Fisherman's Island State Park Campground

So far this campground has been my favorite rustic campground. You can't beat the location because it is absolutely gorgeous right on Lake Michigan. Each site is secluded and there are about 10 sites that are directly on Lake Michigan. The beach is sandy with plenty of cool rocks for rock hunting. People complain of the concrete factory but I hardly noticed it.

The cement factory had me worried, but I barely noticed it after awhile. We stayed in the front loop, closest to the park entrance. You could hear the hum of the factory at night, but it didn’t drown out the experience. Most sites are fairly secluded, and the campground was quiet. Sites 2 and 3 don’t have much privacy between them, but we made do. Outhouses were some of the nicer ones I’ve used. The water station was down in the front loop, but there are a couple in the back you can use. Overall, I would recommend!

As good as it gets if u get a beachfront site, but the rest aren’t bad either. No electricity, so have solar ready. Nice trails down to the beach, fount Petosky stones there

We were fortunate enough to snag one of the drive through beach sites. It wasn’t very level but we were able to make it work. Found a good amount of petosky stones. It was secluded, except for a few people walking the beach to look for rocks. I didn’t expect the cement factory right down the shoreline so feel like it took away from the scenery but I don’t remember it being that loud from where we were.

Ah, so many great reviews on this place, so I went. To my surprise, a big concrete factory is right next to the campground. It made loud noises all day and night. Also it makes a constant loud vibration that never stopped. I can't believe not one single person mentioned this in their reviews. Will not be staying here again because of the loud noises from the factory. So many other campgrounds that are much quieter on the water.

Fisherman's Island State campground is an off grid experience. Well maintained sites some on the beach others in the woods. No electric or water hook ups. Outhouses are fairly well maintained. Hiking trails were great! You can find maps on AllTrails. Wonderful beach and swimming areas.

Enjoyed our brief stay here. Camped at one of the 15 beach sites. There’s an additional large beach at the end of the road which is a great place to swim and bring the dog. Camp sites along the beach are spacious, plenty of room to move around and jump in the lake or go rock hunting. Primitive campground without water, electric or dump station. Sunsets were great. Mosquitos almost non-existent at our site on the water. Hiking trail through the park. Easy biking through the campground. Nice area to paddle board or swim.

Private sites with rolling hills to separate the noise from other sites. 5 minute walk to the beach from nearly every site. Each site has a fire ring and table all in good condition. Since the foliage is thick, protect for bugs - run Thermacell. Since we use hot water on demand, the manual hand pump was a pain, but appreciated. I loved how the campground was 8 minutes to downtown Charlevoix which allowed us time to eat as a family and relax and watch the boats. I found a beautiful romantic stream at the far end of the south loop, just drive until the main road ends. Great hike!

Would go again.

Loved our stay here. The South campground was quiet and serene, only a short drive along Lake Michigan from the park entrance, past the north campground. Beach/lake access was a short walk from our campsite just across the dirt road, down a sandy path through the woods. Although the campground was fully booked during our weekend stay, I wouldn’t have noticed. No noise issues like others have mentioned. The site was clean and spacious with a ‘backyard’ of surrounding tall trees. The water was amazing all weekend — we swam multiple times a day. I had a hard time leaving. Maybe next time I’ll try for a waterfront site, but absolutely not necessary to enjoy this place.

Campsites are well maintained and clean. Nice large campfire raised rings. Ranger station has helpful staff.

Trails to beach are easy with endless beautiful water and sand.

We went there tenting as two couples and there was more than enough room for our tents and dogs. With plenty of hiking trails and only a small walk to the beach, we had plenty to do. The vault toilets were not the most well kept, but that was the only downfall to an amazing camping trip right on the lake.

Our family really enjoyed the scenery and the proximity to Charlevoix and Lake Michigan. Unfortunately we just couldn’t quite handle the level of mosquitos there. We found the site to be comfortable and well-kept. The walking trails are beautiful.

Really enjoyed Fisherman’s Island on the shores of Lake Michigan! We were in site 2 and it was very spacious and flat, with a fire pit and picnic table. Mature trees surrounded the whole site, which really gave it a woodsy feel. Site 2 was directly across from a water station and just a few hundred feet from the pit toilet, which was well kept.

A quick (less than 3 min walk) to the beach, which can be accessed by two short paths (one you have to jump down over some roots, so stay on the one to the left). Really nice beach for most of the shoreline and then becomes rockier as you go one way. Beautiful sunsets. The water was cold, but swimmable temperature-wise (not for too long). Lots of rock throwing into the lake, which my 5-year old loves to do (slow-mo video in the pictures).

