Island Lake Campground

For Michigan locals seeking a truly tranquil and secluded escape in the heart of our beloved Upper Peninsula, Island Lake Campground in Wetmore, MI, presents an ideal choice. Tucked away from the main tourist hubs, this campground offers a serene environment where the sounds of nature prevail and privacy is a priority. It's the perfect base camp for those looking to explore the natural wonders of the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore area while still enjoying a peaceful retreat at the end of the day. If your idea of a perfect Michigan camping trip involves spacious sites, direct lake access for fishing and kayaking, and a quiet atmosphere, Island Lake Campground is a destination you'll want to discover.

The experiences of fellow Michigan campers consistently highlight the strengths of Island Lake Campground. One reviewer enthusiastically noted, "This campground was very serene and quiet. The sites all seemed large and had pretty good privacy." This sentiment is echoed by another who appreciated its "Nice secluded campground from the main tourism hustle and bustle of Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore." The spaciousness of the sites is a recurring positive, with comments like "every site was well maintained and had plenty of space and a fire pit/cooking grate and a picnic table." The practicalities are also well-regarded: "Our site had a little driveway leading into the main area which was convenient for parking cars (we had 3 lined up at one point)."

For water enthusiasts, the campground offers direct access to Island Lake, which proved fantastic for kayaking and fishing: "I had easy access to the lake which was great for my kayaking. Bass fishing was fantastic and a few small bluegills too." While the "water was iron-stained as somebody had mentioned," this is a minor detail compared to the overall positive experience. The only notable critique revolved around restroom facilities: "My only complaint was the upper loop had a nice cedar latrine but the lower loop where we were only had a port-a-potty, the plastic kind, with very little space." Despite this, the overwhelming sentiment points to Island Lake Campground as a highly recommended spot for those seeking peace, privacy, and authentic outdoor recreation in the U.P.

Island Lake Campground is located on Co Hwy 612, Wetmore, MI 49895, USA. This address places it within a short distance of Munising, a popular gateway to the awe-inspiring Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore and numerous waterfalls that define Michigan's central Upper Peninsula. Wetmore itself is a smaller community, ensuring that the campground offers a more secluded and less commercialized atmosphere compared to areas directly within major tourist towns.

The campground's positioning on County Highway 612 provides a balance of accessibility and remoteness. It's easily reachable by standard vehicles, allowing both tent campers and those with RVs (including those with 18-foot campers, as per reviews) to access their sites. Yet, it's sufficiently removed from major highways and the "main tourism hustle and bustle" to ensure a "very serene and quiet" environment. Direct access to Island Lake further enhances its appeal, allowing campers to enjoy water activities without needing to drive off-site. For Michigan residents, this means a straightforward drive into the heart of the U.P.'s natural beauty, providing a perfect base camp for exploring the surrounding national forests and lakes while enjoying a peaceful retreat at the end of each day. Its blend of convenient access and secluded tranquility makes it an ideal spot for those seeking an authentic U.P. experience.

Island Lake Campground, as a secluded state forest campground, focuses on providing essential services that enhance a rustic yet comfortable camping experience. It caters to those who appreciate nature with fundamental amenities.

• Spacious Campsites: The campground offers generously sized sites, described as "large" with "pretty good privacy." These sites are designed to accommodate both tent campers and RVs (up to moderate sizes, as backing in an 18ft camper was manageable), ensuring ample space for setup and personal area.

• Fire Pits/Cooking Grates: Each site comes equipped with a fire pit, often including a cooking grate, allowing campers to enjoy traditional campfires for warmth, ambiance, and outdoor cooking.

• Picnic Tables: Every site includes a picnic table, providing a convenient surface for meals, games, and gathering.

• Vault Toilets / Latrines: Restroom facilities are provided. While some loops may have more basic "port-a-potty, the plastic kind, with very little space," other areas (like the upper loop) reportedly feature "nice cedar latrine," indicating a commitment to functional, albeit rustic, options.

• Potable Water: While not explicitly stated in reviews, state forest campgrounds typically provide access to potable water, often via a hand pump, for drinking and basic needs. Campers should be prepared to transport water to their sites.

• Lake Access: The campground offers easy and direct access to Island Lake, facilitating water-based activities like kayaking, canoeing, and fishing. This is a key "service" for water enthusiasts.

• Designated Parking: Sites often include dedicated driveway areas, making it convenient for parking multiple vehicles or a camper and additional cars.

• No Electrical Hook-ups: As a rustic state forest campground, it's important to note that electrical hook-ups are typically not available at individual sites. Campers should be prepared for off-grid power solutions.

• No Showers or Laundry: Comprehensive facilities like hot showers or laundry services are generally not found at these types of campgrounds, aligning with their primitive nature.

Island Lake Campground offers several distinctive features and highlights that make it a compelling choice for Michigan campers seeking a particular kind of outdoor experience in the Upper Peninsula.

• Serene and Quiet Environment: This is arguably its strongest selling point. Repeatedly praised by reviewers, the campground provides a truly peaceful escape, away from the noise and crowds often associated with more developed tourist areas. It's ideal for relaxation and connecting with nature.

