Rock Island State Park Campground

Closed — Closed for winter. The ferry operates Memorial Day weekend through Columbus Day only, and does not run during winter months. Reservations available online through the Wisconsin State Park System.

About

Rock Island State Park provides one of Wisconsin's most remote and primitive camping experiences on a 912-acre Lake Michigan island northeast of Washington Island. The park offers 40 walk-in tent campsites, including two group sites, in a vehicle-free environment that requires all camping gear and supplies to be backpacked in. Each site features a picnic table and fire ring. The island is accessible only by passenger ferry, requiring two ferry rides from Northport at the tip of the Door County Peninsula. Small carts are permitted on the ferry and island to transport gear, though ferry space is limited. Drinking water is available near the dock and boathouse, and vault toilets serve the camping areas. The island features the historic Pottawatomie Lighthouse, Wisconsin's oldest lighthouse, the impressive Thordarson Boathouse, over 2,000 feet of sandy beach, and approximately 10 miles of hiking trails along six miles of shoreline. Firewood is available for purchase at the park during operating season.

Directions

From mainland Wisconsin, take Highway 42 north to Northport at the tip of the Door County Peninsula. Take the Washington Island Ferry to Washington Island, then take the Rock Island passenger ferry (Karfi) from Jackson Harbor to Rock Island State Park. No vehicles are allowed on Rock Island.

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