Monocle Lake Campground

Area Status: Open

Monocle Lake Campground's location off of Monocle Lake and its proximity to so many recreational opportunities in the Sault Ste. Marie area makes it the perfect home-base as you go adventuring through the Upper Peninsula Michigan. Don't forget to add the Whitefish Bay National Forest Scenic Byway to the list. It runs along Lake Superior all the way to Tahquamenon Falls.

Monocle Lake offers a quiet, relaxing place to fish, swim, hike, and just enjoy the outdoors while camped along the shores of a lovely inland lake. You will definitely want to add Monocle Lake to your Upper Michigan Fall color tour! Make a reservation, or view a map of the Monocle Lake Campground.

Monocle Lake Accessibility

Sites have hardened surfaces and tent pads to accommodate accessibility needs.
Accessible tables, fire rings, and lantern posts are available at each site.
Accessible pressurized water and pit toilets are conveniently spaced throughout the recreation area.

At a Glance

Current Conditions:	First come first served this season.
Reservations:	(*Note: No reservations for 2023. Reservations will resume in 2024.) You can reserve some camping sites for Monocle Lake Campground on the National Recreation Reservation System (NRRS). To check availability or to make a reservation go to: Recreation.gov Call 877-444-6777 Call 877-833-6777 (TTY)
Fees:	Site Fee $20 - Federal Recreation Passes (Golden/America the Beautiful) are accepted. Day Use: Free Boat Launch: Free
Open Season:	May 20 - September 30
Closest Towns:	Brimley
Water:	Drinking Water
Restroom:	Vault

General Information

Directions:

From 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.

Recreation Map

Map showing recreational areas. Map Information

Activities

Campground Camping

Recreation areas with activity Campground Camping:

Monocle Lake Campground offers 39 campsites in a northern hardwood, aspen, red maple, and white birch setting.

Sites have hardened surfaces and tent pads to accommodate accessibility needs.
Accessible tables, fire rings, and lantern posts are available at each site.
Accessible pressurized water and pit toilets are conveniently spaced throughout the recreation area.

No. of Accessible sites

Lake and Pond Fishing

Recreation areas with activity Lake and Pond Fishing:

The lake is 172 acres, 40-45 ft. deep, and populated with walleye, small mouth bass, pike, and perch.

There are two man-made reefs on the east shore adjacent to the campground.
No diving is allowed off the pier.
Swimming at or near the pier is discouraged.

Fish Species

Walleye,Smallmouth bass,Rock bass,Pike,Yellow perch

Day Hiking

Recreation areas with activity Day Hiking:

Monocle Lake Interpretive Trail

Monocle Lake Interpretive Trail 2 miles

Leisurely hike along the west shore of Monocle Lake

Binnobin Trail 1 mile

This hike climbs from Monocle Lake Pinic Area to the Spectacle Lake Overlook

Difficulty Level:	Easy

Picnicking

Recreation areas with activity Picnicking:

The picnic/swim area is easily accessible from the spacious 60-vehicle day-use parking area. Tables, grills, and pressurized water are provided as well as accessible toilet facilities. The day-use area can be accessed from the campground by interconnecting pathways.

Boating - Motorized

Recreation areas with activity Boating - Motorized:

A boat launch and parking area is located between the campground and the day-use area.

Boating - Non-Motorized

Recreation areas with activity Boating - Non-Motorized:

Monocle Lake provides a quiet, calm and easy access for all non-motorized watercraft. Visitors can put their watercraft in at the campground or boat launch.

Swimming

Recreation areas with activity Swimming:

The swim area is easily accessible from the spacious 60-vehicle day-use parking area. Lifeguards are not present. When children are in the water they should be accompanied by an adult at all times.

Alerts & Warnings

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