Some campsites are conveniently located for kayakers. Want to know the essentials for your next camping trip? Weather and Lake Superior: Grand Island is just outside the small town of Munising MI . Grand Island is part of the Hiawatha National Forest. The following applies: Campsites cannot be located in a state park, recreation area, state forest campground or state game area and must be located more than one mile from state forest campgrounds. Please stay at least mile away from developed campgrounds. Grand Island is located in Lake Superior, about one-half mile from the mainland community of Munising, Michigan. As noted above, when dispersed camping in one of Michigans State Forests, you must complete and post a camp registration card at your campsite for the duration of your stay. Arguably one of the most beautiful beaches in the Upper Peninsula, secluded North Beach will captivate you. In general, with a little knowledge of where to look, experience navigating forest service roads, reading USFS maps, and camping in remote locations, you should be able to find plenty of dispersed campsites in Michigan. Boating - Motorized Viewing Plants The weather can suddenly change, exposing you to cold temperatures, wind, fog, lightning, and rough seas. There is a restroom facility as well. Sea kayaks for single person use are generally 16 to 19 feet long, with hatches and bulkheads providing flotation in the front and back. Do not block any roads or restrict access to National Forest lands by others. Grand Island Ferry Service, Inc. is a concessionaire for the United States Forest Service Department of Agriculture and is an equal opportunity provider. Great Lakes Boats vs. Inland Lakes Boats: There is a reason that the Great Lakes are sometimes called "inland seas". This free camping area has all the hallmarks of great dispersed camping in Michigan. The East Channel lighthouse, however, is only accessible by boat. Undesignated hiking opportunities lie on old roadbeds, cross a variety of terrain and provide shoreline view. Areas for Spectacular dispersed and backcountry camping opportunities. Map Information. Make sure the fire is completely out before you leave, and replace the sod and soilyou removed. This part of the state includes most of its urban areas Detroit, Grand Rapids, Ann Arbor, and Lansing. Digto mineral soil before you start your fire. A vault toilet is provided near the Day Use Area. If camping in the area for more than a night, or if camping with a large group, cat hole sites should be widely dispersed. Metal detectors are not allowed in Grand Island Recreation Area. Our free printable cheat sheet outlines how to find the perfect dispersed campsite for your next trip. Your best bet is to consult official USFS maps along with Google Maps to make sure you are taking the right route to the campsite. The historic homes that remain on the island are now over 100 years old and are impeccably maintained by their summer residents. 231 E. Superior St. Munising MI 49862. Be sure to let us know in the comments below if you have any questions and be sure to tell us about your trip! Phone Number. Each of Murray Bay's two designated individual sites allows up to 6 people and a maximum of 2 tents. The western portion of the Hiawatha extends from the towns of Rapid River and Manistique, along Lake Michigan, to the town of Munising on the Lake Superior shore. Looking to find more free, dispersed camping? We recommend using a combination of online apps/websites and USFS maps to find dispersed campsites. Campground Camping Many campers have self-contained toilets. A float plan contains important information such as your name and address, vessel description, number of people in your group, safety equipment, planned route, length of trip and return date. Remember, you must be at least 1 mile for a rustic state forest campground in order to dispersed camp. One final resource for finding dispersed camping in Michigan is to utilize the USFS Motor Vehicle Use Maps for the three National Forests. A maximum of 6 six people and 2 tents are allowed. Grand Island National Recreation Area. The Grand Island Ferry Service provides transportation to Grand Island just off the coast of Munising, MI. The US Forest Services manages three National Forests within Michigan. If you are traveling to and from the island on the passenger ferry, keep the ferry schedule in mind as you plan your time on the island. Instruction and competence on proper techniques including rescues or using a guide are recommended for beginners or those who have never kayaked on Lake Superior. United States government. Juniper Flats group site is accessible by trail and is located on the south west shore of the island nearWaterfall Beach. The Murrary Bay sites can be accessed either by the island's trail system or by water. Boondocking Locations in Michigan. The