There are many campsites on the Munising and Rapid River/Manistique Ranger Districts of the Hiawatha National Forest. Many are located on inland lakes and are in a rustic forest environment with few to no amenities and no drinking water. The rustic environment offers a wonderfully serene and peaceful setting for your next camping experience. All of these sites are nestled in hardwood trees and pines. All of them are on small inland lakes, which offer a wide variety of fishing opportunities.
There is NO drinking water at this location. There are primitive toilets located at sites 1 and 2.
Lake Name: East Lake
Number of Sites: 3
Max Number of People per site: Site 1 (24), Site 2 and 3 (8)
Toilets: Sites 1 and 2
Boat Access: Back-In launch just past site 1 down FR2650
Lake Size (acres): 53
Campsite cannot be left unattended for more than 24 hours.
There are 3 campsites located on different shores of the 53-acre East Lake:
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.
Gasoline, groceries, fishing and camping supplies, boat rentals, ice and MDNR licenses are availalbe at Steuben, approximately two miles northwest, on County Road 437.
Visitors will be able to enjoy swimming, berry picking, and fishing at these dispersed campsites. Licenses are required for fishing in Michigan waters.
East Lake has fishing for largemouth bass, perch, bluegill and bullheads. Boat access is located just past site 1. It is unimproved, shallow and sandy. Carry-in access is recommended.
Swimming at Site 3 is excellent, but is not recommended at sites 1 and 2.
RAPID RIVER/MANISTIQUE RANGER DISTRICT 8181 US HWY 2 Rapid River MI 49878
For campground inquiries, please call: 906-474-6442 OR 906-387-2512
Learn more about gear rental options for your trip
From Manistique, MI: drive north on M-94 22.5 miles to the intersection with CR 437.