How much does camping cost at Bay Furnace Campground?

Camping fees at Bay Furnace Campground are $26/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Bay Furnace Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Bay Furnace Campground accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Bay Furnace Campground before I book?

Yes! Bay Furnace Campground has 8 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Bay Furnace Campground?

Bay Furnace Campground is open May 15 to October 09. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Bay Furnace Campground?

Bay Furnace Campground does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

How many campsites does Bay Furnace Campground have?

Bay Furnace Campground has 50 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Bay Furnace Campground?

Yes, pets are allowed at Bay Furnace Campground. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Bay Furnace Campground?

Bay Furnace Campground offers: Restrooms, Potable Water, Dump Station, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Bay Furnace Campground?

Popular activities at Bay Furnace Campground include Hiking, Fishing, Swimming, Biking, Boating. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Bay Furnace Campground

4.48

318 reviews

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

B+Report Card

Scenic ViewsTent CampingSummer Destination

Featured in:Pet-Friendly Campgrounds Michigan#3 Beach Camping Michigan Beach Camping

Quick Facts

636 ft

Price

$26/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

50 campsites

Season

May 23rd to October ...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on Bay Furnace Campground - Hiawatha National Forest Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

636 ft

Price

$26/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

50 campsites

Season

May 23rd to October ...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on Bay Furnace Campground - Hiawatha National Forest Official Website

Get Directions

Bay Furnace Campground

$26.00 / night

Campsite Fees

STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $26.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

No campsite fee categories listed.

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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

Nearby places

Munising (3 miles, approximately 5 minutes), AuTrain (10 miles, approximately 15 minutes).

Weather at Bay Furnace Campground

Best Time to Camp at Bay Furnace Campground

Best season: summer. Summer offers the warmest, most stable conditions for enjoying Lake Superior — expect daytime highs commonly in the mid-50s to low-70s°F and cool nights in the 40s–50s. Water- and beach-focused activities (swimming, boating, fishing) and long daylight hours make July and August ideal for multi-day trips, while clear nights can reward you with spectacular sunsets and occasional aurora displays. Campsites are busiest in July–early August, so reserve ahead for lakeside or popular sites. Peak months: July, August, September, June Avoid: November, December, January, February

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.5 / 5

Best season; warmest conditions for swimming/boating and numerous positive summer reviews.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 15 to October 09. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: May 23rd to October 7th (reservable season). Closed from October 7th to May 22nd.

About Bay Furnace Campground

Bay Furnace Campground sits on the shore of Lake Superior in Hiawatha National Forest, a short drive from Munising. Operated by the Forest Service, this mid-sized campground offers tent, RV, and primitive sites with vault toilets, potable water, and a dump station. Campers come for direct lake access, swimming, fishing, and exploring the historic Bay Furnace Ruins on-site, with spacious, private sites and helpful hosts frequently praised by visitors.

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.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer offers the warmest, most stable conditions for enjoying Lake Superior — expect daytime highs commonly in the mid-50s to low-70s°F and cool nights in the 40s–50s. Water- and beach-focused activities (swimming, boating, fishing) and long daylight hours make July and August ideal for multi-day trips, while clear nights can reward you with spectacular sunsets and occasional aurora displays. Campsites are busiest in July–early August, so reserve ahead for lakeside or popular sites. Peak months: July, August, September, June Avoid: November, December, January, February

Elevation636 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryDeciduous forest meets Lake Superior here at 636 feet elevation. The beach is rocky, covered in Lake Superior's distinctive colored stones, not sand. Furnace Creek runs through the property. Clear nights bring sunsets over open water and occasional northern lights. Sites near the lake have filtered water views through the trees. The shoreline is immediate: walk from your site to the water in under a minute from western loop spots.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo hotel-style accommodations are available. Nearby options include a casino with electric hookups across the street.

Programs & ActivitiesEducational opportunities include exploring the Bay Furnace Ruins, described as historical and informative by visitors. Interpretive signage is available.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

You may stay up to 14 nights during a visit at this campground.

Guests Allowed Per Site

One RV with tow vehicle per single site or one vehicle per tent site. Most sites can accommodate 1 extra vehicle for an additional per-night fee.

Groups

Details on group site accommodations and capacity are not provided.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made online on Recreation.gov. Contact center and app reservations are also available.