Quick drive to Charlevoix. Very easy to access the state park and they sell firewood in the park (actually right next to Site 2).

Amazing site right on the lake. A short walk to the car was worth it for the privacy of the site

Not overly-loaded with campers. Long paved roads for kiddos with bikes, but still really woodsy. We got a site right on Lake Michigan and it was amazing. Rocky beach access, wave sounds lulling me to sleep, view of the lake sunset from my fire.

Fall camped here. First time and it lived up to all the good reviews! Absolutely beautiful fall colors throughout the campground! Got a pull through Lake MI-front site (34). Got to hear waves day and night. Hiked to closed south campground and beach. Colors even more spectacular there! Once south campground gets opened, most of those sites are in woods and not waterfront but very large. Each site with picnic table and fire pit. Bring your own grate as those aren’t provided. Potable water from hand pump and was unable (water bandit didn’t fit) to fill camper water tank which was my only complaint. Pit toilets clean. The summary of this campground is incorrect-there are not showers nor electricity. It is a rustic campground. Will definitely put this campground on my favorites list!!

Just to the south of the quaint tourist town of Charlevoix, Michigan lies the quiet and stunning lakeside campground of Fisherman’s Island State Park. Unlike many modern state parks this one harkens back to my childhood summers of camping next to the big lake, without any electricity, or indoor plumbing. If you’re looking for simple and beautiful, this is your spot. 

There are two main loops for campsites and also a dozen or so lakeside spots, some back-in and some pull-through. Expect these to be reserved on busy summer weekends, because they are the reason to camp here for sure. The southern loop and lakeside sites were closed because of a washout along the shore road, so capacity within the park is running lower than usual, and who knows when repairs will be made. The road is still accessible on foot or on bike, so the fact that it’s closed makes for an amazing hike or ride, take advantage while you can. 

The bathrooms are the typical stinky Michigan pit toilets, and the fresh water from the well pump leaves something to be desired but the sunsets and the swimming opportunities more than make that up– 200 times! The only distraction in the view department is the nearby cement plant along the shore,½ mile away, lending a distinctive industrial feel to the northern vista. 

Charlevoix offers pretty much anything you might need and is less than 10 miles away, be sure to check out the world’s largest Cherry Pie pan on the way. Fudge, ice cream, and a chance to see the local“Mushroom Houses” brings people from Memorial Day through Halloween, so know that there’s likely to be a crowd and plan accordingly.

If you are wanting to camp right on the lake, this is your place. Our site 33 wasn't even the best one. Several sites sit right on the beach. Sites are semi private depending on how loud your neighbors are. We have t mobile and had cell service at our site. There is a cement factory to the right but it couldnt ruin our stay. Pit toilets are spaced out, there is wood for sale for $10 a tub and water is only available toward the front, but the site!!! Lake Michigan is unfortunately above its highest levels and this has resulted in a great deal of erosion. This means the Channel Campground is closed except to foot or bike traffic so if you are willing to hike or bike 2 miles each way, you have access to an empty beach. We loved our stay and will definitely get back here.

We were luck enough to snag the last waterfront site one weekend in August 2019 and oh my goodness what a wonderful experience. This is a relatively small camp ground where the sites are not right on top of one another and there is enough tree/brush growth that you have a decent amount of privacy. The lake shore sites are right on lake Michigan and you basically have your own private lake access. It is a more rocky area of shore but great for looking for Petoskey stones. Each site has a fire ring, there is a water pump up front as well as vault toilets throughout. We didn't explore the trails too much but we did drive back to the main sandy beach area and that was also lovely. Dogs are allowed on the beach and there was a little peninsula you could walk out to when the tide wasn't too high. We were planning to go back this year but our plans were cancelled because of COVID19. I am really hoping we can make it up there again this season although you need to book early if you want a beach site. I am hoping the South end of the park with the large beach didn't get totally washed out by the rising lake levels.

Amazing rustic park, DNR was called on us at 9pm for being too loud even thought it was before quiet hours. So if you’re going you can’t be too rowdy. Views are worth it though

Top three things that are best about this state camp ground are as listed:

1. Camp sites are huge. Plenty of room for multiple tents. Also all have trees for shade or a hammock.

2. Camp sites are NOT on top of each other. Usually you only get this in the backcountry. I was very impressed for rustic camping I had privacy and plenty of room.

