Road'S End Campsite On Grand Island
02 reviews400 E. Munising Ave
Road'S End Campsite On Grand Island
$8.00 - $120.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$120.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$8.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Fees vary based on campsite type and amenities. Cabins start at $120 per night; tent sites such as 'Road's End' are priced lower.
About this campground
Tucked away in a secluded woodland sanctuary, Road's End Campsite invites adventurous souls to experience Grand Island's raw beauty. This primitive tent camping destination perches above the shimmering waters of Trout Bay, where forest meets shoreline in perfect harmony. Reached only by meandering trails through pristine wilderness, the campsite rewards hikers with essential amenities including fire rings for evening gatherings, clean latrines, and sturdy food storage poles to protect your provisions from curious wildlife.
Road's End Campsite is a primitive backcountry campsite designed for tent camping. It is not accessible to kayakers and provides basic amenities for small groups.
Historical SignificanceStep into a living timeline where ancient history whispers through the trees. Grand Island harbors archaeological treasures dating back to 2,000 BC, telling stories of the earliest inhabitants who found sanctuary on these shores. Throughout your journey, discover thoughtful markers and preserved sites that honor the island's designation as a National Recreation Area—a testament to its enduring importance in our natural heritage.
Weather and SeasonsExperience nature's gentle touch during summer months, when temperatures hover in the refreshing high 60s—a welcome escape from sweltering mainland heat. As winter arrives, Grand Island transforms into an enchanted landscape where snow blankets the forest floor and ice sculptures emerge from frozen waterfalls, creating a pristine wonderland for those brave enough to embrace the cold's crystalline beauty.
ElevationWhile the gentle campsite terrain welcomes all skill levels, Grand Island's dramatic topography reveals itself in the towering sandstone cliffs that soar an impressive 300 feet above Lake Superior's azure waters—nature's skyscrapers carved by millennia of wind and waves.
Natural Features and SceneryPrepare to be captivated by Grand Island's breathtaking tapestry of natural wonders. Massive sandstone cliffs rise 300 feet from Superior's depths, their ancient faces painted in rust and gold. Below, pristine sandy beaches invite barefoot exploration, while inland, dense forests create cathedral-like canopies overhead. Every turn reveals another scenic vista—from sun-dappled forest glades to panoramic lake views that stretch to the horizon.
Geological RegionGrand Island stands as a geological masterpiece sculpted by time itself. The island's crown jewels are its magnificent 300-foot wave-cut sandstone cliffs, their layers telling stories of ancient seas and shifting continents. Dense forests cloak much of the island, giving way to pristine sandy beaches where waves have polished stones for centuries. In winter, nature adds another dimension as ice caves form along the shoreline, creating ephemeral galleries of frozen art. Archaeological discoveries reveal human presence dating to 2,000 BC, adding cultural depth to this geological wonder.
Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessible only via the island’s trail system, and not accessible by kayakers. The primitive nature of the site may present challenges for individuals with mobility impairments.
Sites SizeThe campsite can accommodate up to 6 people and two tents.
Sites PrivacySet in a wooded area, providing fair privacy.
Total Campsites1 campsites
Recommended CampsitesBring sufficient water or water filtration equipment; bear-proof your food using storage poles provided.
Best CampsitesRoad's End is considered the best campsite for its seclusion and proximity to scenic hikes.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
2PM.
Check-out
12 PM.
Stay Limit
No more than 14 consecutive nights.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Road's End accommodates up to 6 people in two tents.
Groups
The site does not support group camping.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutRoad's End is a single campsite featuring a primitive latrine, food storage pole, fire ring, and benches.
Open and Closed SeasonMay 27 to October 10 for peak season reservations.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov or by contacting the Grand Island ferry service.
Walk-in AvailabilityWalk-up availability is not explicitly mentioned; reservations required for ferry transportation to the island.
Cancellation PolicyCancellations incur $10 fee and forfeiture of the first night's fee if canceled less than 14 days before arrival.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Road's End Campsite on Grand Island offers a variety of outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, and fishing. Visitors can also enjoy the scenic beauty of Trout Bay and the surrounding lush forest.
