Grace Island Campground

For Michiganders seeking a truly unique and serene island camping experience, Grace Island Campground on Isle Royale National Park offers an exceptional retreat. Situated within the pristine waters of Lake Superior, Isle Royale is a rare gem in the National Park system, known for its rugged beauty, abundant wildlife, and profound sense of solitude. Grace Island Campground embodies this spirit, providing a secluded haven for adventurers arriving by private boat, canoe, or kayak. It's a place where the gentle lapping of waves against a pebble beach and the quiet rustle of wind through the trees replace the sounds of daily life, offering a genuine escape into the heart of Michigan's wild north.

Grace Island Campground is not your typical drive-up site; it's a destination that requires a conscious journey, rewarding those who make the effort with unparalleled tranquility and natural immersion. Unlike some larger, more frequented campgrounds, Grace Island offers a more intimate setting, with a focus on providing essential wilderness comforts while preserving the island's untouched character. Whether you're pulling up to the dock after a day of paddling or anchoring your private boat for an overnight stay, this campground promises a memorable experience characterized by its peaceful isolation and stunning natural surroundings. It’s a testament to the wild beauty that Michigan proudly protects, inviting you to discover a quiet corner of paradise.

Grace Island Campground is located on Grace Island, just outside of Washington Harbor, on the southwest end of Isle Royale National Park, Michigan, USA. While the general address points to "Eagle Harbor Township, MI," it's crucial to understand that Grace Island is part of the remote Isle Royale archipelago in Lake Superior.

Access to Grace Island Campground is exclusively by water:

• Private Boat: This is a popular way to reach Grace Island, as boats can dock overnight at the campground's dock. The dock is spacious, reportedly with room for 4-6 boats and a normal depth of 2-4 feet, making it suitable for various watercraft.

• Canoe/Kayak: Paddlers can reach Grace Island by navigating the waters of Lake Superior. This typically involves launching from a mainland port (such as Grand Portage, MN, or Houghton, MI, via ferry service) and then paddling to Washington Harbor, from which Grace Island is a short distance. Alternatively, paddlers on multi-day trips around Isle Royale may include Grace Island as a stop on their itinerary.

It is important to note that Isle Royale National Park itself is accessible only by ferry (like the Ranger III from Houghton, MI, or other concessionaire boats from Minnesota), seaplane, or private boat. There are no roads or motorized vehicles on the island. Once on Isle Royale, reaching Grace Island requires watercraft. Its location near Washington Harbor, which is a key ferry and visitor service area on the west end of the island, makes it a relatively accessible island campground compared to some of the deeper backcountry sites requiring extensive hiking or long interior lake paddles. However, visitors must still be prepared for a boat-in camping experience and the unique logistics that accompany a trip to Isle Royale.

As a backcountry campground within the wilderness of Isle Royale National Park, Grace Island Campground provides fundamental services geared towards a rustic and self-sufficient camping experience. The facilities are designed to minimize impact on the environment while offering essential comforts for overnight stays.

• Shelters: A notable feature, the campground offers two shelters. Each shelter is capable of sleeping approximately 5-6 people and provides crucial protection from rain, bugs, and other elements. These are highly valued by campers on Isle Royale.

• Picnic Tables: Each shelter is equipped with its own picnic table, providing a convenient surface for meal preparation and dining, a welcome amenity in a backcountry setting.

• Outhouse: A basic pit toilet (outhouse) is available on-site for sanitation, ensuring proper waste management in the wilderness.

• Dock: A robust dock is provided for boat access, accommodating 4-6 boats for overnight mooring. This is a key service for private boaters, kayakers, and canoeists.

It is critical for visitors to be aware of what is generally NOT provided at Grace Island Campground, consistent with its wilderness status and "Leave No Trace" principles:

• No Fire Rings: As explicitly mentioned in reviews, there are no fire rings available, meaning open campfires are not permitted. Campers must use camp stoves for cooking.

• No Potable Water: There is no source of potable (drinkable) water. Campers must bring their own water or bring a water filter/purification method to treat water from Lake Superior.

• No Cell Phone Reception or Internet: Expect to be completely off-grid and disconnected.

• No Trash/Recycling Collection: All waste must be packed out by campers; there are no trash cans.

• No Camp Store, Ice, or Firewood Sales: All necessary supplies, including food and cooking fuel, must be brought onto the island.

