Visit Bois Blanc Island

CAMPING ON BOIS BLANC ISLAND

Whether you are new to camping on Boblo or you have been here before, we are delighted to have you visit our island. Camping on the island is mostly “dispersed” camping on state land. You should make yourself aware of the DNR rules and where DNR ground exists. Go to: www.Michigan.gov/dnr /places/ state-park/rules and scroll down for “dispersed camping on state forest lands”.

There are township camping spots at Lake Mary Park and at the Airport, where picnic tables, water and an outhouse are available. All camping is first come first serve. There are some campsites along the North Shore and a few spots at Lake Thompson, although this ground is owned by the state of Michigan and campers should abide by the “DNR dispersed camping” rules.

All campers MUST contact the BBI Fire Dept. for a burn permit for a campfire. Please contact 231-634-7085 and leave your name, date, location for the requested campfire. (This number is for burn permits only. Use 911 for any emergency.)

Things To Know:

1. The greatest single fear on the island is a major fire. Fire conditions are regularly posted on a large sign near the Township Dock. At no time, even in wet weather, should you build a large fire or leave a fire unattended, even a beach fire. The winds on Boblo can be dramatic. Lightning storms are common. If you see an unattended or accidental fire, please call 911. Be aware of your location so you can relay the information to 911 dispatchers.

2. About half the land on Boblo is privately owned. Island maps are not readily

available. If you are not sure, ask! You must have written permission from the

landowner to camp on private property. Prepare your site appropriately, arrange a safe fire pit and leave it in good condition when you go. Pack out what you pack in; leave nothing behind but your footprints.

3. You are responsible for your garbage. All trash must be removed from the island. The Township Transfer Station is located across the street from the Township Marina. Hours are posted on the sign by the road. Township trash bags can be pre-purchased at the township hall or the transfer station for $4/bag. Should you choose to use your own garbage bags, disposal is $5/bag for the same 33 gal. size bag.

4. Cutting down trees is prohibited. You may cut down timber for campfires in accordance with DNR rules. You can check the Island Diner (just west of the Marina) for bundles of campfire wood for sale.

Enjoy your stay. Keep us safe. Keep it clean. Come again soon.

DRIVING BOIS BLANC ISLAND

The speed limit on BobLo for all automobiles, ATV’s, motorcycles, dirt bikes, etc. is 25 miles per hour. There is a Sherrif on the island, and you will get a speeding ticket.

Guidance for ORVs and ATVs

Bois Blanc Island falls under the jurisdiction of the Mackinac County ORV Ordinance.

An ORV is a motor driven off road recreation vehicle capable of cross-country travel without benefit of a road or trail, on or immediately over land, snow, ice, marsh, swampland, or other natural terrain.

An ORV includes, but is not limited to, a multitrack or multi-wheel drive vehicle, an ATV a motorcycle or related 2-wheel, 3-wheel, or 4-wheel vehicle, an amphibious machine, a ground effect air cushion vehicle, or other means of transportation deriving motive power from a source other than muscle or wind.

• Children under 16 cannot operate an ORV on a road unless they are in direct visual supervision of an adult and the child has in their possession a Michigan issued ORV safety certificate (or equivalent from another state or Canda).

• An ORV may be operated on the far right of a maintained portion of road in a manner not to interfere with traffic and traveling single file.

• All ORVs must have working lighted head and taillights when visibility, weather or daylight require.

• Driver and passenger must be wearing a DOT certified helmet and protective eyewear unless a vehicle is equipped with a roof/rollbars and all passengers are wearing seat belts.

• An approved muffler, in good working condition, pursuant to State noise emission standards.

• ORVs cannot be operated on the beaches/shoreline.

• Stay out of the bogs and delicate wetlands

Be respectful of private property. If you don’t know, don’t go.

For more information, please visit the following website.

http://www.mackinaccounty.net/wp-content/media/orv-ordinance.pdf