3. The beach was fantastic. Lovely shoreline. Lots of cool beach rocks. The day use area is also very accessible.

The only major con is that it is next door to a cement facility. So yes you will sorta see if from the beach and you will see it when you drive up to go into the park. Other than that you won’t really know it’s there. I will say if you like airplanes the beaver island is nearby and A LOT of planes do fly by. So if you’re looking for library quite... this isn’t it but it pretty dang close.

The vaulted bathrooms were fine. There was water accessible as well. A great place and I would totally come back!

This park is so pretty! Some of the beach sites offer walk in wooded areas with their own private trails to the water. There is also drive around and pull up sites available for campers and tents. The sites are not overly close together either, which can sometimes be an issue at state parks. Picnic table, fire rings, and wooded areas at each site. Bathrooms available in the main parts. So many beautiful areas to explore around this park as well. I can’t get enough.

Huge selection of sites between 2 different campgrounds, from a huge RV to tents or hammocks, there are power and non-electric sites for fair prices. We made a last minute reservation, so didn't have a site next to the lake, but the walk from our spot (south campground, site 46) to the beach was easy enough. Once we got to the lake we found Petoskey stones and fossils like crazy! It's unbelievable how many there were. The sand was nice and the campground overall was clean and quiet. Rangers were very nice and test the water pumps every day. Beautiful views. Lots of deadfall for firewood for those who chose to gather. Sites are within viewing distance but not completely on top of each other. Would definitely stay again and spend more time on the hiking trails and looking for stones and fossils!

Fishermans is a rustic campground right on Lake Michigan and is very close to Charlevoix and all the town has to offer. Their rustic waterfront sites look gorgeous! If I had gotten one of those, this would be a 5 star review. As it was, the sites off the water are ok. We had a gravel pull through site, which made it hard to find a spot to pitch the tent. If I could get a waterfront site, I’d be back in a heartbeat!

Great place. Awesome hiking and rock picking. Very quiet and left natural. We will be going again.

Driving in to the campground, wear your blinders as there's a concrete plant right next door. I camped this past week and there were signs the park hadn't been used by many at all just yet. On the sites just a few yards away from Lake Michigan, the fall leaves and winter branch droppings remained on most of the sites, which seemed decent sized, but remember I am a tent camper. Pit toilets and water available. I did not meet or see camp host. There are two campgrounds, north and south, and both have a handful of sites right on Lake Michigan. North lakeside sites you can pull into, South lakeside sites some you park on the road. Not to worry, it's maybe 20 steps to the middle of your site, so really isn't an issue. Loved my Lakeside site and had some neighbors, but the low shrubs made for good privacy. Those with small kiddos may want to opt for interior site as lake sites are RIGHT ON THE WATER. Good time, some noise during the day from the cement plant, stores nearby. I will return.

Rustic sites that are a fair ways apart, some sites have more privacy than others. A few spots offer your own trail to get to the somewhat rocky shoreline. This is probably my favorite place to camp at the moment.

This is a relatively low key park compared to most state parks in Michigan. It is tucked away down an industrial road where unfortunately a power plant of some kind is located, but when you are in the park and on the shores of Lake Michigan, you easily forget about the eyesore you passed to get there. We enjoyed walking the shore and looking for petoskey stones. Found a crab and crawfish while we were looking. The campground was spacious and shaded. Many of the sites were full but it felt mostly private. When we arrived at our site, the previous campers had left us a care package of kindling, newspaper and wood chips to get a fire started, as well as a few logs. We met a woman who was by herself and camping for her very first time. She asked us to teach her how to start a campfire because the YouTube videos she had watched on how to do it weren’t working for her. I hope you keep camping, Molly! The vault toilets were a little run down but clean. Firewood is for sale on the honor system. The wildlife is beyond tame. I know that feeding wildlife is frowned upon, but we had a chipmunk that was relentless. He was bound and determined to eat every Michigan cherry we had, which was a lot. I would return here to camp at any time.

Many sites right on the shoreline, and some of the best rock hunting on the beach.

There are plenty of sites all along the shore of Lake Michigan! it gave the illusion of our own private beach and even though we had a camper at the site next to ours it was still very private because of all the trees in between. Waking up to the sound of crashing waves was so relaxing. It even thunderstormed while we were there and it’s still one of my favorite camping trips ever! Plus nice hiking trails as well!