USFS · Campground · Fee
Grand Island is a Congressionally designated National Recreation Area with fascinating history, beautiful overlooks, pristine sandy beaches, dense hardwood forest, serene inland lakes, and miles of hiking and biking trails. This is a unique destination to spend a day or more biking, hiking, exploring, or just hanging out and recharging. Visitors get to the island by passenger ferry from Munising or private watercraft. The dock at Williams Landing can be used for loading and unloading, but boats may not be left there. Jet skis/motorboats are prohibited from landing on shore. Murray Bay, Trout Bay and North Beach have sand beaches with little to no obstructions where a kayak or paddle boat can land. Most locations on the northwest and northeast sides are sheer cliffs. There are 21 designated campsites, including 2 group sites. Reservations are required Memorial Day through Columbus Day, except for Cobble Cove, Flat Rock, and Muskrat Point, which are first-come/first-served. All reservations must be made through Recreation.gov and can be made up to, and including, the day of arrival. Shelter Ridge Campsite is located on the northern-most tip of Grand Island. The site can be accessed either by the island's trail system or by water. Via water, Shelter Ridge is closest to North Beach. Beware of the weather, wind, and wave action while accessing the north side of Grand Island. This area may demand expert navigational skills. Once you land at North Beach, walk up to the Rim Trail, and hike approximately 100 yards east to the campsite. Via trail, it is approximately 10.5 miles from William's Landing. The nearest potable water is found at Juniper Flats, approx. 6 miles to the south. This site can accommodate up to 6 people in up to two tents. A primitive latrine, bear pole, benches and fire ring are provided.
From the USFS.
No. this site charges a fee. It is managed by the USFS. Sites are reservable through fs.usda.gov.
Grand Island is located in Lake Superior, about one-half mile from the mainland community of Munising, Michigan. The ferry departs from Grand Island Landing, located on M-28, about 3 miles north of downtown Munising, at Powell Point, about halfway between Munising and Christmas, MI. Look for the Grand Island NRA signs. Once on Grand Island, the ferry docks at William's Landing. Shelter Ridge Campsite is located on the northern-most tip of Grand Island. From William's Landing, it is approximately 10.5 miles via hiking/bike trail. Boat Access - There is no boat launch or public dock facility on Grand Island. The dock at Williams Landing can be used for loading and unloading only. Boats may not be left at the dock. Also, mooring in unsheltered waters is not recommended. There are a number of sand beaches where a kayak could pull right up to shore. Murray Bay, Trout Bay and North Light Creek have the largest sand beaches with little to no rock obstructions. Be aware that there are very few locations on the northwest and northeast sides that are not cliffs. Shelter Ridge Site is closest to North Light Creek Beach area. Beware of the weather, wind, and wave action on the north side of Grand Island. This area may demand expert navigational skills. Shelter Ridge Campsite is located on the northern-most tip of Grand Island. From William's Landing, it is approximately 10.5 miles via hiking/bike trail. Boat Access - There is no boat launch or public dock facility on Grand Island. The dock at Williams Landing can be used for loading and unloading only. Boats may not be left at the dock. Also, mooring in unsheltered waters is not recommended. There are a number of sand beaches where a kayak could pull right up to shore. Murray Bay, Trout Bay and North Light Creek have the largest sand beaches with little to no rock obstructions. Be aware that there are very few locations on the northwest and northeast sides that are not cliffs. Shelter Ridge Site is closest to North Light Creek
No other services within 50 mi on the record.
SourceData from the USFS. Last synced September 18, 2026. Community reports and photos are submitted by travelers and are not verified by the agency.