Island Lake Campground
4.2918 reviews107 McKinley Road, Mio, MI 48647
Island Lake Campground
$15.00 - $15.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$15.00
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
Camping fee is $15 per night for a single campsite.
About this campground
Nestled within a pristine forest setting, Island Lake Campground beckons outdoor enthusiasts to discover its crown jewel—a sparkling 58-acre glacial lake that serves as the heart of this rustic retreat. Families gather on the sandy swimming beach, safely enclosed by colorful buoys, while the surrounding mixed hardwood forest creates a natural amphitheater of tranquility. Here, the gentle lapping of waves mingles with birdsong, and lucky visitors might catch glimpses of deer threading through the trees at dawn or dusk, making this campground a cherished escape for those seeking both adventure and serenity.
Island Lake Campground offers rustic camping with options for both tent and RV camping. The campsite operates on a first-come, first-served basis.
Historical SignificanceIsland Lake stands as a testament to the raw power of ancient glaciers that sculpted Michigan's landscape thousands of years ago. As massive ice sheets retreated northward, they carved out this pristine basin, leaving behind a geological time capsule that continues to fascinate visitors today. The surrounding terrain bears the subtle marks of this glacial heritage—from gently rolling hills to the deep, clear waters of the lake itself—offering campers a unique opportunity to connect with the profound natural forces that shaped this corner of the world.
Weather and SeasonsIsland Lake transforms with the seasons, each bringing its own magic to this woodland sanctuary. Summer arrives with azure skies and balmy temperatures hovering between 70°F and 80°F—perfect for lazy afternoons on the beach or evening campfires under star-studded skies. As autumn approaches, moderate winds rustle through the hardwoods, painting the landscape in brilliant golds and crimsons. Winter brings a crystalline beauty as the lake freezes over and snow blankets the forest floor, while spring awakens the campground with fresh growth and returning wildlife. Throughout the year, the area maintains relatively dry conditions, making it an ideal destination for camping adventures.
ElevationWhile specific elevation details remain undocumented, Island Lake Campground rests comfortably within Michigan's gently rolling terrain, where the landscape flows seamlessly between forest and water, creating an accessible outdoor experience for adventurers of all abilities.
Natural Features and SceneryA cathedral of mixed hardwoods embraces Island Lake Campground, where towering oaks, maples, and birches create a living canopy that shifts with the seasons. The centerpiece remains the crystal-clear, spring-fed lake—its sheltered waters maintaining exceptional purity throughout the year. Morning mist often dances across the glassy surface, while afternoon sun transforms the lake into a mirror reflecting the surrounding forest. Wildlife thrives in this protected habitat, from painted turtles basking on fallen logs to great blue herons stalking the shallows, creating endless opportunities for nature photography and quiet observation.
Geological RegionSituated within the expansive Huron-Manistee National Forests, Island Lake Campground occupies a special niche in Michigan's geological tapestry. This 58-acre glacial lake, cradled by ancient mixed hardwood forests, represents a perfect microcosm of the region's natural heritage. The surrounding landscape tells the story of ice ages past while supporting a vibrant ecosystem where campers can witness the ongoing dance between water, forest, and wildlife. Whether you're paddling across the peaceful waters or hiking beneath the forest canopy, you're exploring a living museum of natural history.
Campsite details
AccessibilityNo specific accessibility information is available for Island Lake Campground.
Sites SizeCampsites are described as spacious, accommodating typical camping setups.
Sites PrivacyMany reviews highlight the semi-secluded nature of the campsites.
Total Campsites50 campsites
Recommended CampsitesUser reviews suggest choosing campsites with proximity to the lake for better views and quieter surroundings.
Best CampsitesSpecific site numbers not provided.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Open 24/7.
Check-out
Open 24/7.
Stay Limit
No special use permit required for groups of 74 or fewer people.
Guests Allowed Per Site
- Maximum 74 people
- permits needed for 75+ people.
Groups
No specific group camping site information is available.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutCampsites are spacious and rustic, with no electric hookups. Vault toilets are available but potable water is not.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen from May 1 to September 30.
Reservation PlatformsNot applicable; the site is first-come, first-served.
Walk-in AvailabilityFirst-come, first-served; user reviews suggest limited availability during busy holidays.
Cancellation PolicyNot specified in the sources provided.
