Dispersed camping areas near Brimley, Michigan offer varied terrain for outdoor enthusiasts who prefer more secluded experiences. The region sits along the southwestern shore of Lake Superior with an average elevation of 600 feet and summer temperatures ranging from 65-75°F during camping season. Lake Superior remains cold even in summer, with water temperatures rarely exceeding 55°F in the warmest months, requiring appropriate planning for water activities.
What to do
Explore shipwrecks: Bay View in Hiawatha National Forest provides access to preserved shipwrecks in Whitefish Bay. "There are sandy beaches and shipwrecks in the bay which have been preserved for tourists and history geeks," notes James D. from Bay View (Hiawatha National Forest, MI).
Visit Tahquamenon Falls: This natural attraction offers multiple waterfall views and hiking opportunities. "Great hiking, obvious beautiful falls, and quiet!" states Felix K. about the Lower Falls Campground — Tahquamenon Falls State Park. The park features a 4-mile trail connecting the Lower and Upper falls.
Watch freighters: Aune-Osborn Campground offers prime viewing of Great Lakes shipping traffic. "We come here to watch the boats come and go to the locks. Those who require more active entertainment might not like it as much," explains Elizabeth C. The campground sits directly on St. Mary's River with unobstructed views of passing ships.
Kayak inland lakes: Smaller lakes offer calmer water experiences than Lake Superior. "Kayaks were super easy to put into the lake due to the lake access on our campsite! And we were even able to swim about the lake," shares Bansi D. about Soldier Lake.
What campers like
Quiet, secluded settings: Many dog friendly campgrounds near Brimley offer more private camping experiences. "Sites are far from each other, and it was only a short drive from where we wanted to go. We stayed in site 24, which was big, backed up against the woods, away from everyone else," explains Gail N. from Monocle Lake.
Beach access: Sandy shorelines are available at multiple campgrounds. "Arrived here 9/27/30, leaving on 9/30/20. It rained off and on continuously. Our site backed up to a bay in Lake Superior. We were able to see a sunset from the beach the first night. The beach is just 30 feet from the back of our RV," shares Ronald B. about Brimley State Park.
Clean facilities: Campgrounds maintain good bathroom standards. "Clean pit toilets. Large sites. Wonderful setting," notes Stephen D. about Soldier Lake, while another camper praised the "cleanest pit toilet I have ever seen" at Bay View.
Fishing opportunities: Multiple lakes offer fishing access. "Our campsite was huge, plenty of room for our 10X17 tent. We also had a 10X10 screen tent for our kitchen and 3X5 bathroom tent and still had plenty of room. Our site was located approximately 10 yards from the water, which made it easy to launch our kayak," reports Pat H. about the spacious sites at Soldier Lake.
What you should know
Weather variability: Upper Peninsula weather changes rapidly. "Camp sites are small but I like that. It is right on Lake Superior and lots to do in area," explains Thomas S. about Brimley State Park Campground. Another camper at Aune-Osborn Campground noted: "The sites are ample with gravel pads. Water and electric is provided. There is very little shade or privacy, but the campers and staff are very friendly."
Limited water access: Some campgrounds have restricted water services. "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," advises Steve H. about Bay View.
Seasonal variations: Most campgrounds close by mid-October. "We would come back again but in warmer sunnier weather," notes a camper at Brimley State Park regarding fall weather conditions.
Cell service limitations: Coverage varies significantly between providers. "Zero cell service with Verizon but ATT had good service, mostly. It would randomly drop now and then but it would come back," reports Laura M. about dispersed camping areas.
Tips for camping with families
Beach games: Campgrounds often provide community equipment. "Camp host had a community box of games that we could use during our stay. We used sand buckets and shovels to play with during our stay," shares Melissa A. about her family's experience at Bay View with her "family of 5."
Pet-friendly activities: Many sites welcome pets for hiking excursions. "Campground is always busy and packed so make sure you reserve well in advance," advises Syed M. about Clear Lake Campground, which is one of several pet-friendly campgrounds near Brimley.
Playground access: Some campgrounds have play facilities. "Ranger programs for kids, nice playground," mentions EmmaLee H. about Brimley State Park Campground.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Local forests harbor diverse species. "We saw deer, grouse and the camp host told us that they had signs of bears in the area," reports a camper at Soldier Lake, highlighting the importance of proper food storage.
Tips from RVers
Parking limitations: Some campgrounds restrict larger vehicles. "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. about Monocle Lake.
Full hookup options: Bay Mills Casino RV Campground provides complete services. "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," notes Master R.
Water fill locations: Planning is essential for water needs. "Very few campers at this time of year. 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.
Electrical considerations: Power reliability varies by location. "This FHU pull-through was tight with trees preventing us from putting out awnings and we were VERY close to the neighboring sites. We had to reposition our rig just to get the slides out," shares MickandKarla W. about their experience at Bay Mills RV Park.
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