Rock Island State Park Campground

We did a quick one-night trip to Rock Island and stayed at one of the backpacking sites. It was fun to take the two ferries in to the island, and the campsite was a very short hike from the dock. We did a day hike around the whole island that afternoon/evening and departed the next day. I would not have wanted to stay for longer than the one night since the island is too small to permit much in the way of day hiking, but it was a fun destination for the short trip.

I visited Rock Island on 8/12/23, during the peak Perseid meteor shower viewing period. Rock island SP is a dark sky spot and combine that with lesser people around, it was a perfect location for stargazing!

About the site(20): Very spacious but the distance btw the picnic table/tent and the fire ring was somewhat far. Can see the neighbors but far enough to maintain some privacy. A short walk to the beach! There are sites that are closer to the water (i think 26-28) and i would definitely stay in one of those sites next time.

Island in general: Like many people mentioned, there’s a water pump near the boat house and pit toilets scattered thru the campsites. Firewood are sold for $7/bundle during 4:30pm-5:30pm. Bring cash!!

One big no-no: SPIDERS. WHY SO MANY SPDIERS?!?!? spiders are crawling everywhere. Yeah the beach was so nice and didnt feel like I was in Wisconsin but there are COUNTLESS SPIDERS crawling on the beach. Why?!?!? So no to a picnic blanket, a camp chair is a MUST.

I was only there for one night to see the meteor shower but will definitely return to enjoy the island, check out the lighthouse and come fully prepared for some anti-spiders measures. There’s also a tour led by the ranger/friends of the Rock Island org (not sure which) and SUP/kayak rental as well.

Rock Island is an amazing gem in our state. It takes some extra work and planning to get to, but the reward is worth it. 

We stayed at backpacking site B, which is a little over a mile from the ferry dock. This is where the flush toilets and water are, so prepare for your journey in

We passed the campground which seemed nice. There were several pit toilets and it’s right next to the beach. 

Site B was amazing and one of my favorite sites I’ve stayed at. It was very private, large, and had some beautiful views. We thought site A would be close, but we couldn’t see or hear them. 

The island gets very windy and cold at night. Be prepared and bring extra layers! On the plus side, bugs were very very minimal. 

The ferrys are first come first serve. If you want to get on the first ferry, get down there early.

Rock Island is a real gem. The ferries to the island make the trip there an experience in and of itself. The island is beautiful with loads of history as well as natural beauty.

All sites are hike-in, with the backpack-designated sites (A-D) being about a mile hike from the ferry dock. The backpack sites are all right on the water, in a beautiful stand of cedars on the SE corner of the island. Camping on Rock Island is refreshing for Wisconsin, as more campers are aiming for an experience in nature than that of a weekend-long tailgate party.

Rock Island is so amazing!! It is very secluded because you have to take a ferry over (actually, two!) and the campsites are hike-in only. 

We would highly highly recommend! Our campsite was absolutely perfect, up on the cliff right over the water in a wooded area with a path down to the water. 

It was great, we would hike all day and then come back to watch sunset over the lake. The stars were also incredible! 

We had lots of friends (deer, snakes, toads)! 

We also enjoyed seeing the lighthouse and boathouse. We did self-tours of both and it was so fun learning the history and looking around!

We visited this Park in fall - the last week that the ferry over was running.  There are roughly 40 sites there and there were maybe 4 other campers there - This is in big contrast to the summer when it's packed.  I would call this a walk in site and not a hike in campground which makes is accessible to more folk... and allows one to bring in more gear than if it were a true hike in site.  Wagons are provided to haul gear if desired, water is available at the entrance to the campground.  We were in site #9 - on the water and pretty far from the dock - a lovely site in the dunes.  We spent 2 nights - allowing us to relax and also walk all the trails..... It's a small island so this is very doable.  We had been to Rock Island on several earlier visits but had never camped - glad we did - especially in the shoulder seasons - Don't think I would like it as much in summer, too crowded.... I'd head to Newport State Park first - much more solitude - and many more miles of hiking.  The boat house on Rock Island is stunning, worth the trip just to see that, and the light house also cool

It was incredible - the island is so peaceful, you can hear the peaceful waves of Lake Michigan all night. The beaches are wonderful, and the sights are spectacular. It is hike-in, but such a great place - e will definitely be going back!

I was able to see the sunset one night and the sunrise the next (see photos). I love this campground.

We stayed at backpacking site B. In our opinion the best backpacking site in the island. It's secluded, tree covered but offers great views of Lake Michigan. The backpacking sites are only 1-2 miles from the dock. The park/island itself is only roughly 7 miles. There are a few trails to hike, a lighthouse to explore and the dock area. They do have a small building that contains outdoor equipment(balls, frisbees,bocce ball etc) to use. It's a nice relaxing little adventure. Ferries come a few times a day to pick up/drop off, approx 15 min ride from Washington island. Bugs and flies can be bad so be prepared :) as fare as the campground goes, sites 15 &16 supposed to be the best, again in our opinion.

Rock Island is an absolute must see! It requires 2 ferry rides to get to the island. All campsites are hike in and it’s recommended to pack light. A few carts are provided to haul gear if needed. There are many sites that are right on the water, which provides a relaxing night listening to the waves as you fall asleep under the stars. There is very little light pollution and star gazing is a must. The island has a great history that can be explored by hiking to the Potowatomi lighthouse and poking around the boathouse by the ferry dock. Abundant hiking trails make for good exploration and wildlife spotting. There is a nice beach for swimming and plenty of shoreline to explore.

Beautiful, private campgrounds on a ferry only island. Very few accommodations once on the island...oh and the water is always cold. That said, the views and hikes around the island are unveatable

Hands down our favorite Wisconsin State Park! Great day or weekend trip! You have to take a Ferry from Washington Island and carry/backpack on your gear (no cars or bikes allowed). Can utilize your own boat for a fee (first come first serve basis). No showers, but flush toilets and water available. Private campsites, located in wooded or sandy areas. Lighthouse tour, and neat hiking (easy to moderate). Dogs are allowed which is a big plus for us! The staff were also very enthusiastic and accommodating to questions and to sharing the history of Rock Island. Great way to get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life!

As its name implies, this park is an island, so a small boat (passengers only, no cars) will take you over to it. The boat docks next to an old boathouse, which sits in a big mowed field. It's a great spot for kids to play. We had a great time with flying kites and playing soccer!

On a rainy day, the boathouse is a great spot to explore the history and ecology of the island. We learned that the spot was used by liquor runners during the days of prohibition, which was of great interest to the little ones.

The deets: the simple campsites are nicely separated from each other. There are vault toilets and water is available at the boathouse. Highly recommend this trip, especially with kids!