Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
island is only 900-plus acres, so you've got plenty of time to cover everything, assuming
you're not just spending an afternoon. If that's the case, you can do double-time and cover
the perimeter along the 5.2-mile long
Thordarson Loop Trail
in just under three hours.
You'llseeallthemajorsightsandanadditionalmagnificentviewonthenortheastside—on
a clear day you can see all the way to Michigan's Upper Peninsula. For those less aerobic-
ally inclined, just head for the
Algonquin Nature Trail Loop,
an hour-long (maximum)
traipse. The other trails on the island are essentially shortcuts to cross the island and are all
approximately a mile long.
No wheeled vehicles are allowed in the park. The dock does allow private mooring for
a fee of $1 per foot.
Camping
The camping at Rock Island is absolutely splendid (next to the Apostle Islands, the best in
the state), with sites strung along a beachfront of sand and, closer to the pier, large stones.
Many of the sites farthest from the main compound are fully isolated, almost scooped into
dunes and thus fully protected from wind but with smashing views (site 13 is a favorite).
The island holds 40 primitive campsites with water and pit toilets: 35 to the southwest of
the ferry landing, another five spread along the shore farther southeast—these are isolated
backpacker sites. Two additional group campsites are also available. Reservations (888/
947-2757,
wisconsinstateparks.reseerveamerica.com
, reservation fee $10) are a good idea
in summer and fall (and essential on weekends during those times). Non-residents pay $17
for a site, $20 for a water view. At least there is no vehicle admission cost tacked on.
Note: The park is a pack-in, pack-out facility, so plan wisely.
Access
If you're not sea kayaking over, the
Karfi
(920/847-2252), whose name means “seaworthy
for coastal journeys” in Icelandic, has regular service. Boats depart Jackson Harbor on
Washington Island daily May 25-mid-October (usually Columbus Day for some reason);
the boat leaves hourly 10am-4pm in high season (late June-Aug.) with an extra trip at 6pm
Friday.Round-tripticketscost$10adultsand$12camperswithgear.Intheoff-season,you
can arrange a boat, but it's prohibitively expensive.
Private boats are permitted to dock at the pier, but a mooring fee is charged.
