Driftwood Campsite On Grand Island

Star4.61
11 reviews
Driftwood Campsite On Grand Island

Quick Facts

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Sites

1 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Not Allowed

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Driftwood Campsite On Grand Island
No fees available
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$0.00
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
Total Campsite Fees$0.00

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Recreation Dot Gov
Provider
(906) 387-2600

What Campers Say

4.61

Top-Rated

Based on 11 reviews

6 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewspeacefulwaterlake

"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."

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Best Time to Camp at Driftwood Campsite On Grand Island

Lake Superior's legendary chill keeps the waters brisk year-round, with summer surface temperatures climbing only to the high 60s°F—refreshing for a quick dip after a day of island exploration, though you might want to keep that wetsuit handy. The island welcomes visitors throughout the camping season, with conditions varying dramatically from the wildflower-dotted summers to the dramatic ice cave formations that emerge in winter.

Spring (Mar-May)

Wildflowers bloom, mild temperatures, fewer crowds. Great for hiking and photography.

Best
Summer (Jun-Aug)

Peak season with warm weather, perfect for water activities. Book early.

Fall (Sep-Nov)

Beautiful fall colors, cooler temps, quieter campgrounds. Ideal for peaceful trips.

Winter (Dec-Feb)

Snow activities available. Some facilities may close. Check conditions.

Planning Tips

    About Driftwood Campsite On Grand Island

    Escape to Driftwood campsite, a primitive wilderness retreat perched just 50 yards from the pristine shores of Trout Bay Beach on Grand Island. This intimate site welcomes up to four campers in two tents and comes equipped with essential backcountry amenities including a latrine, bear-safe food storage, fire ring with benches, and nearby firewood—though you'll want to pack in or purify your own water for this 2.5-mile adventure from Williams Landing.
    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).
    Historical SignificanceYou're not just camping on any island—Grand Island's protected status as a National Recreation Area preserves an extraordinary timeline of human history stretching back nearly 4,000 years. Ancient artifacts and historic structures scattered across the island tell stories of the indigenous peoples who first called this place home around 2,000 BC, creating a camping experience where every trail and shoreline whispers with the echoes of millennia past.
    Weather and SeasonsLake Superior's legendary chill keeps the waters brisk year-round, with summer surface temperatures climbing only to the high 60s°F—refreshing for a quick dip after a day of island exploration, though you might want to keep that wetsuit handy. The island welcomes visitors throughout the camping season, with conditions varying dramatically from the wildflower-dotted summers to the dramatic ice cave formations that emerge in winter.
    ElevationThe island's dramatic topography culminates in towering wave-cut sandstone cliffs that soar up to 300 feet above Lake Superior's cobalt waters, offering breathtaking vantage points and a striking contrast to the gentle beaches below.
    Natural Features and SceneryGrand Island unfolds as a 13,500-acre wilderness sanctuary where nature has sculpted a masterpiece over countless centuries. Massive sandstone cliffs rise 300 feet from the lake's edge, their layered faces carved by relentless waves into cathedral-like formations that glow amber in the setting sun. Dense forests blanket the interior, giving way to silken sand beaches that rim the shoreline, while winter transforms the cliff faces into crystalline ice cave galleries that shimmer with ethereal blue light. This Congressionally designated National Recreation Area protects not only these natural wonders but also the ancient human heritage woven throughout the landscape.
    Geological RegionSituated in the wild heart of Lake Superior, Grand Island showcases the raw geological power of the Great Lakes region through its spectacular 300-foot wave-cut sandstone cliffs—striped monuments to millennia of wind, wave, and weather—complemented by fine sand beaches that soften the island's rugged character.
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    Campsite details

    Sites 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 CampsitesBring 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.

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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 are not allowed
    Reservable
    Reservations are not allowed

    Site layoutSite supports up to two tents for four people and includes a latrine, food storage pole and locker, fire ring, benches, and nearby firewood.
    Reservation PlatformsFor ferry information or reservations (ferry service to the island), call (906) 387-2600 or visit http://www.grandislandup.com/.

    Amenities available

    Potable water
    Fire rings
    Food storage lockers
    Firewood available

    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.
    Hiking
    Over 30 miles of hiking and mountain biking trails provide day-trip opportunities and access to scenic areas of the island via unsurfaced trails.
    Fishing
    Lake Superior around the island contains Coho salmon, lake trout, perch, pike, walleye and rock bass; a Michigan fishing license is required.
    Swimming
    Beach and lake swimming are possible; lake bottom varies by site (sandy, sandy with small rocks, or solid rock). Lake Superior temperatures can be cold (average highs in the high 60s°F) and swimming hazards have not been checked—swim at your own risk.
    Biking
    Mountain biking is supported by the island's unsurfaced trails (part of the 30+ miles of trails).
    Boating
    Several sand beaches allow boats to pull up to shore and kayakers can access many perimeter areas; no boat launch or public dock exists on Grand Island. The dock at Williams Landing is for loading/unloading only and boats may not park there. Personal watercraft (SeaDoo/Jet Ski) are not allowed on the island's shores.
    Wildlife viewing
    Game species include deer, bear, rabbit, grouse and ducks; the island's forests, cliffs and shoreline provide wildlife and scenic viewing opportunities.
    Beach activities
    Multiple fine-sand beaches (Murray Bay, Trout Bay, North Light Creek areas) offer beach access and areas where boats can approach shore; some perimeter areas are cliff and not accessible.
    Winter Activities
    Winter ice caves are a noted island feature.
    Water Sports
    Kayaking and small-boat shore access are common; personal watercraft are prohibited.
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    Campground rules

    • Pets are not allowed
    • A fire ring and firewood are provided in/near the campsite. (No specific fire restriction policies provided in the source material.)

    Hazards

    General hazardsSwimming hazards: lake bottom varies (sand, small rocks, or solid rock) and the area has not been checked for hazards; swim at your own risk. Water is cold. Many sections of the northwest and northeast sides are cliff and not suitable for landing; limited non-cliff access points exist. Wildlife (including deer and bear) is present on the island.

    Weather at Driftwood Campsite On Grand Island

    25
    °F
    Dec 11
    Thursday
    Overcast
    Precipitation: 0%
    Humidity: 69%
    Wind: 8.7 mph
    Overcast

    Weather History
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    Good to know

    Proximity to water featuresApproximately 50 yards from Lake Superior and Trout Bay Beach; nearest potable water ~1 mile south at Murray Bay Day Use Area; site is ~2.5 miles from Williams Landing (ferry arrival point).

    Campground Map

    Driftwood Campsite On Grand Island
    Driving directionsVisitors can get to the island via passenger ferry (Grand Island Ferry Service) or private watercraft. The ferry departs from Grand Island Landing on the mainland, located on M-28, about 3 to 4 miles west of Munising's blinking light. Look for the Grand Island NRA signs. For information or reservations, call (906) 387-2600 or visit http://www.grandislandup.com/.
    Grand Island Landing on the mainland is located on M-28, about 3 to 4 miles west of Munising's blinking light.
    Nearby places
    Marquette ~43 miles
    Manistique ~55 miles
    Munising (adjacent, island is about 0.5 mile from the mainland community of Munising).
    Nearby supplies
    Munising area (provides restaurants, hotels, camping opportunities and outfitters).

    Reviews from booking and map sources

    4.6
    11 reviews
    Top-Rated
    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...
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    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,...
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    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...
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    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...
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    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...
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    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...
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    Based on 11 reviews

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    Last updated December 10, 2025
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