How much does camping cost at Island Lake Campground?

Camping fees at Island Lake Campground range from $15/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Fees are typically paid at the campground entrance.

Is Island Lake Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Island Lake Campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis. First-come, first-served; user reviews suggest limited availability during busy holidays.

Can I see photos of campsites at Island Lake Campground before I book?

Yes! Island Lake Campground has 20 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 Island Lake Campground?

Island Lake Campground is open May 1 to September 30 (summer season).. 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 Island Lake Campground?

Island Lake Campground does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

Can I have a campfire at Island Lake Campground?

Fire policies at Island Lake Campground: Not specified in the sources.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

How many campsites does Island Lake Campground have?

Island Lake Campground has 50 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Arrive early for the best site selection.

Are dogs allowed at Island Lake Campground?

Pets are not allowed at Island Lake Campground. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at Island Lake Campground?

Island Lake Campground offers: Restrooms. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Island Lake Campground?

Popular activities at Island Lake Campground include Hiking, Fishing, Swimming, Boating, Wildlife Viewing, Beach Activities. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Island Lake Campground

4.11

47 reviews

107 McKinley Road, Mio, MI 48647

Summer Destination

Featured in:Swimming Camping Michigan

Quick Facts

1,342 ft

Price

$15/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

50 campsites

Season

Open from May 1 to S...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Check Availability Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

1,342 ft

Price

$15/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

50 campsites

Season

Open from May 1 to S...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Check Availability Official Website

Get Directions

Island Lake Campground

$15.00 - $15.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Camping fee is $15 per night for a single campsite.

Standard Site Fee$15.00

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USFS

Provider

989-826-3252

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

107 McKinley Road, Mio, MI 48647

Island Lake Campground

107 McKinley Road, Mio, MI 48647

Nearby places

West Branch (21 miles, ~25 minutes), Mio (1 mile, ~5 minutes)

Nearby supplies

Mio (1 mile away) provides access to basic groceries, camping supplies, and fuel.

Weather at Island Lake Campground

Best Time to Camp at Island Lake Campground

Summer brings daytime highs around 70–80°F, ideal for swimming, paddling, and beach time. Evenings are comfortable for campfires. July and early August weekends see higher use, but weekdays remain quiet. The area stays relatively dry across seasons. Autumn brings moderate winds and fall color. Winter transforms the lake into a frozen expanse under snow.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.5 / 5

Open and busiest May–Sept; 70–80°F ideal for swimming, paddling and fishing; many positive summer reviews.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 1 to September 30 (summer season).. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open from May 1 to September 30.

About Island Lake Campground

Island Lake Campground sits on a 58-acre spring-fed glacial lake within the Huron-Manistee National Forests near Mio. The campground offers 50 first-come, first-served sites at $15/night, with vault toilets but no potable water. Mixed hardwood forest surrounds the lake, and reviewers consistently praise the peaceful atmosphere and spacious campsites.

Island Lake Campground offers rustic camping with options for both tent and RV camping. The campsite operates on a first-come, first-served basis.

Historical Significance

The lake formed when retreating glaciers carved this basin thousands of years ago. The surrounding terrain still shows evidence of glacial shaping. Gently rolling hills and the deep, clear lake itself.

Weather and SeasonsSummer brings daytime highs around 70–80°F, ideal for swimming, paddling, and beach time. Evenings are comfortable for campfires. July and early August weekends see higher use, but weekdays remain quiet. The area stays relatively dry across seasons. Autumn brings moderate winds and fall color. Winter transforms the lake into a frozen expanse under snow.

ElevationWhile specific elevation details remain undocumented, Island Lake Campground rests comfortably within Michigan's gently rolling terrain, where the landscape flows seamlessly between forest and water, creating an accessible outdoor experience for adventurers of all abilities.

Natural Features and SceneryThe 58-acre glacial lake is spring-fed and maintains clear water year-round. Mixed hardwoods. Oak, maple, birch. Provide shade and create a forested setting at 1,342 feet elevation. The campground includes a sandy swimming beach marked by buoys. Wildlife sightings are common: deer appear near dawn and dusk, painted turtles bask on logs, and great blue herons hunt the shallows. Some reviewers mention weeds in the beach sand, but the lake itself gets high marks for cleanliness.

Geological RegionSituated within the expansive Huron-Manistee National Forests, Island Lake Campground occupies a special niche in Michigan's geological tapestry. This 58-acre glacial lake, cradled by ancient mixed hardwood forests, represents a perfect microcosm of the region's natural heritage. The surrounding landscape tells the story of ice ages past while supporting a vibrant ecosystem where campers can witness the ongoing dance between water, forest, and wildlife. Whether you're paddling across the peaceful waters or hiking beneath the forest canopy, you're exploring a living museum of natural history.

Scenic ViewsViews of the 58-acre spring-fed Island Lake with mixed hardwoods enhancing the scenery. Also features a marked swimming beach.

Lodging & AccommodationsThe campground does not provide lodge-style accommodations. Only campsites are available.

Programs & ActivitiesNo information about cultural or educational programs is available.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

Open 24/7.

Check-out

Open 24/7.

Stay Limit

No special use permit required for groups of 74 or fewer people.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Maximum 74 people
permits needed for 75+ people.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutSites are spacious with no electric hookups. First-come, first-served. Reviewers note good spacing between sites, creating a semi-secluded feel. No lawn maintenance in some areas. Vault toilets are clean according to multiple reviews.

