Established Camping
Island Lake (MI) — Huron Manistee National Forests
Warning 1 Alert is In Effect
There is 1 alert for this campground. Camp safely!
Warning 1 Alert is In Effect
There is 1 alert for this campground. Camp safely!
USE CAUTION - KNOW BEFORE YOU GO!The recent ice storm on March 29, 2025 and subsequent wind events have left many downed and damaged trees across the Mio Ranger District of the Huron-Manistee National Forests that have interrupted recreation opportunities on motorized and non-motorized trails.Crews are actively working to clear trees and debris from Forest Service roads and trails.Visitors should expect down trees and other debris on trails and roads Please slow down and use caution. Access to areas may be limited on the Forest. This may impact the ability of first responders, such as ambulance and fire first responders, to respond to an emergency. Hikers, equestrians and motorized trail users can locate affected trails on our website at or call the Mio Ranger District Office at (989) 826-3252.https://www.fs.usda.gov/r09/huron-manistee/alerts
Island Lake in the Huron-Manistee National Forests features forested terrain with numerous lakes and rivers. Temperatures range from lows of 20°F in winter to highs of 80°F in summer. Nearby, visitors can explore the Au Sable River and Hartwick Pines State Park.
Description
Overview
Island Lake Campground is a popular campground and picnic area featuring a swimming beach marked with buoys on the 58-acre Island Lake.__Located on the southern edge of the Mio Ranger District of the Huron-Manistee National Forest, this site is a short drive North on M-33 from Rose City, MI. This site is gated in the off-season. Island Lake Brochure and Map.
Recreation
Water Activities: Island Lake is a popular location for swimming, fishing, and non-motorized boating. The water tempurate is cold with a maximum depth of 25 feet. Anglers can expect to catch sunfish, perch, and bass. Visitors can carry-in kayaks, canoes, and other non-motorized watercraft a short distance from the day use parking area to day use beach. Hiking: There is a 1.25 mile loop trail that departs from the campground. A spur trail off the main loop connects Island Lake Campground with Loon Lake Day Use Area. OHV Riding: Nearby M-33 trailhead provides OHV riders with access to the Mack Lake Motorized Trail System and the Bull Gap Hill Climb Area . Additionally, a large majority of Forest Service roads are open to OHV use. Please refer to the motor vehicle use map (MVUM) to understand which roads are open to OHV use.
Facilities
The campground provides handpump wells for drinking water, several vault toilets, and trash collection services. The embedded day use area also provides visitors with picnic tables and grills.__Campsites at Island Lake have paved parking pads, picnic tables, campfire rings, and lantern posts.
Natural Features
Island Lake is a small, sheltered lake. It's namesake Island is visable from the day use area. Several of the campsites offer views of Island Lake through the trees. The forest around the campground is mixed hardwoods with many wildlife and waterfowl viewing opportunites. Island Lake and the surrounding landscape are the result of glacial retreat and showcases some of Michigan's geologic history. While retreating from Michigan, glaciers left behind a pattern of broad ridges, called moraines. A chaotic arragnement of deep circular depressions and winding ridges,__the Island Lake campground and Island Lake nature trail takes visitors through part of the West Branch Morraine.
Contact Info
This location is unstaffed. To speak with our main office for general information, please call: (989) 826-3252.
Charges & Cancellations
All reservation changes, cancellations, and refunds are managed through Recreation.gov.
Location
Island Lake (MI) — Huron Manistee National Forests is located in Michigan
Directions
From West Branch: Travel east on M-55 for 5 miles. Turn left and travel north on M-33 for 16 miles. Turn left and travel west on Loon Lake Loop Rd. for 1 mile. The site is located on the left.
Coordinates
44.509999 N
84.14167 W
Detours Nearby
Mack Lake ORV Campground — Huron Manistee National Forests
17 min away
Huron-Manistee National Forest
33 min away
Drive Time
- 1 hr 4 min from Bay City
- 1 hr 13 min from Saginaw
- 1 hr 14 min from Midland
- 1 hr 33 min from Traverse City
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
Connectivity
T-MobileNo Coverage- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
Features
For Campers
- Reservable
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Water Hookups