East Unit of the Hiawatha National Forest is located in the east side of the Upper Peninsula, bordering three of the Great Lakes: The eastern portion stretches north from the town of St. Ignace, which lies along Lakes Michigan and Huron, to the shore of Lake Superior west of the city of Sault Ste. Instruction and competence on proper techniques including rescues or using a guide are recommended for beginners or those who have never boated on Lake Superior. Gaia GPS - Download offline maps for easy navigation! KNQ Base Camp Full-Time Adventure Travelers Main Menu. Of course, hikers can also use any of the 20-mile hiking/biking Rim Trail in addition to the road system. Recreational kayaks are inappropriate for use on Lake Superior. Although the lake itself is quite beautiful, it is not recommended for swimming as it is quite shallow and murky. Even if youre not planning on bringing horses, this is still a great place to dispersed camp given the location. A day use picnic area is also located at Murray Bay; camping is not allowed at the day use area. Give them plenty of room and be prepared for their wake. Permits are required for camping at Grand Island campsitesbetween Memorial Day and Columbus Day. Please empty your holding tankat sanitation stations. Wilderness camping in . A handful are open all-year round for those who . Munising Ranger District is located on the northern part of the west side of the Hiawatha National Forest. This is a convenient location to dispersed camp in Michigans Upper Peninsula as youre just a short drive from the town of Houghton and adjacent to the Baraga State Forest Area. Look for the Grand Island National Recreation Area signs. (Exceptions include Grand Island National Recreation Area (100 feet from water, cliff edge, private property, trails, other campsites, special use recreation residences or recreation developments) and Big Island Lake Wilderness (200 feet from water). (906) 428-5800 Except for shallow beaches, Lake Superior's temperatures rarely reach above 55 degrees. Another great resource for finding dispersed campsites in Michigans State Forests is their excellent interactive State Forest Map. 888-784-7328, Photos Courtesy Grand Island National Recreation Area Photo, walking the beach at Grand Island National Recreation Area Photo 3. ) or https:// means you've safely Dispersed camping is allowed on Hiawatha National Forest lands except developed recreation and administrative sites, campgrounds and designated campsites. This includes where you can legally camp, what the various rules are, and what to bring. Select an inconspicuous site where otherswill be unlikely to walk or camp. Weve created this guide to do just that and in the sections below youll find out where to camp, what to expect, how to navigate the various rules, and much more so you can plan your perfect Michigan dispersed camping trip. Although Hovey Lake is a designated camping area, there are minimal services here. French Farm Lake dispersed camping is located on the far northern tip of the lower peninsula just outside the town of Mackinaw City. Restrooms:Vault toiletWater:NoCrowds:ModerateMap. Call 877-833-6777 (TTY) Cobble Cove, Flat Rock and Muskrat Point are first come, first served. In many ways they "act" more like the ocean than like the typical inland lake. The dunes themselves are just a short distance form the campsites and make the perfect day trip to explore the lakeshore and unique environment. Although the state may not be top of mind when you think of public lands, many campers are surprised by the opportunities to pitch your tent or park your trailer in some stunning wilderness. Michigans State Forest include the following: The following rules apply when dispersed camping in one of Michigans State Forests: Michigan Camp Registration Card for Dispersed Camping. The following restrictions apply: Group size can impactthe land. ( That means that in Michigan, dispersed camping can generally be found in any of the three national forests (more details on those below) by looking along Forest Service roads or inquiring directly with the Ranger District Office where you plan to camp. Bear Island Lake Big Lake Birch Lake Campground & Backcountry Sites Circle Route Dragon Lake Glacier Pond 2 . Green Road is located within the Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness Area, which is part of Huron-Manistee National Forest. Please be aware that, in keeping with agency interim direction, the non-motorized trails (e.g. The camping area is just off the main road leading the French Farm Lake, but before you reach the lake itself. Two of these, Hiawatha & Ottawa, are located on Michigans Upper Peninsula, while Huron-Manistee is located on the Lower Peninsula. Munising is about 43 miles from Marquette and 55 miles from Manistique. Camping within fifty (50) feet of a body of water is prohibited, unless otherwise posted. Recreational kayaks are shorter, usually 10 to 14 feet long with a large open cockpit and at most on hatch and bulkhead. For passenger ferry schedule and information contact Grand Island Ferry Service, Inc. at 906-387-2600. 