Island Lake
P.O. Box 171, Munising, MI, 49862, USA
Island Lake
$24.00 - $60.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Nonelectric sites cost $24 per night, and Group Standard Area Nonelectric sites cost $60 per night during peak season. Additional fees may...
Show more
Standard Site Fee$24.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$60.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Total Campsite Fees$84.00
Share this campground
Recreation Dot Gov
Providerdave@camprrm.com
About this campground
Tucked away in the heart of Hiawatha National Forest, Island Lake Campground offers an intimate escape where towering pines whisper overhead and crystal-clear waters beckon anglers at dawn. This hidden gem provides the perfect basecamp for those seeking tranquility in nature, with world-class fishing at your doorstep and the magnificent Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore just a scenic drive away.
Island Lake Campground offers a mix of group and single-family camping options, with a focus on providing a rustic, natural camping experience.
Historical SignificanceIsland Lake serves as a gateway to Michigan's rich heritage, positioned near the awe-inspiring Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore where centuries of wind and water have carved colorful cliffs that tell the story of our planet's ancient past. This region has long been a crossroads of natural wonder and human history, where Native American traditions meet the legacy of Great Lakes shipping and logging.
Weather and SeasonsFrom May through September, Island Lake transforms into a camper's paradise with comfortable temperatures perfect for hiking forest trails and casting lines into glassy waters. Autumn paints the mixed hardwoods in brilliant golds and crimsons, while winter blankets the landscape in pristine snow, creating a wonderland for the hardy souls who venture here during the colder months when temperatures plunge and the campground takes on a magical, frozen beauty.
ElevationThe campground rests at a comfortable elevation within the rolling landscape of Michigan's Upper Peninsula, where the terrain gently rises and falls through ancient glacial formations.
Natural Features and SceneryMajestic pines dominate the landscape, their evergreen canopy creating a natural cathedral above your campsite, while scattered hardwoods add splashes of seasonal color. Beyond the campground, nature unveils its masterpieces: thundering waterfalls cascade through rocky gorges, the endless blue expanse of Lake Superior stretches to the horizon, and hidden trails lead to scenic overlooks that will steal your breath away.
Geological RegionIsland Lake Campground sits within the ancient landscape of Hiawatha National Forest, where towering pines and diverse hardwoods grow from soil shaped by glaciers millennia ago. This remarkable corner of Michigan's Upper Peninsula showcases nature's artistry at every turn, from the dramatic sandstone cliffs of nearby Pictured Rocks to the pristine beaches of Lake Superior and the wilderness paradise of Grand Island floating offshore like an emerald jewel.
Advertisement
Campsite details
AccessibilitySome sites are close to key campground features, such as the vault toilets, making them more convenient for individuals with mobility challenges. However, no specific accessibility amenities are mentioned in the source materials.
Sites SizeSites at Island Lake are described as 'large and fairly level,' making them well-suited for various camping setups.
Sites PrivacyMany sites are 'heavily wooded, giving privacy,' and the campground layout allows for some seclusion, particularly on the edges of the loop.
Total Campsites10 campsites
Recommended CampsitesAvoid campsite #2 due to proximity to noisy group campsites. Campsite #10 offers great privacy and lake access.
Best CampsitesCampsite #8 is highly rated for privacy and cleanliness. Campsite #10 is praised for its beautiful lake view and path directly to the shore.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Check-in time is 11:00 AM.
Check-out
Check-out time is 12:00 PM.
Stay Limit
Up to 14 consecutive nights allowed per reservation.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Each site allows one family. Double occupancy requires a fee for each family.
Groups
The campground includes a group site, but specific details about group size or vehicle limits are not provided in the source materials.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutThe campground is arranged in loops with single-family and group sites.
Open and Closed SeasonPeak Season: May 23 - September 6. Out of Season: September 6 - May 14. Reservable Start Dates: June 25 (annually).
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Recreation.gov.
Walk-in AvailabilityWalk-up availability is offered during the first-come, first-served season (May 14 - May 21 annually).
Cancellation PolicyReservations can be canceled online, but a $10 cancellation fee applies. Late cancellations for individual sites will forfeit the first night's fee. Changes to reservations incur a $10 fee if dates are entirely different.
Accomodation available
GroupGroup campsites are offered for larger parties such as families, schools, or organizations. These sites provide space and facilities to accommodate multiple people camping together.
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Island Lake Campground offers a variety of recreational activities centered around its natural features. Fishing, canoeing, and kayaking are the standout activities, with anglers targeting largemouth bass, bluegill, and perch. The campground also provides a boat slip for carry-in boats and canoes. Additional activities include hiking and biking, with ATV trails also accessible from the campground.
