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Rock Island State Park offers unique island camping in a remote park on Lake Michigan. This quiet island has no powered vehicles.
On the Rock, visitors are on their own to explore the cobbled shoreline or search out a scenic overlook.
This is a wonderful place to seek out an isolated, back-to-nature experience.
Rock Island was once the private estate of Chester Thordarson, an Icelandic immigrant and inventor who built several large stone buildings that are now listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Visitors can stop at the Viking Boathouse Nature Center to learn about early island residents.
Archeologists have found evidence of human habitation on the island as early as 500 B.C. The Potawatomi, Huron, Petum, Ottawa and Chippewa people have all occupied the island.
The 17th century explorer LaSalle may have stopped here and French and English traders took turns staying on the island and a settlement of 200 attempted to make Rock Island their home.
There are a blend of family campsites and backpacking sites. Forty primitive sites have a fire ring and picnic table. Visitors must pack in and out all supplies.
Hiking trails loop to several sites, including the Potowatomi Lighthouse and water tower.
Bikes are not allowed, however, campers who ride bikes on nearby Washington Island may bring them to Rock Island and store them at their campsites.
Most visitors reach Rock Island by ferry service, first landing on Washington Island and then taking another ferry to Rock Island.
Boaters should exercise caution as Lake Michigan wind and wave conditions change rapidly.
Outdoor Activities |