Reservation PlatformsNot applicable; the site is first-come, first-served.

Walk-in AvailabilityFirst-come, first-served; user reviews suggest limited availability during busy holidays.

Cancellation PolicyNot specified in the sources provided.

Site SizeCampsites are described as spacious, accommodating typical camping setups.

PrivacyMany reviews highlight the semi-secluded nature of the campsites.

Total Campsites50 campsites

Recommended SitesUser reviews suggest choosing campsites with proximity to the lake for better views and quieter surroundings.

Amenities available

Potable water is not available at this site.

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

Island Lake Campground offers a variety of recreational activities centered around its natural surroundings. Visitors can enjoy fishing, swimming, non-motorized boating, hiking, and picnicking.

Hiking

Fishing

Swimming

Boating

Wildlife viewing

Beach activities

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsVault toilets are modernized and clean, but potable water is unavailable. Limited vehicle parking may require guests to park elsewhere if their campsite cannot accommodate their vehicle and equipment. Wildlife viewing is common but could pose minor risks.

No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

No Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not available. Instead, modern and clean vault toilets are provided.

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

Fire PolicyNot specified in the sources.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are Not specified in the sources.

Emergency ServicesMio Ranger Station and District (Address: 107 McKinley Road Mio, MI 48647; Phone: 989-826-3252; Hours: Monday to Friday 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., closed on federal holidays)

Water FeaturesSituated directly beside Island Lake, with a swimming beach and opportunities for non-motorized boating and fishing.

Camp HostHosts Barb and Dan are mentioned positively in reviews for being helpful and friendly.

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

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.1

47 reviews

Satisfactory

Island Lake Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

Island Lake Campground receives high praise for its peaceful atmosphere, spacious campsites, and clean vault toilets. Some users expressed concerns about the condition of the beach and the lack of lawn maintenance.

Review Summaries

Based on 47 reviews

What Campers Love

Users appreciate the campground’s cleanliness, particularly the vault toilets, the peaceful environment, and the spacious campsites. Many enjoy the clean, spring-fed lake and the presence of friendly...

Based on 47 reviews

Common Concerns

Concerns include the beach's condition, which some describe as needing grooming, and the lack of potable water. One reviewer mentioned overgrown grass at campsites, and others noted occasional...

Based on 47 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Specific site reviews mention the spaciousness and semi-secluded nature of the sites. No particular site numbers are highlighted.

Based on 47 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers recommend bringing drinking water due to the lack of potable water on-site. Early arrival is advised as sites are first-come, first-served. Some reviewers suggest avoiding holiday weekends...

Based on 47 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The campground is open from May 1 to September 30, with most positive reviews emphasizing the summer months for activities like fishing and swimming. Holiday weekends tend to be busier.

Based on 47 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Very clean spacious camp sites." "The vault toilets are very modernized and clean." "The lake is spring-fed and only electric boats are allowed. Therefore, the water is very clean." "The beach could...

Based on 47 reviews

Accessibility Features

No user reviews specifically address accessibility features.

Based on 47 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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Go if

Paddlers, trout anglers, and families who swim will get the most from this place. The spring-fed lake earns specific praise for clean water, electric motors are allowed, and weekday arrivals in July avoid the crowds, since there are no reservations.

Skip if

No potable water is a hard stop if you're packing light. The beach has weeds in the sand and gets inconsistent upkeep, and holiday weekends draw loud neighbors. First-come, first-served with no reservations means a wasted drive if you arrive late on a Friday.

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Campgrounds

Huron-Manistee National Forests

Island Lake Campground

From the U.S. Forest Service

Reference information about Island Lake Campground sourced from official USFS records and forestcamping.com. View official recreation.gov page →

Overview

<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/usfs-hmnf/albums/72157669203069740" title="Island Lake Campground"><img alt="Island Lake Campground" height="240" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/8/7297/27265948464_33ab491b45_c.jpg" width="320" /></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>Island Lake Campground is a popular campground and picnic area featuring a swimming beach, marked with buoys, on the 58-acre lake.Island Lake is a small, sheltered lake. The forest around the campground is mixed hardwoods with many wildlife and waterfowl viewing opportunites.  Island Lake and the surrounding landscape are the result of glacial retreat.<a href="http://go.usa.gov/x9h8D" target="external">Brochure and Map</a>: This brochure is set to print on 11 x 17 paper, landscape (wide) orientation.  To print on 8 1/2 x 11 paper set the print area to "shrink to printable area", this will make the text on the page smaller.<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/usfs-hmnf/albums/72157669203069740">Flickr Photo Album</a>

About the campground

The elevation is 1,620 ft. Located near the edge of Huron National Forest and close to Au Sable State Park, the campground features an interesting Nature Walk. A few sites overlook Island Lake, which has a swimming beach and good fishing. The nearby Loon Lake offers alternative fishing locations.

Seasons & access

Open May 1 through September 30

Facilities

Power boats are limited to electric motors. Hiking: Island Lake Forest Trail Fishing: Perch, Bluegill, Largemouth and Rock bass

Water activities

Power boats are limited to electric motors.

RV information

The parking aprons are paved. An RV waste station is available for a fee at Loon Lake Campground (private).

Directions

From Rose City, MI, take State Rt. 33 north 6 miles to campground sign. Turn left onto County Rt. 486 and proceed 0.8 miles to campground.

National Forest: Huron National Forest
Ranger District: Mio
Elevation: 1620
Rate: $15 per day
Maximum Stay: 14
Open Season: May 1 – September 30