Duck Lake Campsite On Grand Island
Open — Open year-round for camping. Reservations required Memorial Day through Columbus Day via Recreation.gov. Off-season (mid-October through late May) is first-come, first-served, but ferry service is not available. Winter access only by private watercraft, or across the ice by snowmobile, skis, or snowshoes at your own risk.
Site restrictions for toilet installation
Some camp sites on the Hiawatha's West zone will be closed while staff install new vault toilets. For your safety, stay clear of work areas and watch for heavy materials and machinery.
Temporary Trail Closure for Hardwood & Iron Jaw Loops
Forest staff will be using mechanical equipment near the Hardwood and Iron Jaw Loops during treatments of BeechBark Disease. For public safety, sections of those trails will be closed during designated dates. See list of closure dates and map for details on safe, available trail options.Oct. 1-2-…
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. Other locations for accessing the beach for…
Prescribed Fire Notice
Weather and vegetation conditions are looking favorable to conduct prescribed fire operations tomorrow July 11, 2025, on Unit 1 of the Betchler Rx Unit, which is 323 acres. This unit is located southwest of Raco, MI and southeast of Eckerman Corner, MI. Smoke will be visible south of M-28…
Round Lake Road Closure for Bridge Replacement
The bridge at Pointe Aux Chenes Creek on Round Lake Road (FR3105) will be replaced over the summer of 2025. To accommodate this construction, Round Lake Road will be closed to through traffic from May 12th to July 31st, 2025. During the project, the road will be impassable. For the safety of the…
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.Two public meetings will be held, one each on May 12 and 14 from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the Alger Parks and Recreation building at 413 Maple Street in Munising, MI. All…
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. Please take time to read and…
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.Protection of objects and areas that are of significant…
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. (4/2018),(4/2021).The…
Dense Fog Advisory issued April 12 at 7:46PM EDT until April 13 at 2:00AM EDT by NWS Marquette MI
* WHAT...Visibility one quarter mile or less in dense fog. * WHERE...Alger, Luce, Delta, Southern Schoolcraft and Northern Schoolcraft Counties. * WHEN...Until 2 AM EDT Monday. * IMPACTS...Hazardous driving conditions due to low visibility.
Flood Watch issued April 12 at 12:11PM EDT until April 15 at 8:00AM EDT by NWS Marquette MI
Heavy rain may fall on a deep primed snowpack leading to the melt increasing. Flows in rivers may increase quickly and reach critical levels. * WHAT...Flooding caused by rain and snowmelt continues to be possible. * WHERE...Portions of central Upper and western Upper Michigan, including the following areas, in central Upper Michigan, Alger, Baraga, Delta, Dickinson, Iron, Luce, Marquette, Menominee, Northern Schoolcraft and Southern Schoolcraft. In western Upper Michigan, Gogebic, Keweenaw, Northern Houghton, Ontonagon and Southern Houghton. * WHEN...Through Wednesday morning. * IMPACTS...Excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations. Flooding may occur in poor drainage and urban areas. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS... - www.weather.gov/safety/flood
About
Duck Lake Campsite is a primitive backcountry camping site located on Grand Island, a Congressionally designated National Recreation Area in Lake Superior, about half a mile offshore from Munising, Michigan. The island features massive 300-foot wave-cut sandstone cliffs, 13,500 acres of lush forest, beaches of fine sand, and historic artifacts dating back nearly 2,000 years. The campsite is accessible only by hiking, biking, or boat—no motorized vehicles are permitted on the island. Located approximately 2 miles from Williams Landing where the passenger ferry arrives, the site sits about 75 yards from Duck Lake and can accommodate up to 6 people in 2 tents. The nearest potable water is at Murray Bay Day Use Area, approximately 0.5 miles away. Campers should bring adequate water or be prepared to filter or treat surface water. The site includes a latrine, fire ring, bear pole and food locker for bear-safe storage, benches, and firewood. Black bears inhabit Grand Island, so proper food storage is essential. The island has no supplies or trash collection, requiring visitors to pack out everything they bring. Mosquitoes and black flies can be severe from mid-May to mid-July. During the operating season (late May through mid-October), reservations are required via Recreation.gov. Off-season camping is first-come, first-served, but ferry service ceases in fall and winter access is only by private watercraft or across the ice.
Directions
Grand Island is located in Lake Superior, about 0.5 miles offshore from Munising, Michigan. The passenger ferry departs from Grand Island Landing on M-28, about 2.5 miles west of Munising's blinking light. Look for Grand Island NRA signs. From Williams Landing on the island, hike 2 miles via the island trail system to reach Duck Lake Campsite. Ferry info: (906) 387-2600 or grandislandup.com.
Nearby Campgrounds
- Bermuda Campsite On Grand Island 0.5mi
- Loon Call Campsite On Grand Island 0.5mi
- Murray Bay Group Campsite On Grand Islan 0.5mi
- Driftwood Campsite On Grand Island 0.5mi
- Little Duck Campsite On Grand Island 0.5mi
- Roads End Campsite On Grand Island 1.1mi
- Grand Island Thumb Area Facilities 2.0mi
- Grand Island Cabins 1.7mi
- Juniper Flats Campsite On Grand Island 1.7mi
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) 428-5800 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | Yes |
Community Posts
No posts yet. Be the first to share your experience!