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Map showing campground location near Munising, Michigan
Camper submitted image from Grand Island National Recreation Area — Hiawatha National ForestView 36 Photos
NatureMap showing campground location near Munising, Michigan

Grand Island National Recreation Area — Hiawatha National Forest

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SUMMARY PRESENTED BYT-Mobile

Sitting in Lake Superior just north of Munising Tourist Park Campground, Grand Island is managed by the US Forest Service as part of Hiawatha National Forest and reached only by ferry, a roughly 10-minute crossing from the Grand Island Ferry Service dock. No roads connect it to the mainland. Campers can reserve established sites at recreation.gov, which is worth doing since those sites include bear poles, a practical necessity given the island's active bear population. Cell service is available. Hikers report views of Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore from the trail, and Lake Superior provides a water source for filtering along the route. Bring your own toilet paper, and pick up bug spray at the ferry building before crossing if needed.

Fee Info

Camping fees and reservations are all done on recreation.gov. The $5.00 Day Use Fee is included If you take the Grand Island Ferry Service If you paddle or use your own boat to a day use area you can pay at the self service station.

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There is 1 alert for this campground. Camp safely!

Air Quality at this campground may currently be unhealthy. Please check with the campground before making a reservation.

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Map & DirectionsGrand Island National Recreation Area is located in Michigan near Munising

Detail location of campground
Public Campground

Directions

Visitors 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. Prices and schedules vary from season to season. For information or reservations, call (906) 387-2600 or visit their website at http://www.grandislandup.com/

Address

N8016 Grand Island Landing Rd, Munising, MI 49862
MI

Coordinates

46.44485 N
86.664628 W

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Connectivity

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    Excellent Coverage
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    Last on 7/16/26
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    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
    Verified by 4 users
    Last on 7/16/26
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    AT&T5G
    Excellent Coverage
    Verified by 2 users
    Last on 7/16/26

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Connectivity

Presented byT-MobileT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile5G
    Excellent Coverage
    Verified by 14 users
    Last on 7/16/26
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
    Verified by 4 users
    Last on 7/16/26
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T5G
    Excellent Coverage
    Verified by 2 users
    Last on 7/16/26

Access

  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.
  • Hike-In
    Backcountry sites.
  • Boat-In
    Sites accessible by watercraft.

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • Group
  • Cabins
  • Tent Cabin

Features

For Campers

  • Market
  • Phone Service
  • Reservable
  • Drinking Water
  • Pets
  • Fires

Contact

General Info

Reservations

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Reviews2 Camper Reviews - Grand Island National Recreation Area

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2 Reviews

Reviewed Apr. 12, 2026

Grand Experience!

If you are looking for some great views and relatively easy hiking and an adventure then look no further than Grand Island!  Grand Island sits in Lake Superior North of the city of Munising and near-by Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, in fact while hiking the island you will have plenty views of Pictured Rocks!  You will start your experience at the Grand Island Ferry Service where you will purchase you ticket and book your time to cross over to the island. I planned ahead and got there a day early and checked in with the staff to make sure times and tickets were available for my preferred departure.  The ferry service offers a building that offers  gifts and souvenirs available as well as maps of the island and some hiking needs like mosquito nets and bug spray if needed. I would recommend if you're interested in souvenirs or gifts to purchase after your trip back from the island. Parking was free overnight at the ferry station.

 Once you depart for the Island it is maybe a 10 minute ride to the Island.  After getting off the boat you are given clear instructions on how to get back to the mainland when you are ready.

While camping you can book reservations for campsites (or cabins) at www.recreation.gov but it is not necessary as you can camp anywhere on the Island as long as you are 100 ft from cliff edges, roads, other campsites, inland lakes and creeks and trails.  I would recommend booking a reservation as those sites offer bear poles to hang your food from the many bears on the island.  I did not see any bears on my visit but a couple people on the ferry ride back to mainland did see some.

