How much does camping cost at Little Bass Lake Campsites?

Camping fees at Little Bass Lake Campsites range from $8/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Little Bass Lake Campsites first-come first-served or reservation?

Little Bass Lake Campsites 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 Little Bass Lake Campsites before I book?

Yes! Little Bass Lake Campsites has 7 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 Little Bass Lake Campsites?

Little Bass Lake Campsites is open May 15 to October 15. 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 Little Bass Lake Campsites?

Little Bass Lake Campsites does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

How many campsites does Little Bass Lake Campsites have?

Little Bass Lake Campsites has 5 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Little Bass Lake Campsites?

Pets are not allowed at Little Bass Lake Campsites. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at Little Bass Lake Campsites?

Little Bass Lake Campsites offers: Restrooms. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Little Bass Lake Campsites?

Popular activities at Little Bass Lake Campsites include Fishing, Boating. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Little Bass Lake Campsites

Q: Can I have a campfire at Little Bass Lake Campsites?

Fire policies at Little Bass Lake Campsites: You are welcome to collect firewood from the area surrounding your campsite. Just remember that any firewood that you collect must be DEAD AND DOWN. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

4.12

41 reviews

8181 US-2

Tent CampingSummer Destination

Featured in:Primitive Camping Michigan

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

787 ft

Price

$8/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

5 campsites

Season

Open May 15, 2025, t...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Book on Hiawatha National Forest Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

787 ft

Price

$8/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

5 campsites

Season

Open May 15, 2025, t...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Book on Hiawatha National Forest Official Website

Get Directions

Little Bass Lake Campsites

$8.00 - $8.00 / night

Campsite Fees

STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $8.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

No paid fee categories listed.

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

906-474-6442

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

8181 US-2

Little Bass Lake Campsites

8181 US-2

Nearby places

Manistique: 22 miles, approximately 30 minutes

Steuben: 5 miles, approximately 10 minutes.

Weather at Little Bass Lake Campsites

Current alerts(7)

Campsite cannot be left unattended for more than 24 hours.
Campsite must be occupied the first night.
Click here for more information on the Hiawatha National Forest
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.

Best Time to Camp at Little Bass Lake Campsites

Best season: summer. Summer offers the warmest, most reliably pleasant weather (daytime highs typically 65–80°F, nighttime 45–60°F) and full access to the 84-acre lake for swimming, canoeing/kayaking, and top fishing (bass and panfish). Long daylight hours make hiking, biking, and wildlife viewing excellent, and the campground’s tiny size (only five sites) means even peak summer days still feel secluded rather than crowded. Note the campground is open May 15–Oct 9 and reservations begin June 21, so July–August are最佳 Peak months: July, August, September, June Avoid: November, December, January, February

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.5 / 5

July/Aug best conditions; lake warms enough for swimming and small site count keeps it uncrowded.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 15 to October 15. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open May 15, 2025, through October 9, 2025, with reservations available starting June 21, 2025.

About Little Bass Lake Campsites

Little Bass Lake Campsites sits on the shore of an 84-acre lake in Hiawatha National Forest, near Rapid River in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. This primitive Forest Service campground offers a handful of free or very low-cost sites with vault toilets, fire rings, and picnic tables. Visitors fish for bass and panfish, launch small boats, and enjoy the quiet of a campground that rarely fills even in summer.

Little Bass Lake Campsites specialize in rustic and dispersed camping experiences, appealing to those who enjoy minimal facilities and remote settings.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer offers the warmest, most reliably pleasant weather (daytime highs typically 65–80°F, nighttime 45–60°F) and full access to the 84-acre lake for swimming, canoeing/kayaking, and top fishing (bass and panfish). Long daylight hours make hiking, biking, and wildlife viewing excellent, and the campground’s tiny size (only five sites) means even peak summer days still feel secluded rather than crowded. Note the campground is open May 15–Oct 9 and reservations begin June 21, so July–August are最佳 Peak months: July, August, September, June Avoid: November, December, January, February

Elevation787 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe 84-acre lake sits surrounded by northern hardwoods and evergreen pines in glacially-carved terrain typical of Michigan's Upper Peninsula. Bass and panfish thrive in the lake. Three of the five sites sit lakeside, though access to the water is steep in places. Reviewers mention frogs calling from the shoreline at dusk. The forest canopy provides shade over most sites.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo hotel-style lodges or accommodations are offered at this site.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are explicitly mentioned.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

14 nights maximum stay.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Maximum of 8 guests per site.

Groups

Group camping is not supported at this location.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Recreation.gov either online, via its app, or by calling the contact center.