8901 Grand Ave Place. To the west of Whelan Lake youll find the town of Ludington as well as some nice beaches on Lake Michigan. Whelan Lake offers primitive, dispersed camping in Manistee National Forest in west-central Michigan. Reservations are required for camping on Grand Island between Memorial Day through Columbus Day with the exception of Cobble Cove, Flat Rock, and Muskrat Point campsites which will remain first-come, first-served. The ferry departs from Grand Island Landing on the mainland, located on M-28 about 2.5 miles west of the Munising's blinking light. This map allows you to see state forest boundaries as well as rustic state forest campgrounds and look for areas that permit dispersed camping. There are no services at French Farm Lake, so be prepared to come with everything you need and pack out all of your waste. Highly recommended! Stop by for up-to-date information and suggestions for your trip. United States. Overnight camping in individual sites (4-6 people) range from $8 - $10 per night. It's dispersed camping in Michigan on the Upper Peninsula. This is a popular place to dispersed camp in Michigan, so youll want to try to arrive early if youre looking to secure a site on a busy summer weekend. Dispersed camping is permitted in Hiawatha National Forest, but strict rules apply. Are there decent spots on the north end and by the thumb or should we bag it and go somewhere else? Try the PRO version for free and download offline maps. The Island also offers a few cabins to rent in addition to the campgrounds. Before you go, check the marine forecast. If not, find an opening at least 200 feet from water and trails, where understory vegetation or timber will not need to be cut or removed. We hope weve provided all of the information you need to plan a great Michigan dispersed camping trip . Informed RVers have rated 24 . You may gather down wood for campfires, but that wood cannot be removed from the National Forest without a valid firewood permit. Larger rigs may have a tough time turning around here, so if youre in a large RV you may want to look elsewhere. There are 19 individual (4-6 people and 2 tents per site) and two group sites (1-25 people, 2 tents per site pad) on Grand Island. Visit the six historic lighthouses, ride the ferry out to the Grand Island to camp by the beachside, then head inland to hike, horseback ride, or mountain bike along hundreds of miles of trails. United States. Solar Power Bank Charger - Keep your gadgets charged with the power of the sun. Currently, a 4-mile hiking-only trail has been designated in the northeast part of the island, and the 2-mile Thumb trail is reserved for hiking-only use. (TTY 711), https://www.fs.usda.gov/activity/hiawatha/recreation/camping-cabins/?recid=13267&actid=34. Murray Bay. Instagram Pinterest Contact Us . Larger, more sea-worthy boats with at least one back-up motor are recommended because they are safer on Lake Superior. Water: No. You may set up camp anywhere so long as you are not within certain distances from developed areas. Mary Moore,Forest Supervisor A vault toilet is provided at each end of Trout Bay. These State Forests are located throughout Michigan, and are a true hidden gem for campers. Leave your float plan with a friend or family member and tell them to call 911 if you are overdue or an emergency arises. Grand Island is the perfect place to spend a day or even just a few hours biking, exploring, and appreciating nature. An official website of the Here are the seven principles of Leave No Trace camping: You can read more about the seven principles of Leave No Trace camping here. You can access the Camp Registration Card here. This will minimize your impact and ensure your campsite can be enjoyed by future visitors. The two most popular are Waterfall and Mather beaches. Solo Stove - Elevate your campfire with this smoke-free fire pit. Boat tours leave Munising on a regular basis during the summer months. Please note that in keeping with agency interim direction, eBikes are not allowed. This is a simple form to fill out, but you must do so in advance and print out to post at your campsite. If you're looking for a more rustic camping experience, check out our nearly 140 state forest campgrounds located throughout Michigan's Upper and northern Lower Peninsulas. website belongs to an official government organization in the A day use picnic area is also . Refer to the map of Grand Island to see all 19 individual campsite locations. Calm waters beckon boaters and swimmers to Murray Bay where a lovely sand beach and Day Use Picnic Area are perfect for