Grand Island National Recreation Area

About

Grand Island National Recreation Area is a remote 13,500-acre island located half a mile offshore from Munising in Lake Superior, part of the Hiawatha National Forest. The island offers a genuine backcountry experience with primitive camping along its shores and interior. Access is exclusively by passenger ferry from Grand Island Landing or private watercraft; no public vehicles are permitted on the island, making all campsites hike-in, bike-in, or boat-in. The recreation area features 17 individual campsites and 2 group campsites scattered across the island. Each site includes a vault toilet, fire ring, picnic table or benches, and bear-resistant food storage. Potable water is available only at Williams Landing, Juniper Flats, Farrell Cottage, and Murray Bay Day Use Area. Campers must pack in all supplies and pack out all trash as there is no trash service on the island. The island's dramatic scenery includes 300-foot wave-cut sandstone cliffs, pristine sandy beaches, and inland lakes surrounded by dense northern hardwood forest. Black bears are present, requiring proper food storage. Mosquitoes and black flies are severe from mid-May through mid-July. The fragile sandstone cliffs prohibit climbing or rappelling.

Directions

Take M-28 to Grand Island Landing, approximately 2.5 miles west of Munising's blinking light. Board the Grand Island Ferry Service passenger ferry to reach the island. Private watercraft may also be used. No vehicles are permitted on the island.