OutReserve

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

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

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

Reviews (25)

What Guests Are Saying

East Lake Campsites offers a beautiful and spacious experience with stunning views and serene surroundings, ideal for nature lovers. However, there are concerns about noise from nearby private property, as well as issues with biting insects and the condition of the bathrooms. Access can be tricky without proper signage, but the overall ambiance and opportunities for fishing make it a worthwhile destination.

Review Summary

3.8
25 reviews
5
44.0%
11
4
24.0%
6
3
8.0%
2
2
16.0%
4
1
8.0%
2

Liam D

Verified

January 2, 2023 Stayed at: 003, Loop: EAST LAKE CAMPSITE

1

My partner and I were unable to access the site. The visual map on Google maps and on the recreation.gov reservation page does not match the verbal directions to reach the site from M-94. We followed the map instructions until reaching a plywood sign with blue spray paint saying "east lake 1,2,3" pointing down a fork in the road. We followed this sign and searched for an hour without success. We then tried to ask the private property owner whose front gate the sign was on for directions, but they could not be found and many of their signs and yard decorations implied that they would shoot anyone suspected of trespassing. We then searched for another hour down each unpaved logging road we could find, without success. We had reserved site 3 but the only site we could find was 1, where another couple was already camped. We asked them for directions and they were kind, but we again couldn't find our site. By this time it was dark out and there was nowhere for us to camp, so we resorted to a motel in Manistique.

Katherine F

Verified

June 23, 2022 Stayed at: 002, Loop: EAST LAKE CAMPSITE

3

It's absolutely beautiful here, very private, the lake is gorgeous -- but if you're here during mosquito season it's absolutely unbearable. We had to leave in the middle of the night because the bugs were relentless and honestly the worse I have ever experienced. So check the local "weather" reports before booking. It's a gem if there are no bugs out! Can't beat the price either. Internet service was spotty but not totally out.

Kayla B

Verified

June 23, 2022 Stayed at: 003, Loop: EAST LAKE CAMPSITE

4

This spot was a beautiful secluded camp site. We had our own little private beach and there was a new fire pit ring with a grate. Would love to come back to this gem again! Only 30 min from pictured rocks! Directions on the two track roads to get here were a little confusing but we figured it out.

TROY I

Verified

June 12, 2022 Stayed at: 001, Loop: EAST LAKE CAMPSITE

5

Great dispersed camping area, very peaceful, right on the lake. Did have mosquitoes but not as bad as I was expecting, We had warm days and cool nights.

Tate D

Verified

May 31, 2022 Stayed at: 001, Loop: EAST LAKE CAMPSITE

2

Campsite was cheap thankfully. I didn't get to set up my tent and actually camp though. I ran into rain and ended up leaving early to avoid getting stuck down the dirt roads to get to the site. The site was also ridden with bugs this time of year being right next to the water so I just decided to stay in my car. Not the best experience but not all of it is the sites fault.

Linda D

Verified

November 18, 2021 Stayed at: 002, Loop: EAST LAKE CAMPSITE

5

awesome spot to camp

sandy and marty b

Verified

October 5, 2021 Stayed at: 003, Loop: EAST LAKE CAMPSITE

4

We have been coming to site 2 and site 4 at Eastlake for at least 30 years. It is a perfect outdoor experience. Very nice sites with great swimming, fishing is pretty good and secluded but close enough to some civilization. We've seen a pair of bald eagles almost every time we have came. We even got a nice pic of a bald eagle snatching up a dead fish from the surface and have experienced the northern lights. It's also close enough to drive to pictured rocks and various waterfalls and Munising attractions without spending much time on the road. The Tanglewood Inn in Shingleton is a great place to eat.

Kitty H

Verified

September 7, 2021 Stayed at: 003, Loop: EAST LAKE CAMPSITE

5

Great

Norm B

Verified

August 29, 2021 Stayed at: 001, Loop: EAST LAKE CAMPSITE

4

The weather was hot and humid, but the campsite was quiet and peaceful.

Peter J

Verified

July 27, 2021 Stayed at: 003, Loop: EAST LAKE CAMPSITE

5

The weather was awesome! The bugs were terrible but thats to be expected. Fun panfishing and small bass.

Location East Lake Campsites

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

Latitude & Longitude: 46.1786 / -86.4133

Elevation: 216 feet

Nearby Campgrounds

Nearby destinations


Last updated: June 4, 2026

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Managed by USDA Forest Service