whiling away a lazy afternoon. To reserve, search by campsite name on Recreation.gov: Each group site accommodates 7 to 25 people. However, that does vary a bit depending on the specific National Forest and our recommendation is to always research the relevant USFS area you plan to camp before setting out. Official websites use .gov A .gov Vault toilet is provided near Day Use Area. Visit the Farm Field to view our native plant garden. Camping within fifty (50) feet of a body of water is prohibited, unless otherwise posted. There are only four sites here, all with picnic tables and fire rings. Rapid River Ranger district is located on the lower half of the west side of the forest. Youll want to plan on bringing all the water youll need and be sure to practice Leave No Trace camping here. 820 Rains Drive Overgrown two track trails lead you through dense forests, sandy beaches and cliff side lookouts. Please respect private property signs. The Bermuda and Loon Call campsites can accommodate up to 6 people, with a maximum of 2 tents per site. Before you go, check the marine forecast. Although not traditional dispersed camping, the sites here are free and well spaced out. Gladstone, MI 49837 on official, secure websites. Links to the relevant MVUMs for Michigans National Forests are below: One of our favorite things about dispersed camping is the lack of permits, reservations, and other requirements youll often find at developed campgrounds. North of Flint, there are several great places to camp that are still on the lower peninsula, and almost all . Remember:PFD's (personal flotation devices) should be worn at all times on Lake Superior. Open year-round, this is a great destination to explore a less visited section of Michigan. Visit Recreation.gov for more information. Crowds: Busy. Restrooms:Vault toiletWater:No, but may be able to pull from Mammoth CreekCrowds:BusyMap. Lake Superiorcan become hazardous for any size vessel even in moderate weather. United States government. Has anyone tried dispersed camping? Thehole should be covered and disguised with natural materials when finished. . Vast State and National Forests, thick woodlands, and shores along three of the great lakes makes dispersed camping in Michigan a cant miss experience. Munising is about 43 miles from Marquette and 55 miles from Manistique. In 1990 the Forest Service purchased Grand Island from the Cleveland Cliffs Iron Co and it became part of the Hiawatha National Forest. However, youll want good background information as well as intel on the best campsites before you set out on your own Michigan dispersed camping trip. The weather can suddenly change, exposing you to cold temperatures, wind, fog, lightning and rough seas. Your stay is limited to 16 days. Scenic natural beauty and interesting history. Bring the family, friends or yourself and check out Grand Island National Recreation Area! Open year-round, this is a great destination to explore a less visited section of Michigan. North Beach takes a little more effort to visit as it is 10 miles from Williams Landing, but it is well worth the effort. . There are many hiking opportunities along the island's perimeter as well as its interior, providing a relatively secluded setting for hikers seeking a measure of solitude. The Hovey Lake Dispersed Campground is located in Hiawatha National Forest on Michigans Upper Peninsula. These National Forests are always our first recommendation to find dispersed campsites. A day use area is located on the east side and west side of Trout Bay Beach. Swimming Michigan United States of America North America Place . Grand Island is a wild and scenic place perfect for nature enthusiasts to explore. Although the state isnt as well known for its free camping as some of the Western States, youll find far fewer campers in Michigans National and State Forests. The west side of the Island boasts several stone covered beaches. The road around the lake itself has several good campsites, although recently it has been hit or miss if the road is open. It is broadly allowed on these lands, expect where it is explicitly prohibited. If you're interested in the island's history, check out the Grand Island 25th Anniversary Page (archived). As you may have guessed, the star gazing from here is amazing! There is a vault toilet at Marzinski Horse Trail Camp, but no water source. at The nearby Pere Marquette River offers recreational opportunities, and Whelan Lake itself is popular for fishing. Nature enthusiasts enjoy hiking and mountain biking as they explore this secluded portion of the Hiawatha National Forest and Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. Although there are no restrooms or water sources here, several of the trailheads in the area do have simple vault toilets available. For details and to make reservations, visit Recreation.gov or call toll free 1-877-444-6777. This dispersed camping area gets great reviews for its proximity to Lake Michigan, privacy of the sites, and relatively easy access for most vehicles. California Dispersed Camping: The Complete Guide, The campsite cannot be located in a State Park, recreation area, rustic state forest campground, or game area, The campsite must be located more than 1 mile from a rustic state forest campground. Check out The Dyrt PRO to get campsite reviews, offline maps, and the best map layers for finding public dispersed camping! 