Rocky Island

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Green islands on blue water with Rocky Island called out in orange

About the Island

Rocky Island’s features and location make it a popular stop for a variety of boaters. A string of individual and family fishermen based their summer operations on the protected Rocky Island eastern shore until commercial fishing lost its economic viability to the sea lamprey in the 1950s. There are still summer cottages and lands subject to life leases remaining along the eastern shore.

Larger boats can find plenty of space to anchor using the sandy bottom along the eastern shoreline, protected from most winds except a “nor’easter.” Rocky offers 1.9 miles of trails. Excerpts from Apostle Islands Water Trips by John C. Frank. Buy a copy here.

Proceeds benefit Friends of the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore and the park.

Fast Facts

NPS map showing the island outline and features

NPS Map – Click image to enlarge

NPS Dock at Rocky Island with NPS boat

Dock at Rocky Island. Click image to enlarge. – Photo: NPS

Rocky Island – Ziinsibaakwado-minis

Location:  47.0344° N, 90.6789° W

Features: 

  • 1,100 acres
  • Dock on the east side
  • 4 individual campsites, 1 group site
  • Primitive camping

NPS Rocky Island Information:

Where would you like to go next?

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Bear Island

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Eagle Island

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Gull Island

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Hermit Island

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Ironwood Island

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Little Sand Bay – Mainland

Little Sand Bay – Mainland

Long Island

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Manitou Island

Manitou Island

Meyers Beach – Mainland

Meyers Beach – Mainland

Basswood Island - Accessible features, camping, dock, hiking, popular

Bear Island - Camping

Cat Island - Camping

Devils Island - Camping, dock, hiking, lighthouse, popular

Eagle Island - No amenities

Gull Island - No amenities

Hermit Island - Camping

Ironwood Island - Camping

Little Sand Bay: Mainland - Accessible features, dock, mainland, popular, visitor center

Long Island - Dock, hiking, lighthouse

Manitou Island - Camping, dock, hiking

Meyers Beach: Mainland - Camping, hiking, mainland, popular

Michigan Island - Accessible features, camping, dock, hiking, lighthouse, popular

North Twin Island - Camping

Oak Island - Camping, dock, hiking, popular

Otter Island - Camping, dock, hiking

Outer Island - Camping, dock, hiking, lighthouse

Park Headquarters: Mainland - Accessible features, mainland, popular, visitor center

Raspberry Island - Dock, hiking, lighthouse, popular

Rocky Island - Camping, dock, hiking

Sand Island - Accessible features, camping, dock, hiking, lighthouse, popular

South Twin Island - Camping, dock, hiking

Stockton Island - Accessible features, camping, dock, hiking, popular, visitor center

York Island - Camping