How much does camping cost at Island Lake (Mi)?

Camping fees at Island Lake (Mi) range from $15/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Island Lake (Mi) first-come first-served or reservation?

Island Lake (Mi) accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Island Lake (Mi) before I book?

Yes! Island Lake (Mi) has 34 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 (Mi)?

Island Lake (Mi) is open May 15 to October 31. 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 (Mi)?

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

Can I have a campfire at Island Lake (Mi)?

Fire policies at Island Lake (Mi): You may use downed wood for firewood. Keep fires within the fire ring. Do not leave hot campfires unattended. Make sure your ashes are cool to the touch before you leave.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

Are dogs allowed at Island Lake (Mi)?

Pets are not allowed at Island Lake (Mi). 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 (Mi)?

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

Island Lake (Mi)

0 review

Island Lake (Mi)

Summer Destination

Featured in:Beach Camping Michigan

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

1,342 ft

Price

$15/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

Site is gated in the...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Book on Huron-Manistee National Forest (Mio Ranger District)Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

1,342 ft

Price

$15/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

Site is gated in the...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Book on Huron-Manistee National Forest (Mio Ranger District)Official Website

Get Directions

Island Lake (Mi)

$15.00 - $15.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Island Lake Standard: $15.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

No paid fee categories listed.

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Share this campground

Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

(989) 826-3252sm.fs.hmnf@usda.gov

I manage this campground

Plan a trip to Island Lake (Mi)

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

Campground Map

Island Lake (Mi)

44.5100, -84.1417

Nearby places

Directions provided from West Branch: 5 miles east on M-55, then 16 miles north on M-33, then 1 mile west on Loon Lake Loop Rd.

site is described as a short drive north on M-33 from Rose City, MI.

Weather at Island Lake (Mi)

Current alerts(9)

As a visitor to the National Forest, you are asked to follow certain rules designed to protect the Forest, natural resources and to provide for public safety of visitors. These rules are available to you online or at any office of the Huron-Manistee National Forests.
Do not tie or tack anything to standing trees, including but not limited to pets, laundry lines, or garbage bags.
Don't move firewood : To limit the spread of invasive tree-killing pests, firewood from outside the area is not permitted. Some states have quarantines and may confiscate your firewood.
Fireworks and use of fireworks are not permitted .

Best Time to Camp at Island Lake (Mi)

Best season: summer. Summer offers the warmest, most reliable weather for swimming, boating, and lakefront camping — expect daytime highs in the mid-70s to low-80s F and cool mornings in the 50s–60s. The paved sites, marked swimming beach, and calm waters (surface temps typically in the 60s F) make water activities and family visits most pleasant from late June through August. Weekends draw moderate crowds, so weekdays are best for quieter shorelines and easier boat launch access. Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: November, December, January, February

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Warmest, most reliable season for swimming, boating and lake camping; reviewers praise summers.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 15 to October 31. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Site is gated in the off-season.

About Island Lake (Mi)

Island Lake Campground sits on a 58-acre no-wake lake in Michigan's Mio Ranger District, about 1,342 feet above sea level in glacial moraine country. The campground has paved parking pads, a marked swimming beach, and a nature trail. No motorboats allowed. Just paddleboats, canoes, kayaks, and small sailboats.

Developed campground with individual campsites and an embedded day-use area featuring a swimming beach and picnic facilities.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer offers the warmest, most reliable weather for swimming, boating, and lakefront camping — expect daytime highs in the mid-70s to low-80s F and cool mornings in the 50s–60s. The paved sites, marked swimming beach, and calm waters (surface temps typically in the 60s F) make water activities and family visits most pleasant from late June through August. Weekends draw moderate crowds, so weekdays are best for quieter shorelines and easier boat launch access. Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: November, December, January, February

Elevation1342 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe lake centers on a small island and reaches 25 feet deep in spots. Mixed hardwood forest surrounds the shoreline, offering partial shade and filtered lake views from several campsites. The terrain shows glacial influence: rolling moraines and shallow depressions left by the West Branch Morraine system. Waterfowl use the lake year-round, and songbirds work the canopy in summer. Autumn brings color to the hardwoods.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Tents

Tents are not allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsRecreation.gov

Site SizeCampsites have paved parking pads.

PrivacySeveral campsites offer views of Island Lake through the trees in a mixed hardwood forest setting.

Recommended SitesCampsites have paved parking pads, picnic tables, campfire rings, and lantern posts. Day use area provides picnic tables, grills and a marked swimming beach; carry-in non-motorized boats are launched a short distance from the day use parking area.

Best CampsitesSites with views of Island Lake through the trees are the most sought-after, offering glimpses of the water and the central island from your paved pad.

Need help booking Island Lake (Mi)?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

Developed campground and day-use area with a swimming beach. Facilities include handpump wells for drinking water, several vault toilets, trash collection services, picnic tables and grills in the day-use area, and campsites with paved parking pads, picnic tables, campfire rings, and lantern posts.

Potable water

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

Activities you can enjoy

Recreation focuses on water-based activities at the 58-acre Island Lake (swimming, fishing, non-motorized boating), a 1.25-mile nature loop trail, and nearby OHV trail access. The site also offers wildlife and waterfowl viewing opportunities and a developed day-use beach and picnic area.

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

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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

0.0

0 reviews

Limited Reviews

Island Lake (Mi) has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews

Reviews are overwhelmingly positive, describing Island Lake as beautiful, peaceful, and a beloved family destination over many years. Visitors highlight its relaxing atmosphere, scenic views, and enjoyable beach and campground area, with only a few notes that some upkeep could be improved.

Review Summaries

What Campers Love

Reviewers love the lake’s natural beauty, peaceful and quiet setting, and family-friendly atmosphere. Several mention the nice beach and campground area, as well as the enjoyment of non-motorized...

Common Concerns

A small number of reviewers note that while they love the lake, it is “not very well kept,” suggesting some maintenance or cleanliness issues in certain areas. No other recurring complaints are...

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Expect a quiet, motor-free lake ideal for paddling, sailing small boats, and relaxing rather than powerboating or jet skiing. Plan to enjoy the beach and campground area, and come prepared for a more...

Camper Quotes

"A beautiful lake that we have had a family cottage on since the early 1970's. Many wonderful childhood and adult memories made here." "Island Lake also has a nice beach area that has a campground in...

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

Paddlers and families wanting a motor-free lake will find the carry-in kayak and canoe access genuinely easy, and weekday visits in July or August give you a calm shoreline and the best shot at a lake-view site.

Skip if

Maintenance has slipped in spots per a few reviewers, and with no on-site host and only vault toilets and hand-pump water, campers expecting a staffed, well-groomed facility will likely be disappointed.

Nearby Campgrounds

Frequently Visited

4.1

(47)

Island Lake Campground

107 McKinley Road, Mio, MI 48647

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.