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Established Camping

Bear Lake Campsite — Hiawatha National Forest

Bear Lake Campsite in Hiawatha National Forest is surrounded by forested terrain and offers access to Bear Lake. The area experiences temperatures ranging from lows in the 20s Fahrenheit during winter to highs in the 80s Fahrenheit in summer. Nearby attractions include Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore and Kitch-iti-kipi, Michigan's largest freshwater spring.

Description

US Forest Service

Hiawatha National Forest

Overview

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.

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.

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.

Contact Info

For local information, please call (906) 474-6442 or call (906) 387-2512 for general information.

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.

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Location

Bear Lake Campsite — Hiawatha National Forest is located in Michigan

Detail location of campground

Directions

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

Address

RAPID RIVER/MANISTIQUE RANGER DISTRICT 8181 US HWY 2
Rapid river, MI 49878

Coordinates

46.070556 N
86.498333 W

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Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site

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Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)

Features

For Campers

  • Reservable
  • Pets
  • Fires

For Vehicles

  • Pull-Through Sites

Contact

General Info

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Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is the max vehicle length at Bear Lake Campsite — Hiawatha National Forest?

    Bear Lake Campsite — Hiawatha National Forest allows vehicles up to 24 feet.

  • Are fires allowed at Bear Lake Campsite — Hiawatha National Forest?

    Yes, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, fires are allowed at Bear Lake Campsite — Hiawatha National Forest, although make sure to check current fire restrictions in the area.