Camping near Brimley, Michigan offers access to both inland lakes and Lake Superior shoreline within the eastern Upper Peninsula. Winter temperatures regularly dip below 0°F, while summer highs typically reach the mid-70s, creating a short but pleasant camping season. Local water temperatures remain cool even in summer, with Lake Superior rarely exceeding 55°F.
What to do
Beach activities: Bay View Campground features several small beach areas for swimming along with easy kayak launching points. "The beach is the best I've seen in Michigan," notes Lauren W., while James D. adds "There are sandy beaches and shipwrecks in the bay which have been preserved for tourists and history geeks."
Historical exploration: Visit the Point Iroquois Lighthouse near Monocle Lake, which features a boardwalk for rock collecting. "Close drive to Lake Superior and the Point Iroquois Lighthouse with boardwalk and good rock finding," mentions Pegeen S., who stayed at Monocle Lake.
Wildlife watching: For beaver sightings, try Soldier Lake Campground. "There was a small pond behind our site and we saw a beaver. Adorable," reports Ellie M., though she cautions "Beware of mosquitos."
What campers like
Lake views: Waterfront sites at Brimley State Park Campground offer direct Lake Superior access. "Camp sites are small but I like that. It is right on Lake Superior and lots to do in area," writes Thomas S. Ronald B. adds, "Our site backed up to a bay in Lake Superior. We were able to see a sunset from the beach the first night."
Freighter watching: Aune-Osborn Campground in nearby Sault Ste. Marie offers prime viewing of large ships. "This well-maintained city park is located directly on St. Mary's River just down stream of the Soo Locks. Site 96, while not waterfront, has excellent view of the river, freighters and all river traffic," shares Chris A.
Secluded experiences: Camping spots at Monocle Lake provide more privacy than state park options. "This campground was exactly what we were looking for. It was quiet, sites are far from each other, and it was only a short drive from where we wanted to go," reports Gail N.
What you should know
Water sources: Some campgrounds require bringing water or filling up elsewhere. At Bay View, Steve H. warns, "Fantastic campground along majestic Lake Superior! Warning: hand pump for water so if you have a camper, fill up elsewhere. No dump station but one nearby at casino in Bay Mills."
Reservation needs: Most campgrounds fill quickly during peak season. "We weren't sure if we would get a site, but we got lucky!!" reports Sharon H. about Bay View Campground.
Weather conditions: Even summer months can be cool. Ronald B. noted about Brimley State Park: "Arrived here 9/27/30, leaving on 9/30/20. It rained off and on continuously... Colors in the surrounding forests show the promise of magnificence but were muted due to the clouds and rain."
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly amenities: Brimley State Park offers structured activities for children. "Ranger programs for kids, nice playground," mentions EmmaLee H., while Samantha B. adds, "The swimming is some of the best with a nice sandy bottom and no rocks."
Community resources: Bay View Campground provides shared toys and equipment. Sharon H. notes, "If you have kids great campground with some free games/beach items available." The campground host "had a community box of games that we could use during our stay," according to Melissa A.
Short drives to attractions: Clear Lake Campground serves as a good base for regional exploration. "I do a yearly trip here and it's the best campground I have been to. There's so much to do, it's extremely clean, there's showers. The bathrooms are cleaned daily," reports Syed M.
Tips from RVers
Site selection caution: Many campgrounds have varied site sizes requiring careful selection. "Be careful when selecting your site as there are many different sizes and some pull through sites as well. Water is throughout the park, but the only threaded faucets are at the dump station where you can fill up when you pull in," advises Joe C. about Brimley State Park.
Site size considerations: Monocle Lake presents challenges for larger RVs. "Although this is a great family campground, most bigger Campers and RVs can't stay here. There are many trees too close to roadways for turning corners, and many branches are hanging low overhead," warns Kris W.
Full hookup options: For RVers seeking all amenities, try Bay Mills Casino RV Park. "29.00 a day with full hook-ups. 21.00 without sewer. All come with free cable tv and wifi antennas ever couple hundred feet so you get internet from any spot in the park," shares Master R.
