Piety Island
Piety Island
$0.00 - $22.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Nonelectric campsites are priced at $12.00, $22.00, or free depending on the season. Displayed rates do not reflect discounts, taxes, or...
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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
Total Campsite Fees$0.00
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ProviderAbout this campground
Escape the crowds at Piety Island Campground, where 22 secluded sites await those willing to hike in or arrive by boat. This first-come, first-served gem rewards adventurous spirits with an atmosphere of profound tranquility and breathtaking natural vistas. While the campground's remote nature means facilities are more rustic and maintenance can be sporadic, many visitors find this adds to its authentic, off-the-beaten-path charm. Pack out what you pack in to help preserve this peaceful retreat for fellow nature enthusiasts.
Piety Island Campground caters to primitive camping, with no reservations and minimal facilities. It includes tent sites and is accessible mainly by boat or during winter when the lake is low.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the dynamic personality of Piety Island throughout the seasons. Summer brings stretches of sun-drenched days perfect for water activities, punctuated by dramatic rainstorms that transform the landscape. Winter reveals a different magic, with crisp mornings hovering around 34°F warming to pleasant 46°F afternoons—ideal weather for invigorating hikes without summer's crowds. Come prepared for nature's moods, as conditions can shift from bone-dry weeks to periods of refreshing downpours that bring the forest to life.
ElevationPerched at a comfortable 537 feet above sea level, Piety Island Campground serves as the perfect basecamp for explorers of all abilities. The surrounding trail network features gentle, gradual elevation changes that invite leisurely exploration while still offering enough variety to keep things interesting. This modest elevation provides just enough lift to enhance views while maintaining accessibility for families and casual hikers.
Natural Features and SceneryWake up to nature's masterpiece at campsite 1, where early risers are treated to spectacular sunrise vistas that paint the landscape in golden hues. Throughout the campground, each site offers its own unique window into the island's natural beauty. Recent wildfire activity has created a landscape in transition, where resilient nature demonstrates its remarkable ability to regenerate, offering visitors a chance to witness the forest's renewal firsthand.
Campsite details
AccessibilityNo specific information about accessibility features was provided.
Sites SizeCampsites are likely of standard size as no specific information about larger or smaller sites was provided.
Sites PrivacyNo specific details about the privacy of the sites were provided in the available information.
Total Campsites22 campsites
Recommended CampsitesChoose campsite 1 for its scenic views.
Best CampsitesCampsite 1 is noted for its "spectacular" early morning views.
Reserving a campsite
Groups
No specific information about group sites was provided.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutThe 22 sites at Piety Island are equipped with picnic tables and fire rings, but access requires hiking or boating.
Open and Closed SeasonThe campground opens January 1, 2024, and operates as first-come, first-serve from June 20, 2025, to June 21, 2025.
Walk-in AvailabilityThis campground is available only on a first-come, first-serve basis during specific periods from June 20, 2025, to June 21, 2025.
Cancellation PolicyChanges to reservations carry a $10 fee. Cancellations are charged $10 and may incur penalties if canceled close to the check-in date. Late cancellations forfeit the first night's fee.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Activities at Piety Island Campground focus on outdoor recreation in a natural setting. Boating is the primary means of accessing the campground, and hiking opportunities are available in the nearby area. The lack of on-site amenities and maintenance issues may impact the overall activity experience.
Hiking
Hiking opportunities include trails near the area, such as the route to Piety Knob, which features gradual uphill terrain with some debris and fire damage. The hike is described as beautiful though the views are not spectacular.Boating
Boating is a key activity as the campground is primarily accessed by boat. Visitors typically use Detroit Flats Day Use Area as a staging ground.Winter Activities
The area is accessible in winter when the lake is at its lowest, allowing hikers to walk to the island.Water Sports
Boating is the primary water activity; kayaking or canoeing may also be possible given the boat-in nature of the campground, though not explicitly detailed.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
Hazards
General hazardsSafety concerns include broken glass and trash. Vaulted toilets are reportedly unusable, creating sanitation issues.
Active alertsVaulted toilets were closed due to COVID-19. Fire damage was noted in the area.
Weather forecast
52
°F
Oct 10
Friday
Light drizzle
Precipitation: 0.4%
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Humidity: 86%
High humidity, may feel muggy
Wind: 2.8 mph
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Very Light Rain - (0.40% chance)
Slight drizzle possible
Light drizzle
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
Good to know
Peak season datesJanuary 1, 2024 - January 1, 2026
Trash and recyclingUser reviews highlight the presence of trash and broken glass, indicating a lack of proper maintenance or recycling facilities.
Proximity to water featuresLocated on an island accessible by hiking or boating. Detroit Flats Day Use Area offers access to the lake bed and trails leading to Piety Island.
Common complaintsRecurring issues include lack of maintenance, unusable outhouses, trash, and broken glass.
Campground Map
Camper Reviews
0.0
3 reviews

Piety Island has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews of Piety Island Campground highlight its scenic views and quiet environment but criticize the lack of maintenance, safety concerns from litter and broken glass, and the poor condition of vault toilets.
Review Summaries
Based on 3 reviews
What Campers Love
Positive aspects mentioned in user reviews include the spectacular early morning views from specific campsites, such as campsite #1, and the overall quiet and peaceful atmosphere of the island.
Based on 3 reviewsCommon Concerns
Negative feedback centers around maintenance issues, including vault toilets described as unusable, the presence of trash and broken glass making the area unsafe, and the lack of running water.
Based on 3 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Visitors are advised to bring their own water as there is no potable water on the island. Practicing leave-no-trace principles is also recommended to help improve the condition of the campground.
Based on 3 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Reviews from winter highlight accessibility to the island by foot when the lake is low, while summer reviews mention boating access. Maintenance issues appear to be a year-round concern.
Based on 3 reviewsCamper Quotes
"The early morning view from campsite 1 is spectacular, but there is no running water, the outhouses are unusable and there is so much trash and broken glass that it is dangerous not only for dogs...
Based on 3 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Reviewers recommend campsite #1 for its spectacular views. No other site-specific mentions are detailed.
Based on 3 reviewsAccessibility Features
One user noted that Detroit Flats Day Use Area, which connects to Piety Island, has 2 handicap parking spaces and is handicap accessible. No further accessibility reviews for the campground itself...
Based on 3 reviewsShow more
Pet-Friendly Features
A user expressed concern about the safety of the area for dogs due to the presence of broken glass and trash.
Based on 3 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025