Clear Lake Campsite

Star4.28
36 reviews
RAPID RIVER/MANISTIQUE RANGER DISTRICT, 8181 US HWY 2, Rapid River, MI, 49878, USA
Summer Destination

Quick Facts

778 ft

Price

Free

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Open between May 15,...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Opens Hiawatha National Forest site

Official Website
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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
Clear Lake Campsite
$0.00 - $0.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Camping at Clear Lake Campsite is free of charge during the listed season (May 15 to October 9, 2025). Reservation fees may apply ($8 online, $9 via...
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Standard Site Fee$0.00
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

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Provider
906-474-6442
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What Campers Say

4.28

Satisfactory

Based on 36 reviews

12 Google reviews

Most mentioned

peaceful

"User reviews are mixed, with some praising the site's natural beauty, privacy, and activities like fishing and kayaking, while others express concerns about public boat launch usage and the lack of facilities."

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Campground Map

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

Clear Lake Campsite

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

Driving directionsFrom M-28 in Shingleton: Head South on M-94 for 11 miles to Clear Lake Road (Forest Road 2246). Turn left and follow for 3 miles to FR 2246J (on the left). From US HWY 2 in Manistique: Head North on M-94 for 24 miles to Clear Lake Road (Forest Road 2246). Turn left and follow for 3 miles to FR 2246J (on the left).
The campsite is accessible via Forest Road 2246. It is necessary to carefully follow the reservation document instructions, as Google Maps does not always correctly guide to the exact location. The last stretch of the road includes FR 2246J.
Nearby places
Shingleton: 11 miles south (approx. 15 minutes)
Manistique: 24 miles north (approx. 30 minutes).
Nearby supplies
Within over a mile radius, visitors can find bait shops, general and grocery stores, gas stations, pay phones, trailheads, a fishing pier, biking paths, and kayak/canoe rentals.

Best Time to Camp at Clear Lake Campsite

From the vibrant awakening of late spring through the golden days of early fall, Clear Lake reveals its most welcoming face to campers. These months bring comfortable temperatures perfect for lakeside lounging and forest exploration. As autumn fades, winter transforms the landscape into a quiet wonderland, where high clouds drift overhead and gentle snowfall blankets the forest floor. The changing seasons paint the campsite in ever-shifting palettes, each offering its own unique camping experience.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
3.5 / 5

Late summer praised but reviewers note hornets and muddy conditions in some weeks.

Best
Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.5 / 5
Top 15% in MI

Early fall singled out for clear weather, fewer bugs and excellent scenery.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.0 / 5

Opens May 15; late spring pleasant but can be muddy and buggy early in season.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Site closed mid-Oct through mid-May; winter visits not supported.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: May 15, 2025 - October 9, 2025. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open between May 15, 2025, and October 9, 2025. Reservations are available starting June 21, 2025.

About Clear Lake Campsite

Escape to the tranquil shores of Clear Lake Campsite, where a single rustic site awaits adventurers seeking an authentic wilderness experience in Michigan's Hiawatha National Forest. This off-the-grid haven invites you to disconnect from the modern world and reconnect with nature's simple pleasures. While you won't find running water or restroom facilities here, you'll discover something far more valuable: the rare peace that comes from camping in untouched wilderness, where the only sounds are rustling leaves and gentle waves lapping against the shore.
Clear Lake Campsite is a primitive, single-site camping area designed for self-sufficient campers. It is suitable for tent camping and RVs but lacks group or luxury camping options.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
11:00 AM
Check-out
12:00 PM
Stay Limit
14-night maximum stay during each visit

Amenities available

Fire rings

Activities you can enjoy

Clear Lake Campsite offers a variety of natural recreational activities in a quiet and remote setting. Visitors can enjoy fishing, kayaking, hiking, swimming, and wildlife viewing. However, the lack of some facilities like restrooms and potable water requires careful preparation by campers. Swimming at the site is not recommended, but nearby biking and hiking trails offer alternatives for exploration.
HikingThere are hiking trails within minutes of the campsite, offering opportunities to explore the surrounding forest. Specific trail details (length, difficulty) are not provided.
FishingClear Lake is known for its excellent fishery, featuring species like yellow perch, smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, and occasionally splake. Michigan fishing licenses are required.
SwimmingWhile swimming is technically possible, it is not recommended at this site. Some users commented on the lake's sandy areas but noted that the space between the campsite and boat launch can be muddy.
BikingThere are biking trails located within a short drive of the campground, but no specific details on trail features are mentioned.
BoatingA back-in boat launch is available adjacent to the campsite, providing direct access to Clear Lake for boating and fishing. However, campers should expect public use of the launch, which may lead to occasional disturbances.
Wildlife viewingWildlife viewing opportunities abound in the surrounding hardwood and pine forest. No specific species are listed, but the natural setting is ideal for birdwatching and observing local fauna.
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include hornets, as reported by user reviews. Limited cell service may be a safety concern for some visitors.
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Weather at Clear Lake Campsite

Reviews

4.3
36 reviews
Satisfactory
Satisfactory
Clear Lake Campsite is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews are mixed, with some praising the site's natural beauty, privacy, and activities like fishing and kayaking, while others express concerns about public boat launch usage and the lack of facilities.
Review Summaries
Based on 36 reviews

What Campers Love

Users appreciated the natural setting, serene environment, and opportunities for fishing and kayaking. One reviewer noted, 'The sunset is seriously just the best here,' while another highlighted the...
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Based on 36 reviews

Common Concerns

Common concerns include the lack of toilets, limited cell service, frequent public use of the boat launch, and issues with human waste around the site. One reviewer stated, 'Walk away from the...
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Based on 36 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers recommend bringing all necessities, including potable water and portable toilets, as no facilities are provided. Setting up hornet traps and wearing boots for muddy areas were also advised.
Based on 36 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The campsite is particularly praised during late summer and early fall for clear weather and fewer bugs. However, hornets and muddy conditions were noted during certain weeks in the summer.
Based on 36 reviews

Camper Quotes

- 'Peaceful and secluded' (Christina S.) - 'Private lake and site' (Thomas Y.) - 'Very little service at Clear Lake. However we were ok with it and occupied ourselves kayaking, fishing, hiking...'...
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Based on 36 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

The single campsite (001) is often described as private and scenic but impacted by the boat launch's public use. Reviewers frequently highlight both the site's seclusion and its exposure to public...
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Based on 36 reviews

Accessibility Features

No specific accessibility reviews are available. However, the rugged nature of the site and lack of amenities may make it less accommodating for individuals with disabilities.
Based on 36 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

No specific reviews addressing pet policies or pet-related experiences are available.
Based on 36 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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