Bear Lake Campsite

Star3.61
30 reviews
8181 US HWY 2, Rapid River, MI 49878, USA

Quick Facts

709 ft

Price

$8/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

May 15, 2025 - Octob...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Opens RAPID RIVER/MANISTIQUE RANGER DISTRICT site

Official Website
Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
Bear Lake Campsite
$8.00 - $8.00 / night
Campsite Fees
The nightly fee for this campsite is $8 during peak season (May 15 - October 9). This does not include reservation fees, taxes, or incremental...
Show more
Standard Site Fee$8.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free with account · Checks every 2 minutes

150,000+ sites monitored · Email, SMS, or in-app notifications

Share this campground
Recreation Dot Gov
Provider
906-474-6442 OR 906-387-2512
Help improve this page
See something outdated or incorrect? Let us know!

What Campers Say

3.61

Mixed Reviews

Based on 30 reviews

6 Google reviews

Most mentioned

quietspaciouslake

"User reviews are polarized, highlighting both the serene and private nature of the campsite and significant issues such as poor road conditions and cleanliness due to prior visitors. Generally, the site is praised for its rustic appeal and isolation."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

8181 US HWY 2, Rapid River, MI 49878, USA

Bear Lake Campsite

8181 US HWY 2, Rapid River, MI 49878, USA

Driving directionsFrom 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.
The road is described as challenging, with user reviews mentioning that "the road going in and out is not meant for cars without 4x4's" and "be prepared for a slow bumpy ride into the campsite, the road is absolutely terrible." It consists of large rocks without gravel, requiring slow navigation and causing vehicle disturbance.
Nearby places
Manistique (12 miles west), Rapid River (24 miles east)
Nearby supplies
Groceries, gasoline, fishing and camping supplies, ice, and deli are available five miles northeast on County Road 437 in the Thunder Lake Area.

Best Time to Camp at Bear Lake Campsite

Each season paints Bear Lake with its own distinct palette. Winter transforms the landscape into a quiet wonderland, dusted with light snow and crystalline frost. As spring awakens the forest, mixed precipitation nurtures new growth while temperatures begin their gentle climb. Summer arrives as the campsite's crown jewel, bringing moderate temperatures and low humidity that create perfect conditions for lakeside adventures. Autumn wraps the hardwoods in brilliant colors, though cooler temperatures and occasional showers remind visitors to pack layers for their wilderness retreat.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
3.5 / 5

Peak season praised for seclusion and lake use; road conditions are a recurring downside.

Best
Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Hardwood setting implies strong fall color viewing; quieter outside peak summer.

Spring(Mar-May)
Not recommended

Campground opens May 15; most of spring is outside the open season.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground closed outside May 15–Oct 9; winter camping not supported.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: May 15, 2025 - October 09, 2025. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: May 15, 2025 - October 09, 2025

About Bear Lake Campsite

Tucked away in the heart of Hiawatha National Forest, Bear Lake Campsite offers an authentic wilderness escape where time seems to slow down. This rustic hideaway perches gracefully above a pristine 21-acre lake, where hardwood forests and towering pines create a natural cathedral of tranquility. Here, adventurous souls can cast a line for brook trout, take refreshing dips in crystal-clear waters, or wander through sun-dappled trails in search of wild berries. It's the kind of remote sanctuary where the loudest sounds are birdsong and the gentle lapping of waves against the shore.
Bear Lake Campsite is a single, primitive camping site suitable for tents or small setups. The focus is on seclusion and immersion in nature.
Advertisement

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers
Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in
11:00 AM
Check-out
12:00 PM
Stay Limit
You may stay up to 14 nights during a visit at this campground.

Amenities available

Fire rings
Firewood available

Activities you can enjoy

Bear Lake Campsite is ideal for those seeking a primitive outdoor experience with opportunities for swimming, fishing, and wildlife observation. A carry-in boat launch for the lake is available, making it accessible for small watercraft.
HikingNearby hiking trails are accessible within minutes of the campsite, though specific trail details are not provided. The surrounding Hiawatha National Forest offers numerous trails for exploration.
FishingBear Lake offers an excellent brook trout fishery that is maintained through annual stocking. However, reviews present mixed opinions about the fishing experience, with one user stating 'poor fishing.' A Michigan fishing license is required.
SwimmingSwimming conditions are described as 'marginal,' with a thin layer of sand covering a mucky bottom.
BikingBike trails are located within a short distance of the site. Specific details about trail difficulty or terrain are not mentioned.
BoatingThe site includes a carry-in boat launch and has limited water access. The focus is on small watercraft, as overfishing prevention measures are in place.
Wildlife viewingWildlife encounters are common. One reviewer noted seeing '9-10 baby turtles casually walk by our tent.'
Advertisement

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsUser reviews and details suggest potential hazards including challenging roads described as "not meant for cars without 4x4's," and wildlife presence such as turtles.
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Weather at Bear Lake Campsite

Reviews

3.6
30 reviews
Mixed Reviews
Mixed Reviews
Bear Lake Campsite has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews are polarized, highlighting both the serene and private nature of the campsite and significant issues such as poor road conditions and cleanliness due to prior visitors. Generally, the site is praised for its rustic appeal and isolation.
Review Summaries
Based on 30 reviews

What Campers Love

Reviewers praise the campsite for its seclusion, spaciousness, and natural beauty. Comments include: 'Very quiet,' 'large sandy site,' and 'no other people near the site or on the lake.'
Based on 30 reviews

Common Concerns

Complaints include poor road conditions ('the road is absolutely terrible'), lack of cleanliness due to human waste and trash, and limited accessibility for non-4x4 vehicles.
Based on 30 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Visitors recommend bringing all necessary supplies, including drinking water, and caution about the road conditions. One user suggested, 'Be prepared for a slow bumpy ride into the campsite.'
Based on 30 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer: Mostly positive reviews for its seclusion, though the road conditions are noted as a challenge. Winter: Accessibility likely hindered due to dirt roads.
Based on 30 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'My favorite campsite by far that is located in the Hiawatha State Park.' 2. 'The road going in and out is not meant for cars without 4x4's.' 3. 'Saw 9-10 baby turtles casually walk by our tent.'...
Show more
Based on 30 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site 001 is the only available site. Positive remarks include its spaciousness and quietness. Negative reports highlight cleanliness issues and road access problems.
Based on 30 reviews

Accessibility Features

No specific feedback on accessibility for those with disabilities. However, rough roads and lack of amenities make it less suitable for individuals with mobility challenges.
Based on 30 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are welcome, and no specific issues or highlights were mentioned regarding pet-related experiences.
Based on 30 reviews

0
0 review
1
2
3
4
5

Add your voice to the Outdoorithm community

Been to Bear Lake Campsite? Your review helps fellow campers discover what makes this place special—and what to expect.


Last updated January 13, 2026
Advertisement

Nearby Campgrounds

Campgrounds you may also like

Popular campgrounds in Michigan

Campgrounds
Hiawatha National Forest
Bear Lake Campsite