Bass Lake Campsite
05 reviewsRAPID RIVER/MANISTIQUE RANGER DISTRICT, 8181 US HWY 2, Rapid River, MI, USA
Bass Lake Campsite
$8.00 - $8.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$8.00
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
Peak season rate is $8. Additional costs may include reservation service fees: $8 (online/app), $9 (contact center), $3 (in-person).
About this campground
Escape to the untouched wilderness at Bass Lake Campsite, where a single, intimate camping spot awaits on the western shores of a pristine 290-acre lake. Hidden within the vast Hiawatha National Forest, this rustic retreat beckons those seeking true solitude among towering hardwoods and whispering pines. Perfect for adventurers with small family trailers who crave an authentic back-to-nature experience, this primitive site strips camping down to its essence—no facilities, no crowds, just you and the wilderness. Bring your own water and supplies for a genuine off-grid adventure.
The Bass Lake Campsite is a single-site, primitive camping area suitable for a small family trailer or tent camping.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the full spectrum of Michigan's Upper Peninsula seasons at Bass Lake. Summer brings warm, golden days perfect for lakeside camping and starlit nights. As autumn arrives, the hardwood canopy explodes into a tapestry of reds and golds. Winter transforms the landscape into a snow-dusted wonderland, while spring awakens the forest with fresh growth and migrating birds. Throughout the year, enjoy generally dry conditions with gentle breezes rippling across the lake's surface.
Natural Features and SceneryImmerse yourself in a cathedral of nature where ancient hardwoods mingle with stately pines, creating a living canopy above your lakeside sanctuary. The jewel of this setting is Bass Lake itself—290 acres of crystal-clear water that mirrors the sky and surrounding forest. Wake to mist rising from the water's surface, spend afternoons watching eagles soar overhead, and fall asleep to the gentle lapping of waves against the shore. This pristine ecosystem offers endless opportunities for wildlife viewing and peaceful contemplation.
Geological RegionDiscover the raw beauty of Michigan's Upper Peninsula within the legendary Hiawatha National Forest, spanning the Munising and Rapid River/Manistique Ranger Districts. This remarkable landscape showcases the region's signature blend of dense hardwood forests and towering pine groves, all surrounding pristine inland lakes carved by ancient glaciers. The area represents some of the finest examples of northern mixed forest ecosystems in the Great Lakes region.
Campsite details
AccessibilityNo specific accessibility features are mentioned, and the rustic nature of the site may make it challenging for individuals with mobility impairments.
Sites SizeApproximately 35 ft x 50 ft, suitable for one small family trailer.
Sites PrivacyReviews indicate that the campsite is somewhat secluded, but frequent vehicle traffic may reduce overall privacy.
Total Campsites1 campsites
Recommended CampsitesBring a small family trailer, mosquito repellents, and firewood (dead and downed only). Avoid swimming and plan for inconsistent fishing results.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
11:00 AM
Check-out
12:00 PM
Stay Limit
14 days
Guests Allowed Per Site
Maximum of 8 people per site.
Groups
No group camping options are available at this single-site campground.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutSingle campsite measuring approximately 35 ft x 50 ft. Suitable for one small family trailer.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen May 15 to October 9, 2025. Reservable starting June 21, 2025.
Reservation PlatformsAvailable on Recreation.gov website, app, contact center, and in-person.
Walk-in AvailabilityNone; reservations required.
Cancellation PolicyReservations can be canceled any time before the arrival date. $10 cancellation fee applies, along with forfeiture of reservation fees and potentially the first night's fee for late cancellations. Late cancellations for individual campsites begin at midnight one calendar day before scheduled check-in.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Firewood available
Activities you can enjoy
Bass Lake Campsite offers a variety of low-key recreational opportunities, including fishing, kayaking, and berry picking. However, swimming is not recommended due to poor conditions.
