St. James Township Campground in Beaver Island, MI
Best Camping and Outdoor Experience
| ADDRESS |
|---|
| Indian Point Road Beaver Island, MI 45.74826, -85.538979 Elevation: 617′ |
| MANAGEMENT |
| Public – City Park This is a PAY campground. ($12 or less) The price is $5/night |
Previous Reviews:
St. James Township Campground: This park is managed by the city of Beaver Island. There are 17 sites where you can enjoy tent or RV camping surrounded by views of the nearby islands.
About This Location
St. James Township Campground on Beaver Island, MI gives you a peaceful place to set up camp, with electric hookups and a couple of ADA-compliant sites. There are 17 sites where you can enjoy tent or RV camping surrounded by quiet nature and views of the nearby islands. It’s a solid pick if you want to explore Lake Michigan’s beauty without the crowds.
Getting here isn’t too hard from the mainland, and you’ll find yourself close to other outdoor spots like Mackinac Island and Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. The campground stays pretty rustic, but you still get the basics for a comfortable stay. It’s a good base for hiking, biking, or boating all over Beaver Island.
Come with an RV or a tent—either way, St. James Township Campground puts you right up against some of Michigan’s best lakefront scenery.
Key Takeaways
- 17 sites with electric service and ADA access
- Near major Michigan natural attractions
- Simple amenities and easy vehicle access
St. James Township Campground In Beaver Island, MI
St. James Township Campground sits near the end of the Donegal Bay Trail on Beaver Island, close to Lake Michigan’s shoreline. If you love nature, this spot’s a gem.
Most of the 17 sites have electric service, and two are ADA-compliant. The park keeps things low-key—mostly rustic, primitive camping.
Beaver Island’s reputation for quiet beauty holds up here. You get views of clear water and distant islands, plus you’re not far from Paradise Bay, Lake Geneserath, and other places to hike or kayak.
To book a spot or ask questions, just call the campground host at 231-497-4477. The vibe stays pretty peaceful, which fits the island’s nature preserve feel.
If you want to reconnect with the outdoors in Michigan’s lake region, this campground’s mix of lake views, quiet sites, and easy park access make it worth checking out.
Things To Do
You’ll find plenty to do at St. James Township Campground. Fishing’s a big draw—lots of spots nearby for catching local fish, whether you’re new to it or you’ve got your own lucky lure.
The beaches around Beaver Island are great for swimming or just stretching out on the sand. Sometimes it’s nice to just wander the shoreline or sit and watch the water.
If you’re into hiking, you’ll find several trails close by. They wind through some of the island’s natural beauty and offer some pretty good photo ops.
Kayaking’s popular, too. Paddle through clear water and discover little corners of the coastline. The Happy Paddle route is close if you want something easy or just feel like exploring.
Biking on the island’s quiet roads is a chill way to cover more ground and catch some fresh air.
So, whether you want to hike, fish, swim, or paddle, this place gives you a solid base for outdoor fun. Beaver Island’s got a little something for everyone.
Directions
To get here, you’ll need to take a ferry to Beaver Island. The ferry docks at St. James Harbor, and from there, the campground’s just about a mile away.
After you get off the ferry, head along Donegal Bay Road. The campground sits just off this road on the island’s north end, and you’ll see signs pointing the way.
You could bike or walk if you’re up for it—the Donegal Bay Trail and Bike Path lead straight to the campground. It’s a safe, scenic route.
Drivers can park near the entrance. The road’s marked clearly, so it’s not hard to find. Just keep the ferry schedule in mind when planning your trip.
Vehicle Access
You’ll reach St. James Township Campground by driving on East Side Road, the main route to the campground. It’s about seven miles south of St. James Harbor.
The campground’s right near the end of Donegal Bay Road, close to the bike trail, so vehicles can get in without any tricky turns.
There’s parking for tents and RVs, and standard vehicle sizes fit fine. If you’ve got a really big RV, though, you might want to check ahead about space and access.
A few vehicle tips:
- The roads near the campground are mostly gravel or dirt, so take it slow.
- Stick to posted speed limits and local traffic rules.
- Bringing an RV or trailer? Call ahead to confirm there’s space and ask about any special requirements.
If you’ve got questions about vehicle access, reservations, or parking, call the campground host at (231) 497-4477.
A little planning goes a long way—you’ll have a smoother arrival and a better stay.
RV And Camping Trailer Information
St. James Township Campground has spots for both tents and RVs. There are 18 sites total, with options for different setups.
You’ll find 12 non-electric campsites—they’re rustic, with a fire ring, grill, and picnic table. These work best if you don’t need electrical hookups.
For RVs and trailers, the gravel pads help keep your rig steady. There aren’t any electric or water hookups, though, so you’ll want to bring your own supplies.
Reservations are required ahead of time, especially in the main season (May 15 to October 31). Call the Campground Host at 231-497-4477 if you’ve got questions or want more campground details.
The campground’s at the end of Donegal Bay Trail and Bike Path, so you’re set up for all kinds of outdoor activities right out your door. If you’re after a simple, peaceful camping experience—minus the full RV hookups—this spot could be just what you’re looking for.
Paid Or Permit Sites
At St. James Township Campground, you’ll find a mix of rustic and electric campsites. There are 11 rustic sites and 6 electric sites up for grabs. Most spots need a fee or permit if you want to reserve them.
If you’ve got questions about permits, fees, or what’s available, just call the host at 231-497-4477. The campground office handles reservations and payments.
All the sites stick with a pretty basic, rustic vibe. The electric ones offer power, but don’t expect anything too fancy—they keep things simple and down-to-earth.
People sometimes wonder about shade or privacy. Turns out, a lot of spots have some tree cover, so you’ll get a bit of separation from your neighbors.
You’ll need to come prepared for a modest setup. They have outdoor showers and portable restrooms, which is honestly a relief, and you won’t pay extra for those.
If you’re thinking about camping here, it’s smart to plan ahead and lock in a permit or pay the fee. That way, things stay organized and fair for everyone.
| AMENITIES: | ACTIVITIES: |
|---|---|
| Drinking Water Restrooms |
RV Camping Tent Camping Hiking Wildlife Viewing Stargazing |
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