Why Overnight Camping Is Not Allowed On Mackinac Island
Camping is not permitted on Mackinac Island in part to avoid the potential for wildfire sparked by a campfire. From historic Mackinac Island rock formations such as Arch Rock and Sugar Loaf to delightful spring wildflowers and a plethora of migrating birds, the forest of Mackinac Island State Park is a delicate treasure. Preserving as much natural forest as possible is key to preserving a big part of what makes Mackinac Island so special. While you cannot camp overnight on Mackinac Island, there are many ways to enjoy outdoor recreation on Mackinac Island during your visit. Hiking, biking, boating, horseback riding and horse-drawn carriage tours, golf, fishing, sightseeing and kayaking are just some of the ways to get outdoors and experience the incredible natural beauty of Mackinac Island.- Kayaking around Mackinac Island
- 10 'supernatural' sights to see in Mackinac Island State Park
- Fishing the Great Lakes off Mackinac Island
- The extraordinary golf courses of Mackinac Island
- 7 sights to see on a horse-drawn carriage tour of Mackinac Island
- Where to dock your boat on Mackinac Island
- 4 trails to explore on Mackinac Island
How To Make Camping Part Of Your Mackinac Island Experience
Although overnight camping is not allowed on Mackinac Island, there are ways to incorporate camping into your acation. Here are a few suggestions:- Camping is an option on the mainland, a short ferry boat ride from Mackinac Island. In fact, camping in St. Ignace or Mackinaw City is a popular choice for day-trippers who don’t spend the night on Mackinac Island. Just take the ferry to Mackinac Island for the day and return to your campsite on the mainland at night.
- Bring a hammock with you to Mackinac Island. Hammocking is allowed pretty much everywhere in Mackinac Island State Park except near the “Somewhere in Time” Gazebo, Anne’s Tablet and at any paid attractions such as historic Fort Mackinac. Here are some of the best places to go hammocking on Mackinac Island. (Note that overnight hammocking is not allowed on Mackinac Island.)
- Book an overnight kayak trip from Mackinac Island with Great Turtle Kayak Tours. Guided tours include a Round Island Retreat and a Bois Blanc Getaway, both with overnight camping options. Both places are just a short, guided kayak paddle from Mackinac Island.