AccessibilityAccessible vault toilets and drinking water stations are available throughout the campground. Specific sites are marked as accessible, but detailed ADA compliance information is not provided.

Site SizeMixed-sized sites. Some users describe certain sites as large, shaded, or spacious (e.g., site 13), while others found roomier accommodations for RVs (e.g., 32 ft rigs fit comfortably).

PrivacyMost sites are screened with vegetation for privacy, though some, particularly near the roadway, are less secluded. Sites like 13 and 15 are noted for being highly private.

Total Campsites50 campsites

Recommended SitesChoose sites on the western loop for proximity to the lake. Sites #9 and #10 are ideal for beachfront access; #13 is good for privacy.

Best CampsitesSites 9 and 10 get mentioned most for lake access and views. Site 13 combines privacy with Superior access and is large enough for bigger setups. Site 15 also offers strong privacy. Sites near the roadway have less screening. Western loop sites generally sit closer to the water.

Need help booking Bay Furnace Campground?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

Bay Furnace Campground, located on the south shores of Lake Superior near Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, offers basic amenities suitable for tent and RV camping. Each site is equipped with picnic tables and campfire rings with grills. Accessible vault toilets and drinking water are provided. A dump station is available, and a day-use picnic area near the lake shore offers additional tables, drinking water, and vault toilets.

Potable water

Dump station

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

RV details

Things to do at Bay Furnace Campground

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.

Hiking4.0/5

Access to Grand Island trails via short ferry and proximity to Pictured Rocks hikes.

Fishing4.0/5

Lake Superior fishing available; best by boat; ramps in Munising (5 mi) and AuTrain (10 mi).

Boating4.0/5

Ferry to Grand Island and boat excursions; nearby public ramps for larger boats.

Swimming3.5/5

Direct Lake Superior access; water described as clean and clear, but beach is rocky and cold.

Biking3.5/5

Mountain biking trails available on nearby Grand Island (ferry access); local recreational options.

Water Sports3.5/5

Opportunities to paddle Lake Superior shoreline and near Grand Island; water is clear but cold.

Signature experiences

Photography4.5/5Sunsets, colored stones, ruins and occasional northern lights create strong photo ops.

Not sure what to pack?Our complete camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Flush ToiletsNo flush toilets are available; the campground relies entirely on vault-style toilets.

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.5

318 reviews

Recommended

Bay Furnace Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% 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

Best sites at a glance

Pulled from per-site mentions in 318 reviews.

Site 13Loved
Site 13 is described as spacious and private.
Site 37Issues noted
Site 37 received complaints about noise from diesel trucks and smells from nearby vault toilets.

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...

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...

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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Bay Furnace Campground

$26.00 / night

Campsite Fees

STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $26.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

No campsite fee categories listed.

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free to start · paid plans add 2-min scans

263,000+ sites monitored · Email alerts to start; SMS and in-app with an account

Learn more about alerts →

Share this campground

Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

bayfurnace@jamadots.com

Go if

You want Lake Superior access near Munising with a mix of site types and don't mind vault toilets.

Skip if

You need flush restrooms or want to avoid road noise from nearby highways.

Nearby Campgrounds

Less Visited

3.8

(14)

Channel Marker Campsite On Grand Island

400 E. Munising Ave

Channel Marker Campsite sits on Grand Island in Lake Superior, accessible only by private ferry from Munising. Operated by the Grand Island National Recreation Area within Hiawatha National Forest, this primitive walk-in site offers vault toilets, potable water, and fire rings. Campers come for seclusion, wildlife viewing, and access to a quiet stretch of shoreline away from the main trail.

Bay Furnace Campground

Quick Facts

Quick Facts

Get Notified When Available

Ask Camp Sage about Bay Furnace Campground

Campground Map

Weather at Bay Furnace Campground

Best Time to Camp at Bay Furnace Campground

Planning Tips

About Bay Furnace Campground

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Need help booking Bay Furnace Campground?

Amenities available

RV details

Things to do at Bay Furnace Campground

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns

Get Notified When Available

Go if

Skip if

How campers graded it

Every grade - tap to see what campers said

Featured in these camping guides

Ask Camp Sage about Bay Furnace Campground

Best Time to Camp at Bay Furnace Campground

Planning Tips

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Need help booking Bay Furnace Campground?

Amenities available

Things to do at Bay Furnace Campground

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns