How much does camping cost at Bay View (Hiawatha National Forest, Mi)?

Camping fees at Bay View (Hiawatha National Forest, Mi) range from $21-$24/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Bay View (Hiawatha National Forest, Mi) first-come first-served or reservation?

Bay View (Hiawatha National Forest, Mi) 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 View (Hiawatha National Forest, Mi) before I book?

Yes! Bay View (Hiawatha National Forest, Mi) has 12 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 View (Hiawatha National Forest, Mi)?

Bay View (Hiawatha National Forest, Mi) is open May 15 to September 25. 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 View (Hiawatha National Forest, Mi)?

Bay View (Hiawatha National Forest, Mi) does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

Is there cell service at Bay View (Hiawatha National Forest, Mi)?

Cell phone service at Bay View (Hiawatha National Forest, Mi) is generally available. Cell service is available. Coverage may vary by carrier and exact location within the campground.

How many campsites does Bay View (Hiawatha National Forest, Mi) have?

Bay View (Hiawatha National Forest, Mi) has 24 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Bay View (Hiawatha National Forest, Mi)?

Yes, pets are allowed at Bay View (Hiawatha National Forest, Mi). 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 View (Hiawatha National Forest, Mi)?

Bay View (Hiawatha National Forest, Mi) offers: Restrooms, Potable Water, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

Bay View (Hiawatha National Forest, Mi)

Q: Can I have a campfire at Bay View (Hiawatha National Forest, Mi)?

Fire policies at Bay View (Hiawatha National Forest, Mi): Don't move firewood: To limit the spread of invasive tree-killing pests, firewood from outside the area is not permitted. Some states have quarantines and may confiscate your firewood. Please help protect our forests from invasive species by obtaining your firewood at or near your camping destination and burning it on-site. Visit dontmovefirewood.org for more information.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

4.65

350 reviews

19456 W Lakeshore Drive, Brimley MI 49715

Top 6% in MISummer

Scenic ViewsStargazingSummer Destination

Featured in:Swimming Camping Michigan#1 RV Camping Michigan#1 Primitive Camping Michigan#1 +7 more

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

594 ft

Price

$21 - $24/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

24 campsites

Season

Open May 23, 2025 - ...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on Smore Memories LLC Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

594 ft

Price

$21 - $24/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

24 campsites

Season

Open May 23, 2025 - ...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on Smore Memories LLC Official Website

Get Directions

Bay View (Hiawatha National Forest, Mi)

$21.00 - $24.00 / night

Campsite Fees

STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $24.00; WALK TO: $21.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

Hike and Bike Site Fee$21.00

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

906-203-9872

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

19456 W Lakeshore Drive, Brimley MI 49715

Bay View (Hiawatha National Forest, Mi)

19456 W Lakeshore Drive, Brimley MI 49715

Nearby places

Brimley (8 miles, approx. 15-minute drive), Sault Ste. Marie (approx. 30-minute drive), Tahquamenon Falls (30 miles), Point Iroquois Lighthouse (8 miles), Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum and Whitefish Point Lighthouse (39 miles).

Weather at Bay View (Hiawatha National Forest, Mi)

Current alerts(3)

Click here for more information on the Hiawatha National Forest
Reservations cannot be traded it for walk-up sites.
We do not have an office at this location. It has a self pay station. Reservations cannot be changed at this location.

Best Time to Camp at Bay View (Hiawatha National Forest, Mi)

Best season: summer. Summer delivers the most reliable warm weather and full access to Bay View’s shoreline activities, with daytime highs typically in the mid-60s to low 70s °F and cool nights in the mid-40s to mid-50s °F. This is when swimming, beachcombing, hiking the coastal trails, birding at Whitefish Point, and visiting the Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum are all at their peak; lake breezes keep evenings pleasant but can produce strong winds and big waves during storms. Expect the highest visitor numbers in July Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: October, November, December, January

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

5.0 / 5

Top 6% in MI

Summer highly praised: warm days, minimal bugs, swimming and full facilities; campground fills quickly.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 15 to September 25. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open May 23, 2025 - September 27, 2025 (peak season). First-come, first-served sites available May 14, 2026 - May 21, 2026.

