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.