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 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

Natural Features

There are 3 campsites located on different shores of the 53-acre East Lake:

• Site 1 is located in a wooded area, on a hill, overlooking East Lake. It is located on the western shore of the lake. The site is 100 ft. x 75 ft. and is suitable for up to three families. 
• Site 2 is located on wooded site on the northeast side of the lake. It is 45 ft. x 35 ft. and would be suitable for one family. The access road to this site is narrow and winding, but can be traversed by small trailers.
• Site 3 is located at an open area the extends into East Lake. It is 55 ft. x 50 ft. and is suitable for one family. Trailers are NOT recommended due to the very narrow and winding access road.

Recreation

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.

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.

Gasoline, groceries, fishing and camping supplies, boat rentals, ice and MDNR licenses are availalbe at Steuben, approximately two miles northwest, on County Road 437.

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
• Boating - Boating
• Fishing - Fishing
• Swimming - Swimming

Directions

<p><strong>From Manistique, MI:</strong> drive north on M-94 22.5 miles to the intersection with CR 437. </p> <ul> <li>Turn right at the big parking lot opposite CR 437. </li> <li><strong>To get to site 1:</strong> take the immediate right on FR 2723, drive 0.7 mi to FR 2650. Turn left (east) on FR 2650 and drive 0.2 mi to site 1. </li> <li><strong>To get to sites 2 and 3:</strong> proceed directly through the parking lot on FR 2247 and drive about 1 mile to FR 2247A. Turn right (south) on 2247A and drive less than a mile to the campsites.</li> </ul>

Contact Information

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

Rental Options

Learn more about gear rental options for your trip