Hiking
Over 30 miles of hiking trails traverse Grand Island, ranging from easy to moderately challenging routes. Trails provide access to stunning coastal cliffs, lush forests, and sandy beaches.Fishing
Lake Superior offers fishing for Coho salmon, lake trout, perch, pike, walleye, and rock bass. Visitors require a Michigan fishing license.Swimming
Swimming conditions vary, as the lake bottom alternates between sandy, rocky, and solid rock. Lake Superior tends to be cold, with average high water temperatures in the 60s°F, and swimming is at visitors' own risk.Biking
The island features extensive biking opportunities with over 30 miles of unsurfaced trails.Boating
Although the campsite itself is not directly accessible by kayaks or boats, other areas of Grand Island have sandy beaches suitable for docking. No public dock facility is available.Wildlife viewing
Grand Island is home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, bear, rabbit, grouse, and ducks. The island also offers opportunities to observe diverse bird species and other fauna.Beach activities
Visitors can enjoy sandy beaches at Trout Bay Beach, though the quality of beach activities may vary depending on the site location.Winter Activities
Grand Island is known for its ice caves during winter, which can be explored when conditions permit.Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports like kayaking are popular in certain areas of Grand Island, but watercraft are not allowed directly at the Road's End Campsite.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Fires are permitted only in designated rings; adhere to local firewood restrictions to prevent invasive pest spread.
Hazards
General hazardsPotential hazards include steep cliffs and exposure to wildlife such as bears.
Weather forecast
60
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 59%
Moderately humid conditions
Wind: 8.9 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
Munising Memorial Hospital in Munising, MI (approximately 3-4 miles from ferry landing).
Good to know
Peak season datesMay 27 to October 10.
Trash and recyclingCampers must follow the ‘pack-in, pack-out’ policy, as no trash or recycling facilities are available on-site.
Proximity to water featuresRoad's End is located 1.5 miles from Trout Bay Beach, offering access to Lake Superior.
Common complaintsWater access for filtering can be challenging; nearest potable water is 1.5-3.5 miles away.
HostNo mentions of campground hosts at Road's End.
Campground Map
400 E. Munising Ave
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 the Munising's blinking light. Look for the Grand Island NRA signs.
Accessible via ferry service or private watercraft; roads leading to the ferry service are paved and clearly marked.Nearby places
Munising (3-4 miles via ferry landing), Marquette (43 miles), Manistique (55 miles).
Nearby supplies
Supplies available in Munising, including groceries, camping gear, fuel, and restaurants.
Camper Reviews
0.0
2 reviews
Road'S End Campsite On Grand Island has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
Road's End Campsite generally receives positive reviews for its scenic location and access to hiking trails. However, the lack of potable water and the remote nature of the site may pose challenges for some campers.
Review Summaries
Based on 2 reviews
What Campers Love
Visitors appreciate the breathtaking views, the proximity to hiking trails, and the serene setting. The presence of a bear pole and a primitive latrine were viewed as positive features that reduce...
Based on 2 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Some campers reported difficulties with water access, as the nearest potable water source is 2 miles away. Others mentioned that the site’s cliffside location does not allow easy water access for...
Based on 2 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Campers recommend bringing sufficient water or water filtration systems, as access to potable water is limited. They also suggest exploring nearby trails and planning day hikes to other parts of the...
Based on 2 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
The campsite is most popular during summer when hiking, biking, and fishing are in full swing. Winter visitors often enjoy exploring the island’s famous ice caves, but access to the campsite may be...
Based on 2 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
"The paths are nice and open, and the terrain is pretty gentle. The woods and beach views are nice, and the cliff views are breathtaking." - Christopher R., September 2021.
Based on 2 reviewsSite-Specific Reviews
"Road's End had a fire ring, a bear pole, and an unenclosed pit toilet at the site. It was great to see a toilet when expecting to have to dig holes." – Christopher R., September 2021.
Based on 2 reviewsAccessibility Features
No specific reviews from users with disabilities were available, but the site's remote nature and lack of modern facilities may make it less accessible.
Based on 2 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No reviews explicitly mentioned pet experiences at Road's End Campsite.
Based on 2 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025