Bayside Base Camp

100%

40 reviews

· Williamsburg, Grand Traverse, Michigan · 1 acre

Hosted by Heather S.

Tent site

· 2 guests max

Staff verified

Accuracy verified by Hipcamp's on-the-ground team.

As avid travelers and Hipcamp users ourselves, Bayside Base Camp is our dream come true. Nestled into the back of our property in Northern Michigan it allows us to share everything we love about where we live with people who travel like we do. We live simply and adventure big. We hope you are able to explore all of the great things our area has to offer. Learn more about this land: Nestled along the shores of East Grand Traverse Bay, our Bayside Base Camp is the perfect spot to stay as you explore the wonders of Northern Michigan. We offer one tent site in the back of our property with access to our indoor toilet. Access to the bathroom requires two steps up to get into the house. Guests also have access to a fire pit, a large table to set up your camp stove or jet boil, as well as the ability to hang your own hammock among our trees. We are steps away from bay access for swimming, fishing, boating, kayaking, paddle boarding and whatever other water hobbies you may have! There is access to two beautiful trails within a short walking distance from your camp. We are happy to provide directions as long as you promise to take care of them and leave no trace. The Northern Michigan community is incredibly active and values the Leave No Trace principles. In addition to the natural beauty within walking distance from your site, the area has countless trails, paths and parks to explore. We are happy to provide additional recommendations based on your interests through email or upon your arrival. Bayside Base Camp is located 15 minutes from Downtown Traverse City, a short 45 minute drive from Sleeping Bear Sand Dunes, 50 minutes from Leland and 15 minutes from Old Mission Peninsula. Guests will be responsible for disposing of their trash items in the designated trash bin on site. There is one parking spot in our driveway and you will need to walk back to your tent site. There is a home within view of your site, but it is a seldomly used vacation home. The walk will take less than one minute to get back to your tent site from the driveway. We are beyond excited to share our property with you and welcome you to our little slice of paradise in Northern Michigan.Nestled along the shores of East Grand Traverse Bay, our Bayside Base Camp is the perfect spot to stay as you explore the wonders of Northern Michigan. We offer one tent site in the back of our property with full access to our indoor bathroom. Access to the bathroom requires two steps up to get into the house. Guests also have access to a fire pit, a large table to set up your camp stove or jet boil, as well as the ability to hang your own hammock among our trees. We are steps away from bay access for swimming, fishing, boating, kayaking, paddle boarding and whatever other water hobbies you may have! There is access to two beautiful trails within a short walking distance from your camp. We are happy to provide directions as long as you promise to take care of them and leave no trace. The Northern Michigan community is incredibly active and values the Leave No Trace principles. In addition to the natural beauty within walking distance from your site, the area has countless trails, paths and parks to explore. We are happy to provide additional recommendations based on your interests through email or upon your arrival. Bayside Base Camp is located 15 minutes from Downtown Traverse City, a short 45 minute drive from Sleeping Bear Sand Dunes, 50 minutes from Leland and 15 minutes from Old Mission Peninsula. Guests will be responsible for disposing of their trash items in the designated trash bin on site. There is one parking spot in our driveway and you will need to walk back to your tent site. There is a home within view of your site. The walk will take less than one minute to get back to your tent site from the driveway. We are beyond excited to share our property with you and welcome you to our little slice of paradise in Northern Michigan.

What to expect

Tent site

You'll have this Hipcamp all to yourself.

2 guests max

Campfires allowed

Firepit, communal. We invite you to have a small fire in the firepit. We do not provide firewood. Please do not transport firewood from other places, and instead purchase a bundle in town. There is a chance we will pop outside to say hi and join you for a bit. All fires must be extinguished by midnight. Quiet hours begin at 10:00pm. Please refrain from playing music and be mindful of your voice level as we do have neighbors.

Toilet available

Flush toilet. You will be using our indoor toilet during your stay. It is a shared bathroom. You are only able to flush toilet paper in our toilet system. No wipes (yes, even those flushable wipes!) or feminine products are able to be flushed down the toilet. We do not offer use of our shower. You will be entering the house through the back door and will not need to go through our living space to get to the toilet.

