Channel Marker Campsite On Grand Island

About

Channel Marker Campsite sits on the southwest tip of Grand Island National Recreation Area, a congressionally designated wilderness featuring massive 300-foot sandstone cliffs, pristine beaches, and 13,500 acres of dense hardwood forest in Lake Superior. This backcountry campsite is accessible only by hiking, biking, or paddling, as no motorized vehicles are permitted on the island. Located just 0.5 miles from Williams Landing (the ferry dock), the campsite is approximately 75 yards from Lake Superior and Murray Bay Beach, making it an ideal base for exploring the island's trails, beaches, and historic sites. The site accommodates up to 6 campers and provides essential amenities including a fire ring, picnic table, benches, latrine, and bear pole/locker for food storage. Kayakers can land on the unnamed beach approximately 0.5 miles west of Williams Landing and walk about 100 feet inland to reach the campsite. While drinking water is not available at the site itself, it can be accessed at Williams Landing, Juniper Flats, Farrell Cottage, and Murray Bay Day Use Area. Grand Island is reached via passenger ferry from the mainland near Munising (Memorial Day through fall) or by private watercraft, with a $5 per person island user permit required in addition to the camping fee.

Directions

Grand Island is located in Lake Superior, about one-half mile from Munising, Michigan. Access is via passenger ferry from Grand Island Landing on M-28 (about 3-4 miles west of Munising) or by private watercraft. The ferry docks at Williams Landing. From Williams Landing, hike or bike 0.5 miles to the southwest tip near Merchandise Beach. Kayakers can land on the unnamed beach approximately 0.5 miles west of Williams Landing and walk 100 feet inland to the campsite.