East Lake Campsites

Campground · Michigan · 3 bookable sites ·

Managed by the USDA Forest Service

Hiawatha National Forest (NF) · Open Access

3
Bookable sites
40 ft
Max rig length
up to 24
People per site
707 ft
Elevation
East Lake Boat Launch
Photo: USFS - Hiawatha National Forest · Recreation.gov

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.

The facts

  • Season: May 15 – Columbus Day — USDA Forest Service, Aug 24, 2026
  • 3 bookable sites
  • Vehicles up to 40 ft
  • Up to 24 people per site
  • Loops: EAST LAKE CAMPSITE

Site types

  • 3 Standard Nonelectric

Amenities

  • Campfires allowed
  • Picnic tables
  • Grills
  • Shade
  • Pets allowed

Not recorded upstream: electric hookups, water hookups, sewer hookups, fire pits.

Book on Recreation.gov

3 campsites at East Lake Campsites

Check-in 2:00 PM · Check-out 12:00 PM

SiteLoopTypeEntrySurfaceGradeWaterMax rigPeople
001EAST LAKE CAMPSITEStandard NonelectricPull Through—SlightLakefront40 ft24 🐾
002EAST LAKE CAMPSITEStandard NonelectricPull Through—SlightLakefront24 ft8 🐾
003EAST LAKE CAMPSITEStandard NonelectricPull Through—SlightLakefront24 ft8 🐾

Getting there

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.

46.17861, -86.41333 · 46°10'43.0"N 86°24'48.0"W

Directions (Google Maps) · Directions (Apple Maps)

Typical weather

Typically 74°F in Aug, down to 25°F in Jan.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F252735455767737466534131
Low °F101119304151575650392818
Precip in1.71.41.92.83.03.23.43.13.84.02.62.4

1991–2020 averages from the nearest NOAA station, 17.5 mi away — not measured at the facility itself, and elevation can make a real difference over that distance.

Map

More photos

East Lake Campsite 3 table and fire ring
Photo: USFS - Hiawatha National Forest · Recreation.gov
East Lake Campsite 2
Photo: USFS - Hiawatha National Forest · Recreation.gov

Member photos

Common questions about East Lake Campsites

Can you reserve a site at East Lake Campsites?
Yes, East Lake Campsites is reservable through Recreation.gov.
How many campsites does East Lake Campsites have?
3 sites.
What is the maximum RV length at East Lake Campsites?
40 ft. That is the longest vehicle the sites here are recorded as taking; individual sites may be shorter.
Are pets allowed at East Lake Campsites?
Yes, pets are allowed at East Lake Campsites.
Are campfires allowed at East Lake Campsites?
Campfires are allowed at East Lake Campsites. Check for a current fire restriction before you go.

Also listed by

East Lake Campsites also appears in other federal recreation data. Facts below are matched by name and location, not confirmed by East Lake Campsites's operator.

USDA Forest Service — data as of Aug 24, 2026

  • Camping fee is $8 per night per site. Federal Recreation Passes (Golden/America the Beautiful) are accepted.

USDA Forest Service's own page

Camping near East Lake Campsites

Comments

Contact

Recreation.gov last updated this record on 2026-03-11.

Facility information and photographs from Recreation.gov (RIDB). SpotOpened is not affiliated with Recreation.gov or any federal agency.