Monocle Lake Campground

4.52

103 reviews

Monocle Lake Campground, Forest Rd. 3699, Michigan

Summer Destination

Quick Facts

780 ft

Price

$16 - $22/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

42 campsites

Season

Open seasonally from...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Opens Hiawatha National Forest site

Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

780 ft

Price

$16 - $22/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

42 campsites

Season

Open seasonally from...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Opens Hiawatha National Forest site

Official Website

Get Directions

Monocle Lake Campground

$16.00 - $22.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Site fee is $22 per day. Federal Recreation Passes (Golden/America the Beautiful) are accepted. Day use and boat launch are free.

Standard Site Fee$16.00

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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USFS

Provider

1-877-444-67777

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What Campers Say

4.52

Top-Rated

Based on 103 reviews

91 Google reviews

Most mentioned

peacefulcleanlakesites

Some mention

noise

"The campground is described as quiet, clean, and well-maintained with spacious sites. Hosts are praised for their friendliness and attentiveness. Some users noted generator noise as a drawback during busy weekends."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Monocle Lake Campground, Forest Rd. 3699, Michigan

Monocle Lake Campground

Monocle Lake Campground, Forest Rd. 3699, Michigan

Driving directionsFrom the intersection of M-28 and I-75 drive 7.5 miles west on M-28 to M-221. Turn right (north) and drive 2.5 miles on M-221 to Iroquois Rd/Lake Shore Drive (Forest Highway 42). Turn left (west) on Lake Shore Drive and drive 6.2 miles to Forest Road 3699. Turn left (west) on FR3699 and drive 1 mile to Monocle Lake Campground.

The campground is accessible via paved roads. Parking aprons are gravel. Seasonal closures apply; open mid-May through mid-October.

Nearby places

Brimley (7 miles)

Nearby supplies

The closest provisions are at a small grocery/deli market near the main intersection in Brimley, approximately 7 miles away.

Best Time to Camp at Monocle Lake Campground

Experience the Upper Peninsula's dramatic seasonal transformations at Monocle Lake. Summer brings perfect camping weather with comfortable highs around 73°F, ideal for swimming and outdoor adventures. As autumn arrives, the surrounding maples burst into fiery reds and oranges. Winter transforms the landscape into a crystalline wonderland, though temperatures can plunge below 20°F, creating opportunities for hardy cold-weather enthusiasts. Spring's renewal brings fresh rains and the awakening of the forest, making each season a unique chapter in your camping story.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.5 / 5

Ideal summer temps (~73°F), prime for swimming, boating and hiking; peak season July/August.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.5 / 5

Top 15% in MI

Fall popular for picturesque colors and scenic views around the lake.

Spring(Mar-May)

3.5 / 5

Open May 15; quieter shoulder season with cooler water but good solitude.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

Not recommended

Campground closed in winter (open May 15–Oct 15).

Planning Tips

Peak Season: Peak season spans July and August.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open seasonally from May 15 through October 15.

About Monocle Lake Campground

Tucked away on the southern shore of pristine Monocle Lake, this hidden gem in Michigan's Upper Peninsula offers campers a perfect blend of tranquility and adventure. A single loop road winds through generously spaced sites, each one embraced by a canopy of whispering aspens, vibrant red maples, and graceful white birches. Whether you're seeking a peaceful retreat or a basecamp for exploring the region's spectacular waterfalls, historic lighthouses, and the mighty Lake Superior, Monocle Lake Campground provides an authentic north woods experience that captures the essence of Pure Michigan.

Monocle Lake Campground offers primarily rustic tent and RV camping, with 42 sites that include fire rings and picnic tables. Vault toilets and water spigots complete the amenities.

Historical SignificanceStep back in time at the nearby Point Iroquois Lighthouse, where maritime history comes alive. This majestic 65-foot sentinel has guided vessels through Lake Superior's waters since 1857, standing as a testament to the region's rich nautical heritage. Today, the lighthouse doubles as a fascinating museum where visitors can climb the tower, explore keeper's quarters, and discover the stories of shipwrecks, rescues, and the dedicated families who kept the light burning through storms and solitude.

Weather and SeasonsExperience the Upper Peninsula's dramatic seasonal transformations at Monocle Lake. Summer brings perfect camping weather with comfortable highs around 73°F, ideal for swimming and outdoor adventures. As autumn arrives, the surrounding maples burst into fiery reds and oranges. Winter transforms the landscape into a crystalline wonderland, though temperatures can plunge below 20°F, creating opportunities for hardy cold-weather enthusiasts. Spring's renewal brings fresh rains and the awakening of the forest, making each season a unique chapter in your camping story.

