Fisherman’s Island State Park is a wonderful place to visit. In the summertime in particular, it’s amazing to spend a few hours here. But you can also spend several days, and camping in Fisherman’s Island State Park is a great way to do just that! The park is busy during the day, but slowing down and being here in the evening and early morning is a great way to really experience the Michigan landscape and recharge yourself before returning to civilization.
While knowing how to prepare for your camping trip to Fisherman’s Island isn’t overly challenging, there are some common questions that come up that we thought we could help out with this guide!
FISHERMAN’S ISLAND STATE PARK CAMPGROUND: OVERVIEW
There is one campground at Fisherman’s Island State Park. It’s located in the northern half of the park and has two loops. The loops are connected by the main park road, and also by a hiking trail that extends from the entrance gate all the way down to the end of the park road.
The campground is pretty rustic. There isn’t much in the way of services. There are vault toilets. Each campsite has a fire ring and a picnic table, and there is a community fire ring as well.
Since there isn’t much in the way of services, most people visiting don’t stay for days on end. Still, we recommend getting a reservation well in advance of your stay. However, even if you are a last-minute camper, you may still be able to get a spot due to cancelations or the fact that there is high turnover at the campground. Getting a single night spot shouldn’t be overly challenging in particular.
You will have a great time in both of the campground loops, but just be advised that there are a few differences. The North Campground has a more rocky beach and some sites on the water, while the South Campground has a more sandy beach but you won’t find sites on the water.
FISHERMAN’S ISLAND STATE PARK CAMPING SUPPLIES
There isn’t a camp store in Fisherman’s Island State Park, so if you are in need of supplies you need to get them before you arrive or plan on traveling outside of the park. That being said, most of what you need can be found in Charlevoix, MI, which is only about 3 miles to the east.
If you need camping equipment, big box stores are located in Petoskey, MI, which is about 22 miles to the northeast.
FISHERMAN’S ISLAND STATE PARK CAMPING: DETAILS AND CAMPGROUND MAP
Fisherman’s Island State Park Campground
Fisherman’s Island Campground map in Fisherman’s Island State Park, courtesy of the Michigan Department of Natural Resources
- Accessible via: Car.
- Reservations: Offered April through November.
- Capacity: 80 sites.
- Electricity / Water Hookups / Dump Station: No / No / No.
- Toilets / Showers: Pit toilets and no showers.
- Additional details: There are two loops (north and south) as well as several rustic campsites along the beach in the woods. Expect plenty of bugs in the early summer (through July).
- Nearby: Right near the campground is access to Lake Michigan. In fact, several of the campsites are right on the water. You can also hike right from the campground. The Fisherman’s Island Nature Trail is a 5.9-mile (round-trip) hike that goes from the campground all the way to the end of the road. This is quite a walk, but if you are into trail running, it’s an ideal run, as the elevation gain is slight and you can hop right in the water at the end of your workout!
FISHERMAN’S ISLAND STATE PARK GROUP CAMPING
There is no group camping in Fisherman’s Island State Park. The closest group camping at a State Park site is in Wilderness State Park, which is about 49 miles to the north.
FURTHER INFORMATION ON FISHERMAN’S ISLAND STATE PARK FROM JUST GO TRAVEL STUDIOS
- Be sure to also check out our article on Things to Do in Fisherman’s Island State Park, which includes what to see and do in the park as well as info on hiking.
- After your trip, send us a picture or two and we’ll create a custom, vintage travel poster for you to remember your trip forever!
