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Brimley, Michigan sits on the shores of Lake Superior's Whitefish Bay, offering several established campgrounds alongside more primitive dispersed sites. Brimley State Park Campground provides over 230 campsites with electric hookups suitable for tents, RVs, and features a mini cabin option right on the lakeshore. Bay Mills Casino RV Campground offers full hookup sites for RVs with a location convenient to the casino, while nearby national forest lands include more rustic options like Bay View, Monocle Lake, and Soldier Lake campgrounds that accommodate a mix of tent and RV camping.
Camping in this region operates seasonally, with most campgrounds open from May through September or October. As one camper noted, "The lake front is beautiful as well as the park and playground, these two things saved our stay." Weather conditions can change quickly along Lake Superior, with cool temperatures persisting even during summer months. Brimley State Park offers modern amenities including showers and bathrooms, though some visitors report these facilities are sometimes outdated or crowded during peak periods. Many sites require advance reservations through Michigan's state park system or recreation.gov for national forest campgrounds. Cell coverage varies throughout the area, with better service near established communities and more limited coverage in remote forest sites.
The proximity to Lake Superior defines camping experiences in the Brimley area, with water access and scenic views ranking as top attractions. "The beach is sand and driftwood with no stones or shells. You can see Canada on clear days across the lake," wrote one visitor about Brimley State Park. Campgrounds in this region vary considerably in terms of privacy and natural setting - state park sites tend to be more open with limited shade and neighbors in close proximity, while forest service campgrounds offer more seclusion among trees. For those seeking a more isolated experience, the USFS 3536 dispersed site represents one of the few free, primitive camping options in the area. The Brimley camping region provides diverse opportunities for campers looking for everything from full-service campgrounds to remote sites where you can truly disconnect. Wildlife viewing opportunities include chipmunks and various bird species, with some campgrounds warning about proper food storage to prevent unwanted animal visitors.
"Brimley is in great proximity to Sault Ste Marie and Tahquamenon Falls, so there is plenty to do in the area."
"I've visited Brimley State Park several times, always nice. Clean park, clean bathrooms. Close to beaches, Point Iriquois, Bay Mills Casino, Sault Ste. Marie."
"Gorgeous Lake Superior shore experience! Fall asleep to the sound of waves. Address of property: 19456 West Lakeshore Drive, Brimley, Michigan 49715
There are no services nearby."
"Much better option than the state park at Brimley. It’s close to lots to do, but such a beautiful setting you’ll be fine spending the whole day here, too.
The sites are large and well shaded."
from $21 - $24 / night
Check Availability"This campground is a hidden gem, close to the small town of Brimley, Michigan where you can purchase forgotten items, visit the library, or visit local tourist attractions."
"Awesome hike up to Spectacle Lake Overlook nearby. Go to Pickles Bar and Grill in Brimley nearby! Our site down by the loop had plenty of space. Good for kayaking and paddling."
from $24 / night
Check Availability"Close to food and fuel. Easy pull through sites. Check in is currently across the street at the hotel. Masks are required in the hotel/casino. Good sites. Decent park."
"Close to the water and even closer to the casino. We used this as a base for seeing sites, mainly the locks. A bit wet while we were there but not to bad. The staff at the casino is nice and helpful."
"This has and will remain my favorite campground in Michigan."
"Located just outside of the town of Paradise on the Upper Peninsula of Michigan."
from $20 - $23 / night
Check Availability"Marie (called the “Soo”) to check out the famous Soo Locks and watch massive Great Lakes freighters pass through them on their way from Lake Superior to Lake Michigan."
"But the family found it was so much more enjoyable to be able to just step outside the camper and see the boat's go by every chance. Sites on the river are very nice with a great view."
"It’s next to or part of a municipal park with playgrounds, picnic tables and beach access. Bathrooms are shared with the municipal park."
from $5 - $8 / night
Check Availability"It was really quiet and the lake was beautiful. However in the morning someone was shooting birds or squirrels and bullets literally flew over our heads. But it honestly was worth it."
"It has bee 8 years since i have been there, small lake with warm water coming up from bottom. Sandy beach, real primative. did have outside toilet, no power and no hook ups."
from $24 / night
Check Availability"Showers and a modern toilet are available in the modern portion of the campground which is a short walk through a playground and separating trees."
"Portage is the most popular campground, due most likely to the closeness to the lower falls. We arrived on a Sunday in September and it was almost, if not entirely, full."
from $28 - $32 / night
Check Availability
TravelerOver 250 campsites divided into three separate sections. Electric only; no water or sewer at any campsite. Nice bathhouse in each section. Dump station and potable water filling station in each section also.
Guide1st time I've seen Lake Huron and I picked a great spot for it. Last 100 yards was muddy and rutty, but my Pilot and Shasta did fine. Nobody else is here except for the skeeters, and there's plenty of them.
