How much does camping cost at Murray Bay Group Campsite On Grand Island?

Camping fees at Murray Bay Group Campsite On Grand Island are $30/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Murray Bay Group Campsite On Grand Island first-come first-served or reservation?

Murray Bay Group Campsite On Grand Island 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 Murray Bay Group Campsite On Grand Island before I book?

Yes! Murray Bay Group Campsite On Grand Island has 6 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 Murray Bay Group Campsite On Grand Island?

Murray Bay Group Campsite On Grand Island is open Open May 27, 2025, to October 10, 2025.. 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 Murray Bay Group Campsite On Grand Island?

Murray Bay Group Campsite On Grand Island does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

Can I have a campfire at Murray Bay Group Campsite On Grand Island?

Fire policies at Murray Bay Group Campsite On Grand Island: Firewood is provided. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

How many campsites does Murray Bay Group Campsite On Grand Island have?

Murray Bay Group Campsite On Grand Island has 1 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Murray Bay Group Campsite On Grand Island?

Pets are not allowed at Murray Bay Group Campsite On Grand Island. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at Murray Bay Group Campsite On Grand Island?

Murray Bay Group Campsite On Grand Island offers: Restrooms, Potable Water. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Murray Bay Group Campsite On Grand Island?

Popular activities at Murray Bay Group Campsite On Grand Island include Hiking, Fishing, Swimming, Biking, Boating, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Murray Bay Group Campsite On Grand Island

4.65

21 reviews

400 E Munising Ave, Munising, MI, USA, 49862

Top 8% in MIFall

Scenic ViewsTent CampingGreat for GroupsSummer Destination

Featured in:Group Camping Michigan#1 Spring Camping Michigan Winter Camping Michigan +1 more

Quick Facts

656 ft

Price

$30/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Open May 27, 2025, t...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Book on Hiawatha National Forest Service Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

656 ft

Price

$30/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Open May 27, 2025, t...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Book on Hiawatha National Forest Service Official Website

Get Directions

Murray Bay Group Campsite On Grand Island

$30.00 / night

Campsite Fees

GROUP TENT ONLY AREA NONELECTRIC: $30.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

Group Site Fee$120.00

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Provider

906-387-2512

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Campground Map

400 E Munising Ave, Munising, MI, USA, 49862

Murray Bay Group Campsite On Grand Island

400 E Munising Ave, Munising, MI, USA, 49862

Nearby places

Munising (approx. 2 miles by ferry and hike/bike)

Weather at Murray Bay Group Campsite On Grand Island

Current alerts(6)

$5 fee charged for each visitor to Grand Island
A minimum of seven and maximum of 25 campers is required for reservation of the campground
Bears frequent the area; use appropriate containers for food
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 Murray Bay Group Campsite On Grand Island

Best season: fall. Fall offers the clearest advantage: crisp, cool days, dramatic autumn color on the island's mixed hardwoods, and far fewer visitors than midsummer. Expect daytime highs commonly in the mid-40s to mid-50s°F (7–13°C) in late September/early October with nights often dropping near or below freezing; these conditions make for excellent hiking, photography from the sandstone cliffs, and peaceful wildlife viewing. With the group site open into early October, leaf-peaking and quieter trails combine to— Peak months: September, October, July, August Avoid: November, December, January, February

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

5.0 / 5

Top 8% in MI

Called best season: crisp days, dramatic autumn color and far fewer visitors.

Planning Tips

Operating Season: Open May 27, 2025, to October 10, 2025.

About Murray Bay Group Campsite On Grand Island

Murray Bay Group Campsite sits on Grand Island in Lake Superior, accessible only by ferry from Munising and a short hike inland. Operated by the Hiawatha National Forest Service, this primitive group site serves parties looking for a backcountry feel with vault toilets, potable water, and fire rings. Visitors hike the island's sandstone cliffs, swim in the cold lake, and watch for black bears and other wildlife in the mixed hardwood forest.

The campground is exclusively designated for group camping, suitable for large gatherings or organized events.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: fall. Fall offers the clearest advantage: crisp, cool days, dramatic autumn color on the island's mixed hardwoods, and far fewer visitors than midsummer. Expect daytime highs commonly in the mid-40s to mid-50s°F (7–13°C) in late September/early October with nights often dropping near or below freezing; these conditions make for excellent hiking, photography from the sandstone cliffs, and peaceful wildlife viewing. With the group site open into early October, leaf-peaking and quieter trails combine to— Peak months: September, October, July, August Avoid: November, December, January, February

Elevation656 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryLake Superior's clear water meets white sand beaches at Murray Bay. The island's interior holds mixed hardwood forests of maple, birch, and pine, while 300-foot sandstone cliffs rise along sections of the shoreline. Trails lead to overlooks and coves. The forest canopy provides shade, though the group site itself is described as open rather than heavily wooded. Chipmunks are common, and bears frequent the area enough that lockers are mandatory.

Lodging & AccommodationsThe site only offers group camping facilities and does not include hotel-style accommodations.

Programs & ActivitiesA bus tour offers insights into the natural and cultural history of Grand Island, although details about specific programs are limited.

