Summary
Take the Karfi ferry (Memorial Day weekend through
Columbus Day) to this primitive Lake Michigan
Island. 906 acre island located one mile northeast
of Jackson Harbor on Washington Island. Hiking,
camping, swimming, fishing. Ten miles of hiking
trails, Wisconsin’s oldest lighthouse, site of
Thordarson greathall and boathouse. First
discovered by LaSalle in 1679. Travel Green
Certified. Rock Island State Park offers primitive walk-in campsites. All supplies must be carried into and out of campsites. No vehicles are allowed on Rock Island. Rock Island State Park offers 40 primitive, walk-in tent sites. Two of the sites are group campsites. Each site has a picnic table and fire ring. Camping is permitted in designated campsites only. There is drinking water near the dock and boathouse. Vault toilets are available. All supplies and equipment must be backpacked in. Small carts are permitted on the ferry and the island but remember space on the ferry is limited. Firewood is available for sale at the park in season.
Don’t move firewood! Due to the potential of carrying harmful tree pests and diseases, Wisconsin has restrictions for moving firewood.
More Information
Rock Island State Park offers 40 primitive, walk-in tent sites. Two of the sites are group campsites. Each site has a picnic table and fire ring. Camping is permitted in designated campsites only. There is drinking water near the dock and boathouse. Vault toilets are available. All supplies and equipment must be backpacked in. Small carts are permitted on the ferry and the island, but remember space on the ferry is limited. No vehicles are allowed on Rock Island.
Reservations
Camping reservations are encouraged and can be made up to 11 months in advance before the date of occupancy.
Camping seasons typically run spring through fall. For winter camping opportunities, contact the property where you are interested in camping.
Vehicle admission sticker
A vehicle admission sticker is required for any motor vehicles brought into the property. A camper without an annual sticker will need to buy one daily sticker for each night of camping. Free daily stickers are available for vehicles towed or carried into the property by a vehicle with a purchased sticker. Ask at the entrance station when you arrive.
Amenities
- Hiking Trails
- Nature Trails
- Primitive/Tent