Haymeadow Creek Campsites
4.0011 reviewsHaymeadow Creek Campsites
$0.00 - $0.00 / night
Campsite Fees
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
There are no fees for camping at Haymeadow Creek Campground.
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About this campground
Tucked away in the heart of Hiawatha National Forest, Haymeadow Creek Campground offers an authentic wilderness escape where the modern world fades into memory. This intimate dispersed camping area welcomes adventurers with five thoughtfully spaced medium-sized sites, each offering its own slice of forest solitude. While some sites come equipped with rustic tables and fire rings for evening gatherings under the stars, the campground maintains its back-to-nature ethos with basic amenities—a single vault toilet serves the area, and visitors embrace the pack-it-in, pack-it-out philosophy. The real treasure here flows just steps away: Haymeadow Creek, a legendary trout stream that draws anglers from across the region. Direct access to both the Haymeadow Creek Trail and the expansive Bay de Noc Grand Island National Recreation Trail transforms your campsite into a gateway for endless forest adventures.
Haymeadow Creek Campground offers a rustic, primitive camping experience suitable for both tents and small RVs.
Weather and SeasonsFrom mid-May through Columbus Day, Haymeadow Creek Campground awakens to welcome warm-weather explorers. Summer brings lush greenery and active wildlife, though seasoned campers know to pack serious mosquito protection—these tiny forest residents can be particularly enthusiastic hosts during peak season. As autumn approaches and leaves begin their colorful transformation, the access road from US 41 South develops a rugged character that adds to the adventure. For the truly intrepid, winter camping opens up a completely different world where snow blankets the forest floor and the notorious summer bugs become nothing more than a distant memory.
Natural Features and SceneryStep into an enchanted world where towering trees create a natural cathedral overhead, their canopy filtering sunlight onto a forest floor carpeted with delicate ferns and native wildflowers. The star of this wilderness theater is undoubtedly Haymeadow Creek itself—a crystal-clear trout stream that dances over rocks and pools, creating the soundtrack to your camping experience. Near Haymeadow Falls, the creek puts on a spectacular show as it tumbles over rapids, offering both visual drama and prime fishing spots. While the forest teems with wildlife, from white-tailed deer to various bird species, these creatures maintain a respectful distance, allowing glimpses of their daily routines without intrusion. It's a place where nature sets the pace and every moment offers a chance to reconnect with the wild.
Geological RegionNestled within the vast expanse of Hiawatha National Forest, this campground exemplifies the rugged beauty of Michigan's Upper Peninsula wilderness. The landscape tells the story of ancient glacial movements through its rolling terrain, while countless small bridges spanning creeks and ravines speak to the intricate water system that defines this region. The area's geological heritage has created ideal conditions for the cold, clear waters that make Haymeadow Creek such a premier trout habitat, while the dense forest coverage provides a living testament to the region's rich ecological diversity.
Campsite details
AccessibilityNo specific information about accessibility features for people with disabilities is provided.
Sites Size5 medium-sized campsites
Sites PrivacySites are described as rustic and dispersed, with some offering better privacy than others.
Total Campsites5 campsites
Recommended CampsitesFor privacy and away from the road noise, Site 7 is recommended. Sites 1 and 6 are good for camper vehicles, while larger vehicles should avoid most sites due to uneven ground.
Best CampsitesUser reviews highlight Site 2 for its flat ground and hammock-friendly trees, Site 3 and Site 4 for their larger size, and Site 5 for its suitability for tent and hammock camping.
Reserving a campsite
Stay Limit
The site does not mention a specific stay limit.
Groups
There are no designated group sites.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutThe campground comprises five medium-sized sites dispersed across the area, providing space and privacy.
Open and Closed SeasonMay 15 to Columbus Day.
