East Lake Campsites

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 — a wonderfully serene and peaceful setting for your next camping experience. Three dispersed campsites are located on different shores of the 53-acre East Lake. Site 1 sits in a wooded area, on a hill, overlooking the lake from the western shore; it is 100 by 75 feet, suitable for up to three families, and takes up to 24 people. Site 2 is a wooded site on the northeast side, 45 by 35 feet and suitable for one family; the access road is narrow and winding, but can be traversed by small trailers. Site 3 is an open area that extends into East Lake, 55 by 50 feet and suitable for one family, though trailers are not recommended due to the very narrow and winding access road. Sites 2 and 3 are limited to eight people each. There is no drinking water at this location. Primitive toilets are located at sites 1 and 2. Visitors will be able to enjoy swimming, berry picking and fishing. 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 down FR2650; it is unimproved, shallow and sandy, so carry-in access is recommended. Swimming at site 3 is excellent, but is not recommended at sites 1 and 2. There are a number of horse, bike and hiking trails within minutes of several of the sites, and a short distance away 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 available at Steuben, approximately two miles northwest on County Road 437.