Fishing enthusiasts will find East Lake Campsites positioned along the shoreline within Hiawatha National Forest, offering direct access to both lake and river waters. The US Forest Service maintains this $8-per-night campground with basic amenities including fire rings and pet-friendly policies. Sites accommodate RVs up to 40 feet, though campers should expect rough access roads leading into the forested terrain. Reservations are available for this drive-in facility. Nearby alternatives include Steuben Lake Campsites — Hiawatha National Forest for campers preferring more developed access.
Description
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.
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.
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.
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. Gasoline, groceries, fishing and camping supplies, boat rentals, ice and MDNR licenses are availalbe at Steuben, approximately two miles northwest, on County Road 437.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsEast Lake Campsites is located in Michigan near Wetmore
Directions
From Manistique, MI: drive north on M-94 22.5 miles to the intersection with CR 437. Turn right at the big parking lot opposite CR 437. To get to site 1: 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. To get to sites 2 and 3: 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.
Address
RAPID RIVER/MANISTIQUE RANGER DISTRICT
8181 US HWY 2
Rapid river, MI 49878
Coordinates
46.178611 N
86.413333 W
Connectivity
T-MobileNo Coverage- VerizonNo Coverage
AT&TLTESome Coverage
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TLTESome Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
Features
For Campers
- Reservable
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Pull-Through Sites
Drive Time
- 2 hrs 58 min from Green Bay, WI
- 3 hrs 18 min from Appleton, WI
- 3 hrs 48 min from Traverse City, MI
- 4 hrs 10 min from Wausau, WI
