Fisherman's Island State Park

My wife and I spent a peaceful morning rock hounding at Fisherman’s Island State Park in Charlevoix, Michigan, and it was a truly rewarding experience. The quiet shoreline, especially in the early hours, offered a perfect setting to search for Charlevoix and Petoskey stones. We found a few beautiful specimens and really enjoyed the simple joy of exploring together. This spot is a hidden gem for anyone who appreciates Michigan’s natural beauty and the thrill of uncovering unique rocks along the water’s edge.

We camped at the south campground. The beaches are wonderful but rocky. Wear water shoes. And if you’re camping try to get one of the beach side sites.

I stayed at campsite 80, which is one of the lucrative lakefront campsites that are damn near impossible to reserve on a summer weekend. Unlike the other lakefront campsites, site 80 is not actually a lakefront site. You can only see the lake in the distance and have to walk probably 50 yards down an uneasy path to the lake. For site 80, you have to park along the roadway and walk a very short distance to the campsite—tents only at this site. My only real disappointment came from the fact that the main walkway to the beach for the entire south campground ran right along my campsite, so there was always a constant flow of people walking by. There really was no privacy, but the isolated campsite was much quieter than the rest of the south campground. The park itself is undeveloped and very rustic, which I enjoyed. The beach stretched for miles, and it was very soft and clean; the water was a crystal clear blue, although the water temperature was unseasonable cold for late July. The park is a nice and peaceful place to go rustic camping, and you’re only a few minutes away from Charlevoix. Even though campsite 80 didn’t really meet my expectations, it is definitely a park I will visit again in the future. There are always available campsites here.

Very clean, not many people there. Tons of fossils!! Found some very unique rocks and had a lot of fun looking out into the lake. Even though the weather was not the best the views at this park were still breathtaking!

My wife and I spent the entire week at Fishermans Island Campground in our travel trailer. We walked along the water and found Petosky and Charlevoix stones in numerous places. The park was very quiet and peaceful. The rangers drove thru periodically to make sure the rules were being followed, and that all was going well. FACTS: 1.YOU NEED A MI. RECREATION PASS TO ENTER THE PARK. 2.NO ELECTRIC ONLY BIKES, SCOOTERS, ONLY PEDAL ASSIST BIKES. 3.NO DUMP STATION ON GROUNDS, WE FOUND ONE 6 MILES AWAY IN CHARLEVOIX. 4.FOUND GOOD PRICE ON FIREWOOD, AT A LANDSCAPERS PLACE HEADING IN TO TOWN ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE ROAD. 5. SITES SEEM TO BE PRETTY BIG AND MOST TRAILERS USE NORTH LOOP. WE USED THE SOUTH AND HAP NO PROBLEM GETTING INTO OURS. 6. BEST TO MAKE RESERVATIONS B4 HAND. 7. THERE ARE WATER PUMPS ON GROUNDS. 8.VAULT TOILETS ONLY.

Seems like all I do anymore is leave negative reviews. And that’s so sad. Here’s the story. My wife, son, and I were driving from Oklahoma to the UP and back for the Fourth of July week. We stopped at every state park we could find as I just can’t get enough of that western Michigan coast. Every state park we visited let us in without purchasing the state pass because I’m a retired combat veteran with a 100% disability rating. I went to war, got blown up, shot, and wounded to a point that I needed almost 5 years of rehabilitation therapy. This park has two parking lots “OUTSIDE” of the gate. Apparently one of those is “inside” the state park. But there is not one single sign that states that. My family and I parked in one of the only spots left, that didn’t say “15 min parking only” and proceeded to walk down to the shoreline for a few minutes of walking just to stretch our legs. When we returned we found a parking violation on our window and an off-duty cop who threatened my out of state license because of the ticket saying they will find me and issue me a citation against my drivers license because I parked in an spot he claimed was state park land, yet outside of the security gate and again, no signage. The same off duty cop who was threatening us then laughed at my status as a retired, disabled, combat veteran and quote “they don’t give me any of that for being a cop (laughs at me)” I probably wouldn’t have even bothered to write this review had it not been for that guy with a job comparing himself to a person who went to war as a young adult and got blown up. Yea because he deserves the same for having a job. This to me is an absolute racket. They set you up to get a ticket then have a cop sitting there threatening you. Is this really the treatment we as citizens deserve? Is this the same treatment we want for our war veterans who risked their lives as young men? This guy deserves to be fired and sent packing for treating people like this. Also, for clarity. We have offered to buy the season pass at every park we’ve been too and literally EVERY SINGLE gate attendant has said, no. We appreciate your service enjoy your day. Every single one, except this Karen who thinks he’s as deserving as anyone. Cops are entitled and shouldn’t be security guards. I bet an infantryman could do that job with civility and respect.

This is a State Park along the shoreline of lake Michigan. There are some gorgeous campsites on the beach and also two inland loops that have sites that are private enough. The inland sites could be a bit buggy in summer. There's a hiking trail somewhat parallel to the campground loops. Great place to walk along the beach and nice temperature for swimming. It was surprisingly not that cold in the lake in early September on a cold and windy day.

This is a beautiful park, and a great place to camp. The camp sites aren't on top of each other, shady, and some are right on the water. The beach is a nice place to sit, or if you like to rock hound, I have found Petoskey stones there!