• Secluded Location: Situated away from the "main tourism hustle and bustle of Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore," it offers a genuine sense of seclusion while still being a convenient "base camp" for exploring the region's famous attractions.

• Spacious and Private Campsites: Campers consistently highlight the large size and good privacy of the sites. This allows for comfortable setups for both tents and campers, ensuring a personal and uncrowded outdoor living space.

• Direct Lake Access for Kayaking and Fishing: Being on Island Lake provides immediate opportunities for water-based recreation. Reviewers rave about the "easy access to the lake which was great for my kayaking" and the "fantastic" bass fishing, along with small bluegills.

• Well-Maintained Sites with Essentials: Each site is "well maintained" and includes fundamental amenities like a fire pit with a cooking grate and a picnic table, providing the basics needed for enjoyable camping.

• Primitive Camping Experience: For those who appreciate traditional, rustic camping without extensive modern amenities, Island Lake delivers. It's about getting back to basics and enjoying the natural environment.

• Convenient Parking Solutions: The presence of "little driveway" leading into sites offers practical parking for multiple vehicles or larger setups, adding to the convenience despite the rustic feel.

• Proximity to Pictured Rocks and Waterfalls: Despite its secluded nature, the campground serves as an excellent base for day trips to the iconic Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, numerous waterfalls around Munising, and other U.P. attractions, offering the best of both worlds.

As a state forest campground managed by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR), Island Lake Campground typically operates on a standardized, affordable fee structure and does not offer individual promotions or special offers in the same way private commercial campgrounds might. The "value" here comes from its inherent affordability and the quality of the natural experience it provides.

However, Michigan residents can often leverage broader state-level programs that enhance the cost-effectiveness of staying at places like Island Lake:

• Michigan Recreation Passport: This annual pass, purchased with vehicle license plate renewals, provides access to all Michigan state parks, recreation areas, and state forest campgrounds. For frequent outdoor adventurers, this offers significant savings over individual daily entry fees, making each camping trip more economical.

• Affordable Nightly Rates: State forest campgrounds are inherently designed to be budget-friendly, making quality camping accessible to all Michiganders at a lower cost than many private counterparts.

• First-Come, First-Served: While not a promotion, the lack of a reservation system often means spontaneous trips are possible, and avoiding reservation fees or advanced booking requirements can be a form of convenience and savings.

• Off-Peak Season Camping: Although rates typically remain consistent, visiting during the shoulder seasons (spring or fall) often means fewer crowds and a more profound sense of tranquility, which can be seen as an added value for a peaceful experience.

To confirm current fees, seasonal operating dates (as state forest campgrounds may not be open year-round), and any specific regulations, Michigan residents should consult the Michigan DNR website or contact the local DNR office responsible for the management of state forest campgrounds in the Wetmore/Munising area.

For inquiries about Island Lake Campground, its amenities, or to confirm operational details, Michigan residents can utilize the following contact information. Please note that as a state forest campground, direct campground-specific phone lines for reservations are typically not available, as sites are often first-come, first-served.

• Address: Co Hwy 612, Wetmore, MI 49895, USA

• Phone: (906) 387-2512 (This number is likely for the local Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) office or Forest Management Unit that oversees the campground. They can provide general information about the site.)

• Mobile Phone: +1 906-387-2512 (This appears to be the same main contact number.)

• General DNR Website: For comprehensive information on Michigan State Forest Campgrounds, including Island Lake, the official Michigan DNR website (michigan.gov/dnr) is the best resource. Navigate to the "Camping & Lodging" section and search for State Forest Campgrounds in the Upper Peninsula.

A call to the provided phone number will connect you to the managing authority who can answer questions about current conditions, site availability (though first-come, first-served), and any local advisories.

For Michigan residents, Island Lake Campground in Wetmore, MI, stands out as an exceptionally suitable choice for a refreshing and authentic Upper Peninsula camping adventure. Its primary appeal lies in its ability to offer a serene and quiet escape from the "hustle and bustle," a quality deeply valued by those seeking true relaxation in nature. This is a place where you can genuinely disconnect and soak in the peaceful ambiance of the Michigan woods.

The spacious and private campsites are a huge draw, allowing families and groups to enjoy their space without feeling crowded, a common complaint at more commercial campgrounds. Furthermore, the direct and easy access to Island Lake is a game-changer for water enthusiasts, providing fantastic opportunities for kayaking and fishing right from your base camp. You don't need to pack up and drive to another location to enjoy the water. While it offers essential rustic amenities like fire pits and picnic tables, it embraces the simplicity of state forest camping, which many Michiganders prefer for its raw, unfiltered outdoor experience. Its strategic location also means you're perfectly positioned to explore the world-renowned Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore and countless waterfalls around Munising during the day, returning to your secluded haven in the evening. Island Lake Campground truly offers the best of both worlds: a tranquil, private retreat with easy access to the U.P.'s iconic natural wonders, making it an ideal and highly recommended destination for any Michigan local seeking an unforgettable outdoor adventure.