5. Grand Island is part of the Hiawatha National Forest. The Trout Bay sites can be accessed either by the trail or by water. Grand Island is located in Lake Superior, about one-half mile from the mainland community of Munising, Michigan. There is a vault toilet available, but no drinking water so youll want to plan accordingly. Sault Ste Marie Ranger district is located on the upper half of the east side of the forest. Thats it! unless otherwise posted. Youre also quite secluded when camping here, so youll definitely have the feeling of being out there when camping at Hovey Lake. connected to the .gov website. 820 Rains Drive Get 20% here. Explore the island by hiking, mountain biking or bus tour. Michigan is one of the Midwests best camping destinations. Please make sure to property dispose of your waste at Lime and Pearl Lake and practice Leave No Trace camping. Grand Island National Recreation Area. While not technically dispersed camping, McKinley Trail Camp is free and the sites are well spaced giving campers a feeling of solitude. This is a popular spot to camp for free in the area, so you will want to arrive early if youre looking to secure a site during the peak summer months. It is located in Lake Superior just off the north shore of Michigan's Upper Peninsula about one-half mile from the mainland community of Munising, Michigan. The Hiawatha National Forest is located in Michigan and encompasses about 879,600 acres. They run close to the shoreline including Murray Bay and the east shore of the island's Thumb. Whelan Lake offers primitive, dispersed camping in Manistee National Forest in west-central Michigan. BAY VIEW, Michigan Campground Images, Info & Reservations. The first permanent settlers arrived in 1846, setting up a trading post there to trade with the Ojibway Indians. It is best to check current regulations with the relevant USFS or Michigan State Forest, but you should plan on adhering to the following asoutlined by the USFS: One of the most important considerations when dispersed camping is to follow Leave No Trace principles. The island provides over 40 miles of rugged dirt/sand trails and easier gravel roads that will accommodate any level of biker. The group site can accommodate between 7 and 25 people. Grand Island has interpretive signs scattered throughout the Island to help you learn about the island's unique historyand ecological features. Perfect for rockhounds and agate seekers, these beaches also afford fantastic views of Lake Superior and Williams Island. . It is located in Lake Superior just off the north shore of Michigans Upper Peninsula about one-half mile from the mainland community of Munising, Michigan. Do not camp in areas near trailheads, picnic areas, or developed campgrounds. Call 877-444-6777. 2022 Michigan Economic Development Corporation. Whelan Lake. Visitors can reach the island via passenger ferry or private watercraft. Learn more about dispersed camping, here. DO NOT imagine that you can safely use your inland lakes equipment on the Great Lakes. Restrooms:Vault toiletWater:NoCrowds:LightMap. (Exceptions include Grand Island National Recreation Area (100 feet from water, cliff edge, private property, trails, other campsites, special use recreation . A few of the sites can accommodate smaller RVs and trailers, although we wouldnt recommend this site for those with very large rigs. The Grand Island Ferry Service rents mountain bikes right at William's Landing. Dispersed camping is allowed on Hiawatha National Forest lands exceptdeveloped recreation and administrativesites, campgrounds and designated campsites. The winds are stronger,waves are bigger, and the water (especially in Lake Superior) is much colder and deeper. Guide to Camping on the Tour du Mont Blanc, Guide to Hiking from Aspen to Crested Butte, Guide to Camping on the West Highland Way, Guide to Camping on the Walkers Haute Route, The Ultimate Guide to the Coast to Coast Walk, The Complete Guide to Snowshoeing in Rocky Mountain National Park, How to find dispersed campsites in Michigan, The 10 Best Dispersed Camping Areas in Michigan, Nordhouse Dunes Green Road Dispersed Camping, Lime Lake/Pearl Lake Natural Recreation Area. Dispersed Camping on Grand Island . Evidence of this activity is still apparent there. While this is a formal campground, there are many