How much does camping cost at Bay View (Hiawatha National Forest, Mi)?

Camping fees at Bay View (Hiawatha National Forest, Mi) range from $21-$24/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Bay View (Hiawatha National Forest, Mi) first-come first-served or reservation?

Bay View (Hiawatha National Forest, Mi) 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 Bay View (Hiawatha National Forest, Mi) before I book?

Yes! Bay View (Hiawatha National Forest, Mi) has 12 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 Bay View (Hiawatha National Forest, Mi)?

Bay View (Hiawatha National Forest, Mi) is open May 23, 2025 - September 27, 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 Bay View (Hiawatha National Forest, Mi)?

Bay View (Hiawatha National Forest, Mi) does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

Can I have a campfire at Bay View (Hiawatha National Forest, Mi)?

Fire policies at Bay View (Hiawatha National Forest, Mi): Campfires allowed only in designated rings. Firewood must be sourced locally.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

Is there cell service at Bay View (Hiawatha National Forest, Mi)?

Cell phone service at Bay View (Hiawatha National Forest, Mi) is generally available. Cell service is available. Coverage may vary by carrier and exact location within the campground.

How many campsites does Bay View (Hiawatha National Forest, Mi) have?

Bay View (Hiawatha National Forest, Mi) has 24 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Bay View (Hiawatha National Forest, Mi)?

Yes, pets are allowed at Bay View (Hiawatha National Forest, Mi). Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Bay View (Hiawatha National Forest, Mi)?

Bay View (Hiawatha National Forest, Mi) offers: Restrooms, Potable Water, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

Bay View (Hiawatha National Forest, Mi)

4.68

350 reviews

19456 W Lakeshore Drive, Brimley MI 49715

Romantic GetawayStargazingSummer Destination

Featured in:Swimming Camping Michigan#1 RV Camping Michigan#1 Primitive Camping Michigan#1 +7 more

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

April 2026

Compare availability across multiple campgrounds

Quick Facts

594 ft

Price

$21 - $24/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

24 campsites

Season

Open May 23, 2025 - ...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on Smore Memories LLC Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

April 2026

Compare availability across multiple campgrounds

Quick Facts

594 ft

Price

$21 - $24/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

24 campsites

Season

Open May 23, 2025 - ...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on Smore Memories LLC Official Website

Get Directions

Bay View (Hiawatha National Forest, Mi)

$21.00 - $24.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Peak season charges: $24 for standard nonelectric sites and $21 for walk-in sites. Reservation fees vary based on method ($8 online/app, $9 through...

Standard Site Fee$24.00

Hookup Site Fee$0.00

Premium Site Fee$0.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$21.00

Group Site Fee$0.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

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150,000+ sites monitored · Email, SMS, or in-app notifications

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

906-203-9872

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See something outdated or incorrect? Let us know!

What Campers Say

4.68

Top-Rated

Based on 350 reviews

114 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewscleanlakesites

Some mention

noiseroad noise

"The Bay View Campground holds an average sentiment of 4.62 for general experiences and 4.56 for campground-specific ratings. Reviewers overwhelmingly praise the cleanliness, spaciousness, and well-maintained facilities. Hosts are described as friendly and attentive, contributing positively to the camping experience."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

19456 W Lakeshore Drive, Brimley MI 49715

Bay View (Hiawatha National Forest, Mi)

19456 W Lakeshore Drive, Brimley MI 49715

Nearby places

Brimley (8 miles, approx. 15-minute drive), Sault Ste. Marie (approx. 30-minute drive), Tahquamenon Falls (30 miles), Point Iroquois Lighthouse (8 miles), Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum and Whitefish Point Lighthouse (39 miles).

Nearby supplies

Groceries and essentials are available at Family Dollar and Walmart in Sault Ste. Marie (approx. 30-minute drive). Fuel and ice are available in Brimley, with local options such as Pickles Bar & Restaurant.

Best Time to Camp at Bay View (Hiawatha National Forest, Mi)

Summer brings the most reliable conditions, with daytime highs in the mid-60s to low 70s°F and cool nights dropping to the mid-40s to mid-50s°F. Lake breezes keep evenings pleasant but can produce strong winds and big waves during storms. July sees the highest visitor numbers. Winter transforms the area into a snow-covered landscape with dramatic shifts in daylight hours, though winter camping requires preparation for cold and limited services.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.5 / 5

Top 6% in MI

Summer highly praised: warm days, swimming, minimal bugs and good campfire evenings.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 23, 2025 - September 27, 2025.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open May 23, 2025 - September 27, 2025 (peak season). First-come, first-served sites available May 14, 2026 - May 21, 2026.

About Bay View (Hiawatha National Forest, Mi)

Bay View Campground sits on Whitefish Bay's shoreline in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, offering 24 secluded sites beneath a heavy canopy of pines. Sites run $21-24 per night and accommodate tents, RVs, and primitive camping. The campground fills quickly in summer, when visitors use it as a base for Tahquamenon Falls, Whitefish Point Lighthouse, and the Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum.

Bay View Campground caters to a rustic camping experience, offering facilities for tent and RV camping. Walk-in sites and reservable spots are available.

Historical Significance

Whitefish Bay earned the name "Graveyard of the Great Lakes" for its concentration of shipwrecks, many preserved in Lake Superior's cold depths. The nearby Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum displays artifacts and tells the stories of vessels and sailors lost in these waters. Historic lighthouse stations along the coast stand as functional monuments to navigation challenges in this section of the lake.

