Best Camping in and near Rock Island State Park

100% (6 reviews)

A serene island that gets you away from crowds. Sail in or take the ferry!

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Community favorites near Rock Island State Park

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Public campgrounds in the park
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Stay at a public campground in Rock Island State Park

Top-rated campgrounds near Rock Island State Park

98%

(86)

Elli's Lazy Days Resort & Campground

13 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents8 acres · Manistique, MI

Beautiful campground located on the Westshore of Indian Lake in Manistique, MI near Big Springs ( Kitch-iti-kipi), Hiawatha National Forest and many ATV/Snowmobile trails.

96%

(40)

Surf Camp on Lake Michigan

1 site · RV, Tent10 acres · Manistique, MI

Best Hipcamp in Michigan Finalist Just 20 minutes from Kitch-iti-kipi, surf camp is the quintessential U.P. hideaway. Located on Lake Michigan’s Garden Peninsula, the east-facing beach is perfect for watching sunrises with your morning coffee. Enjoy evening campfires tucked in a cedar grove or take the kayak for a paddle to have an authentic Michigan experience. Perfect for writing or meditation retreats and family getaways. Conveniently located, it's a short drive to Kitch-iti-kipi (Big Spring), Fayette State Historic Park, and an easy day trip to Marquette or Pictured Rocks in Munising. The camper on site will be locked, but feel free to tent, car camp, or bring your own RV here as well. The site includes a self-contained privy. No electricity or water hookups make this a rustic experience.

84%

(16)

Indian Lake RV Resort & Campground

99 sites · RVs, Tents50 acres · Manistique, MI

Welcome to Indian Lake RV Resort and Campground, your home away from home in Manistique, Michigan. Nestled in the heart of nature, our campground offers spacious RV sites with full hook-ups, as well as cozy tent sites for those who prefer a more rustic experience. We're situated on the shores of beautiful Indian Lake just a short drive from the Manistique area. Located directly on Michigan’s third largest inland lake, Indian Lake RV Resort provides the opportunity for plenty of swimming, kayaking, canoeing, and fishing during your stay with us. With nearby attractions such as Kitch-iti-kipi, Indian Lake Golf Course, Stoney Point Golf Course, The Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, Tahquamenon Falls, Fayette State Park, TWO Great Lakes (Michigan and Superior), and more within driving distance, our park provides you and your family the perfect spot to spend your vacation and see all the U.P. has to offer. Come relax and unwind with us at Indian Lake RV Resort and Campground! Hiking For those looking for an easy stroll, the Dufour Creek Trail is a perfect place to go. There is little to no elevation gain on the trail. The path is on the shorter side, measuring in at 1.4 miles. The Dufour Creek Trail is generally well-kept, though there can be a few muddy sections when it rains. The path leads through a forest of hemlocks and cedars, fully wooded yet easy to follow. You may also get a glimpse of the native wildlife along the way. Swimming Perhaps the biggest feature of the entire park is the designated swimming beach. The beach remains very popular with guests, due in part to the clean, sandy shoreline as well as the vast, cordoned-off swimming area filled with shallower waters. There are restrooms and showers on site, which also have a reputation for being clean and well-kept. Fishing Indian Lake in Michigan features large swaths of underwater vegetation, making this area a great place for fishing. This is especially true if you are looking for panfish, as you can expect to see plenty of species like bluegill, crappie, and the like. However, there are plenty of other kinds of fish available, including Walleye, Perch, Brown trout, Rock bass, Smallmouth bass, and Northern pike. You’ll find plenty of opportunities to cast your line, whether on the shore or out on the water. Boating Getting out onto the lake can be a peaceful experience. You won’t feel cramped, even when sharing the lake with others as there is plenty of room for everyone. With clear water beneath you and great weather, boating at Indian Lake makes for a great pastime.The lake is fairly shallow, with 90% of the area being less than 15 ft deep. The deepest point is 18 ft. Owners of larger boats should keep this in mind when traversing the lake. If you are looking for water access for paddle sports such as kayaking, there is a carry-on access located at Indian Lake State Park at the Western Shore Unit. Local Eats: One of the best ways to immerse yourself in the culture of a new place is to dive into the local foodie scene and Manistique will not disappoint. Here are a few of the best restaurants, pubs, and local eats in downtown Manistique. - Clyde’s Drive-in - This local dive was straight out of the Movie Grease. Clyde’s has been a resident favorite for years. When you stop by, try some unique staples like the Bison Burger, a Big C Burger with Cheese, or a Pasty with gravy. - Dairy Kream - This local ice cream shop is the perfect pitstop during your vacation to the waterfront district. Dairy Kream has a delectable menu of ice cream including 24 soft-serve flavors, shakes, malts, splits, flurries, and sundaes for every type of ice cream fanatic. - Tap 21 - This American pub in Mansitique serves delicious and indulgent bar favorites like pizza, appetizers, wraps, burgers, garlic cheese curds, and bruschetta. Be sure to pair it with a cold and frothy, local beer. Local Activities: - Check out the Manistique East Breakwater Lighthouse - Walk the Manistique boardwalk - Seul Choix Pointe Lighthouse - Kitch iti Kipi (The Big Spring) - Seney National Wildlife Refuge - Hiawatha National Forest - Fayette Historic State Park - Schoolcraft County Historical Park

100%

(32)

Forest Overlooking River

7 sites · RVs, Tents360 acres · Gladstone, MI

Learn more about this land:Beautiful backwoods birch forest with campfire spots on the edge of Rapid River. We’re within the hour of pictured Rocks National Park and many other beautiful places to visit...We’re only 2.5 miles off of main hwy, US 41 , We have kayaks, four wheelers and hiking /biking roads and trails available for guest..

