Fisherman's Island State Park
Lakeside park with an island feel, featuring high sand dunes, cedar bogs, and prime rock hounding opportunities.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Peaceful rock hounding
Fisherman's Island State Park
Best Time
Peaceful rock hounding
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Lakeside park with an island feel, featuring high sand dunes, cedar bogs, and prime rock hounding opportunities.
"This is our favorite beach to go to! The kids easily find Petoskey stones, Charlevoix stones, and other fossils."
🥾 Wear Water Shoes
The beaches are beautiful but can be rocky. Water shoes are a must for comfortable exploring!
💎 Rock Hounding Essentials
Bring bags for your finds! Petoskey and Charlevoix stones are abundant, especially in the morning.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Island Walk
Accessible from the end parking area
Walk directly to the island for a unique perspective and exploration of its shores.
Petoskey & Charlevoix Stone Hunting
Shoreline
Discover unique fossils and stones along the sandy and rocky beaches. A true treasure hunt!
Secluded Beach Access
Multiple parking areas
Find your own private spot on the beautiful, often uncrowded sandy and stoney shores.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Island Vibe
Rock Hounding & Exploration
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🥾 Wear Water Shoes
The beaches are beautiful but can be rocky. Water shoes are a must for comfortable exploring!
💎 Rock Hounding Essentials
Bring bags for your finds! Petoskey and Charlevoix stones are abundant, especially in the morning.
🏕️ Rustic Camping
Campsites are great for tents and small trailers. Expect vault toilets and no electricity.
🚶♀️ Explore the Island
Don't miss the unique experience of walking out to the island and exploring its perimeter.
Tips
from all over the internet
🥾 Wear Water Shoes
The beaches are beautiful but can be rocky. Water shoes are a must for comfortable exploring!
💎 Rock Hounding Essentials
Bring bags for your finds! Petoskey and Charlevoix stones are abundant, especially in the morning.
🏕️ Rustic Camping
Campsites are great for tents and small trailers. Expect vault toilets and no electricity.
🚶♀️ Explore the Island
Don't miss the unique experience of walking out to the island and exploring its perimeter.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Fisherman's Island State Park for its beautiful, secluded beaches perfect for rock hounding and finding fossils like Petoskey stones. The unique opportunity to walk to the island and the peaceful camping experience are highly praised, though some note a nearby cement factory's hum and occasional small planes.
"This is our favorite beach to go to! The kids easily find Petoskey stones, Charlevoix stones, and other fossils. The beach is mostly sandy with some stoney areas, and places to sit in the shade of trees. There are 3 parking areas for beach access, and the one at the very end puts you within walking distance to the island. That's the coolest thing to do, too! You can walk right out to the island and then walk around it! The camping is also pretty great, and there are nice/easy trails to hike. No electricity, vault toilets, water available. Good for tents and small trailers, like pop-ups. There is a cement factory nearby that produces a constant humming noise, and small planes frequently fly overhead between Charlevoix and Beaver Island."
Kirsten Montroy
"Great beach. Very secluded. You can definitely find a spot to call your own. Lots of rocks to look through just into the water. There is nice one mile hike along the shore if you want to walk."
James Willis
"The beach is beautiful! Perfect sunsets every night! The campsites were clean and everyone was so friendly and helpful! Dog friendly even on the beach!"
Ashley Stover
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Fisherman's Island State Park is located in Charlevoix, Michigan. Access is typically via M-66. There are multiple parking areas along the shoreline, with the one at the very end offering the closest access to the island itself.
Yes, the park has three designated parking areas for beach access. The parking area at the end of the road provides the most convenient access to the island walk.
Yes, Fisherman's Island State Park is near Charlevoix. You can easily reach it by car from the town, and small planes frequently fly overhead between Charlevoix and Beaver Island.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, a Michigan State Park Recreation Passport is required for entry into Fisherman's Island State Park. You can purchase this annually or for a day.
State parks are generally open from 8 AM to 10 PM daily. However, it's always a good idea to check the official Michigan DNR website for any specific seasonal hours or closures.
Entry to Fisherman's Island State Park requires a Michigan State Park Recreation Passport. Day passes and annual passes are available for purchase.
Yes, campsites at Fisherman's Island State Park can be reserved in advance through the Michigan DNR reservation system. It's recommended to book early, especially during peak season.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can enjoy beachcombing for Petoskey and Charlevoix stones, walking out to the island, hiking easy trails, kayaking, and picnicking. Camping is also a popular activity.
Yes, the park offers nice and easy hiking trails, including a one-mile hike along the shore. These trails are great for exploring the park's natural beauty.
Yes, Fisherman's Island State Park is dog-friendly, even on the beach, making it a great destination for pet owners.
The shoreline is a mix of sandy and stoney areas. While beautiful, it's recommended to wear water shoes due to the rocky sections.
The campgrounds offer vault toilets and water. There is no electricity available, making it a more rustic camping experience suitable for tents and small trailers.
📸 📸 Photography
The shoreline offers stunning opportunities for photographing the lake, unique rock formations, and especially the sunsets. The island itself provides interesting perspectives.
Early mornings are perfect for peaceful rock hounding photos and soft light, while late afternoons and evenings are ideal for capturing dramatic sunsets over the water.
While not a primary wildlife viewing area, you might spot various birds along the shore. The natural landscapes themselves are the main photographic draw.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
For families planning to camp, the park offers a rustic experience with vault toilets and water, which can be a great way to introduce kids to a more basic form of camping. The easy hiking trails are also suitable for little legs. While there are no playgrounds, the natural environment itself provides endless entertainment. The seclusion of the beaches means you can often find a less crowded area for your family to spread out and enjoy the day.
💎 Rock Hounding Enthusiasts
Beyond the specific types of stones, the entire shoreline offers a fascinating array of geological finds. The park's secluded nature means you can often find stretches of beach all to yourself, allowing for uninterrupted searching. It's a rewarding activity that combines a love for nature with the thrill of uncovering hidden gems. Remember to bring a container to carry your finds and enjoy the simple pleasure of beachcombing.
🏕️ Rustic Campers
It's important to come prepared for a rustic stay. Pack accordingly for cooking, lighting, and personal comfort without electrical hookups. The dog-friendly policy is a big plus for campers traveling with pets. The beachside sites offer incredible views and easy access to the water, making the basic amenities well worth it for the stunning natural surroundings.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Rock Hounding Paradise
Beyond the famous fossils, the park's shores are also home to a variety of other interesting rocks and stones. The simple joy of exploring the water's edge and uncovering unique specimens is a significant draw for many visitors. It's a peaceful and engaging way to connect with Michigan's natural geological history. Remember to bring a bag to collect your finds, and always be mindful of park regulations regarding collecting.
Camping at Fisherman's Island
Campers often highlight the friendly atmosphere and the cleanliness of the campsites. The park's dog-friendly policy extends to the campgrounds, making it a great option for travelers with pets. While the camping is basic, the proximity to the lake and the peaceful surroundings are major draws. It's important for visitors to be prepared for a more primitive camping experience, bringing all necessary supplies and being self-sufficient.
Exploring the Island and Shoreline
Beyond the island, the park features well-maintained, easy hiking trails. A notable trail is the one-mile path that runs along the shore, providing scenic views and a pleasant walking experience. These trails are perfect for a morning or evening hike, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the park's natural beauty. The seclusion of the beaches means visitors can often find a quiet spot to call their own, enhancing the overall peaceful experience.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit