How much does camping cost at Hardwood Campsite On Grand Island?

Camping fees at Hardwood Campsite On Grand Island are $8/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Hardwood Campsite On Grand Island first-come first-served or reservation?

Hardwood Campsite On Grand Island accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Hardwood Campsite On Grand Island before I book?

Yes! Hardwood Campsite On Grand Island has 5 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Hardwood Campsite On Grand Island?

Hardwood Campsite On Grand Island is open May 22 to October 10. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Hardwood Campsite On Grand Island?

Hardwood Campsite On Grand Island does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

Can I have a campfire at Hardwood Campsite On Grand Island?

Fire policies at Hardwood Campsite On Grand Island: You may use dead and down firewood collected from the nearby woods or provided firewood for your campfire. Do not cut down live or standing trees.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

How many campsites does Hardwood Campsite On Grand Island have?

Hardwood Campsite On Grand Island has 1 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Hardwood Campsite On Grand Island?

Yes, pets are allowed at Hardwood Campsite On Grand Island. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Hardwood Campsite On Grand Island?

Hardwood Campsite On Grand Island offers: Restrooms, Potable Water, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

Hardwood Campsite On Grand Island

3.58

8 reviews

400 E. Munising Ave, Munising, MI 49862, USA

Top 8% in MIFall

Scenic ViewsPeace & QuietTent CampingSummer Destination

Featured in:Hiking Camping Michigan

Quick Facts

673 ft

Price

$8/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Open May 27 through ...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Book on Grand Island Ferry Service Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

673 ft

Price

$8/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Open May 27 through ...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Book on Grand Island Ferry Service Official Website

Get Directions

Hardwood Campsite On Grand Island

$8.00 / night

Campsite Fees

WALK TO: $8.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

Hike and Bike Site Fee$8.00

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Provider

906-387-2512briandhinch@fs.fed.us

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

400 E. Munising Ave, Munising, MI 49862, USA

Hardwood Campsite On Grand Island

400 E. Munising Ave, Munising, MI 49862, USA

Nearby places

Munising, MI (0.5 miles from ferry terminal), Marquette, MI (43 miles), Manistique, MI (55 miles)

Driving directionsVisitors can access the island through the Grand Island Ferry Service or private watercraft. The ferry departs from Grand Island Landing on the mainland, located on M-28, about 3 to 4 miles west of Munising's blinking light. Look for Grand Island NRA signage. Detailed ferry schedules and prices vary seasonally. For reservations or inquiries, visitors can call (906) 387-2600 or visit http://www.grandislandup.com.

Weather at Hardwood Campsite On Grand Island

Current alerts(14)

Also, keep in mind that domestic animals must be kept on a leash, except while being used for hunting.
Avoid climbing on or standing along the sandstone cliffs. The sandstone is very fragile and may not support your weight.
Black bears live on this island. Information is available at the Ranger District on how to prevent and survive bear encounters. Be prepared to store your food and all consumable and scented items, including trash, on the bear pole at the site.
Customers must print out reservation permits and bring the permit with them when they are camping on the island.

Best Time to Camp at Hardwood Campsite On Grand Island

Best season: fall. Fall offers the best combination of crisp weather, dramatic color, and solitude on Grand Island — daytime highs are often in the mid-40s to mid-50s°F in September and early October with chilly nights dipping into the 30s°F. Hardwood Campsite sits inside a hardwood forest that reaches peak foliage from mid-September to early October, making hiking, photography, and wildlife viewing especially rewarding. Visitor levels drop after Labor Day, so you get quieter trails and beaches while still having艇 Peak months: September, August, July, June Avoid: November, December, January, February

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

5.0 / 5

Top 8% in MI

Identified as best season: crisp weather, dramatic fall foliage mid-Sept–early Oct and fewer bugs.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 22 to October 10. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open May 27 through October 10. Closed during the winter season.

About Hardwood Campsite On Grand Island

Hardwood Campsite sits on Grand Island in Lake Superior, accessible only by ferry from Munising and operated by Grand Island Ferry Service. This primitive site offers vault toilets, potable water, and fire rings within a hardwood forest that blazes with color from mid-September to early October. The campground is free or very low cost, with a 14-day stay limit and pets allowed.

Hardwood Campsite provides a primitive camping experience on the western side of Grand Island. It is accessible on foot or by kayak and is ideal for visitors seeking a secluded, back-to-nature experience.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: fall. Fall offers the best combination of crisp weather, dramatic color, and solitude on Grand Island — daytime highs are often in the mid-40s to mid-50s°F in September and early October with chilly nights dipping into the 30s°F. Hardwood Campsite sits inside a hardwood forest that reaches peak foliage from mid-September to early October, making hiking, photography, and wildlife viewing especially rewarding. Visitor levels drop after Labor Day, so you get quieter trails and beaches while still having艇 Peak months: September, August, July, June Avoid: November, December, January, February

Elevation673 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground sits within Grand Island National Recreation Area, where 300-foot sandstone cliffs tower above Lake Superior. The cliffs show red and gold layers carved by ancient seas. Hardwood forest surrounds the site, creating dense canopy cover. Sandy beaches rim the island's edges. Black bears, white-tailed deer, and cottontail rabbits move through the area. The island covers 13,500 acres. Elevation is 673 feet.

Lodging & AccommodationsWhile Hardwood Campsite is a primitive site, firewood is available for free about 0.5 miles south of the campsite near the group site. There is no hotel-style lodging onsite.

Programs & ActivitiesThere is no mention of educational programs specific to Hardwood Campsite, although the historic significance of Grand Island is noted.

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Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Maximum stay limit is 14 days.

Guests Allowed Per Site

6guests per site for Hardwood Campsite.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov or by contacting the Grand Island Ferry Service at (906) 387-2600.

