How much does camping cost at Bear Lake Campsite?

Camping fees at Bear Lake Campsite range from $8/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Bear Lake Campsite first-come first-served or reservation?

Bear Lake Campsite accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Bear Lake Campsite before I book?

Yes! Bear Lake Campsite has 4 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Bear Lake Campsite?

Bear Lake Campsite is open May 15 to October 15. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Bear Lake Campsite?

Bear Lake Campsite does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

How many campsites does Bear Lake Campsite have?

Bear Lake Campsite has 1 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Bear Lake Campsite?

Yes, pets are allowed at Bear Lake Campsite. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Bear Lake Campsite?

Bear Lake Campsite offers: Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Bear Lake Campsite?

Popular activities at Bear Lake Campsite include Fishing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Bear Lake Campsite

Q: Can I have a campfire at Bear Lake Campsite?

Fire policies at Bear Lake Campsite: You are welcome to collect firewood from the area surrounding your campsite. Just remember that any firewood that you collect must be DEAD AND DOWN. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

3.27

30 reviews

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

Peace & QuietTent Camping

Featured in:Pet-Friendly Campgrounds Michigan

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

709 ft

Price

$8/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

May 15, 2025 - Octob...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Book on RAPID RIVER/MANISTIQUE RANGER DISTRICT Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

709 ft

Price

$8/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

May 15, 2025 - Octob...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Book on RAPID RIVER/MANISTIQUE RANGER DISTRICT Official Website

Get Directions

Bear Lake Campsite

$8.00 - $8.00 / night

Campsite Fees

STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $8.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

No paid fee categories listed.

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

906-474-6442 OR 906-387-2512

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

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

Bear Lake Campsite

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

Nearby places

Manistique (12 miles west), Rapid River (24 miles east)

Weather at Bear Lake Campsite

Current alerts(7)

Campsite cannot be left unattended for more than 24 hours.
Campsite must be occupied the first night.
Click here for more information on the Hiawatha National Forest
Don't move firewood: To limit the spread of invasive tree-killing pests, firewood from outside the area is not permitted. Some states have quarantines and may confiscate your firewood.

Best Time to Camp at Bear Lake Campsite

Best season: fall. Fall offers the clearest, most rewarding experience at Bear Lake: daytime highs are typically 45–65°F with crisp nights dipping into the 30s–40s, making hikes and lakeside walks comfortable and mosquito-free. Leaf color usually peaks in late September into early October, turning the shoreline birch and aspen into a vivid palette while fishing for brook trout and wildlife viewing are at their best. Crowds thin compared with midsummer, so you’ll find quiet campsites and easy access to trails and a Peak months: September, August, June, May Avoid: November, December, January, February

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Fall offers clearest conditions and peak leaf color late Sept–Oct; mosquitoes disappear.

Planning Tips

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

About Bear Lake Campsite

Bear Lake Campsite sits in Hiawatha National Forest near Rapid River, managed by the Rapid River/Manistique Ranger District. This free, primitive campground offers a handful of secluded sites with fire rings along a quiet lake, drawing tent campers who fish and want solitude. Fall brings peak color and brook trout fishing without the mosquitoes.

Bear Lake Campsite is a single, primitive camping site suitable for tents or small setups. The focus is on seclusion and immersion in nature.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: fall. Fall offers the clearest, most rewarding experience at Bear Lake: daytime highs are typically 45–65°F with crisp nights dipping into the 30s–40s, making hikes and lakeside walks comfortable and mosquito-free. Leaf color usually peaks in late September into early October, turning the shoreline birch and aspen into a vivid palette while fishing for brook trout and wildlife viewing are at their best. Crowds thin compared with midsummer, so you’ll find quiet campsites and easy access to trails and a Peak months: September, August, June, May Avoid: November, December, January, February

Elevation709 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe campsite overlooks Bear Lake from an elevated position at 709 feet, surrounded by mixed forest of paper birch, aspen, oak, and pine. The 21-acre lake sits in a natural basin carved by ancient glacial action. A carry-in boat launch protects the water quality and keeps the lake quiet. The forest floor shows layers of natural succession, with hardwoods and conifers sharing space on rolling terrain. Some visitors mention limited shoreline access depending on water levels.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo hotel-style lodging or accommodations are available at the Bear Lake Campsite.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are advertised for this campsite.

Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

You may stay up to 14 nights during a visit at this campground.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Maximum number of guests per site: 8.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Recreation.gov via the website, app, or contact center.

AccessibilityThe campground does not have designated accessibility features, and the terrain may be challenging due to the uneven, rugged roads leading to the site.

Site SizeThe campsite is spacious, as described by a user: 'Very large sandy site.

PrivacyThe site is secluded and private, with users describing it as a 'quiet' and 'isolated' spot. However, some mention occasional ORV traffic on nearby trails.

Total Campsites1 campsites

Recommended SitesUser reviews highlight challenges and benefits. Select this site for seclusion and rustic camping but avoid it if proper road access for your vehicle is a priority. Bring adequate supplies and prepare for self-sufficiency.

Best CampsitesThere's only one site. It's large and sandy with a fire ring that has a flip-top grill. Reviews consistently mention the privacy and size. You won't see other campers on the lake or near your spot.

Need help booking Bear Lake Campsite?

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Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

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Amenities available

Bear Lake Campsite is a single-site campground located on the 21-acre Bear Lake within the Hiawatha National Forest. The site is considered primitive with no drinking water, no toilets, and few amenities. The area is described as "nestled in hardwood trees and pines" with a rustic environment suitable for a peaceful experience. This campsite is accessible by a rough dirt road that some users describe as only suitable for 4x4 vehicles. Notably, the site overlooks the serene Bear Lake and offers privacy and seclusion.

Fire rings

Firewood available

I manage this campground

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.

Fishing

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

No Flush ToiletsNo flush toilets are available at this site.

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

Fire PolicyYou are welcome to collect firewood from the area surrounding your campsite. Just remember that any firewood that you collect must be DEAD AND DOWN

Trash & RecyclingPack-in, pack-out policy applies. Visitors must take all trash and recycling with them when they leave the site.

Cell CoverageSome user reviews indicate that cell phone service is unavailable at the site. A user remarked that 'most cellphones don't work out there.'

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

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From Booking Sources

3.3

30 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

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

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.'...

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

Outdoorithm Community

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Go if

You want a secluded, no-cost lakeside site for tent camping and fall fishing without crowds.

Skip if

You need maintained road access, reliable sanitation, or easy lake entry points.

Nearby Campgrounds

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

Carr Lake Campsite sits on a small, secluded lake in Hiawatha National Forest near Rapid River, Michigan. Managed by the Rapid River/Manistique Ranger District, this primitive spot offers a handful of lakeside sites with fire rings and picnic tables. Visitors fish for bass and panfish, paddle the quiet water, and enjoy the isolation of the surrounding hardwood and pine forest.