
Triangle Lake Campground No2 in Manistique, MI
Essential Guide and Amenities Overview
ADDRESS |
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County Highway 437 Manistique, MI 46.174364, -86.503392 Elevation: 791′ |
MANAGEMENT |
Public – Forest Service This is a PAY campground. ($12 or less) The price is $8/night |
Previous Reviews:
Triangle Lake Campground No2: Sites fit RVs 16–32 feet. Carry-in only by the lake, no boat launch.
About This Location
Triangle Lake Campground No2 in Manistique, MI, sits tucked away in peaceful woods next to a pretty 169-acre lake. It’s a spot that works well for families who want a quiet place to camp with easy access to hiking, fishing, and horseback riding trails. The site sits low, so it’s best for tent campers—trailers don’t handle the access road very well.
At Triangle Lake Campground No2, you can fish or take a boat out, and there’s a good shot you’ll catch northern pike or smallmouth bass. The Pine Marten Run Trail nearby invites you to wander the woods on foot, bike, or horseback—no noisy ATVs to break the calm. Camping here feels like a genuine escape, with nature front and center and no crowds to worry about.
Key Takeways
- Family-friendly site in a forested lowland
- Hiking, horseback riding, and fishing are all close by
- Trailers struggle with the rough road in
Triangle Lake Campground No2 In Manistique, MI
You’ll find Triangle Lake Campground No2 tucked near Manistique, Michigan, surrounded by thick forest. The campground sits right by Triangle Lake—a 169-acre stretch of quiet water that sets the mood for the whole place.
Getting there means following Forest Road 2734. The main site runs about 100 feet by 30 feet, so it’s big enough for trailers and a few families, but the turn-around is tight. If you bring more than one vehicle, plan ahead so nobody gets boxed in.
Boating, fishing, and swimming are all on the menu here. The Pine Marten Run Trail is just a stone’s throw away and open to hikers, bikers, and horseback riders—no engines allowed, so it’s all birdsong and wind in the trees.
The nightly fee is pretty reasonable, around $8. Amenities are barebones, but honestly, that’s part of the charm if you want to get away from it all for a bit.
When you camp here, expect dispersed camping—so you’ll need to handle your own water and waste, and come prepared for a more self-sufficient experience.
Feature | Details |
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Location | Near Manistique, Michigan |
Site Size | ~100 ft x 30 ft |
Max Occupancy | Three families or trailers |
Activities | Boating, fishing, swimming, hiking |
Trail Access | Pine Marten Run Trail (non-motorized) |
Cost | Starting at $8 per night |
If you love forest and water close together, Triangle Lake Campground No2 is a simple, pleasant pick.
Things To Do
At Triangle Lake Campground No2, there’s plenty to keep you busy outside. Fishing is a big draw, but don’t forget your license. Swimming in Triangle Lake or even Blue Lake nearby feels great, especially on those hot afternoons.
Hiking is a must here. The Pine Marten Run Trail is right there for hiking, mountain biking, or saddling up a horse. If you’re in the mood to wander, other trails nearby offer different scenery and vibes.
You’ve got a handful of lakes within reach—Big Twin Lake, Bass Lake West, Minerva Lake, and Leg Lake—each one a good place to paddle, fish, or just hang out by the shore.
If you’re itching for more adventure, Big Island Lake Wilderness is close, with wild trails and a bunch of smaller lakes—Twilight, Vance, Byers, Klondike, Swan, Wolf, and Moss—all scattered around.
Looking for something different? Gladstone Ski Park and mini golf aren’t too far. You can mix things up without driving all day.
There’s the Au Train River for paddling, and in the right season, you could hit the Valley Spur Ski Trail. Leg Lake Site #1 is another nearby spot worth checking out.
With all the lakes, trails, and options, Triangle Lake Campground No2 puts a lot of nature right at your doorstep.
Directions
To get to Triangle Lake Campground No2, start in Manistique, up in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. From downtown, take M-94 north for about 23 miles, then hang a right onto County Road 437 (CR 437).