About Bay View (Hiawatha National Forest, Mi)

Bay View sits on Lake Superior's shoreline in Michigan's Hiawatha National Forest, near Brimley and the Whitefish Point area. Operated by Smore Memories LLC, this small campground offers secluded sites with direct access to the lake's rocky beaches and coastal trails. Campers come for stargazing, swimming in the big lake, and exploring nearby attractions like the Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum.

Bay View Campground caters to a rustic camping experience, offering facilities for tent and RV camping. Walk-in sites and reservable spots are available.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer delivers the most reliable warm weather and full access to Bay View’s shoreline activities, with daytime highs typically in the mid-60s to low 70s °F and cool nights in the mid-40s to mid-50s °F. This is when swimming, beachcombing, hiking the coastal trails, birding at Whitefish Point, and visiting the Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum are all at their peak; lake breezes keep evenings pleasant but can produce strong winds and big waves during storms. Expect the highest visitor numbers in July Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: October, November, December, January

Elevation594 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryTowering pines create dense overhead shade, filtering sunlight onto spacious sites and blocking sight lines between camping areas. The campground fronts a sandy Lake Superior beach where waves lap at the shore and sunsets stretch across open water. This section of Whitefish Bay is a stopover along major migratory bird flyways. Warblers, raptors, and shorebirds pass through in concentrated numbers during spring and fall. Tree barriers between sites and the varied terrain provide natural privacy, though lake breezes move freely through the canopy.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo hotel-style lodging accommodations are available at this rustic campground.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are detailed.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

2:00 PM

Check-out

12:00 PM

Stay Limit

Maximum 14 nights during any visit.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Maximum of 2 vehicles per site.

Groups

No group camping details are mentioned.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations available on Recreation.gov website and app.

AccessibilityAccessible vault toilets and flat tent pads are available, along with proximity to water pumps and pathways.

Site SizeCampsites are spacious and well-separated, with many accommodating multiple tents or large RVs. Specific sites, such as Site 17, are praised for their size and level ground.

PrivacySites are heavily shaded and secluded, offering a significant degree of privacy. Many campers noted the spread-out nature and tree barriers between sites.

Total Campsites24 campsites

Recommended SitesBeachfront sites recommended for lake views. Sites near the road (e.g., #19) may experience higher noise levels.

Best CampsitesSites 4, 7, 21, and 25 receive the highest marks from campers. These offer either direct beach access or particularly secluded positioning. Site 17 stands out for its size and level ground, easily fitting multiple tents or large RVs. Reviewers recommend reserving lakeside sites first if available.

Need help booking Bay View (Hiawatha National Forest, Mi)?

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 View Campground offers rustic amenities tailored for a serene camping experience along Lake Superior. The campground has vault toilets and hand-pumped drinking water scattered across its area. Each campsite includes a picnic table, fire pit, and grill. Reviewers often highlight the pristine conditions of the vault toilets, describing them as 'the cleanest pit toilets ever' and consistently 'smelling nice.' A campground host lives on-site and provides helpful guidance. Firewood is available for purchase at the entrance, typically priced at $7 per bundle or $20 for three bundles. Additionally, a sharing library and well-stocked game cabinet contribute to the community-focused atmosphere.

Potable water

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Firewood available

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

Bay View Campground provides access to a variety of activities, thanks to its prime location along Lake Superior. Visitors enjoy swimming, hiking, birding, beach walks, and stargazing. The proximity to attractions like Tahquamenon Falls adds to the recreational value.

Hiking

Swimming

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

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.

Fire PolicyDon't move firewood: To limit the spread of invasive tree-killing pests, firewood from outside the area is not permitted. Some states have quarantines and may confiscate your firewood. Please help protect our forests from invasive species by obtaining your firewood at or near your camping destination and burning it on-site. Visit dontmovefirewood.org for more information.

