Little Dune II Campsite

Hey there, fellow Michigan outdoor enthusiasts! If you're someone who craves a deeper connection with nature, enjoys the rewarding challenge of a hike-in adventure, and dreams of waking up to breathtaking bay views, then Little Dune II Campsite on Grand Island near Munising is a destination you absolutely need to know about. This isn't your typical drive-up campground; it's a true backcountry gem, offering a more immersive and secluded experience in the heart of the stunning Upper Peninsula. As locals, we understand the desire for authentic wilderness, and Little Dune II delivers, providing a serene escape where the sounds of the city are replaced by the gentle lapping of waves and the rustling of leaves.

Grand Island itself is a designated National Recreation Area, a true treasure of the Hiawatha National Forest, known for its dramatic cliffs, pristine beaches, and lush forests. Camping on Grand Island means embracing a unique blend of rugged beauty and the satisfaction of earning your campsite through a hike or paddle. Little Dune II, specifically, offers a fantastic balance: it's accessible enough for a relatively easy hike, yet remote enough to provide that coveted sense of solitude. If you're looking to disconnect, rejuvenate, and experience Michigan's natural grandeur in a profound way, pack your bags and set your sights on this remarkable spot. It's an opportunity to create lasting memories, whether you're solo, with a partner, or introducing older kids to the joys of backcountry camping.

Little Dune II Campsite is located on Grand Island, accessible via Grand Island Rd, Munising, MI 49862, USA. It's crucial for Michigan users to understand that Grand Island is, as its name suggests, an island! This means access to the campsite requires a ferry ride or private watercraft. The Grand Island Ferry Service operates from the mainland, typically departing from Grand Island Landing near Munising. The ferry ride itself is a short, scenic journey across Lake Superior, adding to the sense of adventure.

Once on the island, Little Dune II Campsite is a hike-in site. Reviews indicate it's a "relatively easy hike in," approximately 4 miles northeast of William's Landing (the main ferry drop-off point). This walk through the island's lush landscape ensures that only those genuinely seeking a more rugged experience make it to this tranquil spot, contributing to its secluded feel. While there are no paved roads on Grand Island, a network of gravel roads, two-tracks, and single-track dirt trails allows for hiking and mountain biking to reach various points, including campsites like Little Dune II. Kayakers can also access the island and pull their kayaks ashore near the campsite, making it a fantastic destination for paddling enthusiasts. The unique accessibility by ferry, followed by a hike or paddle, truly sets Little Dune II apart as an authentic Michigan backcountry experience.

• Designated individual campsites for up to 4 people and 2 tents.

• Vault toilets provided near the campsite.

• Food storage poles and/or lockers to protect against wildlife (black bears are present on the island).

• Fire rings at each campsite for campfires.

• Benches provided at campsites.

• Firewood provided at central woodboxes (requires a walk to retrieve).

• Drinking water available at central locations on the island (e.g., Williams Landing, Juniper Flats, Farrell Cottage, Murray Bay Day Use Area); campers should bring water or be prepared to filter/treat surface water if venturing elsewhere.

• Reservations required for camping from Memorial Day to Columbus Day via Recreation.gov or by phone.

• Check-in time: 2 PM; Check-out time: 11 AM during peak season.

• Permitted for up to 4 consecutive days during peak season (reservations can be made up to and including the day of arrival, but must be made at least four days in advance for longer stays).

• Access via passenger ferry or private watercraft.

• Stunning Bay Views & Access: The campsite offers direct access to a beautiful bay, providing excellent views and opportunities for swimming or simply relaxing by the water. Its location on the eastern edge of Trout Bay beach further enhances this highlight.

• Relatively Easy Hike-In: While a backcountry site requiring a hike from the ferry landing (approximately 4 miles), reviews note it's a "relatively easy hike," making it accessible for campers who want a wilderness experience without an overly strenuous trek.

• Provided Firewood: A significant convenience for backcountry campers, firewood is provided at central woodboxes on Grand Island. This saves campers the effort of foraging, though retrieving it involves a walk.

• Clean Vault Toilets: Despite being a rustic site, the vault toilet is described as "not bad for a vault toilet," and reportedly "stays stocked," which is a notable plus for backcountry comfort.

• Unique Tombolo Feature: The "tombolo" near the campsite is highlighted as "really neat and lends contrast to the sandy beach," adding an interesting geological feature to the natural surroundings.

• Secluded & Quiet: Despite its proximity to a popular beach area, the hike-in nature of the site helps maintain a sense of seclusion and tranquility, especially in the evenings.

• Wildlife Encounters: The presence of deer flies (a common Michigan nuisance in summer) and the need for bear-safe food storage poles indicate a rich natural environment and the potential for wildlife sightings, including black bears (requiring proper precautions).

• Forest Service Maintained: The fact that the forest service provides firewood and stocks restrooms implies a level of management and care for the visitor experience on this beautiful island.

• Ideal for Multi-Day Trips: Campers have enjoyed stays of multiple days, indicating its suitability for extended wilderness immersion.

• Great for Families with Older Kids: One reviewer mentioned planning to return with older kids, suggesting it's an excellent spot for introducing a more adventurous, self-sufficient camping style.

• Proximity to Grand Island's Attractions: Being on Grand Island itself means easy access to its extensive trail system, other beaches, historical sites, and opportunities for biking and paddling.

Address: Grand Island Rd, Munising, MI 49862, USA

Phone: (877) 444-6777 (This is the National Recreation Reservation System number, primarily for making reservations.)

Mobile Phone: +1 877-444-6777 (Same as above, for reservation services.)

For specific inquiries about Grand Island National Recreation Area and its campsites, including Little Dune II, it is often recommended to contact the Hiawatha National Forest Visitor Center at (906) 387-2512. Reservations for Little Dune II Campsite are required during the peak season (Memorial Day through Columbus Day) and can be made through Recreation.gov or by calling the provided 877 number.

For those of us who call Michigan home, Little Dune II Campsite on Grand Island offers an unparalleled opportunity to truly disconnect and experience the raw beauty of our Upper Peninsula. We Michiganders often seek out those less-traveled paths and more authentic encounters with nature, and this campsite perfectly fits that bill. The adventure begins even before you arrive, with a scenic ferry ride across Lake Superior, immediately setting the tone for a unique escape. Once on Grand Island, the hike-in aspect to Little Dune II ensures a level of peace and quiet that's hard to find at more accessible campgrounds, making the effort entirely worthwhile for the solitude it provides.

The campsite's direct access to a beautiful bay and the intriguing tombolo feature speaks to our appreciation for unique natural landscapes. Knowing that the Forest Service provides firewood and maintains the vault toilets adds a layer of comfort to this otherwise rustic experience, allowing us to focus on enjoying the outdoors rather than worrying about basic necessities. Furthermore, the presence of food storage poles is a clear indicator of the authentic wilderness setting, reminding us to respect the local wildlife—a concept familiar to any seasoned Michigan camper. Little Dune II is more than just a place to pitch a tent; it’s a chance to immerse ourselves in the quiet grandeur of Grand Island, to challenge ourselves with a backcountry trek, and to create unforgettable memories in one of Michigan's most cherished National Recreation Areas. It's truly a destination that caters to the adventurous spirit inherent in many Michigan residents, offering a profound and rejuvenating connection to our state's wild heart.