dispersed camping opportunities in the immediate vicinity of Haymeadow Creek. Spectacular dispersed and backcountry camping opportunities. Lake Perrault is located on the Keweenaw Peninsula in the northern most section of the UP. A good option for those looking for free and dispersed camping in Huron National Forest is the McKinley Trail Camp. . Restrooms:NoWater:NoCrowds:ModerateMap. After this period, your camping equipment and all persons must move to another site at least one mile away, for an additional stay, not to exceed 16 days. Mary Moore,Forest Supervisor Random camping is permitted on Grand Island if a camper is at least 100 feet from a body of water, cliff edge, private property, trails, other campsites, special use recreation residenes of recreation developments. For additional information about national forest camping,see. Recreation.gov. Comments sorted by . The Pearl Lake area is a great example of dispersed camping in Michigan that is not on federally owned property. There is a small fee for the Nordhouse Dunes area when dispersed camping, but we think this is well worth it for access to this beautiful area. There are approximately 21 sites located here, but they rarely fill up even on summer weekends. Rustic camping. All vessels on Lake Superiorare required to have a wearable Personal Flotation Device per person on board and a sounc providing device that is audible for one half mile for 4-6 seconds (such as a horn or whistle). As with many dispersed camping areas in Michigan, especially on the UP, youll want to come prepared with good bug spray and get a campfire going as soon as you arrive to help clear the mosquitoes out! This is a beautiful area that is maintained by a non-profit, so it is all of our responsibility to ensure it remains open and protected for generations to come. When operating from sunset to sunrise and in or near areas of reduced visibility, use navigational lights that may be seen by others and be equipped with a visual distress signal. Locate cat holes at least 200 feet (about 70 adult paces) from water, trails and camp. 19 individual campsites (1-6 people) and 2 group campsites. Safety is a concern for all watercraft on Lake Superior. Standard Amenity Fee for Day Use of Grand Island is $5 per person per trip. A permit is required for camping on Grand Island. The campsite must not be located in an area posted as No Camping This one is obvious! Hiawatha National Forest . Use existing sites and fire rings when available. Fees: Standard Amenity Fee for Day Use of Grand Island is $5 per person per trip. Youre also close to the beach here as well as Headlands International Dark Sky Park. Wilderness Camping Upper Michigan! For more information about bike rentals or ferry schedules, please call 906- 387-2600 or visit Grand Island Ferry Service, Inc. Located in Huron-Manistee National Forest, the camping area is close to both Lake Michigan as well as right on the Marzinski Horse Trail. 4. Hiking and Mountain Biking Trails. The campsites here are large, so can accommodate a variety of camping set-ups and also benefit from a bit of privacy between each site. The St. Ignace Ranger District is located on the lower half of the east side of the Forest (southeastern portion of the Upper Peninsula). The sites are well spread out, easy to access, and there is tons to do in the surrounding area. Cans, bottles and aluminum foil dont burn, sopack them out when you leave. At each designated site, campers must set up their tents within 15 feet of the site marker post. at at Spectacular overlooks, pristine sandy beaches, fascinating cultural sites, deep hard woods, and inland lakes make Grand Island an exciting destination. Where is dispersed camping allowed in Michigan . 2. For example, a family planning a day of biking can arrive on the early boat, take a leisurely pace and travel partway up the west rim trail, cut across the island on an old logging road to Trout Bay Overlook, travel down to Trout Bay day use area for a picnic meal and beach walk, and finish the day biking down along Murray Bay to Williams Landing in time to return to the mainland. If you dont have a bike with you, no problem! With the exception ofGrand Island National Recreation Area,Big Island Lake Wilderness, and developed recreation sites, you can have a campfire anywhere in the National Forest. Lake Superiorcan become hazardous for any size vessel even in moderate weather. The town of Manistee is just a short drive away and has a lovely river walk as well as good beach on Lake Michigan. Group Campsites (up to 25 people) are $30 per night. Please cleanyour campsite completely before you leave! Pearl Lake is part of a State Forest and is managed by the Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy which you can learn more about here. However, that doesnt mean there arent important rules you should