Weather and SeasonsSummer brings the most reliable conditions, with daytime highs in the mid-60s to low 70s°F and cool nights dropping to the mid-40s to mid-50s°F. Lake breezes keep evenings pleasant but can produce strong winds and big waves during storms. July sees the highest visitor numbers. Winter transforms the area into a snow-covered landscape with dramatic shifts in daylight hours, though winter camping requires preparation for cold and limited services.

Natural Features and SceneryTowering pines create dense overhead shade, filtering sunlight onto spacious sites and blocking sight lines between camping areas. The campground fronts a sandy Lake Superior beach where waves lap at the shore and sunsets stretch across open water. This section of Whitefish Bay is a stopover along major migratory bird flyways. Warblers, raptors, and shorebirds pass through in concentrated numbers during spring and fall. Tree barriers between sites and the varied terrain provide natural privacy, though lake breezes move freely through the canopy.

Geological RegionPerched on the edge of Michigan's rugged Upper Peninsula, Bay View Campground occupies a special place where ancient geological forces meet modern natural wonder. This section of Lake Superior's Whitefish Bay showcases the dramatic results of glacial carving and centuries of wave action. Known internationally for its concentration of shipwrecks preserved in the lake's cold depths, the area also serves as a crucial stopover along North America's migratory bird flyways. Historic lighthouse stations dot the coastline, standing as monuments to both human ingenuity and nature's power.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

After 2 PM.

Check-out

By noon.

Stay Limit

Maximum 14 nights during any visit.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Maximum of 2 vehicles per site.

Groups

No group camping details are mentioned.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutSites spread out along a rustic layout with heavy tree coverage creating natural barriers. Some sites offer direct beach access while others require short walks to the water. Ground varies from level to slightly sloped, with most sites large enough for multiple tents or RVs.

Reservation PlatformsReservations available on Recreation.gov website and app.

Walk-in AvailabilityFirst-come, first-served availability outside peak season (May 14 - May 21, 2026). Walk-up sites are available during peak seasons based on site vacancy.

Cancellation PolicyReservations can be canceled with a $10 fee up to 1 calendar day before the scheduled arrival. Late cancellations incur loss of the first night’s fee in addition to the cancellation fee.

AccessibilityAccessible vault toilets and flat tent pads are available, along with proximity to water pumps and pathways.

Site SizeCampsites are spacious and well-separated, with many accommodating multiple tents or large RVs. Specific sites, such as Site 17, are praised for their size and level ground.

PrivacySites are heavily shaded and secluded, offering a significant degree of privacy. Many campers noted the spread-out nature and tree barriers between sites.

Total Campsites24 campsites

Recommended SitesBeachfront sites recommended for lake views. Sites near the road (e.g., #19) may experience higher noise levels.

Need help booking Bay View (Hiawatha National Forest, Mi)?

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

Potable water

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Firewood available

Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Bay View Campground provides access to a variety of activities, thanks to its prime location along Lake Superior. Visitors enjoy swimming, hiking, birding, beach walks, and stargazing. The proximity to attractions like Tahquamenon Falls adds to the recreational value.

Hiking

Swimming

Wildlife viewing

Beach activities

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include wildlife encounters, cold lake water, and occasional high winds.

Fire PolicyCampfires allowed only in designated rings. Firewood must be sourced locally.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours enforced during evenings.

Emergency ServicesEmergency services are closest in Sault Ste. Marie, approximately a 30-minute drive away.

Trash & RecyclingTrash disposal and recycling bins are available on-site, ensuring cleanliness and eco-friendliness.

Water FeaturesDirect access to Lake Superior with sandy beaches. No streams or rivers within the campground.

Camp HostHosts are frequently praised for their cleanliness, friendliness, and maintenance diligence. Names mentioned in reviews include Kathy, Pat, Ron, and Val.

Weather at Bay View (Hiawatha National Forest, Mi)

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Reviews

From Booking Sources

4.7

350 reviews

Top-Rated

Bay View (Hiawatha National Forest, Mi) is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews

The Bay View Campground holds an average sentiment of 4.62 for general experiences and 4.56 for campground-specific ratings. Reviewers overwhelmingly praise the cleanliness, spaciousness, and well-maintained facilities. Hosts are described as friendly and attentive, contributing positively to the camping experience.

Review Summaries

Based on 350 reviews

What Campers Love

Campers frequently commend the secluded sites, cleanliness of vault toilets, and breathtaking views of Lake Superior. Many rave about the starry skies, serenity, and the hosts' dedication to...

Based on 350 reviews

Common Concerns

Some campers noted road noise, unfriendly interactions with hosts, and busy conditions during peak seasons. One reviewer expressed concerns about selective rule enforcement and hosts disrupting...

Based on 350 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Reserve sites early during summer and holidays, as they fill up quickly. Bring supplies, as stores are 30 minutes away. Verizon users should download offline maps due to limited cell service. Opt for...

Based on 350 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer is highly praised for warm weather, minimal bugs, and swimming opportunities. Fall is appreciated for its vibrant foliage and quieter atmosphere. Winter reviews are absent as the campground...

Based on 350 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'The cleanest pit toilets I have ever seen!' 2. 'Vault toilets were extremely well maintained and clean, and there is a water pump nearby.' 3. 'The sandy beach is great for long walks.' 4. 'Hosts...

Based on 350 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site #7 is praised for its proximity to the beach and privacy. Site #25 offers direct beach access via a private path. Site #19 is convenient for bathroom access but close to the road, making it less...

Based on 350 reviews