The hike is relatively easy with a few steep climbs. I was told to hike counter clockwise but I wish I would have hiked clockwise instead as it seems there would have been less inclines as well as better on coming views instead of looking back to get views on the west side of the island.  I was able to hike halfway around the island  in a matter of about 3.5 hours and camp out at just around mile 11 where I had water access from Lake Superior to fill up the next morning to complete the entire trip around the island for my hike back to dock. I had to gather and chop my own wood for fire at night but some campgrounds do offer stocked wood for fires, check the Grand Island website to find which ones.

Month of VisitSeptember
  • Review photo of Grand Island National Recreation Area — Hiawatha National Forest by Jay W., April 12, 2026
  • Review photo of Grand Island National Recreation Area — Hiawatha National Forest by Jay W., April 12, 2026
  • Review photo of Grand Island National Recreation Area — Hiawatha National Forest by Jay W., April 12, 2026
  • (32) View All
Reviewed Aug. 4, 2018

Lake Superior Paradise

Excellent back pack camping. No electricity, no plumbing.. just nature. I suggest Murray Bay group site. Excellent location with your own small beach. Bring a bike for travel, see all the lakes, greenery and you must visit waterfall beach. Great camper toilets, but bring TP.

Love this island, 3rd year back!

Month of VisitAugust
  • Review photo of Grand Island National Recreation Area — Hiawatha National Forest by Sophia B., August 4, 2018
  • Review photo of Grand Island National Recreation Area — Hiawatha National Forest by Sophia B., August 4, 2018
  • Review photo of Grand Island National Recreation Area — Hiawatha National Forest by Sophia B., August 4, 2018
  • (4) View All
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Frequently Asked Questions

What camping options are available on Grand Island Michigan?

Grand Island National Recreation Area offers primitive backcountry camping experiences. The island features designated backcountry sites, with Murray Bay group site being a notable option that includes access to a small private beach. All camping on the island is rustic with no electricity or plumbing facilities. These sites are ideal for backpackers seeking an immersive nature experience. There are also camper toilets available throughout the island, though bringing your own toilet paper is recommended. Camping here provides a true wilderness experience surrounded by lakes, forests, and natural attractions.

How do I get to Grand Island National Recreation Area for camping?

Access to Grand Island National Recreation Area is by ferry or boat only. The island is located in Lake Superior near Munising, Michigan. Most visitors take the passenger ferry service that operates during the summer season. Once on the island, transportation is primarily by foot or bicycle, with many campers bringing their own bikes to explore the island's trails and attractions. The island's remote nature is part of its appeal, offering a true wilderness getaway just a short boat ride from the mainland.

Are there cabin rentals available on Grand Island?

Grand Island National Recreation Area does not offer cabin rentals. The island is focused on primitive camping experiences, with backcountry sites being the primary accommodation option. Visitors must bring their own shelter, typically tents for backpack camping. For those seeking more comfort, it's best to check accommodations in nearby Munising or other mainland locations and plan day trips to the island instead.

Is there a map available of Grand Island National Recreation Area?

Yes, maps of Grand Island National Recreation Area are available. Visitors can obtain official maps from the Hiawatha National Forest offices, the ferry service, or the USFS website. These maps show the island's trail system, camping locations, beaches, and points of interest such as Waterfall Beach and Murray Bay. Having a map is essential for navigation as the island features multiple trails and camping areas. For those planning to bike around the island, maps are particularly helpful in planning routes to see the various lakes and natural features.

What do visitors say about Grand Island National Recreation Area?

Grand Island National Recreation Area is highly praised for its pristine natural beauty and wilderness experience. Visitors particularly enjoy the secluded beaches, including Waterfall Beach which is considered a must-visit attraction. The island offers excellent backpacking opportunities with well-maintained trails and basic but functional camper toilets. Many highlight the Murray Bay group site for its excellent location and private beach access. Visitors appreciate the island's numerous lakes and lush greenery. Bringing a bicycle is frequently recommended to fully explore all the island has to offer. Overall, the island provides an authentic, rustic outdoor experience that nature enthusiasts value.

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