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Hiawatha/Island Lake
Overview
Hiawatha National Forest's Island Lake Campground offers a secluded escape into the heart of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. Located near Wetmore, this rustic camping destination provides a peaceful retreat for those looking to disconnect from the modern world. Surrounded by dense hardwoods and towering pines, the park emphasizes a natural experience, allowing visitors to enjoy the quiet beauty of the forest while remaining close to some of the region's most famous landmarks. It is a place where the sounds of the wind in the trees replace the noise of traffic.
Location & Surroundings
Nestled within the Hiawatha National Forest, the campground sits directly on the shores of the 56-acre Island Lake. The surrounding terrain is characterized by rolling hills and deep, lush woods, creating a sense of total immersion in the Northwoods. Because it is situated just south of Wetmore and Munising, travelers can enjoy easy access to the scenic Lake Superior shoreline while retreating to the calmer, inland environment of the forest for their overnight stay.
Amenities & Park Features
As a traditional forest service site, the focus here is on primitive camping rather than modern luxury. The park features essential amenities including vault toilets and potable water provided by hand pumps. There are no electric, water, or sewer hookups available, making it an ideal choice for self-contained RVs. Key features include:
- Individual sites with sturdy fire rings and picnic tables.
- A convenient boat ramp for small watercraft and fishing boats.
- A small sandy beach area for swimming and relaxation.
Nearby Attractions & Things to Do
The primary draw of this location is its proximity to Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, where visitors can explore massive sandstone cliffs and turquoise waters. Hikers will find numerous trails leading to stunning sites like Munising Falls and Miners Castle just a short drive away. Island Lake itself is perfect for quiet morning paddling, swimming at the small beach area, and fishing for panfish or bass. The surrounding forest also offers miles of scenic roads suitable for mountain biking.
Who This Park Is Best For
This park is best suited for self-sufficient RVers who prefer a quiet, wooded setting over a busy commercial resort. It is a perfect fit for nature photographers, birdwatchers, and hikers who want a central home base near the national lakeshore without the typical crowds. If you enjoy boondocking-style stays and value privacy, dark night skies, and natural beauty, Island Lake provides the quintessential Upper Peninsula wilderness experience for your next adventure.
Amenities
- Recreational Facilities
- Policies
- Other Amenities & Services
- Recreation Nearby (within 10 miles)
- Facility
- Hunting Nearby (within 20 miles)
- On-Site Rentals
- Sites
User Reviews
Maestro John
Otter Lake staff was friendly and helpful. My campsite was large l, level, and near the lake, as well as the amenities. However, not all campsites are large and as level. Choose judiciously. The lake had a nice sandy swimming area, and we caught many nice northern pike quite easily. I saw a monster pike swimming in the shallows. We rented a row boat to catch the fish. There is a single dump station, with a fresh water fill. We enjoyed our experience there, and the proximity to Munising, Pictured Rocks, and the many waterfalls in the area. We also enjoyed a visit to the Buckhorn Resort, a good place to get a meal and a drink!
Mitch Luman
As of June 2025 the south loop has a new pit toilet just like the north loop. Some sites are first come first serve. Others reservable. Sites are spacious and fairly secluded. #6 had trail which leads to lake. Most sites better suited for tents and pop ups. #8 is most secluded and has no adjacent neighbors. No dings for mosquitos, although they were bad the two days we were there. Pack a headnet and repellant.
Andrea Harthorn
This campground was very serene and quiet. The sites all seemed large and had pretty good privacy. 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) but did add a challenge for backing our 18(?) ft camper into the space. 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.
JOHN e BOB
Camped there a few yrs ago. Nice spots. 2 Big Foots were smacking trees at 6am about 1/2 mile away. That was Cool 👍
Susan North
Stayed here because of the short jaunt to Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. Standard campsite with good sized outhouse close by and near a beautiful little lake. Only complaint is due to inconsiderate campers going against posted sign by running their generator all night.
Elyse C
We love this campground! Right on a little lake and very secluded. Plus, the nicest pit toilet in the UP.
Hayley Mattila
Nice secluded campground from the main tourism hustle and bustle of Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. I use this as my base camp for four nights. I was in site number two which is right next to the group site. I had easy access to the lake which was great for my kayaking. Bass fishing was fantastic and a few small bluegills too. The water was iron-stained as somebody had mentioned in a prior review see the picture for that. Otherwise every site was well maintained and had plenty of space and a fire pit/cooking grate and a picnic table.
Nancy Dow
Just beautiful. Very small campground with 11 sites, one of which is for groups only. We were counting on a first come first served and now know that we were very lucky. All were reserved but one. There is no water, electricity, and the bathrooms were as primitive as you will get. Quiet and peaceful.
Amanda Kendall Penhollow
This campground was so clean, they even raked by the fire pit. The bathroom was super clean and not stinky. The camp host gave us good activity recommendations and we had a really nice view of the lake.
Ashley Geist
Secluded, small campground on a quiet lake. The sites were clean and spacious, and the fire ring was nice and included a grate. Vault toilet was well kept and there's a pump for drinking water. We had a great time tenting and enjoying the outdoors.