Bay Furnace Campground

For Michigan residents yearning for a truly authentic outdoor experience amidst the stunning landscapes of the Upper Peninsula, Bay Furnace Campground presents an inviting and memorable option. Nestled within the expansive Hiawatha National Forest and situated directly on the shores of Lake Superior, this campground offers a rustic charm that allows visitors to truly disconnect and immerse themselves in nature. It's a favorite for those seeking peace and quiet, coupled with easy access to some of Michigan's most iconic natural and historical treasures.

Bay Furnace Campground is highly regarded for its beautiful wooded sites, providing a sense of privacy and seclusion that many campers cherish. Visitors consistently highlight the cleanliness of its facilities, particularly the vault toilets, which are often described as "spotless" and "brand new" – a testament to the diligent work of the campground hosts. Beyond the practicalities, the campground offers a unique blend of natural beauty and historical intrigue, being named after the nearby ruins of an old blast furnace. This historical element adds an extra layer of discovery to your camping adventure, making it more than just a place to stay, but a destination to explore. Whether you're a seasoned tent camper or prefer the comforts of an RV (without electrical hookups), Bay Furnace provides a serene and well-maintained base for your Upper Peninsula explorations.

Bay Furnace Campground boasts a wonderfully accessible yet secluded location within Michigan's majestic Upper Peninsula, making it an ideal retreat for locals. You'll find this tranquil spot at E7900 W, M-28, Munising, MI 49862, USA. Its position directly on M-28, a major highway traversing the Upper Peninsula, ensures a straightforward and scenic drive to the campground. This excellent road access makes it easily reachable from various points across Michigan.

Situated approximately five miles west of the bustling town of Munising, Bay Furnace Campground offers the perfect balance. You're far enough from the town to enjoy the quietude of the forest and the calming sounds of Lake Superior, yet close enough to quickly access Munising's amenities. This includes restaurants, grocery stores, and the departure points for popular boat tours of Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. The campground is also conveniently located directly across from the Kewadin Casino, providing an alternative entertainment option for those interested.

One of the most appealing aspects of its location is its direct access to Lake Superior. While there isn't a dedicated boat launch directly at the campground, the ability to walk to a rocky beach along the lake shore is a significant highlight. This allows campers to enjoy spectacular sunrises and sunsets over the vast waters, as well as occasional displays of the northern lights. For those with boats, public launches are readily available in Munising, less than 5 miles away, or at Au Train Bay, approximately 10 miles west on M-28. This strategic location truly positions Bay Furnace Campground as an excellent base for exploring the diverse natural wonders and charming towns of the central Upper Peninsula.

Bay Furnace Campground, managed by the Hiawatha National Forest, provides essential services designed to offer a comfortable and authentic camping experience in Michigan's wilderness. While it focuses on a more rustic setting, it doesn't skimp on the necessities.

• Campsites: There are 50 campsites available, accommodating both tents and RVs. Each site is equipped with a picnic table and a fire ring with a grill, perfect for enjoying meals outdoors and traditional campfires.

• Drinking Water: Potable drinking water is conveniently located throughout the campground at various spigots.

• Restrooms: The campground provides clean and well-maintained vault toilets. Recent reviews frequently praise these facilities for their cleanliness and lack of odors, a significant plus for rustic camping.

• Sanitary Dumping Station: For self-contained vehicles, a sanitary dumping station is available on-site, offering convenience for RV campers.

• Pressurized Drinking Water: In addition to regular drinking water, pressurized drinking water is available for self-contained vehicles, aiding in filling water tanks.

• Firewood Sales: While not directly sold at the campground, local stores right across from the entrance offer firewood for purchase, making it easy to keep your campfire burning.

• Reservations: Some sites at Bay Furnace Campground are reservable through the national recreation reservation system (www.recreation.gov or by calling 877-444-6777). This allows campers to plan their trip in advance, especially during peak seasons. First-come, first-served sites are also often available.

Bay Furnace Campground offers a range of features and highlights that make it a compelling choice for campers seeking a connection with Michigan's natural and historical landscape.

• Rustic, Wooded Sites: The campground is known for its "great wooded sites" that offer privacy and a sense of seclusion, with many providing ample shade. This creates a peaceful and natural camping environment.

• Lake Superior Access: Direct access to a rocky beach along Lake Superior allows for enjoying the "scenic view," "spectacular sunrises," "sunsets," and even "occasional northern light displays." While there's no boat launch directly at the campground, the nearby towns of Munising and Au Train offer facilities for launching boats.

• Historic Bay Furnace Ruins: The campground is named after and features the interpretive ruins of a 19th-century blast furnace. A short interpretive trail (1/8 mile) around these ruins provides a unique historical and cultural element to your stay.

