Driftwood Campsite On Grand Island
Closed — Closed for the season. Ferry service operates from the Friday before Memorial Day through mid-October. Reservations required during the operating season through Recreation.gov. Off-season camping does not require reservations, but ferry service is unavailable and travel across the ice is not recommended.
Gale Warning issued December 29 at 10:06PM EST until December 30 at 7:00AM EST by NWS Marquette MI
* WHAT...Northwest winds 25 to 35 kt with gusts up to 40 kt and waves 13 to 18 ft occurring. * WHERE...Marquette to Munising MI, Munising to Grand Marais MI, Grand Marais to Whitefish Point MI, Lake Superior East of a line from Manitou Island to Marquette MI and West of a line from Grand Marais MI to the US/Canadian Border Beyond 5NM from shore and Lake Superior from Grand Marais MI to Whitefish Point MI 5NM off shore to the US/Canadian border. * WHEN...Until 7 AM EST Tuesday. * IMPACTS...Strong winds will cause hazardous waves which could capsize or damage vessels and reduce visibility.
Heavy Freezing Spray Warning issued December 29 at 10:06PM EST until December 29 at 10:00PM EST by NWS Marquette MI
* WHAT...Northwest winds 25 to 35 kt with gusts up to 40 kt and waves 13 to 18 ft occurring. * WHERE...Marquette to Munising MI, Munising to Grand Marais MI, Grand Marais to Whitefish Point MI, Lake Superior East of a line from Manitou Island to Marquette MI and West of a line from Grand Marais MI to the US/Canadian Border Beyond 5NM from shore and Lake Superior from Grand Marais MI to Whitefish Point MI 5NM off shore to the US/Canadian border. * WHEN...Until 7 AM EST Tuesday. * IMPACTS...Strong winds will cause hazardous waves which could capsize or damage vessels and reduce visibility.
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
Driftwood Campsite is located on Grand Island National Recreation Area, a 13,500-acre island in Lake Superior featuring massive 300-foot sandstone cliffs, lush forests, and fine sand beaches. This primitive backcountry campsite sits approximately 50 yards from Trout Bay Beach and 2.5 miles from Williams Landing, where the passenger ferry arrives. The site is accessible only by hiking or biking the island's trail system or by kayak via Trout Bay Beach, as no public motorized vehicles are allowed on the island. The campsite accommodates up to 4 people in two tents and provides a vault toilet, food storage pole and locker, fire ring, benches, and firewood. No drinking water is available at the site itself; campers must bring their own water or plan to filter water from Lake Superior. The nearest potable water source is approximately 1 mile south at Murray Bay Day Use Area, with additional water available at Williams Landing, Juniper Flats, and Farrell Cottage. Black bears inhabit the island, so proper food storage is essential. Grand Island is reached via passenger ferry from Grand Island Landing on the mainland, located on M-28 about 2.5 miles west of Munising. There are no supplies or trash facilities on the island, so visitors must pack in everything they need and pack out all trash. A $5 per person Grand Island user permit fee is required in addition to the campsite fee and is included in the ferry fare.
Directions
Grand Island is located in Lake Superior, approximately one-half mile from Munising, Michigan. Take the passenger ferry from Grand Island Landing on M-28, about 2.5 miles west of Munising's traffic light (look for Grand Island NRA signs). From Williams Landing on the island, hike or bike approximately 2.5 miles via the island trail system to reach Driftwood Campsite near Trout Bay Beach. The site can also be accessed by kayak via Trout Bay Beach.
Nearby Campgrounds
- Little Duck Campsite On Grand Island 0.2mi
- Duck Lake Campsite On Grand Island 0.5mi
- Roads End Campsite On Grand Island 0.6mi
- Bermuda Campsite On Grand Island 1.1mi
- Loon Call Campsite On Grand Island 1.1mi
- Murray Bay Group Campsite On Grand Islan 1.1mi
- Grand Island Thumb Area Facilities 2.3mi
- Hardwood Campsite On Grand Island 1.8mi
- Hemlock Campsite On Grand Island 1.9mi
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) 387-2600 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | None |
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