By:
Submission
Located north of Sturgeon Bay, take either Hwy 57 (less congested), or Hwy 42, to Northport (2 miles beyond Gill`s Rock). Take 1/2 hour ride on the Washington Island Ferry to Washington Island. Using the map printed inside of your ferry schedule, drive 9 miles across Washington Island (20 minutes) to the Rock Island parking lot, located at Jackson Harbor on Washington Island. Take the Rock Island Ferry to Rock Island. The Rock Island Ferry transports foot passengers only, no vehicles and beware of timing!
Great place for a beginner backpacking trip. The night sky was amazing and most of the campsites are steps away from the water allowing for clear views. Main loop trail is great to do for a sunrise hike but if you want a tour of the lighthouse you may want to go later, they don't start tours until 10 am.
The foot ferry crews were not the most personable but they got us across well enough.
Camped on the island for 2 nights at site 18. We backpacked/carried everything in, but if you want to bring more gear you could as there are carts by the ferry dock on the island. Bring cash for things on the island. Get you ferry tickets for all ferry rides when you buy to cross for Washington Island. The ferry to Rock Island is pretty much on the dot time wise. As for the island itself- it was very peaceful and quiet. Site 18 was beautiful, right on a bluff. The sand beach was nice, remained shallow for a while and water temp was swimable. The lighthouse tour was neat and the hike out there was not strenuous- about 1.25 miles from the boathouse. The boathouse, firewood, water source and flush toilets were about a 1/2 mile from our site. I am definitely planning to go again next summer.
Perhaps one of the most beautiful campgrounds in America. Pristine water, amazing beaches...the staff that maintain the grounds are awesome, the volunteers are super helpful and the history of the island is fascinating. Definitely a trek, and not for the casual car-camper, but well worth the effort to see a very different kind of park.
A lovely park! The tempo on the island was a great step away. The sound of waves on the lakeshore permeates the sites at night.
The only downside was the number of flies at certain parts. You're in nature, so somewhat to be expected - just far more than I was expecting. Flies were not present at our campsite.
Highly recommend a visit with overnight stays