• Clean Vault Toilets: Campers consistently praise the "spotless" and "very clean" vault bathrooms, which are often noted as being "modern" and well-maintained by friendly hosts.

• Proximity to Attractions: Its location is central to many of the Munising area's famous attractions. This includes the stunning Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, numerous waterfalls (like Munising Falls and Miners Castle), and the Alger Underwater Preserve. Boat tours and excursions to Grand Island are also easily accessible from nearby Munising.

• Day-Use Picnic Area: A large day-use area with picnic tables, grills, drinking water, and access to the rocky beach makes it an ideal spot for picnics or spending a day enjoying the lake views.

• Wildlife Viewing: Being within the Hiawatha National Forest, the area provides opportunities for wildlife watching, including various bird species, deer, and potentially larger forest animals.

• Fulgurite Finds: One enthusiastic reviewer even mentioned finding "fulgurite- lightning glass" at the campground, suggesting unique natural discoveries are possible.

As a campground operated by the U.S. Forest Service within the Hiawatha National Forest, Bay Furnace Campground typically adheres to federal recreation fee schedules rather than offering traditional commercial promotions or discounts like private campgrounds. However, there are still ways visitors can potentially save or find value:

• Federal Recreation Passes: Bay Furnace Campground accepts Federal Recreation Passes, such as the America the Beautiful – The National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass. These passes can offer discounts on camping fees for pass holders, including seniors (Golden Age Pass) and those with disabilities. It's always advisable to check the specific benefits and eligibility of these passes.

• Standard Non-Electric Site Fee: The standard non-electric site fee is typically around $22 per night. This pricing is generally consistent throughout the season, though it's always best to verify current rates on the Recreation.gov website.

• Dump Station Fee: There is a separate fee, typically around $5.00, for using the sanitary dumping station, which is standard practice at many federal campgrounds.

• First-Come, First-Served Sites: While some sites are reservable, Bay Furnace often has first-come, first-served sites available. For those with flexibility in their travel plans, arriving earlier in the week or during shoulder seasons (spring or fall) might increase the chances of securing a site without a prior reservation.

It is always recommended to check the official U.S. Forest Service website for Hiawatha National Forest or Recreation.gov for the most current information regarding fees, reservation policies, and any potential changes to their offerings. While you won't find "buy one get one free" deals, the value comes from the well-maintained, scenic location within a National Forest and the affordability of the sites.

To plan your visit or get more information about Bay Furnace Campground, here's how to get in touch:

Address: E7900 W, M-28, Munising, MI 49862, USA

Phone: (906) 387-2512 (This number is generally associated with the Hiawatha National Forest – Munising Ranger District, which manages the campground.)

For reservations, it's best to use the national recreation reservation system:

Website: www.recreation.gov

Phone for Reservations: 877-444-6777

Calling the local office can be helpful for general inquiries about campground conditions, accessibility, or local area information. For booking specific sites, especially those that are reservable, using Recreation.gov is the most direct method.

For Michigan locals, Bay Furnace Campground offers a compelling and truly authentic Upper Peninsula camping experience that is both accessible and deeply rewarding. This campground is ideally suited for Michiganders seeking a genuine connection with nature without straying too far from familiar conveniences. Its location on M-28 near Munising means it's a manageable drive for many across the state, yet it immediately transports you to a serene, forested setting on the majestic shores of Lake Superior.

The emphasis on rustic charm, with wooded sites providing privacy and a sense of being truly immersed in the Hiawatha National Forest, resonates deeply with those who cherish Michigan’s natural beauty. While it doesn't offer electrical hookups, this encourages a more unplugged experience, allowing locals to fully unwind and enjoy the simple pleasures of camping – from building crackling campfires to gazing at the stars. The consistently praised cleanliness of the vault toilets and the availability of potable water underscore the commitment to providing essential comforts even in a more primitive setting.

Perhaps one of the most significant appeals for Michiganders is the direct access to Lake Superior's beach. The opportunity to walk from your campsite to the shoreline, witness breathtaking sunrises and sunsets, and even catch a glimpse of the northern lights, creates indelible memories right in their home state. Furthermore, the campground's strategic position as a gateway to the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, numerous waterfalls, and the historic furnace ruins adds immense value. Locals can use Bay Furnace as a convenient base to explore these iconic Michigan landmarks, whether through hiking, kayaking, or boat tours from nearby Munising.

Choosing Bay Furnace Campground means embracing a classic Michigan outdoor adventure. It’s a place where families can bond, friends can reconnect, and individuals can find solace in the peaceful embrace of the Upper Peninsula’s wilderness, all while enjoying the thoughtful amenities and well-maintained environment that make for a truly enjoyable camping trip. For Michiganders, it’s not just a campground; it’s an opportunity to create cherished local memories.