ElevationPerched at 780 feet above sea level, the campground enjoys a naturally cooler microclimate that provides relief from summer heat and creates the perfect conditions for the lush forest ecosystem. This modest elevation contributes to the area's refreshing atmosphere, where morning mists often drift across the lake and evening breezes carry the sweet scent of birch and pine.

Natural Features and SceneryImagine waking to sunlight filtering through a living cathedral of aspens, maples, and birches, with glimpses of Monocle Lake's sparkling waters just beyond your campsite. This 172-acre aquatic playground invites endless recreation—cast a line for native fish species, launch your kayak for a peaceful paddle, or simply float in the clear, refreshing waters. The surrounding forest creates an ever-changing tapestry of colors and textures, from spring's tender green shoots to autumn's spectacular foliage display.

Geological RegionNestled in the heart of Michigan's Upper Peninsula, Monocle Lake Campground sits within a remarkable landscape shaped by ancient glaciers and time. The north woods ecosystem thrives here, where aspens dance in the breeze, red maples paint the forest with seasonal color, and paper birches stand like white sentinels among the greenery. This strategic location offers the best of both worlds—intimate forest camping with easy access to both the tranquil waters of Monocle Lake and the awe-inspiring expanse of Lake Superior, the world's largest freshwater lake by surface area.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

2:00 PM early check-in incurs a fee.

Check-out

11:00 AM

Stay Limit

Maximum stay is 14 days.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Exact guest limit per site not stated.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutA single loop structure accommodating 42 campsites.

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via the Hiawatha National Forest website or by calling 1-877-444-67777.

Walk-in AvailabilityHalf of the sites are first-come, first-served, making it possible to secure a spot without a reservation during weekdays.

Cancellation PolicyNo specific cancellation policy noted.

AccessibilitySites have hardened surfaces and tent pads. Accessible tables, fire rings, lantern posts, and restrooms are available throughout the campground.

Site SizeLarge sites capable of accommodating rigs up to 30 feet. "The sites are huge and very woodsy," commented one user, emphasizing their spaciousness.

PrivacyThe sites are well-spaced, providing significant privacy. "We barely even noticed that we had neighbors," remarked a camper who stayed on site 38.

Total Campsites42 campsites

Recommended SitesReviews suggest choosing sites with lake access or shaded areas for a better experience.

Amenities available

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Monocle Lake Campground offers a variety of activities, including hiking, fishing, swimming, and both motorized and non-motorized boating. The Mission Hill Overlook Trail and the trail around Monocle Lake are highlights for hiking enthusiasts.

HikingThe Mission Hill Overlook Trail (1.5 miles) offers a scenic hike. Additionally, campers can enjoy a trail around Monocle Lake, which takes about two hours to complete, according to user feedback.

FishingFishing opportunities include stocked walleye, northern pike, and perch. There is a walleye spawning reef west of the campground and a fishing pier.

SwimmingSwimming is available in Monocle Lake. "The lake is beautiful, peaceful, and perfect for swimming," noted one user.

BoatingBoth motorized and non-motorized boating are allowed. A boat ramp and carry-down access make the lake accessible for various boating activities.

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsWildlife including baby toads and newts have been spotted. Vault toilets and other rustic facilities may not meet expectations for some campers.

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

Fire PolicyCampfires permitted in designated fire rings only.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM.

Emergency ServicesClosest emergency services are in Brimley, Michigan.

Trash & RecyclingNo specific mention of trash and recycling facilities, though the campground is noted for being clean and well-maintained by the hosts.

Water FeaturesSituated on the shores of Monocle Lake, close to other water bodies like Lake Superior.

Camp HostHosts Larry and Becky were praised for their friendly demeanor and maintaining spotless facilities.

Weather at Monocle Lake Campground

Reviews

4.5

103 reviews

Top-Rated

Monocle Lake Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews

The campground is described as quiet, clean, and well-maintained with spacious sites. Hosts are praised for their friendliness and attentiveness. Some users noted generator noise as a drawback during busy weekends.

Review Summaries

Based on 103 reviews

What Campers Love

Campers appreciate the large, private sites and the cleanliness of the facilities. The lake and its surrounding trails are frequently praised as beautiful and peaceful.

Based on 103 reviews

Common Concerns

Complaints include occasional generator noise outside of quiet hours and incidents of disruptive behavior from other campers. Limited Verizon cell service and the lack of showers are also noted.

Based on 103 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Arrive early to secure first-come, first-served sites, especially on busy weekends. Bring your own potable water.

Based on 103 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The campground is busiest in July and August, with quieter periods in May/June and post-Labor Day. Fall is a popular time to visit due to the lake's picturesque colors.

Based on 103 reviews

Camper Quotes

"The vault toilets are the cleanest we have experienced during our camping tour of the Great Lakes." "The sites are huge and very woodsy." "The lake is beautiful and peaceful." "The camp hosts keep...

Based on 103 reviews