Bay View Campground

For Michiganders, the Upper Peninsula is a vast playground of natural beauty, and finding a peaceful spot to immerse yourself in its tranquility is always a treat. Bay View Campground, nestled in Raco, MI, offers precisely that: a charming and clean camping experience directly on the majestic shores of Lake Superior. Often described as a "beautiful place" and a favorite for return visits, this campground is ideal for those who cherish direct access to sandy beaches, stunning sunsets, and a well-maintained, friendly atmosphere.

Bay View Campground stands out for its commitment to cleanliness and the warmth of its hosts. Guests consistently praise the immaculate conditions, even noting that the "pit toilets even smelled nice," which is a rare and commendable achievement for rustic facilities. The sites are thoughtfully spread out, offering a sense of privacy and space that is often hard to find in popular camping areas. Whether you're looking to swim in the refreshing waters of Lake Superior, enjoy games at your site, or simply relax by a campfire while listening to the waves, Bay View Campground provides the perfect setting for a memorable UP getaway. It's truly a place that makes campers feel right at home, inviting them back season after season.

Bay View Campground is located at W Lakeshore Dr, Raco, MI 49715, USA. This address places it directly along the beautiful shoreline of Lake Superior within the expansive Hiawatha National Forest. Raco is a small, unincorporated community in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, known for its serene environment and proximity to vast natural areas.

The campground's location on W Lakeshore Drive means easy access for campers, whether they are driving in with tents or RVs. While it offers a feeling of seclusion, it's conveniently positioned for exploring significant UP attractions. From Bay View Campground, you can embark on day trips to iconic sites such as the Soo Locks in Sault Ste. Marie (approximately 30 minutes away), the breathtaking Tahquamenon Falls, and the historic Whitefish Point Lighthouse (home to the Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum). Its setting right on Lake Superior offers miles of sandy beach for walking, swimming (though be prepared for the famously cool Lake Superior water!), and enjoying stunning sunsets. The peaceful atmosphere of Raco combined with its accessibility to major regional highlights makes Bay View Campground a prime spot for Michiganders seeking both relaxation and adventure in the UP.

Bay View Campground provides essential services focused on delivering a clean, comfortable, and classic camping experience:

• Campsites: Offers 25 campsites, suitable for both tent camping and some RVs (though reviews suggest a focus on rustic camping, with no mention of full RV hookups). Each site includes a picnic table and a fire ring.
• Direct Beach Access: Many sites, particularly "the ones on the right," offer direct access to the sandy beach of Lake Superior. Other sites have access via a public access path.
• Drinking Water: Hand pumps for drinking water are conveniently spaced throughout the campground.
• Vault Toilets: Clean and well-maintained vault toilets are available and are notably praised by campers for their cleanliness and lack of odor.
• On-Site Camp Hosts: During the summer months, a camp host is present, ensuring a friendly and helpful presence, and contributing to the campground's cleanliness and welcoming atmosphere.
• Games Available: The campground provides games that campers can take to their sites to play, adding a fun, low-key recreational option.
• Fishing Opportunities: Excellent fishing for lake trout and salmon is available at the mouths of numerous rivers and creeks nearby, easily accessed from Lake Shore Drive.
• Hiking and Biking: Opportunities for hiking and biking are abundant in the surrounding Hiawatha National Forest.

Bay View Campground distinguishes itself with several key features that make it a highly recommended destination for campers:

• Stunning Lake Superior Beach Access: The most prominent highlight is the direct access to miles of sandy beach along Lake Superior, offering incredible views and opportunities for swimming, walking, and enjoying sunsets.
• Exceptional Cleanliness: Reviewers consistently laud the cleanliness of the entire campground, from the well-maintained grounds to the unusually clean and pleasant-smelling pit toilets.
• Friendly and Attentive Hosts: The presence of "great hosts" who are noted for being "nice & kept the place very clean" contributes significantly to the positive camping experience.
• Spacious and Spread-Out Sites: Unlike some campgrounds where sites feel cramped, Bay View offers sites that are "spread out," providing a sense of privacy and room to relax.
• Great Value: While specific daily rates for all types of sites are not detailed in reviews, the fees (Site Fee $22, walk-in $20, with Federal Recreation Passes accepted) are competitive, offering good value for a prime lakeside location.
• Natural Beauty: The campground is settled beneath beautiful red and white pine, oak, maple, and white birch trees, offering a truly natural and serene setting. The potential for a "little breezy" conditions can help keep bugs away, as one reviewer noted.
• Family-Friendly Environment: Despite being more rustic, the availability of games and the safe beach access make it suitable for families, especially those who enjoy simple outdoor activities.

Bay View Campground, being part of the Hiawatha National Forest system, operates with a clear and consistent fee structure rather than extensive commercial promotions. Its primary "special offer" is its inherently good value for a prime Lake Superior beachfront location. Campsite fees are typically set at $22 per night, with a slightly reduced rate of $20 for walk-in sites. A significant benefit for many Michiganders is that Federal Recreation Passes (such as the Golden/America the Beautiful passes) are accepted, which can provide further savings for eligible individuals. This makes it an even more accessible and affordable option for those who frequently utilize national forest campgrounds. While there aren't traditional "buy-one-get-one" offers or seasonal discounts, the consistent, budget-friendly pricing combined with the high quality of upkeep and location makes Bay View Campground a continuous value proposition for campers. Always check Recreation.gov or call the listed contact number for the most current fee schedule and reservation information.

To plan your serene escape to Bay View Campground, located along the shores of Lake Superior, here's how to get in touch or make reservations:

• Address: W Lakeshore Dr, Raco, MI 49715, USA
• Phone: While a direct campground phone number isn't explicitly provided in the snippets for Bay View Campground in Raco, reservations for National Forest campgrounds like this are typically made through the National Recreation Reservation System (NRRS). You can check availability or make a reservation via:
• Recreation.gov
• Call 877-444-6777
• Call 877-833-6777 (TTY)
• General Hiawatha National Forest Contact: For general inquiries about the Hiawatha National Forest (which manages Bay View Campground), you can sometimes reach them at (906) 428-5800.

Utilizing Recreation.gov or the provided phone numbers for reservations is the most reliable method, as specific site availability can fluctuate, especially during peak camping season.

For Michiganders, Bay View Campground in Raco is an ideal and highly suitable destination for a true Upper Peninsula camping experience. Its location directly on the sandy shores of Lake Superior offers an unparalleled connection to one of our state's most iconic natural wonders. The ability to swim, walk miles of beach, and witness breathtaking sunsets right from your campsite is a unique draw that resonates deeply with those who appreciate Michigan's unparalleled coastline. This direct beach access is a significant advantage, often setting it apart from other campgrounds.

The consistent praise from fellow Michiganders for the campground's cleanliness and the friendly, attentive hosts (who keep "everything... clean" and ensure "the pit toilets even smelled nice") provides a strong reassurance of a comfortable and pleasant stay. This attention to detail means locals can enjoy a rustic camping experience without sacrificing essential comfort. The spacious, spread-out sites offer a sense of privacy that is increasingly valued, allowing families and individuals to truly unwind. Furthermore, its affordability, with site fees around $22, and the acceptance of Federal Recreation Passes, makes it an accessible and budget-friendly option for many Michigan households. While June might bring more bugs, the overall beauty and the possibility of a "breezy" day keeping them at bay, as noted by a reviewer, make it a minor consideration against the backdrop of such a stunning location. Bay View Campground truly offers a peaceful, clean, and authentic slice of Upper Peninsula paradise, perfect for Michiganders seeking to reconnect with nature and create lasting memories by the "Shining Big-Sea-Waters."