Pets allowed

On leash. Pets are allowed outside only. Please be a good neighbor and clean up after them and dispose of your waste bags in the designated trash bin.

Potable water available

Spigot. We do have a spigot with potable water on the front side of our house. If you are wanting to use water to do dishes we do ask that you dispose of any food scraps in the trash bin instead of leaving them on the ground for animals to find.

Bins available

Compost bin, recycling bin, trash bin. Compost bin is located next to your large camp table, recycle bin is in the driveway (green lid), and trash bin is also in driveway (blue lid). Compost rules: No protein or fats in compost bin. Fruit and veggie scraps are great! Please only put compostable materials in the left bin. Recycling rules: No greasy food packaging, rinse out plastic items before you put them in the bin and shake them dry. Trash rules: Try to limit the amount of waste you create, but also be sure you clean up all of the trash you generate during your stay.

No showers

Bathe in lake. You are able to bathe in the lake, but we ask that you use biodegradable soap.

Cooking equipment absent

Feel free to bring your own camp stove or jet boil. There are also plenty of places to order pick-up or have delivery dinner nearby.

Picnic table absent

No wifi

Things to know

Getting there

Check in: After 3:00 PM

Check out: Before 12:00 PM

On arrival: Meet with Host

Cancellation policy: Strict

Minimum nights: 1 night

Accepts bookings: 6 months out

Short walk

No wheelchair access

Max 1 vehicle

During your trip

Follow the

Leave it better

Inclusion policyWe have a zero-tolerance policy against discrimination at Hipcamp. We are committed to helping our Host and Hipcamper communities be inclusive.

Reviews

100% Recommend45 ratings · 40 reviews

Bayside Base Camp offers campers a serene escape nestled close to Traverse City and the beautiful Torch Lake. Reviewers consistently praise Heather and Christy for their warm hospitality, making guests feel right at home. The campsite's proximity to the beach, access to a clean, indoor bathroom, and thoughtful touches like local recommendations add to its charm. Most visitors love the peaceful setting, though a few noted the presence of neighboring properties, which could slightly affect the sense of seclusion for some campers.

Summary AI-generated from real reviews

Joanna D.

2 reviews

Recommends

· August 2023

Tent

Ahhh I loved this stay! Heather and Christy are awesome and so kind. The location is great with close proximity to TC as well as Elk/Torch Lake. I loved that it was easy to walk to the bay too! I would love more time here and look forward to another stay!

Nicole C.

1 year on Hipcamp

Recommends

· August 2023

Tent

Stayed here one night with my sister. Heather was very kind and the property was very nice. Walked to the beach (which was very close) and swam in the beautiful water. A very lovely time.

Samantha P.

3 reviews

Recommends

· August 2023

Tent · With pets

Such great people! They gave us recommendations for an amazing beach and a few great restaurants! Very accommodating and welcoming! Highly recommend!

Jess W.

3 years on Hipcamp

Recommends

· May 2023

Spontaneous camping trip up north!

Tent

The land is super close to a hiking area with great views of Lake Michigan. We loved the fire pit. Hospitality was top notch and they even gave us recommendations like a vegan bakery near by! It was very relaxing to fall asleep to the sound of the waves on the lake.

Gerard T.

6 reviews

Recommends

· September 2022

Tent

I absolutely loved my stay at Heather's campsite. Wonderful site to set up the tent with ple privacy and quiet while being a short walk from the beach and a short drive to Traverse City. Heather was a very kind and welcoming host and extremely helpful and responsive. Very highly recommend this site.

Gerard T.

6 reviews

Recommends

· September 2022

Tent

I loved the secluded and quiet camping area behind the shed in the backyard up against the woods. The hosts were very kind, friendly, helpful, and responsive and I thoroughly enjoyed our interactions. I also appreciate the location of the campsite that is within a short walking distance to the East Arm of Traverse City Bay and a very short drive to the center of Traverse City and all it has to offer. I highly recommend this site.

Location

Williamsburg, Grand Traverse, Michigan, United StatesTraditional, ancestral territory of Anishinabewaki ᐊᓂᔑᓈᐯᐗᑭ and Odawa First Nations according to

Native Land Digital.

To respect the Host's privacy, the precise address of this land will be provided after booking