After taking a ferry for a few hours across 12 miles of Lake Michigan, you finally arrive on North Manitou Island! The crossing helps to really remove you from the mainland you left behind.

Even better, in addition to the official campsites, with a backpacking permit you can camp almost anywhere on the island. Camping near the beach (300 ft) was my choice, and the sunsets and cool breeze did not disappoint. I even got to watch a small rainstorm roll in across the lake, and hurry up the dune to my tent when it got close.