Island Lake Recreation Area in southeast Michigan encompasses 4,000 acres of state land offering a wide range of activities. Visitors can enjoy two busy buoyed swim areas, multiple picnic areas, multiuse trails, rustic cabins, organization and canoe campgrounds and several lakes. The park also features six miles of Huron River frontage and a state-of-the-art shooting range. Popular activities include mountain biking, paddling, hiking, swimming, triathlon training, picnicking, hunting, fishing and trapping.
The park offers a refreshingly undeveloped and natural environment, characterized by four inland lakes, the meandering Huron River and a diverse landscape of open brushland, mature hardwood forests and scattered meadows. As a designated State Natural River and part of the National Water Trail System, the Huron River flows through the park, providing breathtaking scenery and paddling opportunities that evoke a true "Up North" Michigan experience.
Due to long-term restoration efforts to restore oak barren natural communities, 15 acres of invasive and non-native trees have been removed. To further promote restoration, additional invasive species control efforts, tree removal and prescribed fire will take place in future years.
The park has a rich history, which includes Spanish American War encampments, the Dodge Brothers and Babe Ruth.
Do Not Eat Fish' and 'Avoid Foam' advisories have been issued for sections of the Huron River and associated water bodies in Oakland, Livingston, Washtenaw and Wayne counties because high levels of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (or PFAS) may be present. Find consumption guidelines for fish with elevated PFOS levels.
An accessible beach house is located on Kent Lake and includes restrooms and vending machines.
There's an accessible fishing pier located on Island Lake. 'Do Not Eat Fish' and 'Avoid Foam' advisories have been issued for the Huron River, which includes Kent Lake.
The park offers an accessible hunting blind. Call the park to make a reservation.
There are accessible picnic shelters located throughout the park that include picnic tables, charcoal grills, electrical (four sites) and vault toilets and/or modern restrooms. Shelter reservations can be made 12 months in advance at MiDNRReservations.com.
An accessible playground featuring slides, a balance beam and a climbing wall are located at Kent Lake. It all sits on a rubberized surface that makes access easier for those of all mobility levels.
The park's track chair expands access beyond traditional wheelchairs. The chair is available for visitors to borrow at no cost.
You may not possess or consume an alcoholic beverage at any time in the park, except for rented shelters and overnight lodging locations (unless the park manager has granted written authorization through an event permit).
The park offers a 4-mile, out-and-back, paved trail which connects to the Kensington Metropark Bike Trail and the Huron Valley Trail, which are also paved.
There are ample fishing opportunities in the park’s four inland lakes, streams and the Huron River. 'Do Not Eat Fish' and 'Avoid Foam' advisories have been issued for the Huron River, which includes Kent Lake.
Hunting is allowed in the state park; however, you should call the park directly to inquire about any special rules, concerns or considerations.
Metal detecting is allowed in certain park areas. Please consult the park map for designated locations and review applicable regulations. Only registered campers can metal detect in campgrounds.
There are four modern restrooms in the park. Two are located at Kent Lake, and the others are located at Spring Mill Pond and Island Lake.
Paddling is popular on the four inland lakes and the Huron River, which is managed as a designated State Natural River and part of the National Water Trail System.
There are picnic areas on Kent Lake and Spring Mill Pond that include picnic tables and charcoal grills. They are available first come, first served.
The Island Lake Shooting Range includes clay target, rifle and pistol shooting opportunities. There are member/nonmember user fees in addition to the Recreation Passport.
The park is open to snowmobiling on open land (backcountry snowmobiling). Snowmobiles are prohibited on park trails, mine site (contact park office for more details) and paved surfaces.
Two buoyed swim areas are located on Kent Lake and Spring Mill Pond. Kent Lake has an accessible walkway to the water.
Four inland lakes and the Huron River are located in the park. Kent Lake is a popular destination for swimming and triathlon training. The park’s portion of the Huron River is managed as a Designated State Natural River and has been designated as the 18th trail of the National Water Trail System.
The canoe campground, featuring two sites, is located on the Huron River and is accessible by canoe or kayak only. Amenities include a vault toilet, fire ring, picnic table and grill. There is a one-night maximum stay because the sites are intended for paddlers traveling the Huron River. There is no potable water available, so please bring your own water or water filter. Kindly be advised that boat rentals are not provided by the park.
Reservations are limited to one night to ensure equal access for all visitors traveling the water trail.
Reservations can be made by calling the park office.
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There are two rustic bunkhouses centrally located in the park. Each bunkhouse sleeps 15. It's outfitted with bunk beds, tables/benches, a propane furnace and a countertop with cabinets. There is no electricity or running water; however, water is available at a hand pump nearby. You must provide your own linens and towels, cookware, plates and utensils.
There are a fire pit, picnic table, horseshoes and large charcoal grill outside. There are vault toilets nearby.
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There are two sites available for groups of up to 50. Each site provides a picnic table and fire pit. There is a hand pump for water and a vault toilet.
Reservations can be made by calling the park office.
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While there aren't any upcoming park events listed at this time, you can check out the DNR's calendar of events.
The park also offers weekly nature programs not listed in the online calendar.
