Brimley State Park Michigan
A popular bayside park in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, known for its sandy beach, clear waters, and modern campsites.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Beat the weekend rush
Brimley State Park Michigan
Best Time
Beat the weekend rush
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A popular bayside park in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, known for its sandy beach, clear waters, and modern campsites.
"Awesome beach with shallow, clear water. Would give 5 stars except for the fact that the smaller tent lots are so small."
🎯 Arrive Early for Camping
First-come, first-served sites fill fast, especially in summer. Aim for weekdays or very early on weekends.
🏖️ Beach Fun for All
The shallow, clear water is great for kids and leisurely swimming. Dogs are allowed on leash.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Sandy Beach
Enjoy a beautiful stretch of sand with clear, shallow waters ideal for swimming and playing.
International Bridge View
Catch a glimpse of the impressive International Bridge from the park's bayside location.
Modern Campsites
Spacious sites available, some ideal for small groups, offering a comfortable camping experience.
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Planning Your Visit
Campground Crowds
Beach & Water Conditions
Best Times
Insider Tips
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🎯 Arrive Early for Camping
First-come, first-served sites fill fast, especially in summer. Aim for weekdays or very early on weekends.
🏖️ Beach Fun for All
The shallow, clear water is great for kids and leisurely swimming. Dogs are allowed on leash.
🚗 Proximity to Stores
Grocery and general stores are conveniently located within a 5-minute drive for supplies.
💨 Be Prepared for Smoke
Wildfire smoke can occasionally impact views and air quality. Check local reports.
In Brimley for the week
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Arrive Early for Camping
First-come, first-served sites fill fast, especially in summer. Aim for weekdays or very early on weekends.
🏖️ Beach Fun for All
The shallow, clear water is great for kids and leisurely swimming. Dogs are allowed on leash.
🚗 Proximity to Stores
Grocery and general stores are conveniently located within a 5-minute drive for supplies.
💨 Be Prepared for Smoke
Wildfire smoke can occasionally impact views and air quality. Check local reports.
🏕️ Site Size Varies
Some tent sites are small; larger sites are great for groups. Check site details if possible.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Brimley State Park is a highly-rated destination, praised for its beautiful, shallow beach and clean facilities. Campers enjoy the bayside location and modern amenities, though some note that smaller tent sites can be quite close together. Occasional wildfire smoke can impact views, but overall, it's considered a great park for a Michigan getaway.
"The campground is very busy. It's nearly full daily. There is a great beach to play and swim on. Picnic tables are all over the park. There are open public restrooms and a pavilion. Overall a great park. One downtown seems everybody is burning good in the provided fire pits, making it pretty.smoky."
G T
"Nice campground. Bathrooms are clean and in good repair. Awesome beach with shallow, clear water. Would give 5 stars except for the fact that the smaller tent lots are so small and on top of each other. I could hear my neighbor snoring. Over the sound of the rain. 4.5 stars, though."
Ets Ocia
"Some very large sites. Great for small group camping. Nice sandy beach. Dogs are allowed (leashed) on almost all of it. Water is nice with gradual dropoff for swimming. Scenic, but wildfire smoke made it hazy when we were there. Typically looks like there would be nice sunset views but the smoke blocked it. Doggy pickup bags and dog waste trash bins throughout park. Nice playground. No good fishing. Nice (standard state park) bathrooms."
Becca Fedewa
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Brimley State Park is located in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, near the town of Brimley. It's accessible by car via US-2 and M-28. The park is situated on the bayside, offering scenic views.
Yes, the park is well-marked and relatively easy to locate. It's a popular destination, so following GPS or signs for 'Brimley State Park' will lead you directly there.
The town of Brimley is very close, offering basic amenities. For more extensive services, Sault Ste. Marie is a larger city located a short drive away.
Public transportation options are limited in this more rural area of the Upper Peninsula. Driving your own vehicle is the most practical way to reach and explore Brimley State Park.
Driving conditions are generally good, especially during the summer months. Be aware of potential winter weather if visiting outside of peak season, as roads can become icy or snow-covered.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, a Michigan Recreation Passport is required for entry into Michigan State Parks, including Brimley State Park. You can purchase it when you arrive or in advance.
Brimley State Park is typically open year-round from 8 AM to 10 PM. However, campground hours and access may vary seasonally. It's always best to check the official Michigan DNR website for the most current information.
Camping fees vary depending on the type of site (e.g., modern, rustic, tent). Expect fees to be in the range of $20-$30 per night for standard sites. Check the Michigan DNR website for exact pricing.
Many sites at Brimley State Park are first-come, first-served. While some may offer reservations, it's crucial to check the reservation system for availability, as popular spots fill up quickly.
Day-use visitors will need a Michigan Recreation Passport for entry. There are no separate day-use fees beyond the passport requirement.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Enjoy swimming and playing on the sandy beach, picnicking at various tables, hiking, and enjoying the views of the International Bridge. Fishing is also popular.
Yes, there's a beautiful, well-maintained sandy beach with clear, shallow water, making it perfect for swimming and family fun. Dogs are allowed on leash.
The park features clean and well-maintained modern restrooms. Showers are also available for campers, ensuring a comfortable stay.
Fishing is popular at this bayside park. While some reviews mention it's not great, others indicate it's a popular activity. It's best to check local fishing reports for the most up-to-date information.
Campers have access to modern campsites, picnic tables, fire pits, and clean restrooms with showers. There's also a playground for children.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are no restaurants located directly within Brimley State Park. Visitors typically bring their own food for picnics or utilize nearby dining options.
Grocery and general stores are conveniently located within a 5-minute drive from the park, making it easy to stock up on supplies for your camping trip.
Yes, campfires are permitted in the provided fire pits at the campsites. Many visitors enjoy the ambiance of burning fires in the evenings.
Absolutely! The park has numerous picnic tables scattered throughout, perfect for enjoying a meal outdoors with scenic views.
The town of Brimley offers basic dining options. For a wider variety of restaurants, Sault Ste. Marie is a short drive away and has more choices.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture stunning shots of the sandy beach, the International Bridge, sunsets (when smoke-free), and the general natural beauty of the park.
Typically, the bayside location offers beautiful sunset views. However, wildfire smoke can sometimes obscure the sun, impacting photo quality.
Early mornings and late afternoons often provide the best natural light for photography. Golden hour can be particularly magical.
Drone usage is subject to Michigan State Park regulations. It's advisable to check the official Michigan DNR guidelines regarding drone operation in state parks before flying.
A versatile camera with a good zoom lens is recommended to capture both wide beach scenes and details of the International Bridge. A wide-angle lens is great for landscapes.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
There's also a playground within the park, offering additional entertainment. Consider arriving early to secure a campsite, as the park can get busy, and having a comfortable base camp is key for family trips. 🏕️ Campers
🐶 Pet Owners
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Camping at Brimley State Park
When planning your camping trip, be aware that the campground can get very busy, often reaching near full capacity daily during the summer.
Beach and Water Activities
Leashed dogs are also welcome on most of the beach, allowing your furry friends to enjoy the water and sand. While the beach offers a serene escape, it's worth noting that occasional wildfire smoke can affect the clarity of the air and the vibrancy of sunset views.
Exploring the Surroundings
For those interested in local history and scenic beauty, nearby attractions like Point Iroquois Light and Tahquamenon Falls are often visited in conjunction with Brimley State Park, as noted by travelers.
The park's location within the Hiawatha National Forest also provides opportunities for further exploration of Michigan's natural landscapes, including lakes like Monocle Lake and Spectacle Lake, which are known for boating and camping. 
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