Hiking
Hiking is highlighted as a popular activity at Island Lake Campground, with nearby trails providing opportunities for exploration. Specific details about trail lengths or difficulty levels are not provided in the source materials.Fishing
Fishing at Island Lake is highly regarded, with anglers catching largemouth bass, bluegill, and perch. Shoreline fishing is available, and the lake is suitable for small boats and canoes.Biking
Biking is a featured activity, with trails accessible from the campground. No specific details about the terrain or recommended skill levels are provided.Boating
Boating is supported with a boat slip for small carry-in boats and canoes. The lake's calm waters are ideal for canoeing and kayaking.Winter Activities
Winter activities are not detailed in the source materials, but the areaβs heavy snow conditions suggest potential for activities like snowshoeing.Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports such as canoeing and kayaking are prominent activities at Island Lake Campground. The boat slip provides easy access to the lake for these activities.Advertisement
Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires are permitted but firewood must be sourced locally to prevent invasive pests.
- Quiet hours are not explicitly mentioned.
Hazards
General hazardsPotential hazards include wildlife, such as loons heard nearby, and bugs during certain seasons. The iron taste of pumped water was mentioned in reviews.
Weather forecast
43
Β°F
Nov 25
Tuesday
Moderate drizzle
Precipitation: 0.8%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 98%
High humidity, may feel muggy
Wind: 4 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Very Light Rain - (0.80% chance)
Slight drizzle possible
Moderate drizzle
7 day forecast
Weather History
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Closest emergency services are located in Munising, which is about a 20-minute drive away.
Good to know
Peak season datesMay 23 - September 6.
Trash and recyclingTrash disposal facilities are available, but some reviews note that dumpsters were not emptied during longer stays, leading to overflowing trash issues.
Proximity to water featuresIsland Lake is adjacent to the campground. Sites have paths leading to the lake.
Common complaintsOverflowing garbage dumpsters were noted in reviews. Proximity to noisy group campsites is a concern for some.
HostHost availability not mentioned. Forest Service is responsible for maintenance.
Campground Map
P.O. Box 171, Munising, MI, 49862, USA
Driving directionsFrom the intersection of M-28 and Forest Highway 13, just a couple miles east of Munising, drive south 8.8 miles to FR 2268, or Buckhorn Road. Turn right (southwest) on FR 2268 and drive 2.2 miles on FR 2268 and FR 2254 to FR 2557. Turn left (south) on FR 2557 and drive 0.8 mile to Island Lake Campground.
Road access involves driving on paved roads initially, followed by unpaved Forest Roads (FR 2268 and FR 2557). It is suitable for small vehicles, but care should be taken due to unpaved sections. Seasonal accessibility is not specified.Nearby places
Munising (20-minute drive), Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore (15 miles), Grand Island (15 miles).
Nearby supplies
Supplies including firewood, groceries, and camping essentials are available in Munising, approximately 20 minutes away.
Camper Reviews
4.3
17 reviews
Island Lake is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
Island Lake Campground is widely appreciated for its peaceful setting, large and private campsites, and proximity to attractions such as Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore and Grand Island. However, some campers reported issues with trash disposal and interactions with other campers.
Review Summaries
Based on 17 reviews
What Campers Love
Many users praised the campground for its 'beautiful, serene, and remote' setting. Vault toilets were frequently described as very clean, and the sites were noted for their spaciousness and...
Based on 17 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Common complaints include overflowing trash bins during extended stays, occasional issues with noisy neighbors, and the lack of cell phone service. Some campers mentioned the iron taste of the water...
Based on 17 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Campers recommend bringing your own drinking water due to the iron taste of the pump water and ensuring you have all necessary supplies as the campground is remote. Avoid site #2 if looking for...
Based on 17 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
Summer months are the most popular for camping, with reviews highlighting the warm weather and accessibility of nearby attractions. The campground's remote location and lack of cell service make it...
Based on 17 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
1. 'The vault bathroom was super clean. I appreciate the work that the forest service does to maintain these beautiful parks.' (Laurie P.) 2. 'Sites were large and fairly level. Heavily wooded giving...
Based on 17 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
1. Site #2: Adjacent to the group site, and some users reported noise issues. 2. Site #6: Described as spacious with good privacy and a path to the lake. 3. Site #8: Praised for ultimate privacy and...
Based on 17 reviewsShow more
Accessibility Features
Accessibility is not frequently mentioned in user reviews, but sites closer to facilities such as the vault toilets may be more convenient for individuals with mobility challenges.
Based on 17 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
The campground allows up to two pets per site. No specific user reviews addressing pet-related experiences were found.
Based on 17 reviewsLast updated November 24, 2025
Advertisement