Hemlock Campsite On Grand Island
4.0510 reviews400 E. Munising Ave, Munising, MI 49862, USA
Hemlock Campsite On Grand Island
$0.00 - $0.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
No specific fees for the campsite are mentioned in the source material.
About this campground
Tucked away on the western shores of Grand Island, Hemlock Campsite beckons adventurers seeking an authentic wilderness escape. Here, where the forest meets the rhythmic waves of Waterfall Beach, you'll discover a pristine camping sanctuary equipped with thoughtfully placed essentials—a crackling fire ring for evening gatherings, a secure bear pole to protect your provisions, and facilities that blend seamlessly with the natural surroundings. This is camping as it was meant to be: simple, remote, and deeply connected to nature.
Hemlock Campsite is a primitive camping site nestled on Grand Island. It caters to hikers, kayakers, and those seeking a rustic wilderness experience.
Historical SignificanceEvery step on Grand Island connects you to millennia of human history. Archaeological treasures dating back to 2,000 BC whisper stories of the island's first inhabitants, while remnants of Native American settlements and early European pioneer homesteads paint a rich tapestry of cultural heritage. As a cherished National Recreation Area, Grand Island preserves these layers of history, inviting modern visitors to become part of its ongoing story.
Weather and SeasonsLake Superior's moody temperament creates an ever-changing backdrop for your camping adventure. Summer days bring gentle warmth with temperatures hovering in the comfortable high 60s°F, perfect for hiking and exploration. While the lake's crystalline waters invite brave souls for a refreshing—albeit bracing—swim, most visitors prefer to admire its beauty from shore. As winter transforms the landscape, a magical phenomenon emerges: intricate ice caves form along the shoreline, drawing photographers and adventurers from across the region to witness these ephemeral frozen cathedrals.
ElevationThe campsite's elevation creates a perfect vantage point for experiencing Grand Island's diverse ecosystems, though specific elevation measurements await your personal discovery as you explore the varying terrain from shoreline to forest canopy.
Natural Features and SceneryHemlock Campsite serves as your gateway to a natural wonderland where ancient forests create a verdant canopy overhead and the nearby Waterfall Beach provides a soundtrack of waves meeting shore. Grand Island's dramatic 300-foot sandstone cliffs stand as sentinels over pristine sandy beaches, while the interior forests shelter an impressive diversity of wildlife and wildflowers. From the delicate trilliums of spring to the fiery maples of autumn, each season unveils new treasures for those who venture here.
Geological RegionPerched within Lake Superior's magnificent Grand Island National Recreation Area, Hemlock Campsite offers front-row seats to a geological masterpiece millions of years in the making. Towering 300-foot wave-cut sandstone cliffs tell the story of ancient seas and patient erosion, while dense forests blanket the island's interior in emerald green. Sandy beaches provide gentle counterpoints to the dramatic cliffs, and when winter's grip tightens, the shoreline transforms into a crystalline gallery of ice caves—nature's own architectural marvels carved by wind, water, and cold.
Campsite details
AccessibilityAccess to the site involves either hiking 3.5 miles from William's Landing or kayaking to Waterfall Beach followed by a short hike. The primitive nature of the site may not be suitable for those with mobility challenges.
Sites SizeThe site has ample space to accommodate up to 6 people and two tents. It is described as 'huge' and spacious, suitable for numerous setups.
Sites PrivacyThe site is private and tucked back from the trail. It offers a degree of seclusion, though neighboring sites like Gamefence and Hardwood may occasionally be heard.
Total Campsites1 campsites
Recommended CampsitesVisitors should bring large water containers for the half-mile trip to Juniper Flats for potable water and exercise caution due to bear activity.
Best CampsitesHemlock Campsite is the only site detailed in the source material.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
.
Check-out
By noon the day after arrival.
Stay Limit
No maximum stay limit mentioned.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Up to 6 people in 2 tents are permitted.
Groups
Not applicable. This is not a group campsite.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutThe site includes space for two tents and a hammock setup. It is located off the main trail, providing a sense of seclusion.
Open and Closed SeasonSeasonal operation details are not explicitly stated, but ferry service to the island usually dictates accessibility.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through the Grand Island Ferry Service at http://www.grandislandup.com/ or by calling (906) 387-2600.
Walk-in AvailabilityNo specific mention of walk-up availability; reservations are recommended due to limited access to the island.
Cancellation PolicyCancellation policies vary by the ferry service and local management rules. Visitors are advised to check directly with the reservation service.
