Hiawatha National Forest — lakeside, fishing, hiking
Location: Rapid River, MI, MI
Price: From $20 per night
Rating: 4.2 out of 5 (11 reviews)
Season: May through October
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.There are a number of horse, bike and hiking trails within minutes of several of the sites.
Cell coverage (FCC estimate): none signal. Actual signal may vary in remote areas.
Amenities: Fire Rings, Picnic Tables, Drinking Water, Camp Host, Fishing, Boat Launch
Availability alerts: Set a free cancellation alert at camperwatch.org/campground/clear-lake-campsite to be notified when sites open up.
Clear Lake Campsite offers a rustic forest environment on an inland lake with fishing, boating, and swimming opportunities. Campers praise the friendly staff, potluck community events, and amenities like firewood and ice available on-site.
Wildlife alert: Gray wolf and snowshoe hare present in area. Bird species include rose-breasted grosbeak, Canada warbler, and ruffed grouse. Reptiles: common snapping turtle and painted turtle.
Insider tips for Clear Lake Campsite: Book early—federal campground fills quickly during peak season Firewood and ice cream available for purchase on-site Community potluck events held at campground
Skip Clear Lake Campsite if: You need RV hookups—no hookups available at most sites; self-contained RVs only. You require year-round camping—seasonal operations May through October only. You want to avoid check-in procedures—security check-ins required when leaving and returning to campground.
Best time to visit Clear Lake Campsite: May-October — Verified operating season per RIDB data.
Nearby campgrounds: Colwell Lake Campground (Munising, MI), Crooked Lake Campsite (Rapid River, MI), Steuben Lake Campsites (Rapid River, MI), East Lake Campsites (Rapid River, MI).
Cell signal at Clear Lake Campsite (Rapid River, MI): none overall signal based on FCC broadband data.
Coverage data source: FCC Broadband Data Collection (BDC). Actual signal may vary due to terrain, tree cover, and distance from towers. Camper reports are more reliable than coverage maps in remote areas.
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.There are a number of horse, bike and hiking trails within minutes of several of the sites.
Known issues, each with the workaround. Read before you book.
Book early
federal campground fills quickly during peak season
Firewood and ice cream available for purchase on-site
Community potluck events held at campground
Verified operating season per RIDB data
FCC maps are theoretical — camper reports confirm signal.









From M-28 in Shingleton : Head South on M-94 for 11 miles to Clear Lake Road (Forest Road 2246). Turn left and follow for 3 miles to FR 2246J (on the left). From US HWY 2 in Manistique : Head North on M-94 for 24 miles to Clear Lake Road (Forest Road 2246). Turn left and follow for 3 miles to FR 2246J (on the left).
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