Photo: Wisconsin DNR
Take the ferry Memorial Day weekend through the second Monday in October to this primitive Lake Michigan island where no vehicles are allowed. This unique park features the Pottawatomie Lighthouse as well as stone buildings built by a wealthy inventor who owned the island between 1910 and 1964. Rock Island offers rustic, walk-in campsites, hiking trails, a swimming beach and miles of shoreline to explore.
Quick answers
When is the best time to visit Rock Island State Park?
It depends on what you came for. Camping is best in June–September, fall color in September–October, swimming in July–August and boating & paddling in June–September.
What can you do at Rock Island State Park in each season?
Winter (December–February): hiking and fishing. Spring (March–May): hiking, fishing, history & mounds and hunting. Summer (June–August): camping, hiking, swimming, boating & paddling, fishing, history & mounds and picnics & shelters. Fall (September–November): camping, hiking, fall color, boating & paddling, fishing, history & mounds, hunting and picnics & shelters.
Do you need a state park sticker at Rock Island State Park?
No. Rock Island State Park doesn't require a vehicle sticker or a state trail pass.
Can you camp at Rock Island State Park in winter?
Camping here is seasonal, generally May–October. The DNR's pages for this property don't list winter camping.
What state parks and trails are near Rock Island State Park?
The closest state properties, as the crow flies: Newport State Park (13 mi), Peninsula State Park (26 mi) and Whitefish Dunes State Park (36 mi).
Good for
- Boating & paddling
- Camping
- Fishing
- Hiking
- History & mounds
- Hunting
- Picnics & shelters
- Swimming
Best months
June · July · August · September · October · November
Visiting
- Admission: A vehicle admission sticker is not required at Rock Island State Park.
- Hours: Open 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. year-round.
- Address: 1924 Indian Pt. Rd. Washington Island, WI 54246
- Phone: 920-854-2500
Accessibility
- Accessible campsite -- every developed campground here has at least one
From the DNR's accessibility guide, reviewed October 2026. Call the property to confirm before you go.
Nearby
- Newport State Park (13 mi)
- Peninsula State Park (26 mi)
- Whitefish Dunes State Park (36 mi)
- Potawatomi State Park (47 mi)
- Menominee River State Recreation Area (50 mi)
Closures and alerts for Rock Island State Park: updates · RSS · JSON Feed
Text and park details on this page come from the property's DNR pages, checked every Monday; last change October 24, 2026. Closures and notices load live. Check current conditions before you go.