always following when dispersed camping. An official website of the website belongs to an official government organization in the You can access the Camp Registration Card here. Robbins Pond is a designated dispersed campground with just three campsites located in Ottawa National Forest just north of the Wisconsin border with the Upper Peninsula. Areas for Grand Island Overnighter Loop - BIKEPACKING.com Bay Furnace Campground Pet Policy. Since acquiring the island the Forest Service has been improving camping sites and creating Mountain Bike trails throughout the island. Dispersed camping is camping in the general forest area. All vessels on Lake Superiorare required to have a wearable Personal Flotation Device per person on board and a soundproviding device that is audible for one half mile for 4-6 seconds (such as a horn or whistle). 3. Recreational kayaks are designed for inland waters and can be dangerous in high winds and big waves. They run close to the shoreline including Murray Bay and the east shore of the island's Thumb. Consider your level of fitness and your pace as you make route choices. Give them plenty of room and be prepared for their wake. at Share sensitive information only If you've always wanted to explore the not-so-well-known areas of this state, this is a phenomenal destination and one that's open year-round. Remember: PFD's (personal flotation devices) should be worn at all times on Lake Superior. Looking for more dispersed camping content? Similar to the Marzinski Trail Camp described above, this camping area is meant to provide free camping for those exploring the forest via horse, but all are welcome. . The Dyrt PRO is our favorite resource for planning your trip. Looking to find more dispersed campsites? Duluth, MN 55808 (218) 626-4300. Grand Island NRA has many miles of cliffs including sheer walls all the way to the water line offering no escape from the elements and the wake from other vessels. For campground inquiries, please call: 906-202 . For ferry schedule and information contactthe Grand Island Ferry Service, Inc. Friday before Memorial Day - Columbus Day. Explore pristine Trout Bay Beach where a long stretch of sugar sand affords spectacular views of Trout Bay Cliffs and far off in the distance, Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. Although these dont specifically show where dispersed camping is permitted, they do give you a good sense of the various forest service roads in the area and can be cross referenced with Google Maps and camping apps to find dispersed campsites. Official websites use .gov A .gov Located in west-central Michigan, in the Manistee National Forest, Whelan Lake offers primitive dispersed camping. While much of the island's 30-mile perimeter is inaccessible due to cliffs, there are several campsites and day use areas with water access. ( Murray Bay group site is accessible by trailor water. That means no water and no trash removal, so it is essential to practice Leave No Trace camping and pack out all of your own waste. Otherwise, the adjacent Ottawa National Forest has additional dispersed camping options worth exploring. Wanting to go backpacking on Grand Island in a few week but all the dedicated sites are full. As a general rule, there's very little public land suitable for boondocking south of Flint. Map showing recreational areas. Walk along sandy beaches and enjoy the refreshing clear water of Lake Superior. Do not camp at boat launches. on official, secure websites. ) or https:// means you've safely Backpacking or car camping (also known as dispersed camping) is permitted on state forest land as long as your site is located more than one mile from a state forest campground.It's free of charge. (906) 428-5800 Cat holes are awidely accepted method of waste disposal. Learn how to plan your route, create GPS files, navigate offline, and even print you own maps. Bicycling off roads and trails is not allowed. Grand Island National Recreation Area, Recreation Passes and Reservation Information, Maps, Brochures, Newsletters, Checklists and Guides, Hiawatha National Forest Grand Island National Recreation Area. Enjoy the beautiful beaches on Grand Island. This loop features a quick ferry ride to access Grand Island and plenty of majestic views overlooking Lake Superior. LockA locked padlock A camp registration card must be posted at your campsite (more on this below). Generally speaking, all National Forests permit some form of dispersed camping and have similar rules and regulations. This is a beautiful place to camp right on Robbins Pond with nothing but National Forest for miles surrounding the campsite. More advanced, energetic cyclists can mountain bike the 20-mile main island perimeter route in four to six hours, with time for brief stops and some exploration. Lime Lake is located within the Pearl Lake Natural Recreation