Hemlock Campsite On Grand Island

Open — Open year-round. Reservations required Memorial Day through Columbus Day and available via Recreation.gov. Off-season October 12 through May 25 is first-come, first-served with no reservations required. Ferry service closes in fall through winter; access during this period is only by private watercraft or, when the lake freezes, by foot or snowmobile over ice.

About

Hemlock Campsite offers a secluded wilderness camping experience on Grand Island, a 13,500-acre National Recreation Area in Lake Superior. Located on the island's western shore near Waterfall Beach, the site sits approximately 3.5 miles from Williams Landing where the ferry docks. Access is by hiking, mountain biking on the island's trail system, or by kayak via Waterfall Beach, then climbing stairs and hiking 100 yards north to the campsite. The primitive site accommodates up to 6 people in two tents and provides basic amenities including a vault toilet, food storage pole for bear-safe storage, fire ring, benches, and firewood. Drinking water is available at Williams Landing, Juniper Flats (0.5 miles south), Farrell Cottage, and Murray Bay Day Use Area, but not at the campsite itself. Campers should bring water or be prepared to filter, boil, or treat surface water. Grand Island features massive 300-foot sandstone cliffs, pristine beaches, inland lakes, and dense forests. Black bears inhabit the island, requiring proper food storage. No supplies or trash cans are available on the island; visitors must pack in and pack out everything. Public vehicles are not permitted on the island. A $5 per person Grand Island User Permit is required in addition to the campsite fee.

Directions

Grand Island is located in Lake Superior, about 0.5 miles from the mainland community of Munising, Michigan. The ferry departs from Grand Island Landing on M-28, about 2.5 miles west of downtown Munising. From Williams Landing on the island, hike or bike approximately 3.5 miles via the island trail system to reach Hemlock Campsite on the western side near Waterfall Beach. Kayakers can access via Waterfall Beach, then climb stairs and hike 100 yards north to the campsite.

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