Dispersed camping options in and around Au Train, Michigan extend beyond Grand Island, offering secluded sites throughout Hiawatha National Forest. Most areas require a short hike or boat access, creating natural buffers between campsites. Tent camping opportunities range from established sites with minimal amenities to completely undeveloped areas where campers must be entirely self-sufficient. Winter access remains extremely limited, with most sites closed from November through April due to heavy snow accumulation.
What to do
Kayak to island sites: Shelter Ridge Campsite provides an excellent paddling destination approximately 10 miles from William's Landing. "When camping here, bring your kayak inland off the beach. The strong winds here should not be trusted. You can access the campground by North Light Creek beach," notes a GoWhereYouAreDraw N.
Wildlife watching: Duck Lake Campsite serves as a prime location for observing local fauna. "Bear box and pole to keep food safe and a lot of blueberries around when in season!" reports a camper who visited in August.
Biking the island: Grand Island features an extensive trail network ideal for mountain biking. A visitor to Grand Island National Recreation Area recommends: "Bring a bike for travel, see all the lakes, greenery and you must visit waterfall beach."
What campers like
Beach proximity: Multiple campgrounds offer direct shoreline access. "It was nice to have a day to relax on the beach which is right in front of the site. Best part, it was nice enough for us to take a dip in Lake Superior!" shares an October visitor to Shelter Ridge Campsite.
Secluded locations: Road's End Campsite earns praise for its isolation. According to one camper, the site is "Quiet (unless the wind is roaring off the bay), private and off the path, with a pretty decent view of the bay."
Unexpected amenities: Despite their remote nature, several sites offer surprising conveniences. At Hemlock Campsite, a camper discovered: "Free firewood is provided right near the entrance to the campsite. We had no idea about this, and it was a great surprise."
What you should know
Insect populations: Mosquitoes and flies present significant challenges during warm months. A visitor to Channel Marker Campsite warns: "MOSQUITOES!!! They were horrible! We applied copious amounts of deet bug spray but these little buggers did not care. Swarms followed us and when they dispersed...the horse flies would start their attack flight patterns."
Water availability: Plan accordingly for water sources. At Road's End Campsite: "No water access, so make sure you hike some in," advises a reviewer. Conversely, Hemlock Campsite offers unexpected water access: "Potable well water is available along the hike in to the site, about .5 miles from the Hemlock campsite."
Changing regulations: Some previously available dispersed sites now prohibit camping. Lake Superior Beachfront has recent restrictions according to visitors: "There are several signs saying 'No Camping' and 'Day Use Only,'" reports a July 2024 reviewer.
Tips for camping with families
Site selection for children: Channel Marker provides relatively easy access for families with younger children. "The channel marker campsite is the perfect distance (about a half mile on a well maintained flat trail) from the ferry dock and could be accessed by water too!" notes a summer visitor.
Group camping options: For larger family gatherings, specific sites accommodate multiple tents. "I suggest Murray Bay group site. Excellent location with your own small beach," recommends a repeat visitor to Grand Island National Recreation Area.
Hammock opportunities: Some sites offer tree configurations suitable for hammock sleeping. At Little Dune I Campsite, a camper found the "sites were better than expected and very well maintained," though space remains limited at many locations.
Tips from RVers
Vehicle restrictions: Most tent camping near Au Train prohibits RV access entirely. Gamefence Campsite and similar locations require either "a ferry boat or sea kayak paddle away from the main land near the town of Munising," as one visitor explains.
Parking limitations: For RVers seeking tent camping experiences, secure mainland parking requires advance planning. The ferry landing offers limited overnight parking for Grand Island access, with no hookups or facilities available.
Weather considerations: Strong winds impact tent stability throughout the region. A Shelter Ridge camper notes being "quiet (unless the wind is roaring off the bay)," indicating weather patterns that could challenge both tent campers and RVers attempting setup.
Legend
