Channel Marker Campsite on Grand Island
Some of the highlights of Grand Island, a Congressionally designated National Recreation Area (NRA) include:
- Massive 300-foot wave-cut sandstone cliffs
- 13,500 acres of lush forest
- Beaches of fine sand
- Winter ice caves
- Historic buildings and artifacts dating back as far as 2,000 B.C.
The island's scenic natural beauty and interesting history make it an attractive place for camping and other outdoor activities.
General Information
Channel Marker Campsite Information:
- Hike in, bike in or boat in only.
- Public vehicles are not allowed on the Island.
- Located on the southwest tip of Grand Island near Merchandise Beach.
- Close proximity (0.5 miles) to William's Landing (ferry service arrival point, water, and visitor information center).
- Located approximately 75 yards from Lake Superior and Murray Bay Beach.
- Accessed via the island's trail system and is accessible to kayakers via the unnamed beach approximately 0.5 miles west of William's Landing.
- Leave your kayak on the beach, and walk approximately 100 feet inland to the campsite.
- Accommodates up to 6 people.
May 24 - October 14
Quiet hours are 10:00 p.m. until 6:00 a.m.
Camping at Channel Marker is by reservation only. Walk ins are not allowed during peak season. This campsite can be reserved for up to 4 consecutive days. Reservations are required and can be made up to and including the day of arrival. Reservations are made on our National Recreation Reservation System. To check availability of the campsites or to make a reservation, call 877-444-6777 or go to www.recreation.gov. Reservations are not required for off season use (Oct 12-May 25th). However, transportation to the Island is not available during the off season. Travel to and from the Island over the ice is not recommended. For more information about winter access to Grand Island, contact the Munising Ranger District at 906-387-2512.
Overnight Use:
Single Site: $10/night.
There is an additional Grand Island User Permit fee of $5/per person that is automatically included in the passenger ferry fee. If coming over by private means, we ask that the permit fee be paid by cash or check in the fee tube.
Reservations are required to camp at this site from Memorial Day (late May) through Columbus Day (mid-October). Reservations can only be made through Recreation.gov.
Interagency Senior/Access Recreation Passes provide a 50% discount to Single Campsites ONLY.
*The discount applies only to the fee for the campsite physically occupied by the pass holder, not to any additional fee or campsite(s) occupied by members of the pass holder's party.*
https://store.usgs.gov/recreational-passes
Please be prepared to pay with CASH or CHECK.
*Sites may be reservable and reservation fees apply.*
Getting There
Latitude / Longitude
Latitude: 46.453782
Longitude: -86.681466
Directions
Grand Island is located in Lake Superior, about one-half mile from the mainland community of Munising, Michigan. Munising is about 43 miles from Marquette and 55 miles from Manistique.
Visitors can reach the island via passenger ferry (Grand Island Ferry Service) or private watercraft.
The ferry departs from Grand Island Landing on the mainland, located on M-28, about 3 to 4 miles west of the Munising's blinking light. Look for the Grand Island NRA signs. Prices and schedules vary from season to season.
For information or reservations, call (906) 387-2600 or visit their website at http://www.grandislandup.com
Facility and Amenity Information
Restrooms
Restrooms are not available at this site.
Near the campsites you will find:
- Latrine
- Food storage pole and locker
- Fire ring
- Benches
- Firewood
Water
Potable water is not available at this site.
- Drinking water is available at Williams Landing, Juniper Flats, Farrell Cottage and Murray Bay Day Use Area.
- If traveling elsewhere on the island, bring water with you or filter/boil/treat surface water.
