Grand Island would phase out random camping and require camping permits

What is proposed

The Forest Service's preliminary visitor use strategies for Grand Island, off Munising, would prohibit random (dispersed) camping in the Thumb Zone and, elsewhere, move from voluntary registration to temporary closures of heavily impacted areas and then prohibitions where monitoring shows thresholds are crossed. Designated campsites would be permit-only through Recreation.gov, and Cobble Cove and Flat Rock campsites would be moved off the Thumb. The area-wide desired condition keeps motorized access minimal, and the Forest Service would consider a shuttle to Powell Point.

The agency's title for this proposal is "Grand Island National Recreation Area Visitor Use and Experience Planning".

How to comment

The Forest Service accepts public comments on this proposal through December 6, 2026. The comment period opened October 22, 2026. Use the Take Action button to get the points to make, a comment starter you can put in your own words, and the link to the agency's official comment form.

Points to make in your comment

• Ask the Forest Service to publish the thresholds and monitoring data before prohibiting random camping anywhere on the island.
• Oppose a ban on dispersed camping.
• Support the proposal to explore same-day reservations so visitors who cannot book ahead can still camp.
• Support a shuttle so visitors with limited mobility can reach the island's far end.

Topics

• Camping
• Mountain Bikes

Official sources

• Official project page (parkplanning.nps.gov)
• Proposal documents (parkplanning.nps.gov)
• Official comment form (parkplanning.nps.gov)