Murray Bay Group Campsite on Grand Island

For Michigan locals dreaming of an unparalleled outdoor group adventure, Murray Bay Group Campsite on Grand Island offers a truly unique and memorable experience. Tucked away on the stunning Grand Island National Recreation Area, just a short ferry ride from Munising, this campsite is designed specifically for larger parties seeking a more secluded and immersive connection with nature. It’s not a drive-up site; the journey to Murray Bay is part of the adventure, requiring a hike, bike, or boat-in approach, immediately setting it apart from typical campgrounds. This unique access contributes to its peaceful atmosphere and preserves the island's natural integrity. If your Michigan-based group is looking for a place with ample space, breathtaking views, and a chance to truly disconnect while exploring one of the Upper Peninsula's most beautiful natural treasures, Murray Bay Group Campsite is an excellent choice for an unforgettable outdoor escape.

Murray Bay Group Campsite is uniquely situated on Grand Island, which itself is located in Lake Superior, about a half-mile off the mainland community of Munising, MI 49862, USA. The physical address, Duck Lake Rd, Munising, MI 49862, points to its general area on the island, rather than a direct drive-up point. Accessing Murray Bay, or any part of Grand Island, is a distinct part of the experience. Public vehicles are not allowed on the island, meaning visitors must arrive via passenger ferry (Grand Island Ferry Service) or private watercraft. The ferry departs from Grand Island Landing on the mainland, located on M-28, about 2.5 to 4 miles west of Munising's blinking light, depending on the exact starting point. From where the ferry drops you off at Williams Landing, Murray Bay Group Campsite is approximately a 2-mile hike or bike ride. The walk to the site is generally considered manageable, with "only a few hills," making it a "breeze of a hike" if you're not over-packed. This unique accessibility, combining a ferry ride with a hike or bike, enhances the sense of adventure and seclusion, truly immersing visitors in the island environment. For Michiganders, this offers a fantastic opportunity to experience a remote feel without venturing too far off the grid.

Murray Bay Group Campsite on Grand Island provides essential services tailored for group camping in a rustic yet well-managed environment. Given its unique island location and "hike-in, bike-in, or boat-in only" access, the amenities focus on necessary provisions for a natural experience:

• Single Group Campsite: The campground offers one dedicated group campsite designed to accommodate between 7 and 25 guests, ensuring ample space for larger parties.
• Picnic Tables and Campfire Rings with Grills: The site is equipped with multiple picnic tables for communal meals and activities, along with sturdy campfire rings that include grills for cooking over an open fire.
• Vault Toilets: A clean and stocked vault toilet (pit toilet) is located nearby, typically cleaned at least once a week, providing a basic and maintained restroom facility.
• Drinking Water Access: Potable drinking water is available at Murray Bay Day Use Area, which is adjacent to the group campsite. This is a critical service, as not all sites on the island have direct water access, and campers are advised to carry or filter water if traveling elsewhere on the island.
• Bear Pole and Bear Box for Food Storage: Essential for safety in bear country, each site is equipped with a bear pole and a bear box for secure storage of all food, scented items, and trash. This is crucial for preventing negative wildlife encounters.
• Day-Use Picnic Area: Adjacent to the group campsite is a day-use picnic area, offering additional space for gatherings, though camping is strictly prohibited in this specific area.
• "Pack It In, Pack It Out" Policy: Consistent with wilderness ethics, there are no trash cans on the island. Campers are required to pack out everything they pack in, including all trash and recyclables, fostering environmental responsibility.
• Reservations Required: Camping at Murray Bay is by reservation only during the peak season (Memorial Day to Columbus Day), ensuring organized and managed use of this popular site. A Grand Island User Permit fee of $5 per person is also required.

