Haymarsh State Game Area Campground

Michigan, with its expansive forests, numerous lakes, and vast state game areas, offers an incredible playground for outdoor enthusiasts. For those who truly embrace the essence of nature and prefer a more authentic, back-to-basics camping experience, our state provides countless opportunities to immerse oneself in the wilderness. Among these, the Haymarsh State Game Area Campground in Big Rapids, MI, stands out as a prime destination for rustic camping, hunting, fishing, and simply enjoying the tranquility of Michigan's beautiful natural landscapes.

The Haymarsh State Game Area Campground is celebrated for its rugged beauty and the sense of genuine outdoor adventure it provides. It's a place where you can truly disconnect from the everyday hustle and reconnect with nature. As one reviewer aptly describes it, it's an "Amazing place to rustic camp with great views! Lots of trails to walk." This highlights the core appeal of Haymarsh: a no-frills, nature-focused experience where the emphasis is on the environment itself. While it features basic amenities like hand pumps and pit toilets, visitors consistently praise their cleanliness, emphasizing the well-maintained nature of this rustic setting. It's also a known spot for avid hunters, and while some "regulars" might have a strong sense of ownership, the overall atmosphere is one of shared enjoyment of the abundant public land. For those seeking a "Relaxing campground with nicely spaced clean spots," Haymarsh delivers, offering comfortable places to hammock and appreciate the peace and quiet.

Haymarsh State Game Area Campground is strategically located at 20500 140th Ave, Big Rapids, MI 49307, USA. This positioning places it within the larger Haymarsh Lake State Game Area, an expansive 6,737-acre tract of diverse terrain known for its rich wildlife and recreational opportunities. For Michiganders, Big Rapids is a well-known community in the west-central part of the Lower Peninsula, making the campground quite accessible from various major cities across the state.

The drive to Haymarsh typically involves scenic routes that transition from main highways to quieter, rural roads, setting the stage for a true escape into nature. Despite its rustic nature, the campground's address ensures straightforward navigation. Its location within a State Game Area is a significant draw, providing immediate access to thousands of acres of public land perfect for hunting, hiking, and wildlife observation. While the nearby Haymarsh Lake is noted as "ok for kayaking but wouldn’t recommend for swimming as it was full of lily pads," this characteristic actually enhances its appeal for fishing and wildlife viewing, emphasizing its natural, unmanicured state. The campground is also a reasonable drive from Big Rapids itself, allowing campers to easily access supplies or other town amenities if needed, while still enjoying the feeling of being truly out in the wild.

As a rustic campground within a State Game Area, Haymarsh State Game Area Campground provides essential amenities designed for a comfortable, yet authentic, outdoor experience. The focus here is on simplicity and embracing nature, rather than extensive modern conveniences.

Services Offered:

• Rustic Campsites: The campground offers 19 primitive campsites, designed for tent and basic RV camping without electrical or water hookups at individual sites. Each campsite includes a picnic table and a fire pit for cooking and warmth.
• Hand Water Pump: A central hand-operated water pump is available within the campground, providing potable water for drinking and other needs. This is a classic feature of rustic Michigan campgrounds.
• Vault Toilets: Clean and well-maintained vault toilets (pit toilets) are provided for restroom facilities, which are noted by campers as being surprisingly clean for their type.
• Boat Launches: The campground provides access to boat launches on Haymarsh Lake, making it convenient for kayakers, canoers, and small boat owners to get out on the water.
• Trash Dumpster: A centralized trash dumpster is available for proper waste disposal, helping to keep the campground clean and pristine.
• Public Hunting Land Access: Being within a State Game Area, the campground offers direct access to extensive public lands for hunting, appealing to sportsmen and women.
• Fish Cleaning Station: For anglers, a fish cleaning station is available, offering a convenient spot to prepare your catch.

The Haymarsh State Game Area Campground offers a unique blend of natural beauty and outdoor adventure, highlighted by several key features that make it a favorite among Michiganders who appreciate a genuine rustic camping experience.

Features / Highlights:

• Expansive State Game Area Access: The campground is nestled within the 6,737-acre Haymarsh Lake State Game Area, providing vast stretches of public land for diverse outdoor activities, including hunting, hiking, and wildlife observation.
• Rustic Camping Charm: For those who prefer a less developed camping experience, the 19 primitive sites offer a true connection to nature, with spacious, nicely spaced spots, picnic tables, and fire pits.
• Excellent Hunting Opportunities: The State Game Area is known for its abundant deer, waterfowl, and small game, making it a premier destination for hunting enthusiasts. Visitors are advised to plan early due to the popularity among regulars.
• Quality Fishing on Haymarsh Lake: Haymarsh Lake, a 375-acre impoundment formed by a dam, offers a large variety of fish including Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Crappie, Perch, Bluegill, and Pumpkinseed Sunfish. While lily pads make swimming less ideal, they contribute to excellent fish habitat.
• Extensive Trail System: The area boasts "lots of trails to walk," perfect for hiking, exploring, and immersing oneself in the diverse landscape of forests and wetlands. These trails are also ideal for cross-country skiing in winter.
• Wildlife Viewing: The diverse habitat supports a variety of wildlife, including eagles and loons, offering fantastic opportunities for birdwatching and nature photography.
• Hammocking Friendly: Reviewers note "comfy places to hammock," highlighting the presence of suitable trees and a relaxed atmosphere perfect for unwinding.
• First-Come, First-Served Sites: The no-reservation policy for its 19 sites appeals to spontaneous adventurers and ensures a true rustic camping experience.

Contact Information:

Address: 20500 140th Ave, Big Rapids, MI 49307, USA

Phone: (231) 832-3246

Mobile Phone: +1 231-832-3246

For Michiganders seeking an authentic, rustic outdoor adventure, the Haymarsh State Game Area Campground is an ideal destination. Its location within a vast State Game Area means immediate access to thousands of acres of public land, making it perfect for hunting, hiking, fishing, and wildlife viewing. This isn't a crowded resort-style park; it's a place for those who appreciate the quiet simplicity of nature, offering nicely spaced sites, essential amenities like hand-pump water and clean vault toilets, and a true sense of escape.

What makes Haymarsh particularly suitable for locals is its genuine Michigan rustic camping experience. It’s a place where you can immerse yourself in the natural beauty of our state's game areas, whether you're an avid hunter, a dedicated angler, or simply someone looking for peaceful trails and starry nights. While it caters to a more rugged style of camping, its accessibility from various parts of Michigan makes it a convenient and rewarding choice for a local getaway that truly connects you with the wild heart of our state.

Haymarsh State Game Area Campground

20500 140th Ave, Big Rapids, MI 49307, USA