Island Lake (Mi)

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Island Lake (Mi)

Quick Facts

Price

Varies

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

Site is gated in the...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Not Allowed

Opens Huron-Manistee National Forest (Mio Ranger District) site

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Quick Facts

Price

Varies

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

Site is gated in the...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Not Allowed

Opens Huron-Manistee National Forest (Mio Ranger District) site

Get Directions

Island Lake (Mi)

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

(989) 826-3252

What Campers Say

N/A

Limited Reviews

Based on 0 reviews

Most mentioned

quietpeacefullakebeach

"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."

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Best Time to Camp at Island Lake (Mi)

Island Lake operates seasonally with gates closing during the off-season months, making advance planning essential for your visit. The lake's waters maintain their refreshingly crisp, cold temperatures throughout the summer—a bracing reminder of the glacial forces that carved this beautiful basin thousands of years ago. This natural coolness offers welcome relief on warm Michigan days, though swimmers should come prepared for an invigorating plunge.

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)

Off-season, limited services. Check for closures before visiting.

Planning Tips

Operating Season: Site is gated in the off-season.

About Island Lake (Mi)

Nestled along the southern edge of the Mio Ranger District, Island Lake Campground beckons visitors to its inviting shores where a 58-acre glacial lake meets pristine Michigan forest. This well-appointed destination combines comfortable amenities—including paved campsites, picnic facilities, and a marked swimming beach—with a scenic hiking trail that winds through landscapes shaped by ancient ice.

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

Historical SignificanceEvery step along Island Lake's nature trail tells a story written in ice and stone, dating back more than 10,000 years to when massive glaciers retreated across Michigan's landscape. The trail serves as an outdoor classroom where visitors can observe the dramatic moraines and depressions left behind by the West Branch Morraine system, offering a tangible connection to the powerful geological forces that sculpted the Great Lakes region into the landscape we cherish today.

Weather and SeasonsIsland Lake operates seasonally with gates closing during the off-season months, making advance planning essential for your visit. The lake's waters maintain their refreshingly crisp, cold temperatures throughout the summer—a bracing reminder of the glacial forces that carved this beautiful basin thousands of years ago. This natural coolness offers welcome relief on warm Michigan days, though swimmers should come prepared for an invigorating plunge.

Natural Features and SceneryThe intimate 58-acre lake cradles a charming island at its heart—the namesake feature that rises from waters reaching 25 feet at their deepest point. Sheltered by a mixed hardwood forest that blazes with color in autumn and provides cool shade in summer, the lake creates a haven for wildlife enthusiasts and nature photographers. Watch for waterfowl gliding across the glassy morning waters, listen for songbirds in the surrounding canopy, and explore the distinctive glacial landforms that give this landscape its unique character—rolling moraines and subtle depressions that speak to the area's ancient origins within the West Branch Morraine system.

Geological RegionWest Branch Morraine (glacial features, moraines and depressions)

Campsite details

Sites SizeCampsites have paved parking pads.

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

Total Campsitesnull campsites

Recommended CampsitesCampsites 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 Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

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Reserving a campsite

Tents

Tents are not allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive are not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutCampsites include paved parking pads, picnic tables, campfire rings, and lantern posts; day use area includes picnic tables and grills.

Open and Closed SeasonSite is gated in the off-season.

Reservation PlatformsRecreation.gov

Cancellation PolicyAll reservation changes, cancellations, and refunds are managed through Recreation.gov.

Amenities available

Potable water

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

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.

Hiking

A 1.25-mile loop trail departs from the campground; a spur connects Island Lake Campground with Loon Lake Day Use Area.

Fishing

Anglers can fish Island Lake (maximum depth ~25 feet) for sunfish, perch, and bass.

Swimming

Day-use swimming beach marked with buoys; water temperature is cold.

Boating

Non-motorized boating is popular; visitors can carry in kayaks, canoes, and other non-motorized watercraft a short distance from the day-use parking area to the beach.

Wildlife viewing

Mixed hardwood forest and shoreline provide wildlife and waterfowl viewing opportunities; the island in Island Lake is visible from the day-use area.

Beach activities

Day-use beach on Island Lake with buoyed swimming area and adjacent picnic facilities.

Water Sports

Swimming and non-motorized boating (kayaks, canoes).

Campground rules

Pets are not allowed
Campsites include campfire rings. No specific fire restriction or policy details provided in source material.

Hazards

General hazardsWater temperature is cold (swimming). Nearby Forest Service roads and trail systems are used by OHVs; users should consult MVUM for allowed routes.

Weather at Island Lake (Mi)

°F

Dec 11

Thursday

Overcast

Precipitation: 0%

Humidity: 77%

Wind: 10.8 mph

Overcast

Weather History

Weather data powered by Open-Meteo

Detailed 7-Day Forecast

Reveal forecast

Good to know

Trash and recyclingTrash collection services are provided.

Proximity to water featuresLocated on Island Lake (58 acres) with an on-site day use swimming beach; several campsites are near or have views of the lake. Lake maximum depth 25 feet.

HostThis location is unstaffed; for general information call the main office.

Campground Map

Island Lake (Mi)

Driving directionsFrom West Branch: Travel east on M-55 for 5 miles. Turn left and travel north on M-33 for 16 miles. Turn left and travel west on Loon Lake Loop Rd. for 1 mile. The site is located on the left.

Accessible via M-33; turn onto Loon Lake Loop Rd. to reach the site.

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.

Reviews from booking and map 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...