East Lake Campsites

Star3.76
37 reviews
RAPID RIVER/MANISTIQUE RANGER DISTRICT, 8181 US HWY 2, Rapid River, MI 49878, USA
Summer Destination

Quick Facts

692 ft

Price

$8/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

3 campsites

Season

Open: May 15, 2025; ...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

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
East Lake Campsites
$8.00 - $8.00 / night
Campsite Fees
The nightly fee for Standard Nonelectric sites during peak season (May 15 - October 9) is $8; additional reservation fees may apply depending on the...
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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

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Provider
906-474-6442
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What Campers Say

3.76

Mixed Reviews

Based on 37 reviews

6 Google reviews

Most mentioned

quietpeacefullakesites

Some mention

noise

"Overall, the campground receives mixed reviews. Many campers appreciate its serenity, seclusion, and natural beauty. Several negative experiences highlight navigation challenges, bugs, and noisy neighbors."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

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

East Lake Campsites

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

Driving directionsFrom 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 FR 2247A and drive less than a mile to the campsites.
Road access is challenging for sites 2 and 3 due to narrow, winding unpaved logging roads. Site 1 is accessible via FR 2650 but experiences traffic interruptions from the nearby boat launch.
Nearby places
Manistique (22.5 miles, approximately 30 minutes), Steuben (2 miles, approximately 5-10 minutes)
Nearby supplies
Supplies including bait shops, gas stations, grocery stores, and camping equipment are available in Steuben, approximately 2 miles away on County Road 437.

Best Time to Camp at East Lake Campsites

Each season paints East Lake with its own distinct palette. Summer brings warm, languid days perfect for swimming and lazy afternoons by the water—though be prepared to share the space with enthusiastic mosquitoes during peak months. Spring awakens the forest with cool, crisp air and budding greenery, while autumn transforms the hardwoods into a spectacular display of golds and crimsons. Winter blankets the landscape in snow and ice, creating a serene wonderland for those hardy enough to embrace the freezing temperatures and pristine solitude.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
3.0 / 5

Warm, great for swimming but summer reviews warn 'bugs are severe'.

Best
Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Fall noted as better for enjoying seclusion and natural beauty with fewer bugs.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.5 / 5

Spring recommended for seclusion and natural beauty; fewer bugs than summer.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Site closed Oct 9–May 15; winter stays not supported.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: May 15, 2025 - October 9, 2025. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open: May 15, 2025; Closed: October 9, 2025

About East Lake Campsites

Escape to the tranquil shores of East Lake, where rustic campsites beckon those seeking an authentic wilderness experience in the heart of Hiawatha National Forest. Here, beneath towering hardwoods and whispering pines, you'll discover a back-to-basics camping adventure where the absence of modern amenities is precisely the point. This pristine 53-acre lake invites you to cast a line at dawn, take refreshing afternoon swims, or paddle across mirror-still waters as the sun sets behind the forest canopy. Without drinking water or electricity, East Lake Campsites promise something increasingly rare: a chance to truly disconnect and immerse yourself in nature's simple rhythms.
East Lake Campsites provides primitive, tent, and RV camping options. It is suitable for dispersed camping with minimal facilities.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Check-in details are unspecified.
Check-out
Check-out details are unspecified.
Stay Limit
  • Pack-In, Pack-Out policy
  • maximum 14 consecutive nights during any visit.

Amenities available

Fire rings
Firewood available
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

East Lake Campsites provides opportunities for swimming, fishing, boating, and wildlife observation. Hiking and berry picking are also available.
HikingNumerous horse, bike, and hiking trails are located within minutes of the campsite.
FishingFishing is available for largemouth bass, perch, bluegill, and bullheads. "Fishing is pretty good," according to one reviewer, and "fun panfishing and small bass" were reported by another.
SwimmingSwimming is highly recommended at Site 3, described as "excellent." However, it is "not recommended at sites 1 and 2."
BikingBiking trails are available within close proximity to the campground.
BoatingBoat access is "unimproved, shallow, and sandy." Carry-in access is recommended. The boat access point is located just past Site 1.
Wildlife viewing"We've seen a pair of bald eagles almost every time we have come," noted one reviewer. Birds and other wildlife are commonly observed.
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsMosquitoes are extremely prevalent during certain seasons, and unpaved roads may pose difficulties for access. Wildlife such as bears may be present.
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Weather at East Lake Campsites

Reviews

3.8
37 reviews
Mixed Reviews
Mixed Reviews
East Lake Campsites has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews
Overall, the campground receives mixed reviews. Many campers appreciate its serenity, seclusion, and natural beauty. Several negative experiences highlight navigation challenges, bugs, and noisy neighbors.
Review Summaries
Based on 37 reviews

What Campers Love

"Beautiful tiny secluded lake," "quiet and peaceful," "only 3 sites and 1 private house on a small private lake." Wildlife spottings such as bald eagles and seclusion were frequently praised.
Based on 37 reviews

Common Concerns

Navigation challenges: "VERY hard to find... Follow the blue tags and one Bud Light can to find Site 3." Bugs and mosquitoes: "The bugs were relentless and honestly the worst I have ever...
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Based on 37 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

"Check the local 'weather' reports before booking" to avoid mosquito season. "Carry bug spray and lotion," and "use a high-clearance vehicle for site access."
Based on 37 reviews

Seasonal Insights

During summer, bugs are a severe issue. Spring and fall are better for enjoying the seclusion and natural beauty.
Based on 37 reviews

Camper Quotes

"We had our own little private beach and there was a new fire pit ring with a grate." "Woke up in the morning with ACTUALLY 40-50 mosquitoes perched on the outside of the tent." "The site is nice,...
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Based on 37 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site 1: "Lots of random traffic thru site #1 to get to the boat launch." Site 3: "Swimming at Site 3 is excellent." Also noted for difficult navigation and high levels of bugs.
Based on 37 reviews

Accessibility Features

The steep and narrow access roads to Sites 2 and 3 may make it difficult for individuals with physical disabilities to access these sites.
Based on 37 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

No specific reviews directly mention pets, but pets are permitted at the campground.
Based on 37 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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