About Lime Island State Recreation Area
Lime Island sits in the St. Marys River in the eastern Upper Peninsula, and reaching it is part of the experience: visitors must charter or navigate a boat more than 2 miles across the river from Raber, on the mainland, where parking is available. Motorized boats are recommended — nonmotorized vessels aren't advised for the crossing.
Once on the 932-acre island, camping comes in two forms: 10 tent camping platforms available June 15 through Labor Day, and 6 solar-powered rustic cabins sleeping up to 8 people each, available Memorial Day through mid-September. One cabin is pet-friendly for a $10-per-night fee (up to 2 pets). Lighting in the cabins is limited given the solar power setup, so come prepared for a genuinely off-grid stay.
Things to Do
Freighter watching is a signature activity here — Lime Island sits directly on the St. Marys River shipping channel, with freighters passing close enough to feel like part of the scenery. About 7 miles of hiking trails cover the island, and fishing for walleye, northern pike, and herring is popular from the harbor of refuge and shoreline. Black bear and white-tailed deer are both present on the island, so standard backcountry food storage practices apply.
Best Time to Visit
Summer is the only practical season, given the tent platforms and cabins both operate on a Memorial Day–to–Labor Day-ish window. Calm-water days make for an easier boat crossing from Raber.
Reservation Tips
Because Lime Island's overnight capacity is small and unusual (boat-access tent platforms and cabins rather than a standard campground), reserve through MiDNRReservations.com well ahead of your trip, and plan your own boat transportation or charter in advance — there's no ferry service.
Getting There
Drive to Raber on the mainland in eastern Chippewa County, then arrange your own boat or charter for the roughly 2-mile crossing to the island. There is no public ferry.