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

Camping fees at Driftwood Campsite On Grand Island range from $10/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Fees are typically paid at the campground entrance.

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

Driftwood Campsite On Grand 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 Driftwood Campsite On Grand Island before I book?

Yes! Driftwood 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 Driftwood Campsite On Grand Island?

Driftwood 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 Driftwood Campsite On Grand Island?

Driftwood 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 Driftwood Campsite On Grand Island?

Fire policies at Driftwood 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 Driftwood Campsite On Grand Island have?

Driftwood Campsite On Grand Island has 1 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Arrive early for the best site selection.

Are dogs allowed at Driftwood Campsite On Grand Island?

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

What amenities are available at Driftwood Campsite On Grand Island?

Driftwood Campsite On Grand Island offers: Potable Water. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

Driftwood Campsite On Grand Island

4.61

11 reviews

Top 25% in MIFall

Scenic ViewsSummer Destination

Real-Time Availability

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Quick Facts

617 ft

Price

$10/night

Booking

Check Site

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Reservations are req...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Book on Grand Island Ferry Service Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

617 ft

Price

$10/night

Booking

Check Site

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Reservations are req...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Book on Grand Island Ferry Service Official Website

Get Directions

Driftwood Campsite On Grand Island

$10.00 - $10.00 / night

Campsite Fees

WALK TO: $10.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

No paid fee categories listed.

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

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

I manage this campground

Plan a trip to Driftwood Campsite On Grand Island

Compare with similar sites, watch availability, and build a packing list — Camp Sage handles all of it.

Campground Map

Driftwood Campsite On Grand Island

46.4863, -86.6465

Nearby places

Marquette ~43 miles

Manistique ~55 miles

Munising (adjacent, island is about 0.5 mile from the mainland community of Munising).

Weather at Driftwood 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 Driftwood Campsite On Grand Island

Best season: fall. Fall offers the best combination of weather, scenery, and solitude on Grand Island — expect crisp, clear days and peak color usually from late September into October with daytime highs commonly in the mid-40s to mid-60s°F and cool nights. Trails are quieter after the summer crowds, making cliff-top hikes, wildlife viewing (migratory birds and deer), and shoreline photography especially rewarding; fishing for lake trout and coho can also be excellent. Calm, cool weather makes paddling and beach-w Peak months: October, September, July, August Avoid: December, January, February

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.5 / 5

Top 25% in MI

Fall delivers best conditions: crisp, clear days late Sept–Oct; trails empty after summer.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 22 to October 10. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Reservations are required for camping on Grand Island between Memorial Day through Columbus Day with the exception of Cobble Cove, Flat Rock, and Muskrat Point campsites which will remain first-come, first-served.

About Driftwood Campsite On Grand Island

Driftwood sits 50 yards from Lake Superior's shore on Grand Island, a tent-only primitive site that sleeps up to four people in two tents. The site is 2.5 miles from Williams Landing (the ferry drop-off) and includes a fire ring, bear lockers, and nearby firewood. Campers consistently rate it 4-5 stars, calling it one of the best spots on the island for its beach access and quiet.

Driftwood is a small backcountry tent campsite on Grand Island accessible via the island trail system and by kayak to Trout Bay Beach. It supports basic tent camping for a small group and provides primitive campsite amenities (latrine, food storage pole/locker, fire ring).

Weather and SeasonsBest season: fall. Fall offers the best combination of weather, scenery, and solitude on Grand Island — expect crisp, clear days and peak color usually from late September into October with daytime highs commonly in the mid-40s to mid-60s°F and cool nights. Trails are quieter after the summer crowds, making cliff-top hikes, wildlife viewing (migratory birds and deer), and shoreline photography especially rewarding; fishing for lake trout and coho can also be excellent. Calm, cool weather makes paddling and beach-w Peak months: October, September, July, August Avoid: December, January, February

Elevation617 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe campsite overlooks Trout Bay Beach, part of Grand Island's network of fine sand beaches that soften the island's otherwise rugged character. Sunrise views across Lake Superior are a highlight. Reviewers describe the setting as peaceful and almost private despite the primitive conditions. The island itself is dominated by 300-foot sandstone cliffs striped by millennia of wind and wave erosion, visible from other parts of the island. Dense forest covers the interior. The water stays cold year-round, with summer surface temps reaching only the high 60s°F.

Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Guests Allowed Per Site

Up to 4 people in two tents.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Reservation PlatformsFor ferry information or reservations (ferry service to the island), call (906) 387-2600 or visit http://www.grandislandup.com/.

Site SizeCan accommodate up to 4 people in two tents; site located ~50 yards from Lake Superior/Trout Bay Beach; ~2.5 miles from Williams Landing (ferry/visitor center).

Total Campsites1 campsites

Recommended SitesBring potable water or supplies to filter/boil/treat water (nearest potable water is ~1 mile south at Murray Bay Day Use Area). Site is accessible via the island trail system and by kayakers at Trout Bay Beach; plan for a ~2.5 mile travel from Williams Landing to the site via trails.

Best CampsitesDriftwood is the standout. Reviewers call it one of the best campsites on the island. It sits directly on the beach with a private-beach feel, flat tent area, and good separation from neighbors. The built-in fire pit, grill, and seating area add comfort. The tradeoff: pit toilet is about 0.2 miles away, and backpackers should expect a one-third mile road walk from the east rim trail to reach Trout Bay.

Amenities available

Driftwood: This campsite is located approximately 50 yards from Lake Superior and Trout Bay Beach. The site is approximately 2.5 miles from William's Landing (ferry service arrival point, and visitor information center). The nearest potable water is approximately 1 mile south of this campsite at Murray Bay Day Use Area. Plan ahead, and bring drinking water when staying at this site or plan to filter water from Lake Superior. This site can accommodate up to 4 people in two tents. A latrine, food

Potable water

Fire rings

Food storage lockers

Firewood available

I manage this campground

Activities you can enjoy

Grand Island and the Driftwood campsite offer hiking, mountain biking, swimming, fishing, boating/kayaking and wildlife viewing opportunities across the island's trails, beaches and shoreline. Natural features include sandstone cliffs, sandy beaches and forested areas.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Food Storage RequiredA food storage pole and locker are provided in/near the campsite.

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

From Booking Sources

4.6

11 reviews

Top-Rated

Driftwood Campsite On Grand Island is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews

Reviewers are overwhelmingly positive about Driftwood Campsite on Grand Island, consistently giving 4–5 star ratings and calling it one of the best campsites on the island. They highlight the stunning beach-front setting, peaceful atmosphere, and sense of seclusion, with only minor drawbacks related to distance to facilities and bugs in certain conditions.

Review Summaries

Based on 11 reviews

What Campers Love

Campers love that the site is directly on the beach/shore of Lake Superior, often describing it as having a “private beach” feel with amazing sunrise views over the water. The setting is described as...

Based on 11 reviews

Common Concerns

The main recurring concern is insects—mosquitoes and flies can be bad at certain times, especially given the proximity to water. One reviewer also notes that the vault toilet is about 0.2 miles away,...

Based on 11 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Multiple reviewers specifically praise the Driftwood site on Trout Bay as right on the water with a private-beach feel and excellent sunrise views, calling it possibly the best campsite on Grand...

Based on 11 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers suggest being mindful of timing to avoid peak mosquito and fly seasons, as going “at the wrong time” can mean getting “eaten by flies.” Backpackers should be prepared for an approximately...

Based on 11 reviews

Camper Quotes

"I mean you basically have your own private beach. Sunrise over the water in the morning is incredible." "Absolutely perfect - right on the water, secluded enough, amenities provided are very...

Based on 11 reviews

Accessibility Features

One reviewer mentions that the pit vault toilet is 0.2 miles from the Driftwood campsite, which felt like a bit too far to walk in the middle of the night after backpacking, particularly for a...

Based on 11 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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Go if

Fall campers who can nail the ferry timing will find fewer bugs, empty trails, peak foliage, and good coho fishing, all from a flat, well-equipped site right on Trout Bay Beach. The 2.5-mile carry from Williams Landing is real, but the payoff is a site that feels like your own st

Skip if

Arrive-by-7pm reservation rules are strict, miss the ferry or cut it close and your site gets canceled. The potable water source is a mile away, the pit toilet is 0.2 miles out, and summer bugs near the water can be relentless without serious repellent.

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