Murray Bay Group Campsite on Grand Island

Hey there, Michigan outdoor enthusiasts and group leaders! If you're planning an unforgettable wilderness adventure with your friends, family, or organization, and you're searching for a truly special place in our stunning Upper Peninsula, then look no further than Murray Bay Group Campsite on Grand Island. This isn't just any campground; it's a designated group site within the breathtaking Grand Island National Recreation Area, offering ample space and a serene environment perfect for larger gatherings seeking a genuine connection with nature. We Michiganders know the value of escaping to our wild spaces, and Murray Bay provides an ideal setting to do just that, creating lasting memories against the backdrop of Lake Superior's beauty.

Grand Island itself is a jewel of the Hiawatha National Forest, renowned for its dramatic sandstone cliffs, pristine beaches, and rich history. Camping on the island offers a unique blend of ruggedness and managed wilderness, where the effort of a hike-in journey is richly rewarded with unparalleled tranquility and scenic beauty. Murray Bay Group Campsite stands out by providing the necessary infrastructure for groups while maintaining that coveted sense of peaceful seclusion. Whether you're planning a multi-day hiking trip, a family reunion, or an educational outdoor program, this site offers the perfect blend of solitude and necessary amenities to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience for everyone in your party. Get ready to immerse yourselves in the sounds of nature, the fresh Lake Superior air, and the simple joys of group camping in one of Michigan's most iconic natural landscapes.

Murray Bay Group Campsite is beautifully situated on Grand Island, accessible via Duck Lake Rd, Munising, MI 49862, USA. It's crucial for prospective campers to understand that Grand Island is an island in Lake Superior, meaning access to the campsite requires a ferry ride or private watercraft. The Grand Island Ferry Service provides regular transportation from Grand Island Landing on the mainland, located off State Route 28 in Munising. The ferry ride itself is a short, picturesque journey, offering initial glimpses of the island's captivating beauty.

Once on Grand Island at Williams Landing (the main ferry drop-off point), Murray Bay Group Campsite is a hike-in site. Reviews indicate it's "about 2 miles from where the ferry drops you off at," and the walk is described as "not hard, only a few hills," making it a manageable hike even when carrying gear, especially if you're not "packing a whole lot." This relatively easy, yet distinct, hike ensures a more secluded experience, as only those committed to the journey will reach the site. The island features a network of trails and gravel roads suitable for hiking and mountain biking, leading to various points, including the campsites. For those with private watercraft, boats must anchor offshore, adding to the remote feel of the bay. This blend of ferry access and a short hike makes Murray Bay an adventurous yet accessible group camping destination for us Michiganders, offering a true escape without being overly arduous.

• Designated group campsite capable of accommodating between 7 and 25 guests.

• Equipped with picnic tables for group meals and activities.

• Features campfire rings with grills for cooking and campfires.

• Provides a clean and stocked vault toilet nearby, with evidence of regular cleaning (at least once a week).

• Bear pole and/or bear box provided at the site for proper food storage, essential for protecting against resident black bears and curious chipmunks.

• Firewood is provided at central woodboxes on Grand Island, requiring a walk to retrieve.

• Drinking water is available at central locations on the island (e.g., Williams Landing, Juniper Flats, Farrell Cottage, and the Murray Bay Day Use Area). Campers should bring their own water or be prepared to filter/treat surface water if venturing elsewhere on the island.

• A day-use picnic area is located right next to the campsite, situated on a small beach area.

• Reservations are required for camping during the peak season (Memorial Day through Columbus Day) and can be made via Recreation.gov or by calling the National Recreation Reservation System.

• Check-in time is 2 PM, and check-out time is 11 AM during peak season.

• Campsite can be reserved for up to 4 consecutive days during peak season.

• A Grand Island User Permit fee ($5 per person) is required in addition to the nightly camping fee.

• Ample Group Space: Designed specifically for groups, the campsite offers "plenty of space," comfortably accommodating between 7 and 25 people, which is ideal for larger gatherings, family reunions, or organized trips.

