Recreation area

Search Bay

Michigan — managed by USDA Forest Service

Open recreation area — no reservation needed

About this campground

Search no more for your perfect, off-the-beaten-track campsite and swimming hole. At Search Bay you will be surrounded by: Aspen groves Cedar swamps Meadows and ponds Deer Bald eagles Loons How to Get to Search Bay? A single-track dirt road, (Forest Road 3436) starts from Michigan Highway 134 (M-134) and meanders through aspen groves, cedar swamps, meadows and ponds to an unimproved camping area along the edge of Search Bay. Primitive Camping: Camping is primitive, with no facilities such as tables, toilets or drinking water. Wildlife: The diversity of habitats along the road attracts a variety of wildlife, so stop frequently to scan the surrounding area. During the breeding season in spring, watch for nesting bald eagles and listen for loons calling from the water. Walk along the edge of the bay in the spring and fall and scan the adjacent trees and shrubs for migrating songbirds. In the summer, stop for a swim and watch for waterfowl feeding in the shallow bay. This is also an important winter deer range as the browse line on the trees indicates. Small Boats Allowed: Trails traverse the area and provide a wonderful experience. Depending on water levels, the boat launch may be used to launch small boats. Kayak and canoe access is available.

Getting there

From Hessel drive 4.6 miles west on M-134 to Search Bay Road (FR 3436).  Turn left (south) on FR 3436 and drive about 1.5 miles on M-134 to FR 3436 and drive about 1.5 miles to Search Bay.

Activities

  • WILDLIFE VIEWING
  • SWIMMING

Nearby federal campgrounds

Explore more Michigan camping

Search Bay doesn't take campsite reservations — but plenty of nearby Michigan campgrounds do, and we'll alert you the moment a sold-out site opens up.

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Details from Recreation.gov's official RIDB catalog. Conditions change — confirm with the managing office before you go. Not affiliated with Recreation.gov or any federal agency.