Masse Homestead Campground: Backcountry Dunes and Rustic Camping in Seney, MI

3 reviews

N Country Trail, Seney, MI 49883, USA
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Masse Homestead Campground Introduce

Masse Homestead Campground, located near Seney, Michigan, offers a rustic backcountry camping experience within the Campgrounds & RV Parks category. Situated along the North Country Trail, this campground is known for its proximity to impressive sand dunes and scenic vistas, particularly during the fall foliage season.

The campground is described as a "very unassuming plain campsite," offering basic amenities. It features an open pit toilet and bear boxes for food storage. Notably, there is no water access at the campground itself, requiring campers to carry in all necessary water supplies. The nearest reliable water sources are either at Lake Superior (approximately 2.5 miles west) or Grand Sable Lake (approximately 2.5 miles east).

One of the campground's main attractions is its access to the dunes. The views from the top of the dunes are described as "WOW" and "the best backcountry view in the park for fall colors." However, the trail to the top of the dunes is steep and challenging, recommended only for experienced hikers with adequate physical fitness. A less strenuous climb is available near the group campsite. Campers are advised to explore the dunes without their full packs, carrying only essential supplies like water, food, and first aid.

The campground is located approximately 5 miles from the Grand Sable Visitor Center. Hikers approaching from the visitor center are cautioned against attempting to climb the dunes with their packs, as this can lead to exhaustion before reaching the campground. The trails are located below or south of the dunes.

Potential drawbacks of Masse Homestead Campground include the potential for noise from nearby ATV trails, especially when the wind is from the south. The campground has a limited number of campsites, and the lack of water access requires careful planning. Additionally, the steepness of the dunes prevents easy access to water sources.

Campers are advised to assess their physical condition before attempting to reach this campground. If arriving exhausted, the experience may not be enjoyable. However, for those with the time and energy to explore the dunes, the campground offers a unique and rewarding backcountry experience. Wildlife, including bears, has been observed in the area, so campers should exercise caution and follow proper food storage guidelines.

Details

Activities
Hiking

Amenities
Tent sites

Location

Michigan Alger County Seney North Country Trail

Customer Reviews

4.0

3 reviews

Natalie Wilson

Feb 19, 2025

Updated 2025 🌄 **Best backcountry view in the park for fall colors!!!** �🍂 ❤️ **Love this site for the dune access.** 🏜️ **The view on top of the dune above campsites is worth carrying water here, WOW!!!!!** 😍 The trail (climb) to the top of the dune by campsites is the steepest in the area, not for the faint of heart. 💪 Just a short hike to the group campsite is an “easier” climb. 🥾 Carry water 💧, food 🥪, warm clothes �, and first aid 🩹 up, and plan on spending some time up on top of these giant dunes. ⏳ 🏕️ **Very unassuming plain campsite.** open pit toilet 🚽 5 miles from Grand Sable Visitor Center. � When you hike from Grand Sable Visitor Center with a pack, do not be tempted to climb the dunes ⛔—the trail is below and/or south of the dunes for the entire trail. Set up camp then explore the dunes without your full pack. 🎒 (Carry water 💧, food 🍎, and first aid 🩹 of course.) Traveling the dunes can be exhausting with a full pack. 😮‍💨 Many hikers are tempted by the trails on the giant dunes and exhaust themselves before arriving at Masse Homestead Campground. 🥱 Sound travels far below and atop the dunes. 🔊 No water here—pack in plenty of water. 💦 In an emergency, Devil Slide (Log Slide) may have water (closest) Au Sable Lite Station has a water spigot 🚰 and/or near the Lite Station, a couple very easy miles down the trail, there is Lake Superior access before you reach the lighthouse . 🌊 ⚠️ **If you are exhausted when you reach this campsite, it’s not worth it.** If you have time and energy to explore the dunes, it’s worth it. ⭐ 🐻 **Seen a bear on top of the dune fall 2022.** 👎 **Downfalls:** You can hear ATV trail traffic if it is quiet or the wind is from the south. 🏍️ Low number of campsites. 🏕️ No water access. � You cannot climb down dunes for water. Too steep and you will exhaust yourself. 😓

Adam Wallenfang

Oct 08, 2020

I had not intended to stop at this campground. When I went on a cross-Pictured-Rocks hike in 2018 and I was less in shape then I realized and had to stop here rather than go all the way to Au Sable East as I had expected. The upsides are it affords you that opportunity, has bear boxes, and is very flat, the downside is there is no water and an easy opportunity to purify water without climbing up, down, and back up the dunes is about 2.5 miles in either directions (Lake Superior heading West and Grand Sable Lake heading East). Decide carefully.

Quali T, Inc. Customer Service

Oct 04, 2021