Monocle Lake Campground










Monocle Lake Campground Overview
Rating
Phone (906) 428-5800
Address Brimley, MI 49715, USA
Website https://www.fs.usda.gov/r09/hiawatha/recreation/monocle-lake-campground
Hours
Monocle Lake Campground Location & Map
MichiganChippewa CountyBrimley
Monocle Lake Campground About
For Michiganders seeking an authentic and serene camping experience in the heart of the Upper Peninsula, Monocle Lake Campground in Brimley, MI, is often described as a true "hidden treasure." This welcoming campground offers a delightful escape into nature, providing campers with stunning views, meticulously maintained facilities, and a friendly atmosphere that consistently earns rave reviews. It's the kind of place where the beauty of the outdoors meets the comfort of thoughtful upkeep, making it an ideal choice for those who appreciate a peaceful and pristine environment.
Monocle Lake Campground stands out not just for its picturesque setting, but for the dedication of its hosts, Larry and Becky. Their commitment to creating a "clean and friendly campground" is evident in every detail, from the spotless vault toilets—hailed as "the cleanest we have experienced during our camping tour of the Great Lakes"—to the beautifully maintained grounds. This level of care fosters a warm and inviting atmosphere, making every visitor feel genuinely welcome. Whether you're a seasoned camper or new to the UP, Monocle Lake Campground promises a refreshing and memorable stay, allowing you to immerse yourself in the tranquility of northern Michigan.
Monocle Lake Campground is nestled in the scenic area of Brimley, MI 49715, USA. This location places it in a prime spot within Michigan's enchanting Upper Peninsula, offering both a sense of secluded natural beauty and convenient access to significant local attractions. The campground directly overlooks the beautiful Monocle Lake, providing campers with fantastic views and a serene waterfront ambiance.
Despite its peaceful setting, Monocle Lake Campground is remarkably accessible. It's situated a short distance from major routes in the eastern UP, making it easy to reach for travelers arriving from various parts of Michigan or beyond. Its proximity to key landmarks is a major draw: it's conveniently close to the famous Soo Locks in Sault Ste. Marie, which connect Lake Superior and Lake Huron, offering a captivating spectacle of passing freighters. Additionally, the historic Iroquois Lighthouse is just a mile away, providing an easy and enjoyable excursion for visitors. While the campground offers a feeling of being 'away from it all,' its strategic location ensures that you're never too far from points of interest, allowing for a balanced trip of relaxation and exploration. However, campers should be aware that Verizon cell service can be "very very limited" in this area, which might impact connectivity for some users.
Monocle Lake Campground focuses on providing essential services that enhance the traditional camping experience, emphasizing cleanliness and basic conveniences:
- Campsites: Offers a variety of campsites, suitable for both tent camping and possibly smaller RVs (though specific hookup details are not highlighted in reviews). Sites are generally well-maintained and provide good spacing.
- Vault Toilets: Features exceptionally clean and well-maintained vault toilets, noted by campers as some of the best they've encountered. This indicates a high standard of hygiene for basic restroom facilities.
- Fire Pits with Grates: Every campsite is equipped with a fire pit that includes a grate, perfect for cooking over an open flame and enjoying classic campfires.
- Sturdy Lantern Hooks: A practical and appreciated amenity, each site features a sturdy hook, ideal for hanging gas lanterns or other camping gear, as highlighted by a satisfied camper.
- Well-Maintained Grounds: The overall campground grounds are meticulously kept, contributing to a pleasant and tidy environment for all campers.
- On-Site Hosts: The presence of dedicated and friendly hosts (Larry & Becky) ensures a welcoming atmosphere and responsive assistance for campers during their stay.
Monocle Lake Campground might be a "hidden treasure," but its distinct features and highlights make it shine brightly for those in the know:
- Exceptional Cleanliness: Consistently praised for its immaculate vault toilets and very well-maintained grounds. This commitment to cleanliness is a major highlight and a strong draw for campers.
- Friendly and Welcoming Hosts: Larry and Becky, the campground hosts, receive glowing reviews for their hospitality and dedication to creating a positive atmosphere. Their presence enhances the overall camping experience significantly.
- Awesome Views of Monocle Lake: The campground offers direct and stunning views of Monocle Lake, providing a beautiful backdrop for your camping experience, especially enjoyable for water lovers and photographers.
- Strategic Location to Key Attractions: It's ideally situated near the famous Soo Locks (connecting Lake Superior and Lake Huron) and just a mile from the historic Iroquois Lighthouse, offering easy access to significant Upper Peninsula landmarks.
- Peaceful and Serene Environment: The "hidden treasure" aspect implies a quiet and tranquil setting, perfect for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle and enjoy nature.
- Practical Site Amenities: The inclusion of fire pits with grates and sturdy lantern hooks demonstrates thoughtful attention to detail for campers' convenience.
