Is Beaver Island first-come first-served or reservation?

Beaver Island operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Arrive early, especially on weekends and holidays, to secure a spot.

Can I see photos of campsites at Beaver Island before I book?

Yes! Beaver Island has 10 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 Beaver Island?

Beaver Island is open Roughly May–October (approximate, based on visitor reports). 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 Beaver Island?

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

How many campsites does Beaver Island have?

Beaver Island has 22 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Arrive early for the best site selection.

Are dogs allowed at Beaver Island?

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

What amenities are available at Beaver Island?

Beaver Island offers: Restrooms, Potable Water. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Beaver Island?

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

Beaver Island

0 review

Beaver Island

Summer Destination

Featured in:Hiking Camping Michigan

Quick Facts

607 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

22 campsites

Season

Roughly May–October ...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Check Availability

Get Directions

Quick Facts

607 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

22 campsites

Season

Roughly May–October ...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Check Availability

Get Directions

Beaver Island

No fees available

Campsite Fees

No paid fee categories listed.

Share this campground

Michigan

Provider

(989) 732-3541

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

Beaver Island

45.5741, -85.5683

Nearby supplies

Services and supplies are located mainly near St. James harbor on Beaver Island

Weather at Beaver Island

Best Time to Camp at Beaver Island

Summer delivers the most reliable conditions. Daytime highs reach the mid-60s to low-80s F, with nights in the 50s. Long daylight hours and calmer bay conditions make swimming, boating, and fishing most comfortable. The wooded sites offer shade during sunny afternoons. Ferry and flight service runs regularly, and island businesses open. Wind can shift quickly across the lake, so pack layers and a sturdy tent. Weekends in July and August see the most visitors, though the small campground maintains an intimate feel.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Summer provides most reliable conditions, long daylight, calm bay conditions for water activities.

Planning Tips

Operating Season: Roughly May–October (approximate, based on visitor reports)

About Beaver Island

This 22-site campground on Beaver Island sits in mixed forest steps from a sheltered Lake Michigan bay. Sites are first-come, first-served through Peaine Township. Amenities are basic: vault toilets, potable water, and fire rings.

Rustic campground (vault toilets, hand‑pump potable water) with 22 tent and small‑trailer sites; first‑come, first‑served, no reservations.

Weather and SeasonsSummer delivers the most reliable conditions. Daytime highs reach the mid-60s to low-80s F, with nights in the 50s. Long daylight hours and calmer bay conditions make swimming, boating, and fishing most comfortable. The wooded sites offer shade during sunny afternoons. Ferry and flight service runs regularly, and island businesses open. Wind can shift quickly across the lake, so pack layers and a sturdy tent. Weekends in July and August see the most visitors, though the small campground maintains an intimate feel.

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground occupies wooded terrain at 607 feet elevation, with mixed forest providing shade cover. A pebbly beach borders a protected bay where clear water meets the shore. Dunes rise nearby. The setting feels genuinely remote, with Lake Michigan's horizon visible from shoreline areas.

Geological RegionBeaver Island (Lake Michigan)

Scenic ViewsBay-facing Lake Michigan shoreline and pebbly beach views from shoreline-adjacent sites.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Amenities available

Rustic campground with 22 tent and small‑trailer sites. Vault/pit toilets and potable water from a well hand pump; fire rings reported. No hookups and no on‑site store. Sites are first‑come, first‑served and managed locally by Peaine Township.

Potable water

Fire rings

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

Rustic shoreline campground offering beach access, swimming, shore fishing, hiking and biking on island roads, and wildlife/bird watching. Boat access is available nearby at a public ramp in St. James Bay.

Hiking

Fishing

Swimming

Biking

Boating

Wildlife viewing

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsOften very windy and exposed lakeshore conditions. Remote/off-grid setting with limited on-island services; reliable cell coverage is not documented so visitors should plan accordingly.

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).

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

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

0.0

0 reviews

Limited Reviews

Beaver Island has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews

Review Summaries

No review summaries available for this campground yet.

Check back later as we continuously analyze new reviews.

Outdoorithm Community

Be the first to review this campground

Every adventure creates another. Share what you learned so the next camper feels a little more prepared heading out.

Go if

Island-mode campers who don't mind hauling everything in from St. James harbor will find a genuinely remote bay shoreline with clear water swimming, shore fishing, and quiet forest sites a short walk from the beach.

Skip if

No hookups, no reservations, and no documented cell service make this a hard sell if you need to plan around a guaranteed site or stay connected; the ferry logistics alone add real complexity to a last-minute trip.

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