Roads End Campsite On Grand Island

Closed — Closed for the season. The campground operates from Memorial Day weekend through Columbus Day, with reservations required during that period. Ferry service to Grand Island is not available during winter months. The island can only be accessed by private watercraft or, when the lake is frozen, by foot or snowmobile, though travel over ice is not recommended.

About

Roads End Campsite is one of 17 designated backcountry campsites within Grand Island National Recreation Area, part of Hiawatha National Forest. Located on a remote island in Lake Superior, this primitive walk-in site sits approximately 3 miles from Williams Landing, where the passenger ferry arrives. The campground accommodates up to 6 people and offers a true backcountry experience with basic amenities including a latrine, fire ring, benches, and food storage pole and locker to protect against bears. Grand Island features dramatic 300-foot sandstone cliffs, 13,500 acres of forest, sandy beaches, and historic sites dating back thousands of years. The island is accessible only by passenger ferry or private watercraft, and no motorized vehicles are permitted. During peak season from Memorial Day through Columbus Day, advance reservations are required and can be made for up to 4 consecutive days. Campers must pay a $5 per person Grand Island user permit fee in addition to the campsite fee. The island offers excellent opportunities for hiking, mountain biking, kayaking, and exploring Lake Superior's shoreline. Drinking water is available at several locations on the island including Williams Landing, but not at the campsite itself, so filtering or treating water is necessary. The remote location and lack of modern amenities make this an ideal destination for experienced campers seeking solitude and natural beauty.

Directions

Grand Island is located in Lake Superior, approximately 0.5 miles from Munising, Michigan. Access via passenger ferry from Grand Island Landing on M-28, about 3-4 miles west of downtown Munising. Look for Grand Island NRA signs. Ferry operates Memorial Day through early October. From Williams Landing on the island, hike approximately 3 miles via island trails to reach Roads End Campsite. No motorized vehicles are permitted on the island.

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