anyone been to Rock Island, WI

“I am going to Rock Island in a couple weeks. Anyone been there ? There is only one old review in the trails database.
Any unusual advice ? Can you carry coleman fuel on the ferry ?”

“hangman, I'll check my Hiking Wisconsin book, which was published last year I believe. I don't think the fuel will be any problem on the ferry -- unless you have it in an open bucket. I doubt anyone will be searching your pack for anything, including fuel bottles. In fact, they probably will assume you can take care of yourself in that regards.

Back to you later this evening from home.”

“hangman:

Here's the scoop, according to Backpacking Wisconsin, Hailman & Hailman (c)2000 University of Wisconsin Press:

P. 190 -- Rock Island State Park
Rating: Four Pine Trees (that's really good).

Fees: No vehicle fee, because no vehicles on island, (free parking at the ferry dock) and no entrance fee for day visitors; overnight campers must pay the usual state park camping fee.

Camping: In designated sites only; each site has a picnic table and firering. Five backpacking sites are on the southeast corner of the island along the Lake Michign shore. A family campground near the ferry dock has 40 individual sites and 2 group sites, all walk-in. No carts available for gear.

Permits: Camping permit required for a specific site (see fees). Permit obtained at park office in booth near the dock. IMPORTANT!!!!
ADVANCE RESERVATIONS are accepted by the state phone reservation system at 888-947-2757, 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. weekdays and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekends (central time) or on the web at www.wiparks.net; a reservation fee is charged. THIS IS A POPULAR PARK AND RESERVATIONS ARE RECOMMENDED.

To call the park itself, phone 920-847-2235 (no fax).

The main island loop trail, Thordarson Loop Trail, is 5.2 miles. There is also a nature trail and a couple other short trails on the south end, with the Fernwood Trail (1.5 miles) cutting across the island about 2/3 of the way up the island. Has Wisconsin's oldest lighthouse (1836) and historic limestone boathouse, assembly hall and water tower. Island is wooded, with limestone cliffs in places.

It's on my list for an autumn trip, so let us know about your experience, hangman. Have fun.”

“oooooh. Good stuff. I was thinking of taking the ferry across L. Michigan this summer. Two questions: Has anyone camped in the hike-in campsites at Newport SP? And, what is the hiking like in the northern unit of Kettle-Moraine SF?

And I think I'll add Rock Island to my list.

Thanks!”

“reformed, I saw a piece on a father-son camping trip to Newport on a Wisconsin public TV show and their walk-in site looked nice. The map shows good spots along the shore. Newport requires a vehicle sticker for entrance, and the same reservation number/website is used. Again, a popular place.

Kettle Moraine North Unit camping info:

Permit (with fee) required for a specific shelter. Advance reservations at same number/website above. Noted as IMMENSELY POPULAR and often sites are booked months in advance.

Camping: Backpack camping only at six designated shelters, five on Ice Age trail, one on Zillmer Trails. You are not required to stay in the shelter, but must pitch your tent at the shelter clearing. Shelters have fire rings and outhouses nearby. Developed campgrounds (fee) at Mauthe Lake, Long Lake, and Greenbush (a group site).

The authors describe a rather people intensive visit in September, so summer must be swamped in Kettle Moraine. I haven't been there, but hear it is very nice territory, just too close to Milwaukee and other urban centers.

If the weather is nice, the ferry from Ludington to Manitowoc is much preferable to driving through Chicago. As an auto ferry, just have all your gear safely stashed in your trunk. The car itself is unlocked since the crew has to drive it on and off. I've seen x-c cyclists on board, but no backpackers during my crossings.”

“mmmmmm....

Pekka, thanks for the info. I'm gonna get to the library and look at some places in the next little while. Maybe I'll go for something a little less busy. But I really want to ride that ferry.”

“Let's see, other places over here would include the northern elements of the Ice Age Trail, or the North Country Trail, and there are the Porkies in the U.P.-- a longer drive once across the lake, but less crowded than lower Wisconsin.

Of course, there's the ferry to Isle Royale, too.”

“pekka:
Thanks for the info. We've got a backpacking site reserved for Rock Island and we are thinking about a trip to Newport later this summer.

I'll give you a trip report when we get back.

I ordered that Backpacking Wisconsin book also.”

“We just got back from Rock Island - it was a very enjoyable trip.
You need to take a car-ferry to Washington Island, then catch a smaller passenger ferry to Rock Island. The ferry rides really seperated us from the tourist-laden villages of Door County. There were a few other backpackers on the second boat that provided ample gear discussion.
A park ranger meet us at the dock and directed us toward our designated site - however he directions took us over a longer, more challanging route than what we found on the way back.
We were happy to find a huge (40 acre or so) campsite, with a picnik table and fire ring waiting for us. It also had a lakeside view. We were told we could burn fallen wood - there was plenty around.
We spent the next couple days exploring the sites of the island - a very old lighthouse and the start of an elaborate, but abandoned, estate being built by a welthy electrical inventor.
We crossed paths with a couple other campers while on day hikes - but we really enjoyed the serenity of the island. The park naturalist was available to answer any questions and give us a tour of the lighthouse.
It was not a high-milage trip - the island is only 5 miles in circumfrence, but is was very relaxing - I highly recommend you guys go up there.”

“hangman, thanks for the update. Serenity, there's a word we don't hear enough about. Glad it was a good time, and glad I could help with info.”

“The one thing I didn't mention was the rain. It rained all day, on our second day. We had a newbie with us and he kinda wanted to leave after the last ferry left the island.
There really wasn't much we could do about it ... however it eventually got nice out again toward sunset.
We had a crappy tent that leaked water.
We all learned a few things this trip ...”