100%

(101)

Cabin/Campers on Lake

3 sites · Lodging130 acres · Rapid River, MI

Learn more about this land: Cabin on lake with no public access. Camper/RV with large deck on same lake approximately 1200 feet away. Another camper in grassy clearing within the forest, approximately 600 feet away from lake. Owner's home is out of sight and sound 1/4 mile away. Pasture and forest property borders 2500 feet of private lake front. Property also borders the Hiawatha National Forest. Great pike fishing on shallow lake with access to 10' jon boats with oars and single seat kayaks. Life vests available. Cabin is one open room with bunk beds that sleep 4 plus a full size futon. Cooking and dish water is provided by hanging 7 gallon jug over kitchen sinks. No indoor toilets, outhouse available at all three sites. Gas cooking stove and wood burning stove/oven for heat and cooking. Battery powered electric lights. Wood burning interior stove and sauna at cabin. Campers have no interior heat. Water, box of firewood, pots and pans, and utensils provided. Bring food, ice, and drinking water. Bring charcoal and lighter fluid if you want to use small grills outside. Dogs are welcome just not on beds or futon :)

93%

(7)

Chappee Rapids Trappers Cabin

1 site · Lodging15 acres · WI

This is unique historical site where the Indians used to do a lot of trading with a French trader. There are 15 acres of wooded land along the Menominee River next to a county site with picnic tables under a pavilion and a pit toilet. You can hike the trails or relax in the river, or take a boat ride to go exploring or fishing. This is a small one room (8.5' x 13') rustic cabin with a triple twin bunk bed and a full-size air mattress for sleeping. Sheets, pillows and a light blanket are available for each bed. There is an outside cooking space set up with a grill and camp stove, potable water and a tub for washing up or doing dishes. The cabin is right on the water and has great river views. You can paddle a short distance down or up river to the sandbar and hang out with the locals. Maps to these locations by water are in the cabin. Also, there is a glow frisbee for a fun nighttime game (if you have never done this, you have to give it a try, bring glow bracelets to enhance this experience). Amenities that are provided; one RV battery fully charged and recharged by solar with inverter to run electric outlets, lights, ceiling fan, and can charge phones (Will not support a CPAP). A grill, cook stove, coffee percolator, camp shower bag (black/solar heated), pit toilet, table with 2- 5 gallon containers of potable water, a Rubbermaid bin for washing, fire pit, metal skewers, clothesline, canoe. Things you will need to bring: cooking supplies, eating supplies (plates & utensils), camp chairs, drinking water, toiletries, fishing stuff, life jackets for the right fit (2 orange ones are on site). There is no heat, AC or fridge. The cabin sleeps 5 with the option to have extra people, (they would need to bring their own tent), please inquire for more information.

The best camping near Rock Island State Park guide

Overview

About

Getting there is half the fun! You need to take two ferries, but the visit to this island is well worth it. You can take your car as far as Washington Island. But you'll have to leave it at the ferry port there.

Next step? Take passenger-only ferry that makes you feel as if you're entering another world. Check out the tour of the beautifully restored lighthouse. You can hike the entire island in 2 or 3 hours (it's just 6 miles).

Another option? Sail to the island on your own boat. You can moor overnight (though dock space is limited and first-come, first-served). Watch out for storms and reefs! Whichever way you travel, you'll enjoy the pristine beach and the sense of calm and isolation.

Campsites are available on the south end of the island, near the ferry port. But make sure you bring everything you need since there's no store on the island. You can stock up on Washington Island before you get on the ferry, but that's your last chance. All campsites are reservable.

Tips for snagging a campsite

Book early to secure your spot, as the unique, rustic campsites are a sought-after retreat.
Check for cancellations regularly, especially close to your desired travel date.
Consider visiting during the weekdays for better availability and a quieter experience.
Explore nearby camping options if Rock Island is fully booked.

When to go

The best time to visit Rock Island State Park is between Memorial Day weekend and Columbus Day when the ferry service is operational. Summer offers warm weather perfect for beach activities and hiking. Winters can be harsh, with limited access and services, making it less ideal for visits.

Know before you go

Rock Island is open from 6am to 11pm year-round, offering ample time for exploration.
No vehicle admission sticker is required, making your visit hassle-free.
Prepare for a primitive experience, as the island allows no vehicles and offers rustic accommodations.
Ensure you check ferry schedules in advance to plan your trip accordingly.
Volunteering opportunities are available for those looking to contribute to the park's preservation.