Island Lake
Closed — Closed for the season. Reopens May 15, 2026. Open season runs May 15 through September 7. Reservations available through Recreation.gov.
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
Island Lake Campground is a small, tranquil campground tucked away in the Hiawatha National Forest, offering visitors a serene camping experience in a classic pine forest setting with some mixed hardwoods. Located off the beaten path, this campground receives lighter visitor use than many other area campgrounds, providing excellent privacy and solitude for those seeking a quieter outdoor experience. The 32.5-acre Island Lake is the centerpiece of this campground, offering excellent fishing opportunities for largemouth bass, bluegill, and perch. The campground provides shore fishing access and a boat slip for small carry-in boats and canoes. With 10 single-family sites, 1 double-family site, and 1 group site, many of the campsites overlook the peaceful lake waters. Each site includes a fire pit and picnic table. Island Lake Campground is unique among Forest Service campgrounds in that it allows OHV riding in and out of the campground and provides direct access to the extensive OHV trail system. Beyond the campground, visitors can explore nearby hiking and biking trails, or venture to the spectacular Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore and Grand Island, located just 15 miles away at Lake Superior. The area is also rich with waterfalls to discover. The remote forest road access adds to the secluded character of this hidden gem in Michigan's Upper Peninsula.
Directions
From the intersection of M-28 and Forest Highway 13, just a couple miles east of Munising, drive south 8.8 miles to FR 2268 (Buckhorn Road). Turn right (southwest) on FR 2268 and drive 2.2 miles on FR 2268 and FR 2254 to FR 2557. Turn left (south) on FR 2557 and drive 0.8 mile to Island Lake Campground.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | No |
| Water Hookups | No |
| Sewer Hookups | No |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $26 - $65 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | 45ft |
| Max Trailer Length | 45ft |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (906) 379-5791 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Availability
Photos
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