Island Lake
Closed — Closed for the season. Reopens May 15, 2026. Open season runs May 15 through September 7. Reservations available through Recreation.gov.
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 12 at 2:10AM 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
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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