Murray Bay Group Campsite On Grand Islan
Open for the 2026 season from May 24 through October 14. Reservations via Recreation.gov are required Memorial Day through Columbus Day. Off-season use does not require reservations. Maximum stay is 4 consecutive nights. A $5 per person Grand Island user permit fee applies in addition to the $35 nightly site fee.
Repaving Monocle Lake Campground
The Monocle Lake Campground will be temporarily closed for repaving. The closure will occur from mid-May through mid-June, during which time it will be inaccessible. Those traveling in the area should remain alert for work vehicles.Reservations for the campground can be made online at…
Repaving Bay Furnace Campground
The Bay Furnace Campground will be temporarily closed for repaving. The closure will occur from mid-May through mid-June, during which time it will be inaccessible. Those traveling in the area should remain alert for work vehicles.Reservations for the campground can be made online at…
Restricting Public Entry to Stonington Quarry
Persons with a valid permit; Federal, State, or Local members of rescue or fire fighting force in the performance of official duties; Forest Service employees conducting surveys or monitoring and as approved by the Forest Supervisor.Protection of objects and areas that are of significant…
Haymeadow Trail and Bridge Closed
The Haymeadow Creek Hiking Trail Bridge is closed until it can be repaired or replaced. -- Located on the hiking loop near Haymeadow Creek Dispersed Campsites, the bridge failed an inspection due to significant rot. We will update this notice as repairs are implemented. (4/2018),(4/2021).The…
Fire Restrictions within the Hiawatha National Forest
Outlines the fire restrictions and conditions within the Hiawatha National Forest.
Roads and Trails Restrictions for Vehicles in the Hiawatha National Forest
It is illegal to commercial haul without a permit. It is illegal to violate posted speed, load, weight, height, length, width or other limitations specified by Michigan State Law. It is illegal to operate a vehicle carelessly, recklessly, or without regard for the rights or safety of other persons…
Occupancy and Use Within the Hiawatha National Forest
This order outlines the restrictions and conditions of camping within the Hiawatha National Forest.
Drug and Alcohol Use on the Hiawatha National Forest
It is illegal to possess, utilize, or distribute a control substance or any associated paraphernalia. It is also illegal to possess or consume alcohol in violation of any state of Michigan statute
Grand Island Occupancy and Use
This order outlines the restrictions and conditions of camping and recreating at Grand Island National Recreation Area.
Restricting the use of watercraft on the Indian River
Watercraft use is restricted in within the Wild and Scenic Corridor of the Indian River.
Use of Wilderness areas
Restrictions in Wilderness areas include storing equipment, personal property, and supplies; use or possession of a vehicle or wagon.
Occupancy and use of Big Island Lake Wilderness
Restrictions will be enforced in Big Island Lake Wilderness area for campfires, camping, groups, horses, and sanitation.
Occupancy and use of Lake Superior Shoreline
Camping is prohibited along the Lake Superior shoreline in areas of the Sault Ste. Marie Ranger District near Whitefish Bay and Lakeshore Drive.
Restrictions on entry to any beach posted closed
Entry is restricted to beach that is roped off, signed "closed to entry" in certain areas of the St. Ignace, Manistique, and Rapid River Ranger Districts.
Firewood Restrictions on the Hiawatha and Ottawa National Forests
It is illegal to possess or transport firewood from the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.
Restrictions on the use of fireworks
Use of fireworks is prohibited across the Hiawatha National Forest.
About
Murray Bay Group Campsite sits on the sandy shores of Murray Bay on Grand Island, a congressionally designated National Recreation Area in Lake Superior. The island offers pristine beaches, dense hardwood forests, scenic overlooks, inland lakes, and miles of hiking and biking trails. This group site accommodates 7-25 campers and provides a remote backcountry experience with Lake Superior as your backdrop. Access requires taking a passenger ferry from Grand Island Landing near Munising, then hiking, biking, or paddling approximately 2.5 miles to the campsite. No motorized vehicles are permitted on the island. The site includes vault toilets, picnic tables, campfire rings with grills, and bear poles or lockers for required food storage. Drinking water is available at the nearby Murray Bay Day Use Area, as well as at Williams Landing, Juniper Flats, and Farrell Cottage. Black bears are active on the island, so proper food storage is mandatory. Campers should also be prepared for intense mosquitoes and black flies from mid-May through mid-July. There are no trash facilities on the island; all waste must be packed out.
Directions
Grand Island is in Lake Superior, about 0.5 miles from Munising, Michigan. Take a passenger ferry from Grand Island Landing on M-28, approximately 3 miles north of downtown Munising between Munising and Christmas. From Williams Landing on the island, hike, bike, or paddle approximately 2.5 miles to Murray Bay. Private watercraft may land at Murray Bay beach but cannot be left at the main dock. Ferry schedule and reservations: grandislandup.com or (906) 387-2600.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $35 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (906) 387-3700 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | Yes |
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