Haymeadow Creek Campsites

Star4.07
31 reviews

Quick Facts

741 ft

Price

Free

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

5 campsites

Season

May 15 to Columbus D...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Opens Hiawatha National Forest site

Official Website
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Haymeadow Creek Campsites
$0.00 - $0.00 / night
Campsite Fees
There are no fees for camping at Haymeadow Creek Campground.
Standard Site Fee$0.00
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

4.07

Satisfactory

Based on 31 reviews

25 Google reviews

Some mention

mosquitoes

"Overall, reviews describe Haymeadow Creek Campground as a peaceful and rustic site with no fees, attracting both families and solo campers. Some reviewers noted trash issues and an influx of inexperienced campers."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Haymeadow Creek Campsites

46.0207, -86.8575

Driving directionsFrom Rapid River drive 1.6 miles east on US-2 to County Road 509, turn left (east) on Co. Road 509 and drive north 9.4 miles to the entrance. The campground is near Haymeadow Creek and has direct access to two hiking trails.
The campground is accessible via County Road 509, which is described as a bit rough by a user review during late November and early December. It is also off the beaten path and best suited for SUVs, small vans, and pickup truck campers. Larger vehicles over 20 feet may find maneuvering difficult.
Nearby places
Rapid River, approximately 11 miles away.

Best Time to Camp at Haymeadow Creek Campsites

From mid-May through Columbus Day, Haymeadow Creek Campground awakens to welcome warm-weather explorers. Summer brings lush greenery and active wildlife, though seasoned campers know to pack serious mosquito protection—these tiny forest residents can be particularly enthusiastic hosts during peak season. As autumn approaches and leaves begin their colorful transformation, the access road from US 41 South develops a rugged character that adds to the adventure. For the truly intrepid, winter camping opens up a completely different world where snow blankets the forest floor and the notorious summer bugs become nothing more than a distant memory.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
3.0 / 5

Open in summer with lush greenery; mosquitoes are a major issue in July per reviews.

Best
Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Open through Columbus Day; fall foliage and quieter conditions make this a strong season.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.0 / 5

Opens mid-May; late spring offers reopening, but early spring is outside the official season.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Official season is May 15–Columbus Day; campground is closed in winter (despite isolated winter camping mentions).

Planning Tips
  • Operating Season: May 15 to Columbus Day.
  • Current Alerts: One review notes that the trail leading to the creek/river has been closed for some time and may not reopen.

About Haymeadow Creek Campsites

Tucked away in the heart of Hiawatha National Forest, Haymeadow Creek Campground offers an authentic wilderness escape where the modern world fades into memory. This intimate dispersed camping area welcomes adventurers with five thoughtfully spaced medium-sized sites, each offering its own slice of forest solitude. While some sites come equipped with rustic tables and fire rings for evening gatherings under the stars, the campground maintains its back-to-nature ethos with basic amenities—a single vault toilet serves the area, and visitors embrace the pack-it-in, pack-it-out philosophy. The real treasure here flows just steps away: Haymeadow Creek, a legendary trout stream that draws anglers from across the region. Direct access to both the Haymeadow Creek Trail and the expansive Bay de Noc Grand Island National Recreation Trail transforms your campsite into a gateway for endless forest adventures.
Haymeadow Creek Campground offers a rustic, primitive camping experience suitable for both tents and small RVs.
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Stay Limit
The site does not mention a specific stay limit.

Amenities available

Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Haymeadow Creek Campground provides opportunities for day hiking and fishing. The area is best known for its trail leading to Haymeadow Falls and its high-quality trout stream.
HikingThe campground offers access to the well-marked Haymeadow Creek Trail, which is approximately 1 mile long and leads to a footbridge at Haymeadow Falls. A half-mile spur connects to the 40-mile Bay de Noc Grand Island National Recreation Trail, which supports hiking and horseback riding. One user described the trails as 'a nice challenge for a novice hiker,' but others have noted that access to the creek trail may be closed.
FishingThe creek is a high-quality trout stream, ideal for anglers targeting brook trout. One source notes that the trout are 'wary,' providing a challenge for fishing enthusiasts.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsMosquitoes and horseflies are aggressive during summer months. User reviews also mention the presence of ticks and rough hiking trails. Trash left by inexperienced campers can pose safety and ecological concerns.
Active AlertsOne review notes that the trail leading to the creek/river has been closed for some time and may not reopen.
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Weather at Haymeadow Creek Campsites

Reviews

4.1
31 reviews
Satisfactory
Satisfactory
Haymeadow Creek Campsites is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
Overall, reviews describe Haymeadow Creek Campground as a peaceful and rustic site with no fees, attracting both families and solo campers. Some reviewers noted trash issues and an influx of inexperienced campers.
Review Summaries
Based on 31 reviews

What Campers Love

Many users appreciated the campground's rustic charm and its free use. The proximity to trails and the creek was also highlighted.
Based on 31 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints include 'trash left by inexperienced campers,' uneven ground at some sites, and aggressive mosquitoes during summer.
Based on 31 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Users recommend bringing plenty of bug spray due to mosquitoes, as well as water since none is available on-site. Smaller vehicles are recommended for easier maneuvering.
Based on 31 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Mosquitoes are a major issue in July, while quieter winter camping is noted from late November to early December. Trails may also be less accessible during off-seasons.
Based on 31 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Site 1 is a good size, uneven ground but the latrine is straight across the road.' 2. 'Rustic campground. Plenty of space between the mostly level sites.' 3. 'Bring your own water as there is no...
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Based on 31 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site 1: Good size with uneven ground, close to the vault toilet. Site 2: Flat ground, good for hammocks, user favorite. Sites 3 & 4: Larger than Site 2, similar terrain. Site 5: Small, ideal for tent...
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Based on 31 reviews

Accessibility Features

There are no specific reviews addressing accessibility features.
Based on 31 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

No reviews specifically mention pet policies or experiences.
Based on 31 reviews

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Last updated January 5, 2026
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