East Lake Campsites

East Lake Boat Launch
East Lake Campsite 3 table and fire ring
East Lake Campsite 2
East Lake Campsite 3
East Lake Campsite 2

Featured amenities

Picnic Table Picnic Table
Restrooms Restrooms
Fire Pit Fire Pit

Sites & Rates

Average nightly rates

3 total sites

RV Sites

3 sites

About East Lake Campsites

The Munising and Rapid River/Manistique Ranger Districts of the Hiawatha National Forest offer a variety of camping experiences. Many are located on inland lakes in a rustic forest environment with no drinking water. The rustic environment offers a wonderfully serene and peaceful setting for your next camping experience.

Number of accommodations: 3

Seasonal information

2026 (Current year)

2026 Season availability

Current season
Upcoming seasons
Past seasons
Closed periods
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Currently open - May 15 to Oct 15

Campground Amenities

Most popular amenities

Picnic Table Picnic Table
Restrooms Restrooms
Fire Pit Fire Pit
Water and Hygiene

Water and Hygiene

  • Restrooms
Cooking and Fire

Cooking and Fire

  • Picnic Table
  • Fire Pit
Water Access

Water Access

  • Beach Access
  • Lake Access
  • Boat Ramp / Launch
Missing information?

Rates, Sites & Availability

Select check-in and check-out dates to see real-time availability for each site.

3 Sites Available

Site
Price
🚐 001, Loop: EAST LAKE CAMPSITE RV
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 002, Loop: EAST LAKE CAMPSITE RV
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 003, Loop: EAST LAKE CAMPSITE RV
No Hookups
Price not available

Reviews (27)

What Guests Are Saying

East Lake Campsites offers a beautiful and spacious setting, with gorgeous views and a lovely beach, making it a favorite for many returning campers. However, visitors should be prepared for mosquitoes and biting flies, and some areas require maintenance, such as overgrown grass and stumps. Despite a few drawbacks, campers appreciate the privacy and natural beauty of the site, along with the variety of nearby trails.

Review Summary

3.8
27 reviews
5
44.4%
12
4
22.2%
6
3
11.1%
3
2
14.8%
4
1
7.4%
2

Jessica B

Verified

August 7, 2026 Stayed at: 002, Loop: EAST LAKE CAMPSITE

5

Great site! Had great weather. Gorgeous area!

Chelsea G

Verified

June 8, 2026 Stayed at: 003, Loop: EAST LAKE CAMPSITE

3

Very very buggy mosquitos were terrible definitely recommend lots of bug spray and/or fogger ! grass needed to be cut and they should think about removing some of the stumps in site 3 they are very dangerous and they're easy to trip and get hurt on especially for elders and children . Over all we love East lake and continue to go back every year !!

Gordon F

Verified

October 6, 2025 Stayed at: 003, Loop: EAST LAKE CAMPSITE

3

It's a great site and would be a fantastic experience. The beach is exquisite. But the people on the private property at the south end were EXTREMELY loud all day and into the late evening. I camp in Hiawatha National Forest for the peace and quiet and they totally ruined that.

Timothy D

Verified

October 2, 2025 Stayed at: 001, Loop: EAST LAKE CAMPSITE

4

There is poison ivy next to trail leading to the lake

Sarah F

Verified

June 23, 2025 Stayed at: 001, Loop: EAST LAKE CAMPSITE

2

The view and water were beautiful, and the campsite was spacious. The big downer was the insane amount of biting flies and mosquitoes. We were eaten alive all day.

Allison P

Verified

June 7, 2025 Stayed at: 003, Loop: EAST LAKE CAMPSITE

4

Great campsite on a dirt road just off the main road. There is a loop connecting each of the 3 sites. People with cabins near by spray painted over national forest signs routing traffic away from the boat launch (it is very strange). Going through the boat launch area is the fastest way to camp 3, if you go around you will have to drive around the lake on, at times, rough dirt road.

Peter S

Verified

October 12, 2024 Stayed at: 001, Loop: EAST LAKE CAMPSITE

5

Great site! Very private with plenty of space. The bathroom is kind of gross but that's to be expected at a site like this.

Nathan W

Verified

August 27, 2024 Stayed at: 001, Loop: EAST LAKE CAMPSITE

5

Beautiful remote spot. Make sure to take a good look at the map before driving out. Lots of trails in that area, and most cell service drops.

Diana H

Verified

June 3, 2024 Stayed at: 002, Loop: EAST LAKE CAMPSITE

5

This campsite was beautiful!! Very spacious, secluded, and right on East Lake! There’s only 3 sites and spaced out around East Lake. Sites 2 and 3 were a bit difficult to find, and it would help a lot if there were signs on 94 for these sites. The best way to find these sites is if you’re heading West on 94 turn right on 452 (I used Google maps to find the roads) then turn right again on the second trail road, where you will see a small sign that says East 2 and 3. There’s also a private property on the south side of the lake, be respectful and do not drive through their property. Overall this campground was so worth it. I caught my first large mouth bass on the shore. It’s just so serene and beautiful. As far as amenities, there’s outhouses for each of the sites. I was scared to use them because of the big spider webs I saw inside (I’m scared of spiders lol). I can’t wait to go back to this place <3 I love the U.P!

Laurie B

Verified

October 11, 2023 Stayed at: 002, Loop: EAST LAKE CAMPSITE

5

Site 2 is a great site, roomy with lots of shade, dirt around the fire pit area with a small area with grass perfect for tents. Great swimming with sand beach. Located far from the other sites so lots of privacy. Getting in there is some overhanging trees that need to be trimmed away. So dont have to tall of an rv.

Location East Lake Campsites

Address:
Rapid River/Manistique Ranger District
Rapid River, MI, 49878
United States

Elevation: 216 feet

Distance to downtown

60 mi drive to downtown Rapid River (about 1 hr 2 min)

Nearby Campgrounds

Nearby destinations


Last updated: September 9, 2026

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Managed by USDA Forest Service