Bass Lake Campsite

Star3.52
12 reviews
RAPID RIVER/MANISTIQUE RANGER DISTRICT, 8181 US HWY 2, Rapid River, MI, USA
Summer Destination

Quick Facts

794 ft

Price

$8/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Open May 15 to Octob...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens Hiawatha National Forest site

Official Website
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Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
Bass Lake Campsite
$8.00 - $8.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Peak season rate is $8. Additional costs may include reservation service fees: $8 (online/app), $9 (contact center), $3 (in-person).
Standard Site Fee$8.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Provider
906-474-6442 OR 906-387-2512
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What Campers Say

3.52

Mixed Reviews

Based on 12 reviews

5 Google reviews

Most mentioned

peacefullake

Some mention

mosquitoes

"User reviews are mixed, with positive highlights focusing on the serene environment and good kayaking opportunities. Common complaints include the lack of privacy due to frequent vehicle traffic, limited fishing success, and the absence of basic facilities."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

RAPID RIVER/MANISTIQUE RANGER DISTRICT, 8181 US HWY 2, Rapid River, MI, USA

Bass Lake Campsite

RAPID RIVER/MANISTIQUE RANGER DISTRICT, 8181 US HWY 2, Rapid River, MI, USA

Driving directionsFrom Manistique drive north on M-94 for 22 miles to County Road 437. Turn left (west) on CR 437 and drive 4.6 miles to Forest Road 2792. Turn left (east) on FR 2792 and drive about 0.75 mile to the campsite.
Accessible via paved roads until CR 437, followed by unpaved Forest Road 2792 for the last 0.75 miles.
Nearby places
Manistique (22 miles, approximately 30 minutes)
Steuben (3 miles, approximately 5 minutes).
Nearby supplies
Gasoline, groceries, fishing and camping supplies, boat rentals, ice, and MDNR licenses are available at Steuben, approximately 3 miles northeast on County Road 437.

Best Time to Camp at Bass Lake Campsite

Experience the full spectrum of Michigan's Upper Peninsula seasons at Bass Lake. Summer brings warm, golden days perfect for lakeside camping and starlit nights. As autumn arrives, the hardwood canopy explodes into a tapestry of reds and golds. Winter transforms the landscape into a snow-dusted wonderland, while spring awakens the forest with fresh growth and migrating birds. Throughout the year, enjoy generally dry conditions with gentle breezes rippling across the lake's surface.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
3.0 / 5

Warm days and starlit nights noted, but summer reviews mention high mosquitoes and privacy issues.

Best
Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Fall reviews highlight serenity, reduced traffic and attractive hardwood canopy colors.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.0 / 5

Open from May 15 (late spring window); conditions and access vary early season.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended
Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: May 15, 2025 - October 9, 2025. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open May 15 to October 9, 2025. Reservable starting June 21, 2025.

About Bass Lake Campsite

Escape to the untouched wilderness at Bass Lake Campsite, where a single, intimate camping spot awaits on the western shores of a pristine 290-acre lake. Hidden within the vast Hiawatha National Forest, this rustic retreat beckons those seeking true solitude among towering hardwoods and whispering pines. Perfect for adventurers with small family trailers who crave an authentic back-to-nature experience, this primitive site strips camping down to its essence—no facilities, no crowds, just you and the wilderness. Bring your own water and supplies for a genuine off-grid adventure.
The Bass Lake Campsite is a single-site, primitive camping area suitable for a small family trailer or tent camping.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
11:00 AM
Check-out
12:00 PM
Stay Limit
14 days

Amenities available

Fire rings
Picnic tables
Firewood available

Activities you can enjoy

Bass Lake Campsite offers a variety of low-key recreational opportunities, including fishing, kayaking, and berry picking. However, swimming is not recommended due to poor conditions.
FishingFishing opportunities at Bass Lake include northern pike, largemouth and smallmouth bass, and bluegills. However, user reviews indicate that fishing success might be low at this lake.
SwimmingSwimming is available but described as poor by both official sources and user reviews.
BikingBiking trails are not directly accessible from the campsite, but there are trails nearby within a short drive.
BoatingThe campsite offers carry-in boat access. A larger developed boat launch is available on the eastern shore of Bass Lake, approximately four miles from the campsite.
Wildlife viewingThe forested setting provides opportunities to observe local wildlife, though specific species are not detailed in the source.
Winter Activities
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsMosquitoes are a significant nuisance, as noted in user reviews. Visitors should also be prepared for intrusions from other campers or individuals seeking boat access.
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Weather at Bass Lake Campsite

Reviews

3.5
12 reviews
Mixed Reviews
Mixed Reviews
Bass Lake Campsite has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews are mixed, with positive highlights focusing on the serene environment and good kayaking opportunities. Common complaints include the lack of privacy due to frequent vehicle traffic, limited fishing success, and the absence of basic facilities.
Review Summaries
Based on 12 reviews

What Campers Love

Several reviewers appreciate the peaceful setting and the availability of firewood. Kayaking is particularly enjoyed due to easy lake access.
Based on 12 reviews

Common Concerns

The most common complaints include frequent vehicle traffic at the campsite, poor fishing success, and lack of basic amenities such as restrooms and picnic tables.
Based on 12 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers recommend bringing all necessary supplies, including water and portable restrooms. Blocking the access road to the campsite may reduce unexpected visitors.
Based on 12 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer reviews mention high mosquito activity and privacy concerns due to frequent visitors. Fall reviews tend to highlight the serene environment and reduced traffic.
Based on 12 reviews

Camper Quotes

"The campsite here is very nice, although it doesn’t have a picnic table nor a grate to cook on." - Helen Schwark "Loved camping here. The lake isn't great for swimming but it is good for fishing...
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Based on 12 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Users have only reviewed the single site available and noted issues with vehicle traffic and limited fishing success. They suggest that better signage could improve privacy.
Based on 12 reviews

Accessibility Features

No reviews specifically address accessibility features at the site.
Based on 12 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Reviews do not specifically mention pet policies, but pets are allowed.
Based on 12 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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