Grand Island National Recreation Area

Star0.57
32 reviews
Grand Island National Recreation Area
Scenic ViewsSummer Destination

Quick Facts

600 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

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Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

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Opens Grand Island Ferry Service (as listed for ferry access) site

Official Website
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Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

February 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

February 2026
Grand Island National Recreation Area
No fees available
Campsite Fees
Charges and cancellation policy referenced on Recreation.gov. Ferry prices and schedules vary by season (contact Grand Island Ferry Service).
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

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Recreation Dot Gov
Provider
(906) 387-2600
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What Campers Say

0.57

Mixed Reviews

Based on 32 reviews

24 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewssceneryhikingwater

"Reviews are overwhelmingly positive, emphasizing spectacular natural beauty, great hiking and biking, and memorable water-based experiences via ferry, kayak, and personal watercraft. A minority of reviewers report challenging, muddy or poorly maintained trails, uncomfortable or difficult biking, and some disappointment with private homes, bus traffic, and limited wildlife viewing. Overall, people who come prepared for a rustic, physically demanding setting tend to love it, while casual sightseers sometimes leave underwhelmed."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Grand Island National Recreation Area

Grand Island National Recreation Area

46.4449, -86.6646

Driving directionsAccess is by 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 Grand Island NRA signs. For ferry information or reservations call (906) 387-2600 or visit http://www.grandislandup.com/.
Ferry departs from Grand Island Landing on M-28 (about 3–4 miles west of Munising). Island access requires watercraft or the passenger ferry.
Nearby places
Grand Island is about one-half mile from Munising, Michigan. Munising is about 43 miles from Marquette and about 55 miles from Manistique.
Nearby supplies
Munising: provides restaurants, hotels, camping opportunities and outfitters.

Best Time to Camp at Grand Island National Recreation Area

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
5.0 / 5
Top 6% in US

Summer offers ferry service, swimming, kayaking and peak scenery; reviews praise summer visits.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Fall foliage, quieter trails and great overlooks make autumn a strong season here.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.0 / 5

Spring offers open trails but reviews note muddy trails and heavy mosquitoes early season.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
2.0 / 5

Some winter activities (ice climbing) listed but access and services in winter are unclear/limited.

Planning Tips

    About Grand Island National Recreation Area

    Just a half-mile paddle from Munising's shores, Grand Island National Recreation Area rises from Lake Superior's crystalline waters like a wilderness sanctuary frozen in time. This 13,500-acre island paradise beckons adventurers with its network of trails winding through ancient hardwood forests, secluded beaches that seem plucked from the Caribbean, and towering sandstone cliffs that have stood sentinel over Superior's moods for millennia.
    Camping on Grand Island includes both group and individual camping opportunities; day-use sites do not permit camping.
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    Amenities available

    Potable water
    Fire rings
    Food storage lockers
    Picnic tables
    Vault toilets
    Group Sites

    Activities you can enjoy

    A wide range of outdoor recreation is available on Grand Island, including camping, biking, hiking, ice climbing, swimming, boating, hunting, fishing, and sightseeing.
    HikingHiking and exploring are highlighted attractions, with scenic overlooks, inland lakes, and forested areas described in the facility overview.
    ClimbingClimbing opportunities may be available in nearby natural areas such as rocky outcrops, boulders, or cliff faces. Visitors should bring appropriate gear and check local regulations or park guidelines before attempting any climbs.
    FishingFishing is listed among the recreational opportunities on the island.
    SwimmingSwimming is available along the island's white-sand beaches and calm waters of Lake Superior.
    BikingBiking is explicitly mentioned; nearby outfitters provide mountain bike rentals for on-island exploration.
    BoatingBoating is mentioned and the island's calm waters attract boaters; local outfitters offer kayak, canoe and pontoon rentals.
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    Policies & Safety

    Food Storage RequiredBear lockers and/or poles are provided at campsites for food storage.

    Weather at Grand Island National Recreation Area

    Reviews

    0.6
    32 reviews
    Mixed Reviews
    Mixed Reviews
    Grand Island National Recreation Area has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews
    Reviews are overwhelmingly positive, emphasizing spectacular natural beauty, great hiking and biking, and memorable water-based experiences via ferry, kayak, and personal watercraft. A minority of reviewers report challenging, muddy or poorly maintained trails, uncomfortable or difficult biking, and some disappointment with private homes, bus traffic, and limited wildlife viewing. Overall, people who come prepared for a rustic, physically demanding setting tend to love it, while casual sightseers sometimes leave underwhelmed.
    Review Summaries
    Based on 32 reviews

    What Campers Love

    Users consistently praise the island’s scenery—towering cliffs, beaches with smooth pebbles and sea glass, serene coves, and great views from both land and water. Many highlight the fun, quick ferry...
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    Based on 32 reviews

    Common Concerns

    Several reviewers mention heavy mosquitoes and bugs, making bug spray and head nets almost essential. Some note that biking is more like true mountain biking with steep hills, rough or muddy roads,...
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    Based on 32 reviews

    Pro Tips & Recommendations

    Reviewers strongly recommend bringing plenty of bug spray, and some suggest a mosquito/face net and sturdy shoes due to mud and rough terrain. Many advise renting bikes if you want to see the whole...
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    Based on 32 reviews

    Camper Quotes

    "Towering sea cliffs, white sand beaches, serene coves and sea caves... an absolute gem of an island." "This is not a leisurely ride around shores of a beach town… It’s not an easy ride unless you’re...
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    Based on 32 reviews

    Site-Specific Reviews

    One reviewer notes camping at the highest point on the island using hammocks (not at a formal campsite) and describes the climb as extremely challenging for biking. Another camped three nights at the...
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    Based on 32 reviews

    Pet-Friendly Features

    One detailed review describes visiting with a dog, noting that they walked a road route about two miles to a beach. The reviewer was frustrated by repeated encounters with a tour bus on the narrow...
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    Based on 32 reviews

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    Last updated February 2, 2026
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