Monocle Lake

Star4.54
215 reviews
12600 E Lakeshore Drive, Brimley, MI 49715, USA
Summer Destination

Quick Facts

696 ft

Price

$24/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

41 campsites

Season

Open season starts M...

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
Monocle Lake
$24.00 - $24.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Nightly rates are consistent for peak and off-season at $24 for standard nonelectric and tent-only nonelectric sites. Fees do not cover taxes or...
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Standard Site Fee$24.00
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
906-203-9872
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What Campers Say

4.54

Top-Rated

Based on 215 reviews

91 Google reviews

Most mentioned

privacyquietpeacefulclean

Some mention

noise

"User reviews for Monocle Lake Campground highlight spacious sites, cleanliness, and excellent privacy. Many campers praise the friendly hosts and relaxing atmosphere. Concerns include generator noise and the lack of modern facilities like showers and hookups."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

12600 E Lakeshore Drive, Brimley, MI 49715, USA

Monocle Lake

12600 E Lakeshore Drive, Brimley, MI 49715, USA

Driving directionsFrom Bay Mills, travel west on County Road 42 (Whitefish Bay Scenic Byway) for approximately half a mile, then turn south on Forest Road 3699 to the campground entrance.
The campground is accessible via paved roads throughout the area; accessibility is reliable year-round as no seasonal closures or terrain challenges are noted.
Nearby places
Bay Mills (6 miles, approximately 15 minutes), Sault Ste. Marie (25 miles, approximately 35 minutes), Tahquamenon Falls (35 miles, approximately 50 minutes)
Nearby supplies
A grocery/deli market near the main intersection in Brimley offers camping supplies
firewood is sold locally near the campground.

Best Time to Camp at Monocle Lake

Experience the Upper Peninsula's captivating seasonal transformations at Monocle Lake. Summer arrives with gentle breezes and comfortable temperatures perfect for lakeside lounging and forest exploration. As autumn approaches, the surrounding hardwoods burst into a spectacular display of crimson, gold, and amber, creating a photographer's paradise. Winter's proximity to mighty Lake Superior brings the possibility of pristine snowfall, transforming the landscape into a serene wonderland that showcases nature's quiet beauty.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.5 / 5

Open May–Sep; reviewers note warm lake water, busy but enjoyable summer visits.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Fall offers quieter camping and scenic foliage; reviewers report peaceful visits.

Spring(Mar-May)
Not recommended

Season opens late May, so spring access and activities are limited or closed.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Open season listed as May 23–Sep 14; winter camping/activities not described.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: May 23, 2025 - September 14, 2025. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open season starts May 23, 2025. Peak season ends September 14, 2025. No reservations available out of season.

About Monocle Lake

Tucked away in Michigan's enchanting Upper Peninsula, Monocle Lake Campground beckons outdoor enthusiasts with its cathedral of towering hardwoods and pristine waterfront access. Here, beneath a canopy so dense it filters sunlight into dancing patterns, visitors discover the perfect basecamp for aquatic adventures and woodland exploration. Whether you're casting a line into the crystal-clear waters of Monocle Lake, taking a refreshing morning swim, or setting off on scenic hiking trails, this hidden gem offers an authentic wilderness experience just moments from historic landmarks.
Monocle Lake Campground provides both tent and RV camping options within a rustic setting. Sites are available for reservation or on a first-come, first-served basis.
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Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers
Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in
2PM
Check-out
Null
Stay Limit
You may stay up to 14 nights during a visit at this campground.

Amenities available

Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Firewood available
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Monocle Lake Campground offers a variety of outdoor recreational activities, including fishing, swimming, boating, hiking, and wildlife viewing. Cultural and historic sites like the nearby Point Iroquois Lighthouse add educational value.
HikingHiking trails include the 14.5-mile Monocle Lake Trail, featuring two miles of interpretive displays and an accessible boardwalk for the first 1100 feet. Additional trails lead to overlooks, cemeteries, and nearby attractions.
FishingFishing opportunities abound in Monocle Lake, populated with walleye, smallmouth bass, pike, and perch. Anglers often have good luck near the two man-made reefs just off the eastern shore.
SwimmingA designated swimming area is available near the day-use picnic area. The lake is described as clean and refreshing, with a sandy beach at one end.
BoatingBoating is supported by a paved boat launch and parking area for vehicles and trailers. The lake accommodates smaller vessels and non-motorized watercraft.
Wildlife viewingCommon wildlife sightings include loons, baby toads, and newts. Trails around the lake and forest provide excellent opportunities for observing these species.
Beach activitiesThe sandy beach and clear water offer opportunities for sunbathing and swimming. Visitors describe the area as serene and peaceful.
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include wildlife and rocky campsites. Vault toilets are available but may not suit all campers.

Weather at Monocle Lake

Reviews

4.5
215 reviews
Top-Rated
Top-Rated
Monocle Lake is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews for Monocle Lake Campground highlight spacious sites, cleanliness, and excellent privacy. Many campers praise the friendly hosts and relaxing atmosphere. Concerns include generator noise and the lack of modern facilities like showers and hookups.
Review Summaries
Based on 215 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive aspects include clean vault toilets, large wooded sites providing privacy, a peaceful and quiet environment, close proximity to attractions like Lake Superior and Tahquamenon Falls, and...
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Based on 215 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints involve generator noise during non-quiet hours, limited cell phone reception, and early arrival fees, which charge for a full previous day.
Based on 215 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers recommend reserving well ahead for popular weekends, exploring nearby attractions such as the Point Iroquois Lighthouse, and bringing appropriate tent stakes due to rocky ground at certain...
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Based on 215 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer months are described as busy but enjoyable, with warm lake water and well-maintained facilities. Fall offers quieter camping experiences. Winter camping is not addressed.
Based on 215 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'The vault toilets are the cleanest we have experienced during our camping tour of the Great Lakes.' 2. 'The sites are huge and very woodsy. We used site 38 and we barely even noticed that we had...
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Based on 215 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site #38 is described as spacious and private, while site #32 was criticized as poorly located. Site #1 is noted for accommodating large vehicles.
Based on 215 reviews

Accessibility Features

The campground's accessible boardwalk and vault toilets provide options for campers with disabilities. However, users with mobility restrictions may find uneven terrain challenging.
Based on 215 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Monocle Lake Campground is pet-friendly, with users mentioning positive experiences camping with their dogs.
Based on 215 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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