TravelerStayed at many NF sites much better facilities for the cost. Hosts are , Awesome and bar-non the best there is.
GuideAbout 15 minutes to St Ignace. Quiet and clean. COLD at the end of May! (26 Degrees! ) Friendly camp host. We were the only people there. Paved road until campground, then easily access gravel. $24 cash or check only. Hidden gem by the river.
Ranger5-21-26, Mouth of the Two Hearted Campground.
sunny, 50 degrees, breezy. Site 8, small and mostly level, close to neighboring sites as I stayed one night testing out my truck camper.
The drive in is easy, could be dusty, muddy and washboarded all on the same day. The County has done a great job this week as the road was smooth and dusty. Take 500 off of 123 to 414 (Pike Lake Rd) to 423 (2 Hearted) right to the bluff overlooking the campground.
Campground is mostly full, tents to 5th wheel campers. There were four sites on Loop 2 open when I arrived at 2:30 and they filled by 5 pm on a Thursday.
Cellular T-Mobile 1 bar 5G to 3 bars LTE
No Electric or water hookup, fresh water at the hand pump.
$20 for MI Passport Holders.
The sunsets are amazing, you can hike part of the NCT, rock hound on the beach, relax and many people bring their SxS.
Buy your firewood before arrival.
RangerFriday May 22, 2026
Pike lake state forest campground was sunny And 60, the campground is nestled in a little community right on the lake with large pine trees, good sun/shade options. Two pit toilets, clean and with sanitizer.
I’m sure the sites fill quickly in the summer. No electricity or water hookup but a pump is located at the entrance.
1bar LTE with T-Mobile and most of the sites are not level so if you have a camper bring enough leveling blocks. A nice gravel/concrete boat launch area.
Firs Come First Serve on the reservation at $20 for passport holders.
Firewood was for sale at the entrance, but i would buy before arriving.
LegendThe mosquitoes were horrible in July! Weather was great though with very comfortable temps in the heat of summer. Spots on the top of the hill are older and smaller. The better part of the campground is on the lower part of the park. It was newer and would better for large rigs. Hiking was amazing here and the falls are super. The restaurant was good.
RangerOff of the Clark lake Loop, semi level site with toilet privy. Access to water at Clark Lake. Very rustic
Ranger5-20-26, Andrus Lake State Campground Sunny, breezy, 42 degrees. Site 25, large level site, good fire ring right on the lake and plenty of space between either side, close to the privy. The privy is a pit toilet but very clean. There is potable water here, but no electricity no water hook up. Cellular was 3 bars 5G using T-Mobile, better service at the site vs in Paradise.
7 miles from Vermillion, great for history and rock hounding.
Part of the campground is flooded from melting snow and heavy rains. $20 per night for passport holders, but your firewood before you get to Paradise, 1/2 the price. $5-10ish.
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.
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."
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.
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."
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.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
What campgrounds are available near Brimley, MI?
Several excellent campgrounds surround Brimley, MI. Monocle Lake is a hidden gem offering peaceful lakeside camping with clean, clear water and well-maintained vault toilets. It's conveniently close to Brimley for supplies and local attractions. Bay View in Hiawatha National Forest provides gorgeous Lake Superior shoreline camping with the soothing sounds of waves. Other nearby options include Brimley State Park Campground, Soldier Lake, and Bay Mills Casino RV Campground. Within driving distance, you'll find Hog Island Point State Forest Campground on Lake Michigan and Aune-Osborn Campground near Sault Ste. Marie. Each offers unique experiences from primitive camping to full-service sites.
What amenities are offered at Brimley State Park campground?
Brimley State Park Campground features over 230 campsites within its 160-acre property. The campground makes up the majority of the park, with sites arranged in multiple rows in a relatively open area. While sites are positioned quite close together, the park offers clean facilities including well-maintained bathrooms. The park also includes a small day-use area. Its location provides excellent access to regional attractions, being in proximity to Sault Ste Marie, Tahquamenon Falls, and the Whitefish Bay Scenic Byway. The park is also conveniently located near Bay Mills Casino, which hosts a farmers market on Thursday evenings during the season.
What is the camping season and reservation process for Brimley, MI campgrounds?
Camping season in the Brimley area typically runs from late spring through early fall, with peak season during summer months. At Brimley State Park Campground, reservations are highly recommended, especially during weekends and peak summer periods when the park gets very busy. Reservations can be made through Michigan's state park reservation system. For more rustic experiences, Bay View in Hiawatha National Forest offers sites that may be available on a first-come, first-served basis. Some of the smaller forest service campgrounds like Monocle Lake and Soldier Lake have on-site hosts who can assist with check-in. Planning ahead is essential, as the most desirable waterfront sites book quickly throughout the season.
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