Driftwood Campsite on Grand Island
Grand Island, a Congressionally designated National Recreation Area (NRA), boasts massive 300-foot wave-cut sandstone cliffs; 13,500 acres of lush forest; beaches of fine sand; winter ice caves; and historic buildings and artifacts dating back as far as 2,000 BC, to name just a few of its highlights! The island's scenic natural beauty and interesting history make it an attractive place for camping and other outdoor activities.
This site is hike in, bike in or boat in only. Public vehicles are not allowed on the Island.
This campsite is located approximately 50 yards from Lake Superior and Trout Bay Beach. The site is approximately 2.5 miles from William's Landing (ferry service arrival point, and visitor information center). The nearest potable water is approximately 1 mile south of this campsite at Murray Bay Day Use Area. Plan ahead, and bring drinking water when staying at this site or plan to filter water from Lake Superior. This site can accommodate up to 4 people in two tents. A latrine, food storage pole and locker, fire ring, benches and firewood are provided in/near the campsite. Driftwood can be accessed via the island's trail system and is accessible to kayakers via Trout Bay Beach.
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. Keep soaps and detergents out of lakes and streams. Wash dishes and clothes in a pot and dispose of the waste water in a hole at least 100 feet from the nearest water supply. Bathe in a similar manner.
There are no supplies available on the Island. There are also no trash cans on the Island. Be prepared to pack in and pack out everything you need.
Black bears live on this island. Information is available at the Ranger District on how to prevent and survive bear encounters. Be prepared to store your food and all consumable and scented items, including trash, on the bear pole at the site. Never leave food unattended in campsite.
The mosquitoes and black flies can be very bad from Mid-May to mid-July. Be sure to bring plenty of insect repellant and even a head net during those months. Avoid climbing on or standing along the sandstone cliffs. The sandstone is very fragile and may not support your weight.
General Information
May 24 - October 14
Beginning May, 2022
- Check-in Time: 2 pm
- Check-out Time: 11 am
Camping at Driftwood 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: 46.48614639
Longitude: -86.64639444
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 get to 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.
Water
Potable water is not available at this site.
