Channel Marker Campsite On Grand Island
Closed — Closed for the season. The campground operates from late May through mid-October, with reservations required Memorial Day through Columbus Day. Ferry service to the island is unavailable during winter months.
Temporary Area Closure for Big Pines Picnic Area
The Big Pines Picnic Area will be temporarily closed due to timber harvest. Activities in the area may include logging trucks and other equipment. For your safety, please stay alert while in the vicinity and choose another location for recreation.
Hiawatha National Forest Seeks Public input on Grand Island Visitor Use Management Project
The Hiawatha National Forest is seeking input on the development of a management plan for the Grand Island National Recreation Area.
Forest Supervisor's Orders
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 on-line below or at any office of the Hiawatha National Forest.
Restricting Public Entry to Stonington Quarry
Persons with a valid permit; Federal, State, or Local members of rescue or fire fighting force in the performance of official duties; Forest Service employees conducting surveys or monitoring and as approved by the Forest Supervisor.
Haymeadow Trail and Bridge Closed
The Haymeadow Creek Hiking Trail Bridge is closed until it can be repaired or replaced. -- Located on the hiking loop near Haymeadow Creek Dispersed Campsites, the bridge failed an inspection due to significant rot. We will update this notice as repairs are implemented.
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.
Nearby Campgrounds
- Grand Island National Recreation Area 1.0mi
- Bay Furnace Campground 1.7mi
- Murray Bay Group Campsite On Grand Islan 1.8mi
- Loon Call Campsite On Grand Island 1.8mi
- Bermuda Campsite On Grand Island 1.8mi
- Grand Island Cabins 2.3mi
- Juniper Flats Campsite On Grand Island 2.3mi
- Duck Lake Campsite On Grand Island 2.3mi
- Hardwood Campsite On Grand Island 2.8mi
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $10 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (906) 387-2512 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | Yes |
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