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Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Stay limit information unavailable

Guests Allowed Per Site

Up to 25 guests per site

Groups

The group site accommodates up to 25 people, but exact details about parking and specific amenities are sparse.

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 online via Recreation.gov or by phone.

AccessibilityCampers must hike or bike 2 miles from the ferry landing to reach the campground, which might pose challenges for visitors with disabilities.

Site SizeThe group campsite can accommodate up to 25 guests.

PrivacyThe campsite is not described as highly private; its group camping nature suggests an open layout.

Total Campsites1 campsites

Recommended SitesDue to wildlife activity, securely store food in the provided bear boxes and avoid leaving unattended food.

Need help booking Murray Bay Group Campsite On Grand Island?

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

Murray Bay Group Campsite on Grand Island offers basic amenities suitable for group camping. The site is equipped with tables, campfire rings with grills, vault toilets, and potable water. A bear pole and box are provided for food storage, highlighting safety measures against wildlife such as bears. Campers must hike or bike approximately 2 miles from the ferry landing at Williams Landing to reach the site.

Potable water

Fire rings

Food storage lockers

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Group Sites

I manage this campground

Things to do at Murray Bay Group Campsite On Grand Island

Murray Bay Group Campsite offers various recreational opportunities. Activities include hiking and biking on over 30 miles of trails, swimming in the sandy areas of Lake Superior, and fishing and hunting with valid licenses. A bus tour is available for cultural and natural history exploration.

Hiking4.0/5

Over 30 miles of trails, overlooks and 300-ft sandstone cliff views on Grand Island.

Biking4.0/5Top 11% in Michigan

Over 30 miles of mountain biking trails through forests and along cliffs.

Wildlife viewing4.0/5

Beach activities4.0/5

White sand beaches and sandy shores meet clear Lake Superior water at Murray Bay.

Fishing3.0/5

Area supports diverse fishing but fish types not detailed; licenses required.

Swimming3.0/5

Sandy Lake Superior beaches popular for swimming, but water is cold and unguarded.

Water Sports3.0/5

Lake Superior access and coves suggest good kayaking, but no launch/dock facilities.

Boating2.0/5

Boating on Lake Superior possible, but no ramps or dock facilities at the camp.

Cultural and Educational Programs

Winter Activities

Signature experiences

Stargazing4.0/5Remote island, low light and noted tranquility imply strong night-sky potential.

Photography4.5/5300-ft cliffs, sandy beaches, forests and overlooks provide excellent photo ops.

Not sure what to pack?Our complete camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Food Storage RequiredA bear pole and box are provided for food storage at each site.

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

21 reviews

Top-Rated

Murray Bay Group Campsite On Grand Island is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews

Overall, users highlight the campground's scenic location, natural beauty, and tranquility. Wildlife encounters, including chipmunks and bears, are mentioned.

Review Summaries

Based on 21 reviews

What Campers Love

Users appreciate the clean and stocked vault toilets, spacious campsites, and scenic surroundings. The short hike to the site is described as manageable.

Based on 21 reviews

Common Concerns

Chipmunks and bears are noted as challenges for food safety. Some users mention the walk to the site could be a barrier for those less physically able.

Based on 21 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

No specific site reviews are available beyond general group site commentary.

Based on 21 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Store food securely in bear boxes to avoid wildlife disturbances. Travel light due to the hike. Mosquito repellent is recommended.

Based on 21 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer months are popular but may bring increased mosquito activity. Winter access is restricted due to ferry service closure.

Based on 21 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Chipmunks are little rascals but adorable, make sure you put your food in the bear box first off or they will chew a hole in your bag.' - Megan Fisher 2. 'Great camping spot and short hike to...

Based on 21 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility challenges include the hike or bike route from the ferry landing, which could deter individuals with mobility issues.

Based on 21 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are not explicitly mentioned in user reviews or official descriptions of the campground.

Based on 21 reviews

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Murray Bay Group Campsite On Grand Island

$30.00 / night

Campsite Fees

GROUP TENT ONLY AREA NONELECTRIC: $30.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

Group Site Fee$120.00

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

906-387-2512

Go if

You want a backcountry island experience for a group and can manage a ferry crossing plus a short hike in.

Skip if

You need vehicle access to your site or want to avoid bear-safe food storage requirements.

Nearby Campgrounds

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4.5

(30)

Loon Call Campsite On Grand Island

400 E Munising Ave, Munising, MI 49862, USA

Loon Call Campsite sits on Grand Island in Lake Superior, accessible only by ferry from Munising. Operated by the Munising Ranger District of Hiawatha National Forest, this primitive campsite offers vault toilets, potable water, fire rings, and picnic tables. Visitors come for the island's trails, beaches, and direct access to Lake Superior's shoreline.

Murray Bay Group Campsite On Grand Island

Quick Facts

Quick Facts

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Best Time to Camp at Murray Bay Group Campsite On Grand Island

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About Murray Bay Group Campsite On Grand Island

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Featured in these camping guides

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Current alerts(6)

Best Time to Camp at Murray Bay Group Campsite On Grand Island

Planning Tips

Best Campsites

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Need help booking Murray Bay Group Campsite On Grand Island?

Amenities available

Things to do at Murray Bay Group Campsite On Grand Island

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

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What Campers Love

Common Concerns

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