Go 4.2 miles down CR 437, then turn right again onto Forest Road 2452 (FR 2452). The campground sits about 0.7 miles down that road.
If you’re coming from Escanaba or Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, M-94 links up with CR 437 near Shingleton, which makes for a pretty straightforward drive through Hiawatha National Forest.
The area’s remote, so don’t count on cell service—bring a map or GPS just in case. Indian River and Indian Lake State Park are nearby, and they make good landmarks if you’re exploring the eastern Upper Peninsula.
If you’ve got time after camping, Palms Book State Park and Fayette State Park are both worth a side trip. You’ll get scenic views and hiking opportunities at both.
Honestly, I’d recommend a high-clearance vehicle for these roads. They can get rough, especially on FR 2452. Take it slow. There’s carry-in access only—no boat launch at site #2.
Vehicle Access
To reach Triangle Lake Campground No2, head north from Manistique, MI, on M-94. After about 23 miles, turn left onto County Road 437 and follow the signs for roughly 4.7 miles.
Then, take a right onto Forest Road 2734. The campground is just 0.3 miles down this stretch. The last bit’s a forest road—expect some bumps and ruts.
Sites here fit RVs and trailers between 16 and 32 feet, so most small or mid-sized rigs can get in.
You’ll need to carry your gear by hand to the lake, since there’s no direct boat or vehicle access at site #2. Park, unload, and walk it down.
No paved roads inside the campground, so drive slow and keep an eye out for soft patches or dips, especially if it’s rained recently.
Quick vehicle notes:
- Take M-94 north from Manistique, 23 miles
- Left on CR 437, right on FR 2734
- Campground is 0.3 miles in
- Sites fit RVs 16–32 feet
- Carry-in only by the lake, no boat launch
A little planning goes a long way here—know what to expect and you’ll be fine.
RV And Camping Trailer Information
Triangle Lake Campground No2 in Manistique, MI, lets you bring RVs and camping trailers without much hassle. The sites fit trailers and RVs between 16 and 32 feet, so smaller and medium rigs are good to go.
There are two main campsites. Both have enough space for parking and setting up, though turn-around room is a bit tight—take your time getting in and out.
The campsites are pull-through, which makes life easier if you’re not a pro at backing up. Amenities are basic, so come ready for a primitive experience.
Here’s the quick rundown:
Feature | Detail |
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Number of campsites | 2 |
Suitable RV length | 16 to 32 feet |
Access road | Forest Road 2734 |
Site type | Pull-through |
Amenities | Primitive, no hookups |
Bring all your own supplies, since you won’t find power or water hookups here. This is natural camping at its core, so extra water and fuel are smart to have.
You’ll have decent access for trailers and RVs, but take it slow—space gets tight, and the roads aren’t exactly smooth.
Paid Or Permit Sites
At Triangle Lake Campground No2, you’ll find campsites scattered around, and most require minimal fees or a permit. Most spots operate on a first-come, first-served basis, so you usually don’t need to worry about booking ahead.
Don’t forget, if you want to fish in Michigan waters—yep, that includes Triangle Lake—you need a valid fishing license. It’s not just red tape; it actually helps keep the fish population healthy and supports local conservation.
The two main campsites can fit RVs or trailers anywhere from 16 to 32 feet long. They’re open from mid-May through mid-October, but it’s smart to double-check for any updates on fees or permits, since things can change with the seasons.
You’ll also find nearby public lands if you want extra space for dispersed camping, no fee required. Still, there are rules, and following them goes a long way toward protecting the area for everyone.
Any camping fees or permits you pay help maintain the trails, sites, and the natural beauty around Triangle Lake. It’s not always fun to shell out the cash, but it does keep these places up and running.
AMENITIES: | ACTIVITIES: |
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RV Camping Tent Camping (at Lake edge) Boating Fishing Swimming Hiking Mountain Biking |
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