Area and offers a few opportunities for dispersed camping. Secure .gov websites use HTTPS A lock Place tents in cleared tent spaces if one is available. Marie. Areas for Dont forget to check out our other state specific dispersed camping guides: document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); 1. The Haymeadow Creek campsite is located deep within Hiawatha National Forest on Michigans Upper Peninsula. There are no designated campsites here, but you will find some established fire rings. There are 13other designated individual sites located on the rim trail and the Thumb of the island. Dispersed camping is generally limited to 14 days within any continuous 30 day period. This is the essential information before you head out! Getting to Whelan Lake can be a little tricky as Google Maps doesnt seem to correctly route campers here. Areas for With a small garden trowel, dig a hole 6-8 inches deep and 4-6 inches in diameter. Contact your friend in case of a delay, and always when you return. If youve read the sections above you should have a good overview of the rules and regulations surrounding dispersed camping in Michigan. Rumpl Puffy Blanket - The coziest camp blanket out there. A concessionaire operates tworental cabins on Grand Island. Use the custom map layers to find public land, download offline maps, and navigate to your perfect dispersed campsite. Do not camp within 200 feet of a water source. There's a 40-acre park nearby, where you can walk among trees and spot local wildlife. Carry out all trash, garbage, fish entrails, or other materials so that bears and other animals are not attracted to the area. Grand Island NRA has many miles of cliffs including sheer walls all the way to the water line offering no escape from the elements and the wake from other vessels. Onlakes with designated orreservable campsites, you may not set up your campsite within 400 feet of the shoreline anywhere on the lake. Day use and overnight visitors enjoy boating to Grand Island National Recreation Area (NRA). This small lake is located just off the highway and has room for 6 or 7 groups adjacent to the lake. Each campground is located on a river or lake, providing excellent access to fishing, boating and paddling. Download theGrand Island Recreation Map. There are six designated dispersed campsites here, all of which are first-come, first served. Share sensitive information only Cabins and campsites can be viewed and rented at www.recreation.gov. Smaller recreational boats suitable for protected inland waters can be dangerous in high winds and big waves on Lake Superior. When operating from sunset to sunrise and in or near areas of reduced visibility, use navigational lights that may be seen by others and be equipped with a visual distress signal. Safety is a concern for all watercraft on Lake Superior. (TTY 711), https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/hiawatha/recarea/?recid=13270, Juniper Flats Group Campsite on Grand Island, Murray Bay Group Campsite on Grand Island, Recreation, Heritage & Wilderness Management, Copyright Charles Warner ( Do not replicate without permission), Bikers waiting for the Ferry at William's Landing, Copyright Autumn Jauck (Do not replicate without permission), Copyrigth Charles Warner (Do ot replicate without permission), East end of the North Beach on Grand Island. Dispersed camping is allowed on Hiawatha National Forest lands except developed recreation and administrative sites, campgrounds and designated campsites. Remember, you will be held responsible fordamages caused by an escaped fire. View breathtaking beaches, waterfalls and cliffs. Please note that in keeping with agency interim direction, eBikes are not allowed. Grand Island Cabins are remotely located on forested Grand Island, surrounded by Lake Superior, 1/2 mile off the mainland community of Munising, Michigan. The first Settlers came to the Island in the early 1800's when trading for furs was the prime industry. Fires are allowed only in the metal fire ring provided. Secure .gov websites use HTTPS A lock Restrooms: No. While these apps and websites are a good starting place for finding dispersed campsites in Michigan, we always cross reference the information with public agencies maps and resources. The island is anexciting and secluded destination that offers: Online maps are available: Grand Island Recreation Area Map. Sea kayaks with a spray skirt are recommended because they are safer on Lake Superior. The once-per-visit fee of $5 per person can be paid at the interagency Visitor Center in Munising or at the fee station at one of the Island's day use areas listed below. 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Allowed at the nearby Pere Marquette River offers recreational opportunities, and replace the sod and removed.

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