ONLY Boat Access to the South of the site. There is a Boat Launch on the East side of the lake down FR 2633.

Lake Size (acres): 21

Natural Features

The Bear Lake campsite is situated on the gorgeous 21- acre Bear Lake, high upon a hill overlooking the lake. The site is surrounded by spectacular paper birch, aspen and oak tree species.

Recreation

Visitors will be able to enjoy swimming, berry picking, and fishing at the designated campsites located on the Hiawatha National Forest. Licenses are required for fishing in Michigan waters.  

There is a carry - in boat launch at the day use area on the south end of the lake. This is intended to prevent the overfishing of this excellent brook trout fishery, which is maintained by annual stocking. 

Swimming is marginal with a thin layer of sand covering a mucky bottom.

Nearby Attractions

There are a number of horse, bike, and hiking trails within minutes of several of the sites. In over a mile from these campsites, visitors can expect to find: bait shops, general and grocery stores, gas, a pay phone, trailheads, a fishing pier, biking, and kayak/canoe rentals.

Groceries, gasoline, fishing and camping supplies, ice and deli are available five miles northeast on County Road 437 in the Thunder Lake Area.

Contact Info

Important Notices

• Pack-In, Pack-out policy
• There is a 14-day stay limit.
• No drinking water provided.
• Campsite must be occupied the first night.

• Campsite cannot be left unattended for more than 24 hours.

• You are welcome to collect firewood from the area surrounding your campsite. Just remember that any firewood that you collect must be DEAD AND DOWN

• Click here for more information on the Hiawatha National Forest
• Don't move firewood: To limit the spread of invasive tree-killing pests, firewood from outside the area is not permitted. Some states have quarantines and may confiscate your firewood. Please help protect our forests from invasive species by obtaining your firewood at or near your camping destination and burning it on-site. Visit dontmovefirewood.org for more information.

Available Activities

• Camping - Camping
• Fishing - Fishing

Directions

<p><strong>From Cooks (about 12 miles west of Manistique or 24 miles east of Rapid River on US-2): </strong>drive north 4.4 miles on County Road 442 to CR 437. </p> <ul> <li>Turn left (north) on CR 437 and drive 8.7 miles to FR 2217. </li> <li>Turn left (northwest) on FR 2217 and drive 2.4 miles to FR 2696.</li> <li>Turn left (south) on 2696 and drive 0.5 mile to the campsite</li> </ul>

Contact Information

Phone: 906-474-6442 OR 906-387-2512

Rental Options

Learn more about gear rental options for your trip