Shelter Ridge Campsite On Grand Island
Closed — Off-season December through late May. Reservations required Memorial Day through Columbus Day via Recreation.gov. Ferry service is not available during winter, and travel to the island over ice is not recommended.
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
Shelter Ridge Campsite sits on the northern-most tip of Grand Island, a 13,500-acre island in Lake Superior and part of the Hiawatha National Forest. This remote backcountry site offers a true wilderness camping experience with stunning views of Lake Superior and pristine natural surroundings. The island features dense hardwood forests, pristine sandy beaches, serene inland lakes, and miles of hiking and biking trails. Accessing Shelter Ridge requires commitment and planning. The primary route involves taking a passenger ferry from Munising to Williams Landing, then hiking approximately 10.5 miles via the island's trail system. Alternatively, experienced paddlers can access the site by kayak, landing at North Beach and hiking roughly 100 yards east on the Rim Trail. The north side of Grand Island can be treacherous, with sheer cliffs, unpredictable weather, wind, and wave action demanding expert navigational skills. The campsite accommodates up to 6 people in up to 2 tents and provides basic amenities including a primitive pit toilet, bear pole for food storage, benches, and a fire ring. Campers must be self-sufficient as the nearest potable water source is approximately 6 miles south at Juniper Flats. All visitors must obtain a $5 per person Grand Island user permit. This is an ideal destination for experienced backcountry campers seeking solitude and adventure in a spectacular Lake Superior setting.
Directions
Grand Island is located in Lake Superior, about one-half mile from Munising, Michigan. Ferry departs from Grand Island Landing on M-28, about 3 miles north of Munising at Powell Point. Once on Grand Island at Williams Landing, hike approximately 10.5 miles via trail to reach Shelter Ridge on the northern tip. By kayak, land at North Beach and walk up to the Rim Trail, then hike approximately 100 yards east to the campsite. Beware of challenging conditions on the north side of the island.
Nearby Campgrounds
- Freighter View Campsite On Grand Island 0.7mi
- Preservation Point Campsite On Grand Is 1.2mi
- Gull Point Campsite On Grand Island 1.4mi
- Game Fence Campsite On Grand Island 4.1mi
- Hemlock Campsite On Grand Island 4.2mi
- Hardwood Campsite On Grand Island 4.3mi
- Roads End Campsite On Grand Island 4.3mi
- Grand Island Cabins 4.8mi
- Juniper Flats Campsite On Grand Island 4.9mi
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 | $0 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | None |
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