Hay Bay Campground
00 review800 E. Lakeshore Drive, Houghton, MI, 49931, USA
Quick Facts
Price
$3 - $8/night
Booking
First-Come
Sites
Varies
Season
Open season is from ...
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Not Allowed
Quick Facts
Price
$3 - $8/night
Booking
First-Come
Sites
Varies
Season
Open season is from ...
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Not Allowed
Hay Bay Campground
$3.00 - $8.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Fees vary by reservation method: $8 if made online; $9 if made through the contact center; $3 if made in-person.
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
Total Campsite Fees$0.00
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Recreation Dot Gov
Provider9064820984isro_parkinfo@nps.gov
What Campers Say
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Limited Reviews
Based on 0 reviews
3 Google reviews
Most mentioned
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"No user reviews available for Hay Bay Campground."
Fees & Passes at Hay Bay Campground
$3 - $8/night
Campsite fees
Stay Limit: 3 nights from June 1 to Labor Day annually.
Cancellation: Reservations are not allowed as Hay Bay Campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis.
Prices verified November 27, 2025
Prices may vary by season and site type. Always confirm current rates on the official National Park Service website.
Best Time to Camp at Hay Bay Campground
Winter transforms Hay Bay into a crystalline wonderland, with temperatures hovering between 18°F and 26°F, painting the landscape in pristine snow and ice. Light winds whisper through the frozen forest, creating an ethereal atmosphere that draws only the hardiest winter adventurers. The campground truly comes alive during the warmer months when Isle Royale opens its arms to visitors, offering mild temperatures and long summer days perfect for exploration.
Spring (Mar-May)
Wildflowers bloom, mild temperatures, fewer crowds. Great for hiking and photography.
Best
Summer (Jun-Aug)
Peak season with warm weather, perfect for water activities. Book early.
Fall (Sep-Nov)
Beautiful fall colors, cooler temps, quieter campgrounds. Ideal for peaceful trips.
Winter (Dec-Feb)
Snow activities available. Some facilities may close. Check conditions.
Planning Tips
- Peak Season: June 1 to Labor Day annually.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
- Operating Season: Open season is from June 1 to Labor Day annually.
- Current Alerts: .
About Hay Bay Campground
Tucked away on the pristine south shore of Isle Royale National Park, Hay Bay Campground offers an exclusive wilderness escape accessible only by water. This secluded haven welcomes adventurous paddlers and boaters who navigate Lake Superior's vast waters to reach its protected cove. The campground's dock, with depths ranging from 3 to 7 feet under normal conditions, provides a secure harbor for vessels exploring this remote island paradise.
Hay Bay Campground is accessible exclusively by water, catering to primitive camping needs for boaters, kayakers, and canoeists.
Historical SignificanceHay Bay rests within the storied landscape of Isle Royale, where centuries of Native American presence have left an indelible mark on the island's character. This remote outpost connects modern adventurers to the same waters and forests that sustained indigenous peoples for generations, offering a glimpse into the timeless relationship between humans and this remarkable ecosystem.
Weather and SeasonsWinter transforms Hay Bay into a crystalline wonderland, with temperatures hovering between 18°F and 26°F, painting the landscape in pristine snow and ice. Light winds whisper through the frozen forest, creating an ethereal atmosphere that draws only the hardiest winter adventurers. The campground truly comes alive during the warmer months when Isle Royale opens its arms to visitors, offering mild temperatures and long summer days perfect for exploration.
ElevationThe campground sits at the gentle interface where Isle Royale's forested interior meets the vast expanse of Lake Superior, creating a natural amphitheater of wilderness and water.
Natural Features and SceneryHay Bay Campground immerses visitors in Isle Royale's breathtaking tapestry of natural wonders. Ancient boreal forests stretch to meet rugged shorelines carved by Superior's powerful waves, while the protected bay offers calm waters that mirror the sky. This pristine ecosystem serves as a sanctuary for the island's diverse wildlife, from moose browsing along the shore to loons calling across the water at dusk.
Geological RegionPerched on the edge of Isle Royale's dramatic geological canvas, Hay Bay showcases the island's unique position as an ancient lava flow ridge rising from Lake Superior's depths. The campground provides front-row seats to observe the fascinating interplay between the island's billion-year-old volcanic bedrock and the ever-changing moods of the world's largest freshwater lake, creating a landscape both timeless and dynamic.
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Campsite details
AccessibilityNo details provided about accessibility features.
Sites SizeNo details provided about the sizes of the campsites.
Sites PrivacyNo information available regarding privacy levels at the campsites.
Total Campsites0 campsites
Recommended CampsitesNo information provided to recommend specific campsites.
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Check-in
.
Check-out
.
Stay Limit
3nights from June 1 to Labor Day annually.
Guests Allowed Per Site
.
Groups
No information provided about group sites.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutNo detailed layout description provided.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen season is from June 1 to Labor Day annually.
Reservation PlatformsNo reservations are available.
Walk-in AvailabilityAll sites are first-come, first-served.
Cancellation PolicyReservations are not allowed as Hay Bay Campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis.
Activities you can enjoy
Hay Bay Campground offers a serene environment suitable for water-based access. The lack of specific information about on-site or nearby activities suggests limited structured recreational options.
Boating
The campground supports boating activities, with a dock accommodating overnight stays for boats. Access is exclusively via canoe, kayak, or private boat.Winter Activities
No details provided about winter-specific activities.Water Sports
No specific details about non-motorized water sports.Advertisement
Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- No specific fire rules provided.
- Quiet hours are No specific quiet hours mentioned.
Hazards
General hazardsPotential hazards include weather extremes, cold temperatures, and limited accessibility due to reliance on water-based travel.
Active alerts.
Weather at Hay Bay Campground
12
°F
Dec 7
Sunday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 67%
Moderately humid conditions
Wind: 6.5 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Clear sky
Weather History
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Detailed 7-Day Forecast
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Reveal forecast
Emergency Services
Closest emergency services are located in Houghton, MI, which includes hospitals, police stations, and other facilities.
Good to know
Peak season datesJune 1 to Labor Day annually.
Trash and recyclingNo details provided about trash and recycling facilities.
Proximity to water featuresThe campground is located directly on the south shore of Isle Royale National Park, adjacent to Lake Superior.
Common complaintsNo user reviews provided for specific complaints.
HostNo details about campground hosts or services provided.
Campground Map
800 E. Lakeshore Drive, Houghton, MI, 49931, USA
Driving directionsHay Bay Campground is located in Hay Bay on the south shore of Isle Royale National Park.
Access is possible only via canoe, kayak, or private boat. No road access available.Nearby places
Houghton (approximately 0 miles as it's the nearest city listed without specific distance provided for Hay Bay).
Nearby supplies
Closest supplies would be in Houghton, MI
specifics about grocery, camping supplies, and fuel are not provided.
Reviews from booking and map sources
0.0
0 reviews
Hay Bay Campground has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
No user reviews available for Hay Bay Campground.
Review Summaries
What Campers Love
No specific positive highlights as no user reviews are available.
Common Concerns
There are no user complaints due to the absence of reviews.
Pro Tips & Recommendations
No tips or recommendations from users are available.
Seasonal Insights
No seasonal trends identified as user reviews are not provided.
Camper Quotes
No direct user quotes as no reviews are available.
Site-Specific Reviews
No site-specific reviews are available.
Accessibility Features
No reviews addressing accessibility features are available.
Pet-Friendly Features
No reviews or comments about pet policies or experiences are available.
Camper Reviews by Outdoorithm campers
0
0 review
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Last updated November 27, 2025
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