- Excellent Value: While specific pricing isn't detailed in the provided reviews, the consistent high praise and "hidden treasure" description suggest it offers great value for the quality of experience provided.
- Limited Cell Service: While a potential challenge for some, the "very very limited Verizon" signal can be a highlight for those seeking a true digital detox and a deeper connection with nature.
As a generally smaller, more intimate campground focused on natural beauty and excellent upkeep, Monocle Lake Campground does not typically publicize large-scale promotions or discount programs in the same way larger commercial parks might. Its "special offer" lies in its consistent provision of a high-quality, clean, and friendly camping experience at what is often considered a great value, reflecting its "hidden treasure" status. Campers visiting Monocle Lake are drawn by its peaceful ambiance, the meticulous care from its hosts, and the stunning lake views, rather than promotional pricing. For specific rates or any potential group booking inquiries, it is always recommended to contact the campground directly. Given its reputation for excellent service and clean facilities, the value inherent in its standard rates is a significant draw for Michiganders looking for a reliable and enjoyable camping getaway without needing extensive promotions.
To plan your peaceful escape to Monocle Lake Campground and experience this hidden treasure for yourself, here’s how to get in touch:
- Address: Brimley, MI 49715, USA (Note: While a general Brimley address is provided, specific directions might be helpful given its potentially more secluded location within the area. Using GPS or consulting with the hosts directly for arrival instructions is advisable.)
- Phone: (906) 428-5800
- Mobile Phone: +1 906-428-5800
Given the limited cell service mentioned by reviewers, calling ahead to confirm availability and make any necessary arrangements is highly recommended. The hosts, Larry and Becky, are noted for their excellent service and will be able to provide the most accurate and up-to-date information for your visit.
For Michiganders, Monocle Lake Campground embodies the ideal Upper Peninsula camping experience, making it perfectly suitable for a local getaway. Its designation as a "hidden treasure" resonates deeply with the desire to discover authentic, less commercialized spots within our own beautiful state. The stunning views of Monocle Lake provide that quintessential UP scenery, offering a peaceful backdrop for relaxation and nature immersion that many Michiganders crave. The cleanliness of the facilities, especially the remarkably clean vault toilets, and the overall well-maintained grounds, as highlighted by numerous reviews, ensure a comfortable and pleasant stay, which is paramount for a true outdoor escape.
The presence of dedicated and friendly hosts, Larry and Becky, is a significant draw. Their commitment to creating a welcoming environment fosters a sense of community and provides reassurance that you're in good hands. This personal touch is often highly valued by locals who appreciate genuine hospitality. Furthermore, the campground’s strategic location near the iconic Soo Locks and the Iroquois Lighthouse offers convenient opportunities to explore significant regional landmarks, blending outdoor relaxation with cultural and historical discovery. While the "very very limited Verizon" service might be a consideration for some, for many Michiganders, it's an added bonus – an opportunity for a true digital detox and a chance to reconnect with nature and loved ones without constant interruptions. Monocle Lake Campground offers a tranquil, clean, and genuinely friendly environment, providing Michiganders with an accessible slice of Upper Peninsula paradise for a truly refreshing camping adventure.
Customer Reviews
BEST host ever!!! Larry & Becky do a wonderful job creating a clean and friendly campground. The vault toilets are the cleanest we have experienced during our camping tour of the Great Lakes. The grounds are very well maintained and views of Monocle Lake are AWESOME. This is indeed a hidden treasure. This campground is close to the Soo Saint Marie Locks that go between U.S. and Canada. Iroquois Lighthouse 1 mile away. Very very limited Verizon😕
Great time camping at this site! Nice fire pits with grates, and every site has a sturdy hook that was super handy for hanging my Coleman gas lantern!
Great campground! Isolated for privacy, not too close together. Lots of space for campers and tents. Has a boat ramp too and public beach! Very clean!
Nice, well-kept campground with clean bathrooms and good sized campsites. Fishing in Monocle Lake was ok. My only complaint would be that when we stayed there there was at least one camper that ran their generator basically at all hours that were not quiet hours, but that was more reflective of the weekend we went (Labor Day) and of no fault of the campground itself. I liked the option to reserve a site ahead of time, especially when planning to come up for a busy weekend like Labor Day!
Stayed for a girl's weekend hiking trip. Beautiful park. We said multiple times, how beautifully kept the park and the bathrooms were. As noted in other reviews, we also appreciated the grates on the firepit, and the hooks for our lanterns. We had a beautiful view of the lake from our spit, too. While making his rounds on Saturday, the park ranger noticed we had my son with us (1.5 yo), so the ranger stopped and gave him bubbles and glow sticks for the night. And made sure we didn't need any help before he took off to his next campground. Highly recommend.
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