Island Lake

Star4.27
31 reviews
P.O. Box 171, Munising, MI, 49862, USA
Summer Destination

Quick Facts

860 ft

Price

$24 - $60/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

10 campsites

Season

Peak Season: May 23 ...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Opens Forest Service site

Official Website
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Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
Island Lake
$24.00 - $60.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Nonelectric sites cost $24 per night, and Group Standard Area Nonelectric sites cost $60 per night during peak season. Additional fees may...
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Standard Site Fee$24.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$60.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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What Campers Say

4.27

Satisfactory

Based on 31 reviews

3 Google reviews

Most mentioned

cleanspaciouslakesites

"Island Lake Campground is widely appreciated for its peaceful setting, large and private campsites, and proximity to attractions such as Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore and Grand Island. However, some campers reported issues with trash disposal and interactions with other campers."

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Campground Map

P.O. Box 171, Munising, MI, 49862, USA

Island Lake

P.O. Box 171, Munising, MI, 49862, USA

Driving directionsFrom the intersection of M-28 and Forest Highway 13, just a couple miles east of Munising, drive south 8.8 miles to FR 2268, or Buckhorn Road. Turn right (southwest) on FR 2268 and drive 2.2 miles on FR 2268 and FR 2254 to FR 2557. Turn left (south) on FR 2557 and drive 0.8 mile to Island Lake Campground.
Road access involves driving on paved roads initially, followed by unpaved Forest Roads (FR 2268 and FR 2557). It is suitable for small vehicles, but care should be taken due to unpaved sections. Seasonal accessibility is not specified.
Nearby places
Munising (20-minute drive), Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore (15 miles), Grand Island (15 miles).
Nearby supplies
Supplies including firewood, groceries, and camping essentials are available in Munising, approximately 20 minutes away.

Best Time to Camp at Island Lake

From May through September, Island Lake transforms into a camper's paradise with comfortable temperatures perfect for hiking forest trails and casting lines into glassy waters. Autumn paints the mixed hardwoods in brilliant golds and crimsons, while winter blankets the landscape in pristine snow, creating a wonderland for the hardy souls who venture here during the colder months when temperatures plunge and the campground takes on a magical, frozen beauty.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Summer is peak season; reviews highlight warm weather, accessibility and popular camping months.

Best
Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Autumn colors are noted; scenic fall foliage enhances the forested lakeside setting.

Spring(Mar-May)
2.5 / 5

Spring is outside peak season and fewer reviews mention spring camping conditions.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Peak season is May–Sep and no winter offerings or maintained winter services are mentioned.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: May 23 - September 6.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Peak Season: May 23 - September 6. Out of Season: September 6 - May 14. Reservable Start Dates: June 25 (annually).

About Island Lake

Tucked away in the heart of Hiawatha National Forest, Island Lake Campground offers an intimate escape where towering pines whisper overhead and crystal-clear waters beckon anglers at dawn. This hidden gem provides the perfect basecamp for those seeking tranquility in nature, with world-class fishing at your doorstep and the magnificent Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore just a scenic drive away.
Island Lake Campground offers a mix of group and single-family camping options, with a focus on providing a rustic, natural camping experience.
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Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Check-in time is 11:00 AM.
Check-out
Check-out time is 12:00 PM.
Stay Limit
Up to 14 consecutive nights allowed per reservation.

Amenities available

Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Group Sites

Activities you can enjoy

Island Lake Campground offers a variety of recreational activities centered around its natural features. Fishing, canoeing, and kayaking are the standout activities, with anglers targeting largemouth bass, bluegill, and perch. The campground also provides a boat slip for carry-in boats and canoes. Additional activities include hiking and biking, with ATV trails also accessible from the campground.
HikingHiking is highlighted as a popular activity at Island Lake Campground, with nearby trails providing opportunities for exploration. Specific details about trail lengths or difficulty levels are not provided in the source materials.
FishingFishing at Island Lake is highly regarded, with anglers catching largemouth bass, bluegill, and perch. Shoreline fishing is available, and the lake is suitable for small boats and canoes.
BikingBiking is a featured activity, with trails accessible from the campground. No specific details about the terrain or recommended skill levels are provided.
BoatingBoating is supported with a boat slip for small carry-in boats and canoes. The lake's calm waters are ideal for canoeing and kayaking.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include wildlife, such as loons heard nearby, and bugs during certain seasons. The iron taste of pumped water was mentioned in reviews.
No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

Weather at Island Lake

Reviews

4.3
31 reviews
Satisfactory
Satisfactory
Island Lake is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
Island Lake Campground is widely appreciated for its peaceful setting, large and private campsites, and proximity to attractions such as Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore and Grand Island. However, some campers reported issues with trash disposal and interactions with other campers.
Review Summaries
Based on 31 reviews

What Campers Love

Many users praised the campground for its 'beautiful, serene, and remote' setting. Vault toilets were frequently described as very clean, and the sites were noted for their spaciousness and...
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Based on 31 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints include overflowing trash bins during extended stays, occasional issues with noisy neighbors, and the lack of cell phone service. Some campers mentioned the iron taste of the water...
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Based on 31 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers recommend bringing your own drinking water due to the iron taste of the pump water and ensuring you have all necessary supplies as the campground is remote. Avoid site #2 if looking for...
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Based on 31 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer months are the most popular for camping, with reviews highlighting the warm weather and accessibility of nearby attractions. The campground's remote location and lack of cell service make it...
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Based on 31 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'The vault bathroom was super clean. I appreciate the work that the forest service does to maintain these beautiful parks.' (Laurie P.) 2. 'Sites were large and fairly level. Heavily wooded giving...
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Based on 31 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

1. Site #2: Adjacent to the group site, and some users reported noise issues. 2. Site #6: Described as spacious with good privacy and a path to the lake. 3. Site #8: Praised for ultimate privacy and...
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Based on 31 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility is not frequently mentioned in user reviews, but sites closer to facilities such as the vault toilets may be more convenient for individuals with mobility challenges.
Based on 31 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

The campground allows up to two pets per site. No specific user reviews addressing pet-related experiences were found.
Based on 31 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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