Fishing
Fishing opportunities at Bass Lake include northern pike, largemouth and smallmouth bass, and bluegills. However, user reviews indicate that fishing success might be low at this lake.Swimming
Swimming is available but described as poor by both official sources and user reviews.Biking
Biking trails are not directly accessible from the campsite, but there are trails nearby within a short drive.Boating
The campsite offers carry-in boat access. A larger developed boat launch is available on the eastern shore of Bass Lake, approximately four miles from the campsite.Wildlife viewing
The forested setting provides opportunities to observe local wildlife, though specific species are not detailed in the source.Winter Activities
Winter activities are not highlighted in the source material.Water Sports
Kayaking and canoeing are mentioned as water activities possible at the lake, particularly due to the ease of carry-in access for small watercraft.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires are permitted, but firewood must be dead and downed. Do not bring firewood from outside the area due to the risk of invasive tree-killing pests.
Hazards
General hazardsMosquitoes are a significant nuisance, as noted in user reviews. Visitors should also be prepared for intrusions from other campers or individuals seeking boat access.
Weather forecast
60
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 54%
Moderately humid conditions
Wind: 9.7 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
Clear sky
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Local emergency services available at Rapid River (about 30 miles away).
Good to know
Peak season datesMay 15, 2025 - October 9, 2025
Trash and recyclingPack-in, pack-out policy; campers must take all trash and recycling with them upon departure.
Proximity to water featuresLocated on the western shore of Bass Lake, a 290-acre inland lake.
Common complaintsFrequent intrusions from other individuals seeking boat access. Mosquitoes are a major issue. Swimming conditions are poor, and fishing yields are inconsistent.
Campground Map
RAPID RIVER/MANISTIQUE RANGER DISTRICT, 8181 US HWY 2, Rapid River, MI, USA
Driving directionsFrom Manistique drive north on M-94 for 22 miles to County Road 437. Turn left (west) on CR 437 and drive 4.6 miles to Forest Road 2792. Turn left (east) on FR 2792 and drive about 0.75 mile to the campsite.
Accessible via paved roads until CR 437, followed by unpaved Forest Road 2792 for the last 0.75 miles.Nearby places
Manistique (22 miles, approximately 30 minutes)
Steuben (3 miles, approximately 5 minutes).
Nearby supplies
Gasoline, groceries, fishing and camping supplies, boat rentals, ice, and MDNR licenses are available at Steuben, approximately 3 miles northeast on County Road 437.
Camper Reviews
0.0
5 reviews
Bass Lake Campsite has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews are mixed, with positive highlights focusing on the serene environment and good kayaking opportunities. Common complaints include the lack of privacy due to frequent vehicle traffic, limited fishing success, and the absence of basic facilities.
Review Summaries
Based on 5 reviews
What Campers Love
Several reviewers appreciate the peaceful setting and the availability of firewood. Kayaking is particularly enjoyed due to easy lake access.
Based on 5 reviewsCommon Concerns
The most common complaints include frequent vehicle traffic at the campsite, poor fishing success, and lack of basic amenities such as restrooms and picnic tables.
Based on 5 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Campers recommend bringing all necessary supplies, including water and portable restrooms. Blocking the access road to the campsite may reduce unexpected visitors.
Based on 5 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Summer reviews mention high mosquito activity and privacy concerns due to frequent visitors. Fall reviews tend to highlight the serene environment and reduced traffic.
Based on 5 reviewsCamper Quotes
"The campsite here is very nice, although it doesn’t have a picnic table nor a grate to cook on." - Helen Schwark
"Loved camping here. The lake isn't great for swimming but it is good for fishing...
Based on 5 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Users have only reviewed the single site available and noted issues with vehicle traffic and limited fishing success. They suggest that better signage could improve privacy.
Based on 5 reviewsAccessibility Features
No reviews specifically address accessibility features at the site.
Based on 5 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Reviews do not specifically mention pet policies, but pets are allowed.
Based on 5 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025