Little Bass Lake Campsites










Little Bass Lake Campsites Overview
Rating
Phone (906) 474-6442
Address Manistique, MI 49854, USA
Website https://www.fs.usda.gov/r09/hiawatha/recreation/little-bass-lake-campsites
Hours
Little Bass Lake Campsites Location & Map
MichiganSchoolcraft CountyManistique
Little Bass Lake Campsites About
For those of us in Michigan who cherish the peace and quiet of the great outdoors, finding that perfect, secluded camping spot is often the key to a truly rejuvenating getaway. Our state, particularly the breathtaking Upper Peninsula, is a treasure trove of natural wonders. Among these gems lies Little Bass Lake Campsites, a destination that promises tranquility, excellent fishing, and an authentic connection with Michigan's wild beauty. It's a place where the calls of loons replace the urban hum, and the untouched wilderness becomes your backyard.
Little Bass Lake Campsites offers a unique dispersed camping experience, meaning it's less about structured amenities and more about immersing yourself in the natural environment. Recent changes have made it part of Michigan's dispersed camping system, requiring online reservations to ensure a controlled and peaceful experience for all visitors. This approach helps maintain the pristine nature of the site, ensuring that the peace and solitude, often rated as high as 9.5 out of 10 by past campers, remain a consistent feature. Imagine waking up to the gentle sounds of the forest, with a beautiful lake just steps away – that's the essence of Little Bass Lake.
Little Bass Lake Campsites is nestled within the expansive and beautiful Hiawatha National Forest, near the charming town of Manistique, Michigan. While an exact street address might not always lead you directly to these dispersed sites with GPS alone, the general location is Manistique, MI 49854, USA. Navigating to dispersed campsites often requires a bit more preparation than traditional campgrounds, and having detailed directions or maps from the Hiawatha National Forest office is highly recommended. The secluded nature of these sites is a significant part of their appeal, ensuring a truly immersive natural experience away from more populated areas.
Access to the sites typically involves driving on forest roads, which can vary in condition. It's always wise to check road conditions with the local Hiawatha National Forest office, especially during certain seasons. Once you arrive, the sites are designed to offer convenient access to the lake, with features like an unimproved carry-in boat launch, particularly close to site #5. While rustic, the access allows for easy launching of canoes and kayaks, making the lake's beauty readily available for exploration. The peaceful, off-the-beaten-path location means you’re truly escaping the hustle and bustle, allowing for a deeper connection with the natural world around you.
Little Bass Lake Campsites, being part of Michigan's dispersed camping system, focuses on providing essential services that facilitate a rustic and natural camping experience. While you won't find bathhouses or electricity, the services offered are perfectly aligned with a peaceful outdoor adventure:
- Five Dispersed Campsites: The campground features five designated campsites. These sites are designed to offer a sense of privacy, although some, like sites 4 & 5, are noted to be relatively close, yet still manage to maintain a feeling of solitude due to the overall quiet nature of the area.
- Fire Rings: Each campsite is equipped with a fire ring, ideal for cooking, staying warm, and enjoying the quintessential campfire experience under the Michigan sky.
- Picnic Tables: Most sites come with a picnic table, offering a convenient surface for meals and campsite activities.
- Carry-in Boat Launch: A basic, unimproved carry-in boat launch is available, with easy access near site #5. This allows campers to launch canoes, kayaks, and small boats directly into Little Bass Lake.
- Natural Lake Access: The sites provide direct or very close access to Little Bass Lake, perfect for fishing, paddling, and enjoying the scenic views.
- Online Reservation System: As a key service, all sites require prior online reservations, moving away from a "walk-on" system. This helps manage usage and preserves the quality of the camping experience.
- Peaceful Environment: While not a tangible service, the inherent peace and quiet provided by the dispersed nature of the campground is a primary offering, allowing campers to truly unwind.
Little Bass Lake Campsites boasts several distinctive features that make it a compelling choice for Michigan's outdoor enthusiasts:
- Unparalleled Peace and Solitude: As highlighted by numerous reviews, the defining feature of Little Bass Lake is its profound tranquility. Campers frequently report having the area largely to themselves, ensuring an incredibly quiet and private experience. The peace and solitude often score a remarkable 9.5 out of 10.
- Scenic Lake Views: The campground is situated on the edge of a very beautiful lake, offering picturesque views and a serene backdrop for your camping trip.
- Excellent Fishing Opportunities: Little Bass Lake is highly regarded for its fishing. Anglers can expect a rewarding experience, making it a prime spot for those who enjoy casting a line.
- Wildlife and Nature Immersion: Visitors often recount hearing loons calling at night and observing many frogs, creating a truly immersive natural soundscape. The presence of diverse wildlife enhances the wilderness experience.
- Suitable for Canoeing and Kayaking: With a carry-in boat launch and calm waters, the lake is ideal for paddling. Recommendations for portage wheels to the launch underscore the ease of access for small watercraft.
- Rustic, Unimproved Charm: For those who appreciate a less developed camping experience, the "unimproved" nature of features like the boat launch adds to the authentic, back-to-nature feel.