Trash & RecyclingTrash disposal and recycling bins are available on-site, ensuring cleanliness and eco-friendliness.

Cell CoverageCell phone service availability varies by provider. Verizon and Visible phones have limited signals, while AT&T and T-Mobile lack reception. Campers are advised to download offline maps beforehand.

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

4.7

350 reviews

Top-Rated

Bay View (Hiawatha National Forest, Mi) is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews

The Bay View Campground holds an average sentiment of 4.62 for general experiences and 4.56 for campground-specific ratings. Reviewers overwhelmingly praise the cleanliness, spaciousness, and well-maintained facilities. Hosts are described as friendly and attentive, contributing positively to the camping experience.

Review Summaries

Based on 350 reviews

Best sites at a glance

Pulled from per-site mentions in 350 reviews.

Site #7Loved
Site #7 is praised for its proximity to the beach and privacy.
Site #25Loved
Site #25 offers direct beach access via a private path.
Site #19Loved
Site #19 is convenient for bathroom access but close to the road, making it less ideal for families with kids or pets.

What Campers Love

Campers frequently commend the secluded sites, cleanliness of vault toilets, and breathtaking views of Lake Superior. Many rave about the starry skies, serenity, and the hosts' dedication to...

Based on 350 reviews

Common Concerns

Some campers noted road noise, unfriendly interactions with hosts, and busy conditions during peak seasons. One reviewer expressed concerns about selective rule enforcement and hosts disrupting...

Based on 350 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Reserve sites early during summer and holidays, as they fill up quickly. Bring supplies, as stores are 30 minutes away. Verizon users should download offline maps due to limited cell service. Opt for...

Based on 350 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer is highly praised for warm weather, minimal bugs, and swimming opportunities. Fall is appreciated for its vibrant foliage and quieter atmosphere. Winter reviews are absent as the campground...

Based on 350 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'The cleanest pit toilets I have ever seen!' 2. 'Vault toilets were extremely well maintained and clean, and there is a water pump nearby.' 3. 'The sandy beach is great for long walks.' 4. 'Hosts...

Based on 350 reviews

Accessibility Features

Vault toilets and water pumps are praised for being accessible. No specific reviews from users with disabilities were mentioned.

Based on 350 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Several reviewers appreciated the pet-friendly nature of the campground, but advised caution for sites near the road when bringing pets.

Based on 350 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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Go if

You want affordable lakefront sites with starry nights and easy access to Whitefish Point attractions.

Skip if

You're sensitive to generator noise or need electric hookups and paved roads.

Nearby Campgrounds

12600 E Lakeshore Drive, Brimley, MI 49715, USA

Monocle Lake sits within Hiawatha National Forest near Bay Mills, offering wooded tent and RV sites at the edge of a quiet inland lake. Operated by the Forest Service, the campground provides vault toilets, potable water, and fire rings for seasonal campers seeking fishing, swimming, and boating access. Large, private sites and proximity to Lake Superior and Tahquamenon Falls make it a practical base for exploring Michigan's Upper Peninsula.

Bay View (Hiawatha National Forest, Mi)

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Real-Time Availability

Quick Facts

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Weather at Bay View (Hiawatha National Forest, Mi)

Current alerts(3)

Best Time to Camp at Bay View (Hiawatha National Forest, Mi)

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About Bay View (Hiawatha National Forest, Mi)

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Need help booking Bay View (Hiawatha National Forest, Mi)?

Amenities available

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What Campers Love

Common Concerns

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Overview

About the campground

Seasons & access

Facilities

Water activities

RV information

Directions

Plan a trip to Bay View (Hiawatha National Forest, Mi)

Current alerts(3)

Best Time to Camp at Bay View (Hiawatha National Forest, Mi)

Planning Tips

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Need help booking Bay View (Hiawatha National Forest, Mi)?

Amenities available

Activities you can enjoy

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns