This free US Forest Service campground sits 10 miles off US-2 on paved roads, offering seven well-spaced sites in Hiawatha National Forest. Each site includes a fire ring and picnic table, with a vault toilet and hand pump providing basic amenities for self-sufficient campers.
The small loop connects directly to Hay Meadow Falls hiking trail, which starts right from camp. Sites vary in maintenance levels, with some showing taller grass from less frequent use. Art S. notes "you pass a trailhead on the way in so head back for a hike," highlighting additional trail access beyond the campground's own waterfall path.
Expect no cell service for T-Mobile or Verizon users. The forest setting keeps sites spread apart, and low visitor numbers mean campers often have the area largely to themselves. Recent visitors report typically seeing only one or two other parties during their stay.
The access road remains paved despite the remote location, though unpaved side roads branch off for further exploration. For additional camping options, Whispering Valley RV Park lies about eight miles southwest. Pack everything needed for dry camping and prepare for limited connectivity.
Description
Haymeadow Creek Campground is located approximately 11 miles from Rapid River. There are 5 medium size campsites, some with tables and fire rings and a vault toilet is available. No water is available at this site even though the map shows drinking water. Please be sure to pack out what you pack in, as there are no trash receptacles. Haymeadow Creek is a high quality trout stream. Anglers will be challenged to catch the wary brook trout. The well-marked Haymeadow Creek Trail from the campground takes you along a winding path, across small bridges, through a heavily forested area lined with many varieties of ferns and wild plants. The trail of approximately 1 mile leads you along the creek to a footbridge at the Haymeadow Falls rapids. A short 1/2 mile spur near the north trailhead connects you to the 40 mile Bay de Noc Grand Island National Recreation Trail, which is used for hiking and horseback riding.Link to Campground Map.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsHaymeadow Creek NF Campground is located in Michigan near Trenary
Directions
From 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.
Coordinates
46.02065838 N
86.85757418 W
Connectivity
T-MobileNo Coverage- VerizonNo CoverageVerified by 3 usersLast on 6/16/26
AT&TLTESome CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 6/16/26
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonNo CoverageVerified by 3 usersLast on 6/16/26
- AT&TLTESome CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 6/16/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
- Tent Cabin
Features
For Campers
- Picnic Table
- Toilets
- Pets
- Fires
FREE established camping
Enjoy camping on government land. Limited or no services at this camping area.
PERMIT might be REQUIRED
We curate permit requirements across the US for our PRO members. Try PRO to see if Haymeadow Creek NF Campground needs a permit.
Drive Time
- 2 hrs 24 min from Green Bay, WI
- 2 hrs 44 min from Appleton, WI
- 3 hrs 36 min from Wausau, WI
- 4 hrs 15 min from Traverse City, MI
