By:
Submission
The Weather Station campground overlooks Lake Michigan on the island's south side, about a mile beyond the lighthouse. The campsites are located within a forested area and are pretty well secluded from each other. This location affords inspiring views of the Manitou Passage and Sleeping Bear Dunes on the mainland. The lighthouse, Lake Florence, the Morazan, and Giant Cedars are all within easy walking distance. Follow the signs to take a pleasant walk along a woodland path, past the lighthouse to this campsite, or follow Burdick Road, turning left at Ohio Road for a less scenic but more leisurely walk. Bring water filtration equipment because there is no source of purified drinking water.
There are 20 individual sites (maximum of 4 people or two tents per site) and 3 group sites (maximum of 20 people or ten tents per site). There are several fire rings in the campground that can be shared by campers.
South Manitou island is a must see! Great water front camp sites, lighthouse to visit and some of the original homes from the island. Outhouse in camping areas and a bathroom with a sink when you first get off the boat. Come prepared with extra clothes and snacks and water for a day trip, no stores on the island and you never know what the weather will be. Looking for Petoskey stones is fun, but remember to throw them back-Leave no Trace!
I spent a weekend backpacking here and had a wonderful time. The only issue I came across was that the park's website stated that the weather station campground had potable water, but when I actually arrived at the campground, this wasn't the case. The only potable water on the island was back by the ferry dock/other campground, over a mile from the weather station. This did not ruin my trip by any means, it just meant I had to factor in an unexpected hike back to the ferry to refill on water. Had I known about this before the trip I would have made sure to either bring a bigger water bottle, or my iodine tablets and portable water filter. I am going back this summer and still plan to stay at the weather station, because it is remote and secluded so it feels very peaceful. It is also close to the shipwreck and the old growth cedar grove, which are my two favorite spots on the island.
The walk to this campground is far from getting off the ferry. And you have to carry everything (no dragging anything on the trail.) Which packing extremely light is impossible unless you’re staying for one night. There’s only a few signs to point you in the direction of where it is. You just have to assume “this way” The port a potty’s are the worst I’ve ever seen. Once I closed the door I almost puked. But overall lots of gorgeous views & interesting history. Just be prepared to hike for miles for water & to see attractions if you’re not at Bay Campground.
I camped at WSC many years starting in the late 70's. We would get breakfast at the Bluebird and pick up a couple pounds of smoked whitefish before getting on the boat. As Sabbi said, pack light, we were out there for a week.
It's a trek, but a beautiful trek, and we found our site year after year. We only cut one path through the grass covered dunes. That was a thing at the time. One year we got friendly with the rangers and climbed to the top of the lighthouse. The standing wave was very cool!
We only visited the virgin cedar forest once, but would encourage you to do so. It's a trek and a half, but well worth it. So many sites to see, so much history to contemplate. So many spectacular vistas! Wild strawberries in our pancakes.
