Monocle Lake: Have A Picnic At This Idyllic Beach, Or Stay Longer

Picnicking is a great way to enjoy the park

It’s hard to find a prettier picnic spot than this. The picnic grounds lie between the main parking lot and the swimming beach. A thick wall of trees blocks almost all hint of the nearby cars, though, and casts shade on some of the tables. Parents can grill and relax in the sun or shade while still keeping an eye on little ones splashing in the water and digging sand on the beach. Fresh drinking water is nearby, and vault toilets are convenient but nestled out of the way.

Make time to stroll along the enticing trails

Monocle Lake has some of the loveliest trails in the area. The forests here are populated by pines, birch, aspen, and maple, and range from dense shade to sunny clearings, dappled with wetlands and hugging the lakeshore.

For those more adventuresome, the entire loop around Monocle Lake runs 14.5 miles, and is a popular way to enjoy the local forests. For those just getting some fresh air, or letting the children blow off steam, there are two miles of trail peppered with informative signs. The first 1100 ft of this is a raised boardwalk, with frequent lookouts built in.

The swimming beach is stunning

Monocle Lake is a lovely place for swimming. The broad, grassy recreation area allows for kids to run and parents to keep an easy eye. Benches scattered around the area face the water. It’s easy to lose track of time gazing out at the sparkling, calm lake trimmed entirely by greenery. The beach is sandy, and spread-out enough that families don’t have to feel crowded. Also, the water here is much warmer than in the great lakes, which can be a welcome change.

A great fishing location

Monocle Lake allows fishing. The boat ramp right off the parking lot makes accessing the water easier. And the main parking area is ample, with 60 spaces. Finding a place for the truck and boat trailer is rarely an issue. The lake itself boasts two man-made reefs lying in the water near the campground. A variety of fish swim in the lake, including perch, walleye, and pike. Canoes are also welcome.

Much of the park is fully accessible!

Michigan’s wild places have long been difficult for all but the able-bodied to appreciate. Fortunately, some of the parks are making strides, and Monocle Lake Campground is highly accessible. In the day-use area, the picnic area is accessible from the parking area, and some of the table are designed for wheelchairs. The first 1100 ft of the wooded trails are also fully accessible, via the raised, wooden boardwalk. On the campground side, the sites are laid out with accessibility in mind, including the tent and RV pads, picnic tables, fire pits, and lantern posts.

Make Monocle Lake Campground your basecamp

If you’re looking for a place to camp, Monocle Lake Campground is a lovely option. The 39 campsites are nestled under mature forests, making them shady, cool, and relatively private. Some of them are close enough along the lake to offer access. As mentioned earlier, the park’s proximity to Lake Superior means that this little haven goes unnoticed, and the crowds will usually be elsewhere. Some spaces are available first-come, first serve, but consider reserving your site ahead, since the non-reservable sites fill up quickly.

Sites are open to both tent and RV camping. There are no RV hook-ups, but sites are only 16 USD per night. Each site comes equipped with a table, a fireplace with a grill, and a lantern pole. Modern vault toilets and clean water are available for campers.

Monocle Lake’s proximity to area attractions make for a great place to stay while enjoying the area. Point Iroquois Lighthouse is less than two miles away. The park lies just south of Lake Superior and the Whitefish Bay Scenic Byway. Sault Ste. Marie and Tahquamenon Falls are within easy range.