What is Rock Island State Park?

Rock Island State Park is a unique park in Door County, Wisconsin that 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. Rock Island is a primitive Lake Michigan island where no vehicles are allowed.

When is Rock Island State Park open?

Rock Island State Park is open year round from 6am to 11pm, however the ferry that runs to the island is in operation seasonally from Memorial Day Weekend until the second Monday in October.

How to I get to Rock Island Sate Park?

Two ferry rides are needed to reach Rock Island State Park. Take Wisconsin Highway 42 to its end at Northport, the tip of the Door County Peninsula. Take the Washington Island Ferry to Washington Island. The ferry carries people, vehicles, bicycles and freight. From the Washington Island ferry landing, travel across the island to the northeast side to the Rock Island ferry landing at Jackson Harbor. Leave your vehicle or bike there and take the passenger-only Rock Island Ferry to Rock Island. There are fees for both the Washington Island Ferry and the Rock Island Ferry.

Visitors may take their boats to Rock Island, but caution is urged as Lake Michigan can be hazardous due to reefs and storms. There is a nightly fee for all boats mooring overnight at Rock Island.

Is there camping on Rock Island State Park?

Rock Island State Park offers 40 primitive, walk-in tent sites. In addition there are two group campsites. Each site has a picnic table and fire ring. Camping is permitted in designated campsites only. There is drinking water near the dock and boathouse. Vault toilets are available. All supplies and equipment must be backpacked in. Small carts are permitted on the ferry and the island but remember space on the ferry is limited and fees may apply. All campsites must be reserved using the DNR reservation system.

Is firewood available on Rock Island State Park?

Firewood is available for sale at the park during the camping season. Please, bring cash for this purchase. This service is made available by the Friends of Rock Island State Park, Inc.

Is there a gift shop on Rock Island State Park?

Yes, there are two gift shops available on Rock Island State Park. These shops are cash only so plan ahead. One is located in the Boathouse near the dock area and one is located in Pottawatomie Lighthouse. These shops are managed by the Friends of Rock Island State Park, Inc. All proceeds go to help maintain and support the state park.

What is FORI?

FORI is the acronym for the Friends of Rock Island State Park, Inc. We are an organization whose mission is to support the WDNR in operating and maintaining Rock Island State Park, Wisconsin.

How to I contact FORI?

FORI’s email address is friendsofrockisland@gmail.com.

What does a ‘friends group’ do?

A Friends Group is a group of people who have an interest in Wisconsin’s natural resources and who volunteer their time, services, and support in order to enhance Wisconsin's state park properties. These groups have a formal nonprofit partnership with the state park system.

How can I volunteer on Rock Island State Park?

Feel free to reach out to the Friends of Rock Island State Park, Inc to express interest in volunteering on the property. There are several work weekends a year, an annual family fun picnic fundraiser, a lighthouse docent program, a campground host program, and several other ways to volunteer. Learn more by visiting our volunteer pages.