If you love collecting Michigan rocks, come to this lovely state park. You can take the short trail down to the water, where you will find rocks om the sand. The park is secluded, and we only saw about 5 others there during the duration of our stay. It appears that because this location is not so heabily populated, you can find some Charlevoix and Petoskey rocks in the water as wel as on the rock bed. You just have to know what to look for. I suggest finding a walking stick for the water. It helps guide you, and it helps you move some rocks. The next time I come here I definitely want to bring a sifter because I saw so many cute tiny ones with the rock pile. My twchnique was to pull the ones near the water down, and I found quite a bit this way. James used the stick to look in the water, where you will find medium to large rocks. Overall the secluded atmosphere is soothing and relaxing.

Great rustic campsite great views the south campsite is better than the north campsite if you get campsite 69 70 71 you will have some cellular service on the low side 36 25 you won't get any service. You will get great sunset views from the beach They also have sites that you can camp right on the beach they're hard to get you might have to book 3 months in advance for those. It's right on lake Michigan which is considered the Caribbean of the Midwest You won't have any bad views It's not allowed camp It's rusty No electric They have bathrooms but if you're a camper you know how to bring your own They give you a picnic table and a fire pit most of the grounds are level they're sitting on gravel so if you're if you're in a tent make sure you bring a pad unless you have an air mattress Heading closing is this is this a place that I would bring a friend from out of town If they love camping yes it's a good place to bring a couple families and you guys camp for the week really nice place staff is really friendly as well they're really helpful with directions and things you can and can't do You can also buy firewood here It's on the honesty system so just be honest buy it and then enjoy it at night

Camped here over 4th of July weekend 2021 on a spur of the moment trip. Couldn't of been happier. Campsites are clean but rustic (which I liked!) these aren't polished sites with no trees and fresh cut grass. You have a clearing for tents/campers with trees all around, picnic table and fire pit at all sites. Sites are spaced out enough so you don't feel like your camping right on top of your neighbor. Clean beaches. Shared toilets (out houses) but no showers. The beach is only a few feet away from every site and if you plan it out early enough you can camp litterly 20ft from Lake Michigan. Will definitely be back! Charlevoix is a 5min drive away and it's an amazing little town with shops, small restaurants and a lot of history.

I didn't camp, but I quite liked the beach. Mother and I got some snacks from pricey oleson's grocery in Charlevoix. The gallery assistant at the Circle of arts highly recommended this beach. I was pretty surprised I hadn't come here before, truly a stunning beach. Crisp blue water views, clean beach, and small protected bay. Rocks for days, I will be back!! Bring a little picnic and enjoy.

What a beautiful piece of Pure Michigan !!! I took my granddaughters here. We had such a beautiful day, walking the gorgeous shoreline and enjoying the natural beauty Well worth our drive. We will be back.

I had the opportunity to visit Fisherman's Island State Park twice this November and it was absolutely breathtaking. We were the only ones on the beach and while it was a little chilly, the sound of the waves crashing on the shore and the endless view of Lake Michigan made it worth it. This beach is known for having great stones and if you are lucky, you may even find some lake glass! Highly recommend checking it out if you are ever in the area.

Perfect! Not crowded, dog-friendly, tons of shade - so rare! Great rock collecting and the water was so clean and clear with just enough wave action to be interesting but not scary for kids. Would go back again and again.

Although we didn't camp here, it was a wonderful place for exploring along the shoreline and hiking a couple of paths through the dense forest areas. Very lovely even in mid-October, I can only imagine how gorgeous it is during summer. Enjoyable place to stop.

Has 6 sites right on the lake in the woods. About 6 pull through sites on the lake to. Several sites off the water in the woods. Vaulted toilets to use. A rustic campground that you need recreation passport to enter. Community fire pit. Can't wait to book our next camping adventure there.

My husband and I really enjoyed this State Park. It's very tent camping friendly and relaxing. I only wish they had more lake side camp sites but they only have a few and those get booked up fast! We have our eyes on the lakeside sites for next time. The beaches in the park are beautiful and secluded. Water is cold but refreshing for a quick dip and then hustle back over to the sand and sun bathe. Very relaxing! There are a few short hikes in the park as well that make for a nice nature walk. Park rangers are friendly and helpful. There aren't any showers and only outhouses for bathrooms but for the scenery and beauty of the park I let that slide.

I'm only putting a 3 star review because we didn't get to experience anything but the shore during a rainy day in August during their time down. This looks like a great place to continue to visit and stay. I would love to return and camp and be able to experience more of what they have to offer. Great find!

We didn't camp here but this was a great less busy place (at least in early May) to walk around the waterline, relax, and look for rocks! We found some beauts and there were some Petoskey stones mixed in there too. Very relaxing and pretty place-the entrance isn't back where you think it would be but keep following the GPS and you'll get there!

Very nice and remote beach if you're looking to skip the tourist crowd while enjoying one of the Great Lakes. Very clean and quiet.

This beach was amazing! The water was so clear and clean looking. Nice place to stop and enjoy a day with family at the beach.

Love. This is a great campground. Beautiful beach nearby for swimming. Great quiet campsites. Only drawback is the vault toilets.