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Camping
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Established Camping

Island Lake

CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BYFord

Island Lake, near Munising, Michigan, is a rustic campground that offers a peaceful escape surrounded by the beauty of Hiawatha National Forest. With sites that provide a good amount of privacy and a stunning view of the lake, it’s a perfect spot for those looking to unwind and connect with nature.

Campers often rave about the quiet atmosphere, making it an ideal place for relaxation. Many appreciate the direct access to the lake, which is just a short walk away, perfect for a morning paddle or a sunset stroll. One visitor noted, “Waking up to a beautiful sunrise over the lake made it great.”

While the campground keeps things simple with vault toilets and no running water, it encourages a true back-to-nature experience. Be sure to pack your own supplies, including water and toilet paper, and don’t forget the bug spray! The lack of modern amenities means you can really disconnect and enjoy the serenity of the surroundings.

For those who enjoy a bit of adventure, the area offers plenty of opportunities for hiking and exploring the stunning landscapes of the national forest. Just a short drive from Munising, you can also find local attractions and dining options to round out your trip. Whether you’re camping in a tent or an RV, Island Lake is a solid choice for a peaceful getaway.

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Location

Island Lake is located in Michigan

Detail location of campground

Directions

From the intersection of M-28 and Forest Highway 13, just a couple miles east of Munising, drive south 8.8 miles to FR 2268, or Buckhorn Road. Turn right (southwest) on FR 2268 and drive 2.2 miles on FR 2268 and FR 2254 to FR 2557. Turn left (south) on FR 2557 and drive 0.8 mile to Island Lake Campground.

Address

P.O. Box 171
Munising, MI 49862

Coordinates

46.2708333 N
86.6513889 W

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Connectivity

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    Verizon
    No Coverage
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    AT&TLTE
    Some Coverage

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Detours Nearby

LOCAL FAVORITES PRESENTED BYToyota Trucks
Mckeever Cabin

Mckeever Cabin

3 min away

Tom's Lake Cabin

Tom's Lake Cabin

6 min away

Drive Time

Presented byToyota Trucks

Connectivity

Presented byT-Mobile SatelliteT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    Verizon
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&TLTE
    Some Coverage

Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)
  • Group

Features

For Campers

  • Trash
  • Picnic Table
  • Reservable
  • Drinking Water
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

For Vehicles

  • Pull-Through Sites

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Reviews

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4.5

out of 5

5 Reviews

Reviewed Jun. 14, 2022

Secluded & Quiet

Stayed in this secluded little campground that hugs around Island Lake for 3 nights and it was a great experience. The sites 9-11 are distanced from the others and that’s where I stayed. Upsides: no one else was there during our weekend stay, great view of the lake, and just a minute away walking distance from boat access to the lake, and PRIVACY!

Downsides: We thought there would be water available but there is none. Vault toilet near 9-11 doesn’t have a roof so it was wet after some rain.

Things to know: no service, no water/showers, bring your own toilet paper of course, and lots of bug spray, 15 minute drive to Munising!

Site10
Month of VisitJune
  • Review photo of Island Lake by Alexis R., June 14, 2022
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  • Review photo of Island Lake by Alexis R., June 14, 2022
  • (6) View All
Reviewed Feb. 7, 2022

Quiet & Pretty

Smaller, quiet campground in the Hiawatha National Forest. Truly enjoyed this campground in a tent. Thunderstorms at night, woke up to rain, still happy.

Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Island Lake by Shawnee .., February 7, 2022
  • Review photo of Island Lake by Shawnee .., February 7, 2022
  • Review photo of Island Lake by Shawnee .., February 7, 2022
  • (4) View All
Reviewed Aug. 9, 2021

Rustic and popular with a tight boat launch area

Most of the sites were taken already on this Thursday so we moved on to another campground. The sites were large and nicely separated. Each one has a trail to the lake. The road in camp is narrow but it’s one way so it works fine. This is a rustic campground with vault toilets. 

The boat launch is really tight. Getting ourselves out involved backing up our trailer a bit on the narrow road. However the lake looked inviting.

Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Island Lake by Art S., August 9, 2021
  • Review photo of Island Lake by Art S., August 9, 2021
  • Review photo of Island Lake by Art S., August 9, 2021
  • (9) View All
Reviewed May. 9, 2021

Nice State Park and campgrounds

The reservation system is easy enough to use and facilities are sufficient. Plenty to do in the park and in the area. Friendly staff and campers. If any issues arise, the staff will be responsive to your needs. Rustic cabins are available. Check out the campground website at Michigan.gov

Reviewed Aug. 7, 2018

Great place to Get Away

we stayed here over July 4th, 2018, it could not have been a more enjoyable place, small, quiet, and all of the other campers were friendly. waking up to a beautiful sunrise over the lake and the roominess of the sites made it great. but do not go into this expecting luxury, vault toilet, with a 3 walled outhouse and lattice door. all in all I want to go back and some day I will!

  • Review photo of Island Lake by Austin O., August 7, 2018

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping facilities are available at Island Lake Campground?

Island Lake Campground is a rustic facility with vault toilets and a boat launch but no showers or electrical hookups. The campsites are spacious and well-separated, each featuring its own trail to the lake. Sites 9-11 offer more seclusion from other campsites. The campground includes rustic cabins as an alternative to tent camping. The road through the campground is narrow but functions well as a one-way route. This is a small, quiet campground that circles around Island Lake, perfect for those seeking a more primitive camping experience in a beautiful natural setting rather than luxury accommodations.

Where is Island Lake Campground located in Michigan?

Island Lake Campground is located in Michigan's Upper Peninsula within the Hiawatha National Forest. The campground is situated directly on Island Lake, offering lakeside camping with water access. It's a secluded setting that provides a genuine UP wilderness experience while still being accessible by vehicle.

Are there photos available of Island Lake Campground?

Yes, photos of Island Lake Campground are available through multiple sources. You can find images on the Michigan.gov website, which hosts the official campground information page. These photos showcase the beautiful lakeside setting, campsites, and surrounding natural areas. Visitors particularly enjoy capturing sunrise views over the lake, which are quite stunning. The visual documentation helps prospective campers get a better sense of the site layout, natural surroundings, and overall camping environment before planning their trip.