Along Lake Superior's eastern shore, Bay View Campground sits within Hiawatha National Forest, where dense Pine-Maple-Spruce-Oak forest meets a sandy shoreline. The 24-site campground operates seasonally from late May through mid-October, with sites priced at $21-24 per night. RVs up to 50 feet can access the campground via West Lakeshore Drive, though campers report the remote location means grocery stores and gas stations require a 20-minute drive.
The campground divides along a narrow road, with lakefront sites offering direct beach access about 20 feet above the sand. LoneCamper C. notes that "sites fronting the sand beach include #3, #5, #6, #7, #9, #11, #13, #15, #17, #18, #20, #21, #23, #24, #25" and describes falling asleep "to the sound of waves." Sites #24 and #25 receive particular mention as walk-in options for tent campers. The inland sites provide more forest cover but lack water views.
Swimming in Lake Superior draws many visitors, though the water remains cold even in summer. Beach activities center around the sandy shoreline, where campers can explore or simply relax. However, hiking options prove limited—one reviewer specifically mentioned they "couldn't find great trails for a long hike." The campground's location does provide day-trip access to Tahquamenon Falls, Point Iroquois Lighthouse, and the Soo Locks.
Two vault toilets serve the campground, with reviewers consistently praising their cleanliness and maintenance. A hand-pump well provides drinking water centrally located within the camping loop. Firewood sales operate through the campground host, though availability can vary. Cell service reaches the campground, and campground hosts patrol regularly on golf carts to assist campers and ensure registration.
For those seeking additional forest camping options, campsites around Hiawatha National Forest include nearby Monocle Lake for a more secluded experience away from the lakeshore crowds.
Description
Overview
Located just off the Whitefish Bay Scenic Byway in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, Bay View Campground provides a rustic opportunity to camp along the shores of Lake Superior. The campground is a perfect stop amidst many recreational opportunities available in the Sault Ste. Marie area. Visitors also enjoy exploring the Whitefish Bay National Scenic Byway all the way to the beautiful Tahquamenon Falls.
Recreation
Miles of sandy beaches and beautiful sunsets stretch across Lake Superior, the greatest single body of fresh water in the world. Birding and sightseeing are popular pastimes, and visitors enjoy long walks along Superior's beaches.
Facilities
The rustic campground offers multiple single-family campsites for tent and RV camping. Each site is equipped with a picnic table and campfire rings with grills. Vault toilets and hand-pumped drinking water are available at several locations within the campground. Most of the sites are heavily shaded. A campground host lives at the campground and can be available to answer any questions.
Natural Features
The campground is located in Lake Superior's famous Whitefish Bay, the site of numerous historically preserved shipwrecks and lighthouse stations. The area is also a natural corridor for migratory birds.
Contact Info
For facility specific information, please call (906) 379-5791.
Nearby Attractions
Tahquamenon Falls, a series of beautifully brown-colored waterfalls on the Tahquamenon River, are located just 30 miles away. The Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum and Whitefish Point Lighthouse are 39 miles to the north and west while the Point Iroquois Lighthouse lies about 8 miles east.
Charges & Cancellations
Please cancel 7 days in advance if you need to cancel your reservation. Reserve sites cannot be transferred to walk up sites.
Fee Info
Check-in time is anytime after 2 p.m. Early arrivals will be charged for the previous day.
RV Road Trip Guides
Location
Public CampgroundBay View (Hiawatha National Forest, MI) is located in Michigan
Directions
19456 W Lakeshore Drive, Brimley MI 49715 From Brimley, Michigan, travel west on County Road 42/Whitefish Bay Scenic Byway for approximately 8 miles. Bay View is on the north side of the road.
Coordinates
46.46 N
84.7794444 W
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonLTESome Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonLTESome Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
- Hike-InBackcountry sites.
- Boat-InSites accessible by watercraft.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Tent Cabin
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Firewood Available
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Pull-Through Sites
- Big Rig Friendly
Drive Time
- 4 hrs 13 min from Green Bay, WI
- 9 hrs 5 min from Traverse City, MI
- 9 hrs 26 min from Midland, MI
- 9 hrs 40 min from Bay City, MI












