AccessibilityThe campsite is accessible via unsurfaced trails, and kayakers can access the site via Waterfall Beach with a short 100-yard hike. Accessibility for individuals with disabilities is not explicitly described.

Site SizeThe campsite can accommodate up to 6 people in two tents. It is described as a small, secluded location set back in the woods.

PrivacyOne of my favorite things about this campsite was the privacy you have. The site is set a good ways back in the woods," said one reviewer. This site offers a quiet and secluded experience.

Total Campsites1 campsites

Recommended SitesRecommended for those who prefer isolation and proximity to natural beauty. Bug spray is advised.

Best CampsitesHardwood is the only designated campsite in this area. Reviewers consistently praise its seclusion. One camper noted the site is "set a good ways back in the woods," which creates exceptional privacy. You're close enough to Waterfall Beach for morning or evening kayaking when the water's calm.

Need help booking Hardwood Campsite On Grand Island?

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Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

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Cancellation Alerts

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Amenities available

The Hardwood Campsite on Grand Island is a primitive camping site on Grand Island in Lake Superior. "This campsite is located on the western side of Grand Island near Waterfall Beach" and sits approximately 3.5 miles from William's Landing (the ferry service arrival point). It is equipped with basic amenities to support a rugged camping experience. The closest potable water source is 0.5 miles south at Juniper Flats Group Campsite. The campsite is accessible via the island trail system or by kayak through Waterfall Beach, with a short 100-yard hike from the beach to the site.

Potable water

Fire rings

Food storage lockers

Firewood available

Lodging and accommodations

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

Things to do at Hardwood Campsite On Grand Island

Grand Island offers a variety of recreational activities, including hiking, biking, kayaking, and wildlife viewing. Visitors can also fish in Lake Superior and enjoy nearby attractions like Waterfall Beach and the island's natural beauty.

Hiking4.0/5

Over 30 miles of unsurfaced trails with scenic overlooks and access to beaches and cliffs.

Boating4.0/5

Kayaking and small craft access are popular; island beaches and ferry access support boating.

Wildlife viewing4.0/5

Lush hardwood forest and island setting offer abundant wildlife viewing; black bears present.

Beach activities4.0/5

Several sandy beaches rim the island (Murray Bay, Trout etc.) suitable for relaxing and shore access.

Water Sports4.0/5

Winter Activities

Signature experiences

Photography5.0/5Cliffs, layered sandstone, beaches and vivid fall color offer excellent photo opportunities.

Not sure what to pack?Our complete camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Food Storage RequiredFood storage lockers are provided at no extra cost and can hold multiple backpacks to deter wildlife.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

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Tips from campers

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Reviews

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From Booking Sources

3.6

8 reviews

Mixed Reviews

Hardwood Campsite On Grand Island has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews

Hardwood Campsite is highly rated for its privacy, seclusion, and proximity to scenic locations like Waterfall Beach. Reviewers have highlighted the availability of firewood, a bear-proof food locker, and a primitive latrine as conveniences.

Review Summaries

Based on 8 reviews

What Campers Love

Privacy and seclusion were frequently mentioned as key positives. "The site is set a good ways back in the woods," noted one reviewer. The availability of firewood, a bear pole, and a latrine added...

Based on 8 reviews

Common Concerns

Mosquitoes were reported as a nuisance during peak summer months. "I was very glad I bought the $4.99 bug hat from the Ferry Office; it was extremely buggy at the campsite," shared one reviewer.

Based on 8 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Hardwood Campsite received praise for its location and amenities. "Loved it!!" remarked one reviewer (rating: 5). Another noted that the site is "set back in the woods" and offers a basic toilet and...

Based on 8 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers should bring bug protection, particularly in the summer months, and be prepared to pack out all trash. Early morning or evening kayaking offers calmer waters and stunning views.

Based on 8 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer reviews tend to note the beauty and natural features of the site but often mention the presence of mosquitoes. Fall visitors appreciate the reduced bug activity and the vibrant fall foliage.

Based on 8 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Hardwood campsite is about a 1/4 mi hike up and inland from Waterfall Beach. It's a delightful little spot," wrote one reviewer. Another said, "We had plenty of firewood provided by the Forest...

Based on 8 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility features like the primitive latrine and proximity to trails were appreciated, though the site requires a hike from the beach, which may not be suitable for all visitors.

Based on 8 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed, but there is no information on additional pet-related amenities or restrictions.

Based on 8 reviews

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Hardwood Campsite On Grand Island

$8.00 / night

Campsite Fees

WALK TO: $8.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

Hike and Bike Site Fee$8.00

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free to start · paid plans add 2-min scans

263,000+ sites monitored · Email alerts to start; SMS and in-app with an account

Learn more about alerts →

Share this campground

Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

906-387-2512briandhinch@fs.fed.us

Go if

You want secluded, budget-friendly tent camping and don't mind ferry-dependent access to Grand Island.

Skip if

You need drive-up convenience, RV hookups, or want to avoid late-summer mosquitoes.

Nearby Campgrounds

Less Visited

Juniper Flats Group Campsite On Grand Island

3.7

(10)

Juniper Flats Group Campsite On Grand Island

400 E Munising Ave

Juniper Flats Group Campsite sits on Grand Island in Lake Superior, accessible only by ferry from Munising. Operated by the Grand Island National Recreation Area within Hiawatha National Forest, this primitive group site offers a flat, easy hike from the ferry landing and proximity to Waterfall Beach. Campers explore sandstone cliffs, fish the shoreline, and enjoy the island's trails and wildlife.

Hardwood Campsite On Grand Island

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Need help booking Hardwood Campsite On Grand Island?

Amenities available

Things to do at Hardwood Campsite On Grand Island

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns

Site-Specific Reviews