AccessibilityAccessibility options are limited due to the rustic nature of the site. Site 2, for instance, has uneven terrain, making it challenging for certain vehicles and campers.

Site SizeThe campsites are of standard size, designed to accommodate up to 8 people per site.

PrivacyThe campsites provide varying levels of privacy. "3 of the 5 sites [are] fairly private," according to one review, though some sites are closer together, such as Sites 4 and 5.

Total Campsites5 campsites

Recommended SitesSite 4 is ideal for smaller tents due to grading. Site 5 has excellent lake views but is close to site 4. Site 1 is private but lacks a lake view. Sites 2 and 3 are closer to the lake but may have less privacy.

Best CampsitesSites 4 and 5 offer the best lake views, though they sit close together. Site 3 also has good proximity to the water. Three of the five sites are fairly private, according to reviews, but spacing varies.

Need help booking Little Bass Lake Campsites?

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Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

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Amenities available

Little Bass Lake Campsites offer a rustic camping experience with minimal amenities, catering to those seeking solitude and natural surroundings. The campground features five campsites, all situated near the 84-acre Little Bass Lake, known for its diverse fishery. It is designed for visitors who prefer remote and quiet settings, with no drinking water available on-site and a focus on pack-in, pack-out policies.

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

Activities you can enjoy

Visitors to Little Bass Lake Campsites can enjoy a range of recreational activities centered around the serene lake environment. The lake supports swimming, fishing, and boating, though facilities are basic, and no motorized boats are allowed.

Fishing

Boating

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

No Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not available. The campground is equipped with a primitive toilet (vault-style facility), which users have described as clean but needing occasional maintenance.

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 PolicyYou are welcome to collect firewood from the area surrounding your campsite. Just remember that any firewood that you collect must be DEAD AND DOWN

Trash & RecyclingNo trash or recycling facilities are available on-site. Campers are required to pack out all trash. One user suggested adding bear-proof garbage cans.

Cell Coverage"Very little cell service, almost none," according to a user review from October 2021.

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

4.1

41 reviews

Satisfactory

Little Bass Lake Campsites is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

Overall, Little Bass Lake Campsites are highly praised for their tranquility, beautiful lake views, and rustic charm. Campers frequently highlight the peaceful environment and excellent fishing opportunities.

Review Summaries

Based on 41 reviews

Best sites at a glance

Pulled from per-site mentions in 41 reviews.

Site 1Loved
Sites 4 and 5 are noted for their proximity to the lake and each other, while Site 1 is praised for its privacy.
Site 2Issues noted
Site 2 has uneven terrain, making it less ideal for campervans.

What Campers Love

Common positive aspects include the lake's scenic beauty, quiet setting, and well-maintained vault toilets. Many users also appreciated the affordability and serene atmosphere.

Based on 41 reviews

Common Concerns

Complaints primarily focus on the lack of drinking water, steep and uneven terrain at certain sites, and occasional noise from other campers or wildlife.

Based on 41 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers are advised to bring their own water, firewood, and bug spray. Additionally, it is recommended to carry a detailed map as the road to the campsites can be hard to navigate.

Based on 41 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer is the most popular season for camping here, with many reviews highlighting the beauty of the lake and surrounding nature. Fall visits are also recommended due to fewer bugs and cooler...

Based on 41 reviews

Camper Quotes

"A nice, small, quiet campground with a very beautiful lake at the edge." (2022-06-27) "WOLVES! And lots of them. Please be fully aware staying here at night." (2021-10-04) "The lake made for...

Based on 41 reviews

Accessibility Features

Site 2 is difficult for campervans due to uneven terrain. No other specific accessibility reviews are available.

Based on 41 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

No explicit pet-related reviews are available.

Based on 41 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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Go if

You want budget lakefront camping with fishing and boating in a quiet, uncrowded forest setting.

Skip if

You need developed amenities, easy lake access, or reliable site signage and maps.

Nearby Campgrounds

3.7

(14)

Little Bass Lake Campsites

Little Bass Lake Campsites sits in Michigan's Upper Peninsula near Manistique, offering primitive lakeside camping managed by the Hiawatha National Forest. The remote, intimate setting draws visitors for bass and pike fishing, swimming, and wildlife viewing, with loons calling across the water at night. This is a true backcountry experience with minimal development and excellent stargazing.

Little Bass Lake Campsites

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Overview

Plan a trip to Little Bass Lake Campsites

Current alerts(7)

Best Time to Camp at Little Bass Lake Campsites

Planning Tips

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Need help booking Little Bass Lake Campsites?

Amenities available

Activities you can enjoy

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns