Hiawatha National Forest

Monocle Lake Campground

Monocle Lake Campground has something for everyone. It is located 1/2 mile west of Bay Mills Indian Community off Whitefish Bay National Scenic Byway (Lake Shore Drive), on FR-3699. It is approximately 21 miles west of Sault Ste. Marie and is near the Point Iroquois Lighthouse.

Monocle Lake is a perfect place to use as a home-base while visiting the many recreational opportunities available in the Sault Ste. Marie area, as well as exploring the Whitefish Bay National Scenic Byway all the way to Tahquamenon Falls. Monocle Lake offers a quiet, relaxing place to fish, swim, hike, and just enjoy the out of doors while camped along the shores of a lovely inland lake.

Camping
Monocle Lake Campground offers 39 campsites in a northern hardwood, aspen, red maple, and white birch setting. Campsites are available on a first-come first-serve basis.  No reservations are acceptedAll 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.

Picnic Area & Swimming
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.

Hiking
Interconnecting pathways with hardened surfaces exist throughout the recreation area.

In addition, a hiking trail begins at the day-use parking lot. The entire length of the trail is about 2 miles.  The first 1,000 ft. has a hardened accessible surface which leads to an elevated boardwalk with a wildlife viewing platform. The platform is situated over an active beaver pond where beaver may be observed building a lodge or a dam. The trail becomes more rustic past the wildlife platform where it continues along the shoreline for approximately 1/2 mile to the north end of Monocle Lake. At this point the hiker is invited to take the scenic loop that leads up to a high bluff, an elevation increase of approximately 200 feet. Various small vistas with spectacular views exist once the hiker reaches the top. Look for the sign pointing to an overlook with bench seats. From here you can look up the shipping channel in the St. Mary's River and over into the Canadian hills. These bluffs are the Old Lake Superior shoreline of 9-10,000 years ago. The trail then drops back down the hill where it again connects to return to the wildlife viewing platform and ultimately the parking lot.

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.

Boating
A boat launch and parking area is located between the campground and the day-use area. Swimming at or near the boat launch is dangerous and discouraged. Various types of recreation take place on the lake, including fishing from a boat, pleasure cruising, water skiing, personal watercraft use, and swimming. Please think safety, use courtesy and respect other recreational activities while enjoying your sport on the water. No water craft is allowed in the designated swimming area. Boaters should be familiar with the no-wake laws.

General Information
There are several grocery and supply stores as well as restaurants in the area.

Monocle Lake Recreation Area is a concession operated fee area. A campground host is present during the summer months. Golden Passports are accepted.

Contact
Additional information about Monocle Lake Campground is available from the Sault Ste. Marie Ranger District or the Forest Supervisor's Office.