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Search Bay

Hessel, Michigan · Mackinac County · Facility

Search no more for your perfect, off-the-beaten-track campsite and swimming hole. At Search Bay you will be surrounded by:Aspen grovesCedar swampsMeadows and pondsDeerBald eaglesLoonsHow to Get to Search Bay?A single-track dirt road, (Forest Road 3436) starts from Michigan Highway 134 (M-134) and meanders through aspen…

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46.01439, -84.51778
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5-Day Forecast

Weather at Search Bay

Live forecast for the park. Plan your visit accordingly.

Avg High69°F
Avg Low48°F
Peak Rain Chance6%
Humidity60%
UV (avg)7
Air Quality30 · Good
Today
☀️
Clear
67°/44°
🌬 12mph
5:51 AM9:20 PM
Mon
☁️
Overcast
66°/50°
🌬 12mph
5:50 AM9:21 PM
Tue
☁️
Overcast
74°/48°
🌬 10mph
5:50 AM9:22 PM
Wed
☁️
Overcast
74°/49°
🌬 11mph
5:49 AM9:23 PM
Thu
🌦
Light Drizzle
66°/51°
💧 6%🌬 13mph
5:49 AM9:23 PM

Forecast data © Open-Meteo. Refreshed every 6 hours. Always check the most recent forecast before heading out.

About Search Bay

Search no more for your perfect, off-the-beaten-track campsite and swimming hole. At Search Bay you will be surrounded by:Aspen grovesCedar swampsMeadows and pondsDeerBald eaglesLoonsHow 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.

How to Get 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.

Driving directions (Google Maps) →

Plan Your Visit to Search Bay

Heading to Search Bay? A few things to know before you go:

  • Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
  • Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
  • Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
  • Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
  • Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a reservation for Search Bay?

No central reservation system listed for Search Bay. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/10070918) for the latest entry policy and availability.

How do I get to Search Bay?

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.