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.
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…
Flood Watch issued April 11 at 1:39PM 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...From 8 PM EDT /7 PM CDT/ this evening 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
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.
Nearby Campgrounds
- Game Fence Campsite On Grand Island 0.1mi
- Hardwood Campsite On Grand Island 0.1mi
- Grand Island Cabins 0.7mi
- Juniper Flats Campsite On Grand Island 0.7mi
- Duck Lake Campsite On Grand Island 1.9mi
- Murray Bay Group Campsite On Grand Islan 2.1mi
- Loon Call Campsite On Grand Island 2.1mi
- Bermuda Campsite On Grand Island 2.2mi
- Driftwood Campsite On Grand Island 1.9mi
Location
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 | None |
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