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Food storage lockers
Firewood available
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Grand Island offers numerous recreational opportunities, including hiking, swimming, kayaking, biking, fishing, and wildlife viewing. The area is known for its scenic natural beauty, including sandstone cliffs and pristine beaches.
Hiking
Over 30 miles of hiking and mountain biking trails are available on Grand Island. Trails offer access to stunning scenery and vary in difficulty.Fishing
Lake Superior supports a variety of fish species, including Coho salmon, lake trout, perch, pike, walleye, and rock bass. A fishing license is required.Swimming
Swimming is available in Lake Superior near the site. Caution is advised as the area has not been checked for hazards and the water can be cold, with average high temperatures in the 60s (°F).Biking
Biking is permitted along the trails, and the network offers diverse terrain for riders.Boating
Kayakers can access the campsite via Waterfall Beach. There is no public dock or boat launch on the island.Wildlife viewing
The island is home to abundant wildlife, providing opportunities for viewing deer, bear, and various bird species.Beach activities
The sandy beaches offer options for sunbathing and beachcombing.Winter Activities
The island features winter ice caves, but no detailed winter activities are specified.Water Sports
Kayaking is a popular water activity on the island.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Fires are limited to the designated fire ring provided at the site.
- Quiet hours are Not explicitly mentioned.
Hazards
General hazardsThe area is known for high bear activity, as noted in user reviews. Visitors should exercise caution and adhere to food storage guidelines.
Active alertsNo specific active alerts, but user reviews indicate frequent bear sightings.
Weather forecast
60
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 60%
Moderately humid conditions
Wind: 12 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
Clear sky
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Nearest emergency services are located in Munising, including a hospital and police station. The ferry landing provides access to emergency response if needed.
Good to know
Peak season datesSpecific peak season dates are not detailed, but summer months are implied to be the busiest.
Trash and recyclingCampers must adhere to a pack-in, pack-out policy. There are no on-site trash or recycling services.
Proximity to water featuresLocated near Waterfall Beach on Lake Superior. Stairs to the beach are often out of service, requiring alternative routes.
Common complaintsSeveral users have reported bear activity near the campsite, and reviews suggest that the stairs to nearby beaches are often in disrepair.
HostNo specific host details provided, but the ferry service acts as a point of contact for emergencies and updates.
Campground Map
400 E. Munising Ave, Munising, MI 49862, USA
Driving directionsVisitors can get to the island via passenger ferry (Grand Island Ferry Service) or private watercraft. The ferry departs from Grand Island Landing on the mainland, located on M-28, about 3 to 4 miles west of Munising's blinking light. Look for the Grand Island NRA signs.
The campground is accessible via ferry or private watercraft only. The ferry schedule varies by season, and visitors are advised to check schedules in advance. Roads leading to the ferry landing are paved and well-maintained.Nearby places
Munising (3-4 miles to ferry landing), Marquette (43 miles), Manistique (55 miles)
Nearby supplies
Camping supplies, groceries, and fuel can be found in Munising. Local outfitters offer kayak, bike, and outdoor equipment rentals.
Camper Reviews
4.1
10 reviews
Hemlock Campsite On Grand Island is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
Reviews for Hemlock Campsite highlight its spaciousness, privacy, and natural beauty, but also mention challenges such as bear activity and closed beach access stairs.
Review Summaries
Based on 10 reviews
What Campers Love
The site is described as private, spacious, and well-equipped with a bear locker, pole, and fire ring. Campers appreciated the provided firewood and the natural beauty of the surroundings.
Based on 10 reviewsCommon Concerns
Negative feedback includes reports of bear activity, difficulties accessing potable water, and closed-off beach stairs. Some users also expressed concerns about the site's safety due to habituated...
Based on 10 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Campers recommend bringing large water containers to reduce trips to the potable water source. Using long, loose clothing and repellents can help with bugs. Avoid leaving food unattended, even in...
Based on 10 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
The site is most popular during summer, but seasonal issues include black fly infestations in early summer and swarms of insects in late summer. Winter camping activities are not mentioned.
Based on 10 reviewsCamper Quotes
1. 'Super nice site tucked back in the woods a little bit.' 2. 'The site was beautiful and deep back from the main trail.' 3. 'The site is HUGE and private. We could hear the waves crashing on Lake...
Based on 10 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Hemlock campsite is praised for its size and seclusion. However, there are safety concerns due to a bear that has become habituated to human presence. 'Once camp was set up, I noticed a black flash...
Based on 10 reviewsShow more
Accessibility Features
There are no explicit reviews that address accessibility for individuals with disabilities.
Based on 10 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No specific reviews mention experiences with pets at the site.
Based on 10 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025