- Is there any reason to bring money to Rock Island?
Yes, there are souvenirs and T-shirts for sale at the Park contact station and at the Lighthouse. Also, donations are accepted for Lighthouse tours.
- Can we get drinking water on Rock Island?
Yes, there are wells with faucets near the boat house and near the maintenance shed. You have to carry your drinking and cooking water to your campsite
or when hiking, so bring suitable containers for carrying water.
There is a hand pump at the Lighthouse.
- What kinds of toilets are available on Rock Island? As of
May, 2009, there are new flush toilets on the lawn near the
Boathouse on Rock Island. There are pit toilets in the
campgrounds and there is a composting outhouse at the Pottawatomie
Lighthouse. Flush toilets are also available in the Park
Office building on Washington Island.
- What do we do with our garbage when camping at Rock Island State Park?
The park provides garbage and recycling cans near the boat dock. There are no garbage receptacles at the campsites, so bring plastic garbage/recycling bags with you to transport your refuse from your site to the cans at the dock.
- Can we buy ice on Rock Island?
No, there is no ice vending on Rock Island. You will have to take the Karfi ferry back to Washington Island to get ice at one of the commercial outlets like the Mann Store.
- Do we need a Wisconsin State Park sticker to park our vehicle at the Rock Island Park dock area parking lot?
No, you don't need a sticker like at other parks. You cannot buy a park sticker on Washington Island.
- Are there carts or some other conveyances to get our camping gear from the Rock Island boat dock to our camping site?
Unless you are a member of the Friends of Rock Island, there are no conveyances available for camping gear. Rock Island is a backpacking park only. However, some campers bring their own carts - garden carts, 2-wheelers, etc. to move their gear to their site. If you are a Friends of Rock Island member, ask at the contact station about borrowing the FORI cart.
- Can we ride our bicycles on Rock Island?
No, bicycle riding is prohibited at the park. You can lock your bike up at the parking lot on Washington Island while you visit Rock Island State Park.
- Is there phone service on Rock Island?
Yes, there is one pay phone at the park's contact station.
- Do cellular phones work on Rock Island?
Yes, so you can bring your own phone with you. There is no electricity with which to charge your battery
and coverage may be spotty, however.
- Are there public showers at Rock Island State Park?
No, the only rest room facilities are flush toilets near the boathouse and
outhouses throughout the campground areas and at the Lighthouse.
- How do we find wood for campfires at our campsite?
There is a private wood concession near the maintenance shed that is open
early each evening where you can buy wood by the rick. The cost varies from year to year, but plan to bring cash with you for the purchase of wood for your campfires.
- Can we dock our boat at Rock Island's boat dock overnight?
Yes, but there is a dock fee just like a campsite fee. Check-in at the contact station to pay your fee and get the rules for docking overnight. Please keep the ranger's docking area clear as well as the Karfi ferry's docking area. Both are clearly marked as you approach the boat dock.
- Is there a swimming beach on Rock Island?
There is a beautiful crescent sand beach on the southeast side of the island that can be wonderful for swimming, depending on the temperature of the lake, strolling,
picnicking, jogging, etc. Depending on the water level, there is more or less beach, but it is one of the features of Rock Island State Park. Walk straight across the island from the Boat House on the beach path called Michigan Avenue, over a high sand dune and the beach will reveal itself to you in its crescent splendor.
- Are there rock carvings on Rock Island?
There are carvings at a couple of locations on the island. Ask how to find them at the contact station when you visit.
- Can you fish at Rock Island State Park?
Yes, most people fish off the boat dock or off the rocks on the southwestern shore. Bring your gear and your own bait if you like to fish. There is no bait for sale on Rock Island.
- Are weddings and other special events
allowed at Rock Island State Park?
Yes, but you may not set up tents on the lawn near the Boathouse or
use the Boathouse for a ceremony. Weddings in the Pagoda or
on the beach are allowed. Tents are only allowed in camp
sites. The large group sites would accommodate a large tent
for a special event. All food, furniture and decorations need
to be brought to the island and removed after the event. For
more information, contact the Property Manager at the Park.
