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Nature
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Roads
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Signs & Maps
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Facilities

Established Camping

Island Lake

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.

Description

USDA Forest Service

Hiawatha National Forest

Overview

Island Lake Campground is a small and quiet campground nestled in a mostly pine forest. Island Lake offers great fishing for anglers with small boats or canoes.

Recreation

Island Lake offers excellent fishing and canoeing or kayaking. Anglers fish for largemouth bass, blue gill and perch. The campground offers fishing from shore. Island Lake Campground features a boat slip for small carry-in boats or canoes. Other popular activities include hiking, biking and ATV trails.

Natural Features

Although there are a few mixed hardwood trees in the area, this campground is favored by those individuals who like to camp in a classic pine forest setting.

Nearby Attractions

There are many waterfalls to see in the area, as well as the popular Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore and Grand Island, located just 15 miles away at Lake Superior.

Suggest an Edit

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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Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site

Stay Connected

  • WiFi
    Available
  • Verizon
    Poor
  • AT&T
    Unknown
  • T-Mobile
    Unknown

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

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 is the max vehicle length at Island Lake?

    Island Lake allows vehicles up to 45 feet.

  • Are fires allowed at Island Lake?

    Yes, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, fires are allowed at Island Lake, although make sure to check current fire restrictions in the area.

  • Does Island Lake have wifi?

    No, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, Island Lake does not have wifi.

  • How hard is it to get a campsite at Island Lake?

    Some campers book as far as 6 months in advance, so on high-demand weekends it can be very difficult to get a campsite at Island Lake. If you want to get a last-minute campsite at Island Lake, try setting up a text message Alert atTheDyrt.com/alerts

  • Why is it so hard to get a campsite at Island Lake?

    There are 11 campsites at Island Lake and over 80 million Americans who camp! Try snagging a cancellation by setting up a text message Alert atTheDyrt.com/alerts