• No Trails: While there's a pebble beach, the reviews note "No trials," indicating limited or no developed hiking trails directly from the campground itself, reinforcing its focus on water-based access and relaxation.

• No Staff On-Site: There are no park rangers permanently stationed at this specific campground.

• No RV Hookups or Dump Station: This campground is only accessible by watercraft and is not equipped for RVs.

• Secluded Island Location: Nestled on Grace Island, the campground offers a unique sense of privacy and separation from the main island trails, making it ideal for a quiet getaway.

• Shelters for Comfort: The presence of two well-maintained shelters, each with a picnic table, provides excellent protection from weather and insects, enhancing the comfort of a wilderness stay.

• Generous Dock Space: The dock's capacity for 4-6 boats makes it convenient for small groups or multiple private boats to access the campground simultaneously.

• Pebble Beach Access: A "nice pebble beach" provides easy access to the clear waters of Lake Superior for swimming (though cold!) or simply enjoying the shoreline.

• Ideal for Boaters/Paddlers: The campground is perfectly suited for those exploring Isle Royale by private boat, canoe, or kayak, offering a secure overnight mooring spot.

• Tranquil Atmosphere: Described as a "great spot for the night," the reviews suggest a peaceful and calm environment, away from potential crowds of more frequented campgrounds.

• Proximity to Washington Harbor: Being "just outside Washington Harbor" means relatively easier access to visitor services (like ranger stations or ferry drop-offs) compared to deeply interior backcountry sites, while still maintaining its secluded feel.

• Short Stay Limit: A 3-night consecutive stay limit from June 1 to Labor Day annually helps ensure equitable access for all visitors and maintains the campground's pristine condition.

As Grace Island Campground is a remote backcountry site within Isle Royale National Park, there isn't a direct phone number or specific contact person for the campground itself. All inquiries, permit requirements, and general information about visiting Isle Royale National Park, including its campgrounds, should be directed to the main park administration.

Address: Eagle Harbor Township, MI, USA (This refers to its general location within the park. For park headquarters inquiries, you would typically look for contact information for Isle Royale National Park directly.)

General Isle Royale National Park contact information for visitors typically involves:

• Isle Royale National Park Headquarters: Located in Houghton, Michigan, on the mainland during the off-season. During the operating season, visitor centers are also available on Mott Island, Rock Harbor, and Windigo (near Washington Harbor). Specific phone numbers for the park can be found on the National Park Service website for Isle Royale (nps.gov/isro).

• National Park Service Website: The official website for Isle Royale National Park (nps.gov/isro) is the primary and most comprehensive resource for all planning, permit information, transportation details (ferries, seaplanes), park regulations, and current conditions. This is the essential source for trip planning.

• Permit Reservations: Small-party camping permits are required for overnight stays in Isle Royale's backcountry campgrounds, including Grace Island. These permits are typically obtained upon arrival at one of the park's visitor centers (Rock Harbor or Windigo) on a first-come, first-served basis for individual sites. Group camping (7 or more people) usually requires advance reservations and a fee.

It is critically important for all visitors to thoroughly review the official Isle Royale National Park website for detailed information on wilderness camping regulations, safety guidelines, "Leave No Trace" principles, and what to expect regarding conditions and necessary gear before embarking on a trip to Grace Island Campground.

For Michigan locals, Grace Island Campground on Isle Royale offers a truly distinctive and deeply rewarding camping experience that stands apart from typical mainland options. Its unique accessibility by boat – either private vessel, canoe, or kayak – positions it as an ideal destination for Michiganders who own watercraft or are keen to explore the Great Lakes by paddle. This isn't just a campsite; it's a secluded island retreat, providing a profound sense of peace and isolation that is hard to find elsewhere.

The availability of shelters is a significant advantage, offering a level of comfort and protection from the elements that can be invaluable in Michigan's sometimes unpredictable weather, ensuring a more enjoyable experience for families or those new to rugged camping. The "nice pebble beach" provides a charming spot for lakeside relaxation, swimming, or launching a paddlecraft. For Michiganders who value pristine wilderness and the quietude of nature, Grace Island offers an authentic escape. It's a testament to the fact that some of Michigan's most incredible natural treasures require a little extra effort to reach, but the reward – a night under the stars in unparalleled tranquility, with the vastness of Lake Superior surrounding you – is immeasurable. Grace Island Campground invites Michigan's adventurers to experience a piece of their state's wilderness that truly feels like a world apart, creating memories that will last a lifetime.