Bay Furnace Campground

Star4.52
318 reviews
P.O. Box 171, Munising, MI 49862, USA
Summer Destination

Quick Facts

636 ft

Price

$24/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

50 campsites

Season

May 23rd to October ...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens Bay Furnace Campground - Hiawatha National Forest site

Official Website
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Real-Time Availability

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January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
Bay Furnace Campground
$24.00 - $24.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard nonelectric sites are available at $24.00 per night during peak and first-come-first-served seasons. Additional reservation fees apply ($8...
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Standard Site Fee$24.00
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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What Campers Say

4.52

Top-Rated

Based on 318 reviews

310 Google reviews

Most mentioned

cleanspaciouslakesites

Some mention

noise

"User reviews for Bay Furnace Campground generally praise the cleanliness of facilities, scenic location on Lake Superior, and proximity to attractions like Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. Concerns include road conditions and occasional noise from nearby highways."

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Campground Map

P.O. Box 171, Munising, MI 49862, USA

Bay Furnace Campground

P.O. Box 171, Munising, MI 49862, USA

Driving directionsBay Furnace Campground is located in Alger County, about 3 miles west of Munising on Highway 28, at the village of Christmas, across from the Kewadin Casino.
The campground is easily accessible off Highway 28, approximately 3 miles west of Munising. The entrance road to the campground is noted to be in poor condition, with multiple reviews mentioning potholes and the need for repair. Seasonal closures occur from October 7th through May 22nd.
Nearby places
Munising (3 miles, approximately 5 minutes), AuTrain (10 miles, approximately 15 minutes).
Nearby supplies
Groceries, camping supplies, and fuel can be sourced from Munising (3 miles away). There is also a gas station and small lodge across the street from the campground entrance.

Best Time to Camp at Bay Furnace Campground

Lake Superior's mighty presence creates a dynamic weather theater that keeps every day interesting. During prime camping months, temperatures dance between a crisp 30°F and a pleasant 70°F, often shifting dramatically when lake winds sweep through the forest. The great lake's moods bring frequent rain showers that nourish the lush surroundings, while summer evenings may feature the gentle hum of mosquitoes—nature's reminder to pack your bug spray for this authentic wilderness experience.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.5 / 5

Summer reviews praise scenic beauty, beach access and swimming (with typical bugs/weather caveats).

Best
Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.5 / 5
Top 15% in MI

Fall visits described as 'absolutely beautiful very quiet' with vibrant foliage and peacefulness.

Spring(Mar-May)
2.0 / 5

Closed until May 23; early spring often cold and lake too chilly for swimming.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground is closed Oct 7–May 22; winter camping not supported.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: May 23, 2025 - October 07, 2025.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: May 23rd to October 7th (reservable season). Closed from October 7th to May 22nd.
  • Current Alerts: No current alerts or advisories noted.

About Bay Furnace Campground

Nestled along the pristine south shore of Lake Superior, Bay Furnace Campground beckons outdoor enthusiasts with its perfect blend of natural beauty and modern convenience. Choose from reservable sites for peace of mind or embrace spontaneity with first-come-first-served options, all welcoming both tent campers and RV travelers. Essential amenities including fresh drinking water and clean vault toilets ensure comfort during your stay, while the inviting day-use picnic area near the lake's edge creates the perfect setting for memorable meals with breathtaking water views.
Bay Furnace Campground features reservable single sites suitable for both tent and RV camping, along with first-come, first-served options during certain parts of the season.
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Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
12:00 PM
Check-out
12:00 PM
Stay Limit
You may stay up to 14 nights during a visit at this campground.

Amenities available

Potable water
Dump station
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Recreational activities at Bay Furnace Campground are centered around its scenic location on Lake Superior. Visitors can enjoy hiking, fishing, boating, and wildlife viewing, along with cultural experiences such as exploring the Bay Furnace Ruins. Nearby attractions include Grand Island and Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore.
HikingHiking trails on Grand Island, accessible by a short ferry ride, are highly recommended for their scenic beauty. User feedback often highlights Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore as a popular nearby hiking destination.
FishingFishing in Lake Superior is best done by boat, with nearby ramps available in Munising (5 miles away) and AuTrain (10 miles away). Anglers often target lake trout and salmon.
SwimmingSwimming is available along the beach. User reviews describe the water as clean and clear, but some warn about rocky areas requiring water shoes.
BikingMountain biking trails are available on Grand Island, providing options for both recreational and advanced riders. Trails within the campground are not specified.
BoatingBoating opportunities include ferry rides to Grand Island and various excursions exploring Lake Superior’s natural rock formations. Private boat docking is not available directly on-site.
Wildlife viewingUser reviews mention opportunities for observing wildlife and exploring natural features, though specific sightings are not detailed.
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsMosquitoes and sand fleas are common hazards. Sharp slag glass near the waterfront can harm pets. Potholes on the access road pose risks to vehicles.
Active AlertsNo current alerts or advisories noted.

Weather at Bay Furnace Campground

Reviews

4.5
318 reviews
Top-Rated
Top-Rated
Bay Furnace Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews for Bay Furnace Campground generally praise the cleanliness of facilities, scenic location on Lake Superior, and proximity to attractions like Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. Concerns include road conditions and occasional noise from nearby highways.
Review Summaries
Based on 318 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive aspects frequently mentioned include clean vault toilets, spacious and private campsites, helpful hosts, access to Lake Superior, proximity to Munising, and the historical Bay Furnace Ruins.
Based on 318 reviews

Common Concerns

Complaints from users include poor road conditions leading into the park, noise from nearby highways, lack of showers, and inconsistent handling of campsite reservations.
Based on 318 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers suggest bringing water shoes for the rocky beach, hand sanitizer for vault toilets, and insect repellent due to mosquitoes. Early arrival is recommended for first-come, first-served sites.
Based on 318 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Reviews during summer highlight the campground’s scenic beauty, but some campers report issues with bugs and fluctuating weather. Fall visits are noted for peacefulness and vibrant foliage but are...
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Based on 318 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. "The vault toilets were cleaner than any other campground we've visited." 2. "Site 13 exceeded our expectations! Private and surrounded by beautiful tall pines." 3. "The sunsets were my favorite...
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Based on 318 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Spot 9 and 10 are highly rated for their proximity to Lake Superior. Site 13 is described as spacious and private. Site 37 received complaints about noise from diesel trucks and smells from nearby...
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Based on 318 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessible vault toilets are available, but detailed ADA compliance features are not mentioned. Some sites may be challenging for mobility-impaired visitors due to uneven terrain.
Based on 318 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed with a limit of two per site. Some users warn about sharp slag glass near the shoreline, which caused injuries to a dog’s paw in one instance.
Based on 318 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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