Amenities available
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Island Lake Campground offers a variety of recreational activities centered around its natural surroundings. Visitors can enjoy fishing, swimming, non-motorized boating, hiking, and picnicking.
Hiking
The campground offers day hiking opportunities. Specific details about trails, such as their lengths or difficulty, are not provided.Fishing
Fishing is a popular activity at Island Lake, which is known for its clean, spring-fed waters. "Best lakes for trout," one review mentions, highlighting its appeal for anglers.Swimming
A swimming beach, marked with buoys, is available at Island Lake. Some users noted the beach could use grooming due to weeds in the sand.Boating
The lake supports non-motorized boating. Electric boats are allowed, and the lake is spring-fed, ensuring clean water.Wildlife viewing
The surrounding mixed hardwood forest provides ample opportunities for viewing wildlife and waterfowl. Campers frequently mention the peaceful and natural setting.Beach activities
Beach activities are available, though some users noted the beach's condition could be improved. "The beach could use a little grooming," stated one review.Winter Activities
No information about winter activities is available.Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports such as kayaking and canoeing are supported by the clean, spring-fed lake.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Not specified in the sources.
- Quiet hours are Not specified in the sources.
Hazards
General hazardsVault toilets are modernized and clean, but potable water is unavailable. Limited vehicle parking may require guests to park elsewhere if their campsite cannot accommodate their vehicle and equipment. Wildlife viewing is common but could pose minor risks.
Active alertsNone currently specified.
Weather forecast
61
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Mainly clear
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 52%
Moderately humid conditions
Wind: 10.4 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
Mainly clear
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
Mio Ranger Station and District (Address: 107 McKinley Road Mio, MI 48647; Phone: 989-826-3252; Hours: Monday to Friday 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., closed on federal holidays)
Good to know
Peak season datesMay 1 to September 30 (summer season).
Trash and recyclingNo specific information on trash and recycling facilities is available.
Proximity to water featuresSituated directly beside Island Lake, with a swimming beach and opportunities for non-motorized boating and fishing.
Common complaintsBeach conditions need improvement due to weeds in the sand. Occasional noise from barking dogs and loud campers noted in user reviews.
HostHosts Barb and Dan are mentioned positively in reviews for being helpful and friendly.
Campground Map
107 McKinley Road, Mio, MI 48647
Driving directionsFrom West Branch, travel east on M-55 for 5 miles. Turn left and travel north on M-33 for 16 miles. Turn left and travel west on Loon Lake Loop Rd. for 1 mile. The site is located on the left.
Accessible via paved roads with a capacity for 50 vehicles. The site is gated when closed during off-season.Nearby places
West Branch (21 miles, ~25 minutes), Mio (1 mile, ~5 minutes)
Nearby supplies
Mio (1 mile away) provides access to basic groceries, camping supplies, and fuel.
Camper Reviews
4.3
18 reviews
Island Lake Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
Island Lake Campground receives high praise for its peaceful atmosphere, spacious campsites, and clean vault toilets. Some users expressed concerns about the condition of the beach and the lack of lawn maintenance.
Review Summaries
Based on 18 reviews
What Campers Love
Users appreciate the campground’s cleanliness, particularly the vault toilets, the peaceful environment, and the spacious campsites. Many enjoy the clean, spring-fed lake and the presence of friendly...
Based on 18 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Concerns include the beach's condition, which some describe as needing grooming, and the lack of potable water. One reviewer mentioned overgrown grass at campsites, and others noted occasional...
Based on 18 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Campers recommend bringing drinking water due to the lack of potable water on-site. Early arrival is advised as sites are first-come, first-served. Some reviewers suggest avoiding holiday weekends...
Based on 18 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
The campground is open from May 1 to September 30, with most positive reviews emphasizing the summer months for activities like fishing and swimming. Holiday weekends tend to be busier.
Based on 18 reviewsCamper Quotes
"Very clean spacious camp sites." "The vault toilets are very modernized and clean." "The lake is spring-fed and only electric boats are allowed. Therefore, the water is very clean." "The beach could...
Based on 18 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Specific site reviews mention the spaciousness and semi-secluded nature of the sites. No particular site numbers are highlighted.
Based on 18 reviewsAccessibility Features
No user reviews specifically address accessibility features.
Based on 18 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No specific reviews about pets or pet policies are available.
Based on 18 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025