• Adjacent Small Beach & Day Use Area: Directly next to the campsite is a "day use right next to it located on a small beach area," providing convenient and immediate access to Lake Superior for swimming, relaxing, and enjoying the water.

• Excellent Site & Location: Praised by reviewers for its overall quality and prime position on Grand Island, offering "awesome view" and a very peaceful environment.

• Clean & Stocked Vault Toilets: A significant highlight, with the pit toilet being described as "clean and stocked," and seemingly cleaned at least once a week, providing a more comfortable rustic camping experience.

• Provided Firewood: The convenience of having firewood supplied at a central location on Grand Island is a major plus, saving groups the effort of foraging, though it requires a walk to the woodbox.

• Relatively Easy Hike-In Access: Located about 2 miles from the ferry drop-off point, the walk to the site is described as "not hard, only a few hills," making it accessible for groups carrying gear without being overly strenuous.

• Bear Box/Food Storage: The provision of a bear box is crucial and ensures food safety, protecting against wildlife like black bears and the "little rascals" (chipmunks), reinforcing responsible backcountry practices.

• Peaceful and Quiet Atmosphere: Despite being a group site, it offers a "very peaceful" environment, allowing groups to enjoy nature without excessive noise or crowds.

• Immersive Grand Island Experience: Camping on Grand Island itself means access to miles of hiking and biking trails, scenic overlooks, historic sites, and opportunities for wildlife viewing (including deer and various birds).

• Ideal for Multi-Day Adventures: The amenities and location make it well-suited for groups planning to stay for several days to explore all that Grand Island and the surrounding Munising area offer.

• Beautiful Natural Setting: Located within the Hiawatha National Forest, the campsite is surrounded by lush forest and offers views of Lake Superior, creating a visually stunning backdrop for any group outing.

Address: Duck Lake Rd, Munising, MI 49862, USA (This is the general address for Grand Island and its access roads.)

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

Mobile Phone: +1 906-387-2512 (Same as above)

For reservations for Murray Bay Group Campsite, it is best to use the National Recreation Reservation System:

Reservation Phone: (877) 444-6777

Online Reservations: www.recreation.gov (Search for "Murray Bay Group Campsite on Grand Island")

It is highly recommended to make reservations in advance, especially during the peak season from Memorial Day to Columbus Day, as walk-ins are not allowed for this group site during this period. For ferry schedules and information, contact the Grand Island Ferry Service directly at (906) 387-2600 or visit their website.

For us Michiganders, Murray Bay Group Campsite on Grand Island offers an exceptional opportunity for group adventures that truly capture the spirit of our state's wilderness. We understand the unique challenges and immense rewards of a backcountry experience, and this site delivers a perfect balance, making it ideal for scouting groups, family reunions, or a large gathering of friends. The fact that it's a hike-in site means a level of peace and seclusion that's rare to find, yet the manageable 2-mile trek from the ferry makes it accessible enough for a wide range of outdoor enthusiasts. This journey to the campsite itself becomes part of the adventure, fostering camaraderie and a sense of accomplishment that's deeply satisfying.

The "plenty of space" and amenities like picnic tables, fire rings, and most importantly, the clean and regularly stocked vault toilet, ensure that even with a larger group, comfort isn't sacrificed. The provided firewood is a significant convenience for any seasoned Michigan camper, allowing more time for enjoying the stunning bay views and the small, adjacent beach area. The necessity of using bear boxes reinforces our respect for the wildlife of the Upper Peninsula, ensuring a safe and responsible camping experience. Murray Bay is more than just a campsite; it's a gateway to exploring Grand Island's extensive trails, soaking in the serene beauty of Lake Superior, and creating shared memories that will last a lifetime. For Michiganders seeking a memorable group outing that blends adventure, natural beauty, and essential comforts, Murray Bay Group Campsite is an absolute gem.