Walk-in AvailabilityHaymeadow Creek Campground operates on a walk-up basis, with no reservations required. It is open and free between May 15 and Columbus Day. After Columbus Day through May 15, services are unavailable, and camping remains free.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Cell phone service
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Haymeadow Creek Campground provides opportunities for day hiking and fishing. The area is best known for its trail leading to Haymeadow Falls and its high-quality trout stream.
Hiking
The campground offers access to the well-marked Haymeadow Creek Trail, which is approximately 1 mile long and leads to a footbridge at Haymeadow Falls. A half-mile spur connects to the 40-mile Bay de Noc Grand Island National Recreation Trail, which supports hiking and horseback riding. One user described the trails as 'a nice challenge for a novice hiker,' but others have noted that access to the creek trail may be closed.Fishing
The creek is a high-quality trout stream, ideal for anglers targeting brook trout. One source notes that the trout are 'wary,' providing a challenge for fishing enthusiasts.Winter Activities
Users have noted winter camping opportunities, but no specific activities like snowshoeing or skiing are mentioned.Water Sports
No non-motorized water sports are available.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Fires are permitted in designated fire rings only.
Hazards
General hazardsMosquitoes and horseflies are aggressive during summer months. User reviews also mention the presence of ticks and rough hiking trails. Trash left by inexperienced campers can pose safety and ecological concerns.
Active alertsOne review notes that the trail leading to the creek/river has been closed for some time and may not reopen.
Weather forecast
48
°F
Aug 26
Tuesday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 73%
High humidity, may feel muggy
Wind: 4 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
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
Good to know
Trash and recyclingThere are no trash or recycling facilities available. Campers must pack out all their trash.
Proximity to water featuresThe campground is near Haymeadow Creek, a high-quality trout stream. It connects to trails leading to Haymeadow Falls rapids and other recreation trails.
Common complaintsRecurring complaints include trash left by previous campers, aggressive mosquitoes, rough hiking trails, and uneven campsites unsuitable for larger vehicles.
Campground Map
Driving directionsFrom Rapid River drive 1.6 miles east on US-2 to County Road 509, turn left (east) on Co. Road 509 and drive north 9.4 miles to the entrance. The campground is near Haymeadow Creek and has direct access to two hiking trails.
The campground is accessible via County Road 509, which is described as a bit rough by a user review during late November and early December. It is also off the beaten path and best suited for SUVs, small vans, and pickup truck campers. Larger vehicles over 20 feet may find maneuvering difficult.Nearby places
Rapid River, approximately 11 miles away.
Camper Reviews
4.0
11 reviews
Haymeadow Creek Campsites is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
Overall, reviews describe Haymeadow Creek Campground as a peaceful and rustic site with no fees, attracting both families and solo campers. Some reviewers noted trash issues and an influx of inexperienced campers.
Review Summaries
Based on 11 reviews
What Campers Love
Many users appreciated the campground's rustic charm and its free use. The proximity to trails and the creek was also highlighted.
Based on 11 reviewsCommon Concerns
Common complaints include 'trash left by inexperienced campers,' uneven ground at some sites, and aggressive mosquitoes during summer.
Based on 11 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Users recommend bringing plenty of bug spray due to mosquitoes, as well as water since none is available on-site. Smaller vehicles are recommended for easier maneuvering.
Based on 11 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Mosquitoes are a major issue in July, while quieter winter camping is noted from late November to early December. Trails may also be less accessible during off-seasons.
Based on 11 reviewsCamper Quotes
1. 'Site 1 is a good size, uneven ground but the latrine is straight across the road.' 2. 'Rustic campground. Plenty of space between the mostly level sites.' 3. 'Bring your own water as there is no...
Based on 11 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Site 1: Good size with uneven ground, close to the vault toilet. Site 2: Flat ground, good for hammocks, user favorite. Sites 3 & 4: Larger than Site 2, similar terrain. Site 5: Small, ideal for tent...
Based on 11 reviewsShow more
Accessibility Features
There are no specific reviews addressing accessibility features.
Based on 11 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No reviews specifically mention pet policies or experiences.
Based on 11 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025