Island Lake Campground

4.27

47 reviews

107 McKinley Road, Mio, MI 48647

Summer Destination

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

Opens Huron-Manistee National Forests site

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

Opens Huron-Manistee National Forests site

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

Hookup Site Fee$0.00

Premium Site Fee$0.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00

Group Site Fee$0.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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USFS

Provider

989-826-3252

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What Campers Say

4.27

Satisfactory

Based on 47 reviews

45 Google reviews

Most mentioned

peacefulcleanspaciouslake

Some mention

noise

"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."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

107 McKinley Road, Mio, MI 48647

Island Lake Campground

107 McKinley Road, Mio, MI 48647

Driving directionsFrom West Branch, travel east on M-55 for 5 miles. Turn left and travel north on M-33 for 16 miles. Turn left and travel west on Loon Lake Loop Rd. for 1 mile. The site is located on the left.

Accessible via paved roads with a capacity for 50 vehicles. The site is gated when closed during off-season.

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.

Best Time to Camp at Island Lake Campground

Island Lake transforms with the seasons, each bringing its own magic to this woodland sanctuary. Summer arrives with azure skies and balmy temperatures hovering between 70°F and 80°F—perfect for lazy afternoons on the beach or evening campfires under star-studded skies. As autumn approaches, moderate winds rustle through the hardwoods, painting the landscape in brilliant golds and crimsons. Winter brings a crystalline beauty as the lake freezes over and snow blankets the forest floor, while spring awakens the campground with fresh growth and returning wildlife. Throughout the year, the area maintains relatively dry conditions, making it an ideal destination for camping adventures.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.5 / 5

Open May–Sept; summer praised for fishing, swimming and lake activities; peak season.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Mixed hardwoods imply strong fall color; campground open into early fall (through Sept 30).

Spring(Mar-May)

3.5 / 5

Open from May 1; spring-fed lake supports fishing but early spring access is limited by opening date.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

Not recommended

Closed outside the May 1–Sept 30 season; winter stays not available.

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.
Current Alerts: None currently specified.

About Island Lake Campground

Nestled within a pristine forest setting, Island Lake Campground beckons outdoor enthusiasts to discover its crown jewel—a sparkling 58-acre glacial lake that serves as the heart of this rustic retreat. Families gather on the sandy swimming beach, safely enclosed by colorful buoys, while the surrounding mixed hardwood forest creates a natural amphitheater of tranquility. Here, the gentle lapping of waves mingles with birdsong, and lucky visitors might catch glimpses of deer threading through the trees at dawn or dusk, making this campground a cherished escape for those seeking both adventure and serenity.

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 SignificanceIsland Lake stands as a testament to the raw power of ancient glaciers that sculpted Michigan's landscape thousands of years ago. As massive ice sheets retreated northward, they carved out this pristine basin, leaving behind a geological time capsule that continues to fascinate visitors today. The surrounding terrain bears the subtle marks of this glacial heritage—from gently rolling hills to the deep, clear waters of the lake itself—offering campers a unique opportunity to connect with the profound natural forces that shaped this corner of the world.

Weather and SeasonsIsland Lake transforms with the seasons, each bringing its own magic to this woodland sanctuary. Summer arrives with azure skies and balmy temperatures hovering between 70°F and 80°F—perfect for lazy afternoons on the beach or evening campfires under star-studded skies. As autumn approaches, moderate winds rustle through the hardwoods, painting the landscape in brilliant golds and crimsons. Winter brings a crystalline beauty as the lake freezes over and snow blankets the forest floor, while spring awakens the campground with fresh growth and returning wildlife. Throughout the year, the area maintains relatively dry conditions, making it an ideal destination for camping adventures.

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 SceneryA cathedral of mixed hardwoods embraces Island Lake Campground, where towering oaks, maples, and birches create a living canopy that shifts with the seasons. The centerpiece remains the crystal-clear, spring-fed lake—its sheltered waters maintaining exceptional purity throughout the year. Morning mist often dances across the glassy surface, while afternoon sun transforms the lake into a mirror reflecting the surrounding forest. Wildlife thrives in this protected habitat, from painted turtles basking on fallen logs to great blue herons stalking the shallows, creating endless opportunities for nature photography and quiet observation.

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.

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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.

Groups

No specific group camping site information is available.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutCampsites are spacious and rustic, with no electric hookups. Vault toilets are available but potable water is not.

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.

AccessibilityNo specific accessibility information is available for Island Lake Campground.

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

Vault toilets

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.

HikingThe campground offers day hiking opportunities. Specific details about trails, such as their lengths or difficulty, are not provided.

FishingFishing is a popular activity at Island Lake, which is known for its clean, spring-fed waters. "Best lakes for trout," one review mentions, highlighting its appeal for anglers.

SwimmingA swimming beach, marked with buoys, is available at Island Lake. Some users noted the beach could use grooming due to weeds in the sand.

BoatingThe lake supports non-motorized boating. Electric boats are allowed, and the lake is spring-fed, ensuring clean water.

Wildlife viewingThe surrounding mixed hardwood forest provides ample opportunities for viewing wildlife and waterfowl. Campers frequently mention the peaceful and natural setting.

Beach activitiesBeach activities are available, though some users noted the beach's condition could be improved. "The beach could use a little grooming," stated one review.

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.

Active AlertsNone currently specified.

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

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)

Trash & RecyclingNo specific information on trash and recycling facilities is available.

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.

Weather at Island Lake Campground

Reviews

4.3

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

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