Murray Bay Group Campsite on Grand Island offers a wealth of features and highlights that make it a truly exceptional destination for Michigan campers. These unique aspects combine to create a memorable and immersive outdoor experience:

• Stunning Island Setting: The campsite is located on Grand Island, a Congressionally designated National Recreation Area boasting massive 300-foot wave-cut sandstone cliffs, 13,500 acres of lush forest, and beaches of fine sand. The views of Lake Superior are breathtaking.
• Peaceful and Secluded Environment: Being a hike-in/bike-in/boat-in only site, Murray Bay offers a tranquil and peaceful atmosphere, away from the noise and crowds often found at drive-up campgrounds. Reviewers consistently praise its quiet and serene ambiance.
• Proximity to a Small Beach Area: The campsite has a day-use area right next to it, located on a small beach area, providing easy access for swimming, relaxing by the water, and enjoying the Lake Superior shoreline.
• Abundant Hiking and Biking Trails: Grand Island features over 30 miles of multi-use trails for hiking and mountain biking, allowing groups to explore the island's diverse landscapes, including its cliffs, forests, and inland lakes.
• Wildlife Viewing: The island is home to various wildlife, including adorable (but mischievous) chipmunks and black bears, offering opportunities for wildlife observation (from a safe distance and with proper food storage).
• Historical and Cultural Significance: Grand Island has a rich history dating back as far as 2,000 BC, with historic buildings and artifacts, providing an educational dimension to the outdoor adventure.
• Dark Skies for Stargazing: Away from mainland light pollution, the night skies over Grand Island are often incredibly dark, offering spectacular opportunities for stargazing.
• Photogenic Scenery: The dramatic cliffs, pristine beaches, and clear waters of Lake Superior provide endless opportunities for stunning photography.
• Management by USDA Forest Service: Being part of the Hiawatha National Forest ensures professional management and conservation efforts, preserving the island's natural beauty for future generations.

To plan your group's unique adventure to Murray Bay Group Campsite on Grand Island, please use the following contact information. Remember that reservations are required during peak season, and transportation to the island is via ferry or private watercraft.

Address: Duck Lake Rd, Munising, MI 49862, USA (Grand Island)

Phone: (906) 387-2512 (Munising Ranger District of Hiawatha National Forest)

Mobile Phone: +1 906-387-2512

For reservations, it is best to use the National Recreation Reservation System:

Reservation Phone: (877) 444-6777

Website for Reservations: www.recreation.gov (search for Murray Bay Group Campsite on Grand Island)

For Grand Island Ferry Service information (schedules, fees, etc.):

Ferry Service Phone: (906) 387-2600

Ferry Service Website: www.grandislandup.com

It is highly recommended to check ferry schedules and make camping reservations well in advance, especially during peak summer months.

Murray Bay Group Campsite on Grand Island is an incredibly suitable destination for locals in the Michigan region, offering an unparalleled blend of adventure, natural beauty, and group-friendly facilities right in their own backyard. For Michiganders seeking an escape from the ordinary, the unique journey to the island via ferry or private boat immediately sets a tone for a true adventure. This isolation ensures a remarkably peaceful and secluded camping experience, a rare find even in the vast expanses of the Upper Peninsula. The dedicated group campsite, with its ample space, picnic tables, and campfire rings, provides an ideal setting for families, scout troops, church groups, or friends to gather and create lasting memories. Crucially, the provision of clean vault toilets, accessible drinking water, and essential bear-proof food storage solutions demonstrates thoughtful management, balancing primitive appeal with necessary comforts and safety. The island itself is a treasure trove of activity, from exploring stunning sandstone cliffs and pristine beaches to hiking and biking miles of trails, all within the breathtaking Grand Island National Recreation Area. For Michigan residents yearning for an immersive, responsible, and truly unique outdoor group experience that highlights the best of the Upper Peninsula's wilderness, Murray Bay Group Campsite on Grand Island offers an unforgettable journey into the heart of their state's natural wonders.

Murray Bay Group Campsite on Grand Island

Duck Lake Rd, Munising, MI 49862, USA