- Privacy Despite Proximity: While some sites are noted to be "fairly close," campers have reported no issues with privacy or neighbors, indicating a respectful and quiet camping community.
- Affordable Pricing: The pricing is often praised as "great," making it an accessible option for many Michiganders looking for an affordable outdoor escape.
As part of Michigan's dispersed camping system within the Hiawatha National Forest, Little Bass Lake Campsites operates on a standard fee structure rather than traditional commercial promotions. The pricing is generally considered very reasonable, offering excellent value for the serene and private experience provided. The primary "offer" is the ability to secure one of these highly sought-after, peaceful sites through an online reservation system. This ensures that the limited number of sites are available to those who plan ahead, guaranteeing a spot in this tranquil setting. While specific seasonal discounts or bundles are not typically offered, the inherent affordability and the unique quality of the camping experience itself serve as the primary draw. It's a fantastic opportunity to enjoy Michigan's natural beauty without a significant financial outlay.
For reservations and general inquiries regarding Little Bass Lake Campsites and other dispersed camping options within the Hiawatha National Forest, the best way to get information is through the official channels:
Address: Manistique, MI 49854, USA (Note: This is a general area address. Specific directions to the campsites are best obtained from the Forest Service.)
Phone: (906) 474-6442 (This is the phone number for the Hiawatha National Forest Manistique office, which can provide details on dispersed camping.)
Mobile Phone: +1 906-474-6442
For reservations, please note that "No walk-ons, reservations required online." It is essential to use the official online reservation platform for Michigan's dispersed camping system or the relevant National Forest reservation site to book your stay at Little Bass Lake Campsites.
For those of us living in Michigan, particularly those with a deep appreciation for genuine outdoor experiences, Little Bass Lake Campsites represents an ideal escape. It's more than just a place to pitch a tent; it's an opportunity to truly disconnect and immerse ourselves in the unspoiled wilderness that our state is so renowned for.
What makes Little Bass Lake so uniquely suitable for Michiganders is its embrace of dispersed camping. This style of camping aligns perfectly with the desire for solitude and a direct connection with nature, away from the often crowded and amenity-rich campgrounds. The reviews from fellow campers resonate with this sentiment, highlighting the "peace & solitude" and the "very beautiful lake" at the campground's edge. We understand the value of quiet nights filled with the calls of loons and the simple joy of fishing in a serene lake.
The transition to an online reservation system ensures that this precious tranquility is maintained, preventing overcrowding and preserving the natural integrity of the sites. While sites might be "fairly close together," the general atmosphere of respect and quiet ensures privacy is never an issue. For those who enjoy kayaking or canoeing, the unimproved carry-in launch signifies an authentic, no-fuss approach to enjoying the water. Little Bass Lake isn't about luxury; it's about the luxury of space, quiet, and pristine natural beauty. It's an affordable and accessible piece of our beloved Upper Peninsula, inviting us to slow down, breathe deeply, and remember why we love living in the Mitten State. It's a true Michigan gem, waiting to be discovered by those who seek an unadulterated outdoor adventure.
Customer Reviews
Little Bass Lake campground is now a part of Michigan's dispersed camping system. No walk-ons, reservations required online. Five Sites here with sites 4 & 5 REALLY close, like 100' close, but no one was at any of the sites except me. Site #5 is scenic, nice and walking distance close to the really unimproved carry in boat launch. Or if you're good walking a steep bank with crosstie steps you can launch from site 5. My advice, use portage wheels to the launch for your canoe or kayak, then beach it at your site for the duration of your stay. Lake is scenic, fishing is very good, and the peace & solitude gets a 9.5 out of 10.
A nice, small, quiet campground with a very beautiful lake at the edge of the campground. There were many frogs and at night we could hear loons calling to each other, it was dreamy. The campsites we're fairly close together at this campground, but we didn't have any trouble with privacy or our neighbors. Pricing was great, would camp here again!
If you love remote, this is the place for you. Sites 1 and 4 are a bit more private, but all are well kept! Even our 2 cats loved it!
One of our favorite rustic campgrounds! We reserved 2 sites for a week. So remote and quiet. Being right on the lake made for beautiful sunrises and sunsets and the location was perfect for exploring munising and manistique as well as many lakes and trails in the Stueben area. We already have plans to return this summer.
Beautiful quiet lake. With plenty of fish. Camping is rustic but worth it!!
More Campsites Nearby

Bass Lake dispersed campsite
Ff Rd 2792, Manistique, MI 49854, USA

Indian River Campground
Manistique, MI 49854, USA

Jack Pine Lodge and Campground
5350N M-94, Manistique, MI 49854, USA

Colwell Lake Campground
Manistique, MI 49854, USA

Lake Nineteen Dispersed Campsite
Manistique, MI 49854, USA

Cookson Lake Campsites
2257 Federal Forest Rd, Munising, MI 49862, USA

Swan Lake Campsites 2-4
Wetmore, MI 49895, USA

Swan Lake Campsite 1 and Boat Ramp
FF-2013, Ff Trail, Wetmore, MI 49895, USA

Bear Lake Dispersed Campsite
2696 Rd, Manistique, MI 49854, USA