About Bear Lake Campsite
Number of accommodations: 1
Seasonal information
2026 Season availability
001, Loop: BEAR LAKE CAMPSITE
Site Details
Reviews (14)
What Guests Are Saying
Bear Lake Campsite is a favorite for those seeking a remote experience, offering access to numerous trails and a friendly atmosphere. While amenities are minimal (no bathrooms or running water), visitors appreciate the solitude and cleanliness of the site. Some challenges include rough access roads and muddy shorelines, but overall, it remains a highly regarded spot for camping enthusiasts.
What Guests Are Saying
Bear Lake Campsite is a favorite for those seeking a remote experience, offering access to numerous trails and a friendly atmosphere. While amenities are minimal (no bathrooms or running water), visitors appreciate the solitude and cleanliness of the site. Some challenges include rough access roads and muddy shorelines, but overall, it remains a highly regarded spot for camping enthusiasts.
Review Summary
Abraham S
VerifiedOctober 4, 2021 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: BEAR LAKE CAMPSITE
Great campsite, poor fishing, very limited access to the lake. Saw 9-10 baby turtles casually walk by our tent.
Joanne J
VerifiedSeptember 7, 2020 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: BEAR LAKE CAMPSITE
Very large sandy site. We saw no other people near the site or on the lake. Very quiet. Fire ring had a flip top grill. Forest roads can be tricky, the 2217 to 2696 spur was good. We had an excellent time
Kyle S
VerifiedJanuary 15, 2020 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: BEAR LAKE CAMPSITE
Nice campsite, but if youre looking for seclusion this may not be the site for you. Lots of ORV traffic on the trails around the site, including in the middle of the night
Mark Gordon
September 3, 2015
Not a campground, it is a great place to get maps and information on the area. The staff was so helpful and made me feel at home in the forest.
Location Bear Lake Campsite
Address:
Rapid River/Manistique Ranger District, 8181 Us Hwy 2
Rapid River, MI, 49878
United States
From Cooks (about 12 miles west of Manistique or 24 miles east of Rapid River on US-2): drive north 4.4 miles on County Road 442 to CR 437.
- Turn left (north) on CR 437 and drive 8.7 miles to FR 2217.
- Turn left (northwest) on FR 2217 and drive 2.4 miles to FR 2696.
- Turn left (south) on 2696 and drive 0.5 mile to the campsite
Bear Lake Campsite is located approximately 14 miles from US Highway 2, which provides major access to the area.
Latitude & Longitude: 46.0706 / -86.4983
Elevation: 212 feet
Policies & Rules
General
- Pack-In, Pack-out policy
- There is a 14-day stay limit.
- No drinking water provided.
- Campsite must be occupied the first night.
- Campsite cannot be left unattended for more than 24 hours.
- 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
- 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. Please help protect our forests from invasive species by obtaining your firewood at or near your camping destination and burning it on-site. Visit dontmovefirewood.org for more information.
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Last updated: June 4, 2026
