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Neebish Island Light Station

Hosted by Garrett · Barbeau, Michigan

24 guests max

100%

·

Welcome to our family’s historic property on remote and beautiful Neebish Island, Michigan—home to freighter views, starry skies, and timeless peace and quiet. Built in 1889 as a light station keeper’s house, this property later served the U.S. Coast Guard until it was decommissioned in the 1970s. Our family acquired it at auction in the 1980s, and we've cherished it ever since. We’re now opening up parts of the land for rustic camping and self-contained RVs to help preserve and maintain this special place. This is not a polished campground—it’s a unique, raw, and beautiful setting where you can truly unplug and connect with nature, water, and history. Located right on the St. Marys River, with unobstructed views of freighters and shipping vessels along the St. Lawrence Seaway, this spot is perfect for anyone who loves maritime history, photography, or just peaceful waterfront camping. Sunsets and sunrises are spectacular, and the beach is sandy and swimmable. Campers can enjoy: A wood-fired sauna right on the river (perfect for a dip afterward!) A large communal fire pit under the stars Porta-potties (no access to indoor plumbing) Access to water and electric hook-up Excellent area for canoeing or kayaking - bring your own boat! The current on the St. Mary's river is VERY fast so be careful. Paddle upstream first and then use the current to return to the campsite. Regular wildlife sightings: eagles, herons, deer, and more Neebish Island is remote. Access is via a car ferry from Barbeau, MI, and cell reception is limited—plan for a digital detox. You'll need to research and plan around the car ferry schedule, which is limited to a few runs per/day. This is a great spot for campers, vanlifers, paddlers, and freighter fans who appreciate quiet, history, and open sky. Interior access to the historical house is not included, but the land is yours to enjoy. Rustic, serene, unforgettable. Come see why we’ve loved this place for generations.Guests will have access to approximately 1 acre of open grassy and sandy space overlooking the St. Marys River, with room for either one self-contained RV or a couple of tent setups. The area is mostly level and surrounded by trees, with direct access to a private sandy beach, perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and launching kayaks or canoes. There are trails through the woods and dirt/gravel roads around the island for exploring, biking, or motor sport. The wood-fired sauna is a short walk away near the shoreline and available for guest use upon request. A large outdoor fire pit and wood-fired pizza oven are also available for shared use. The porta potties are located within a short walk near the garage and are maintained regularly. Basic electricity and water access are available on the exterior of the house walls (spigot is sourced from a healthy and tested well water), though we recommend bringing your own back-up drinking water and backup lighting. This is a rustic and remote setting—guests should expect limited cell reception and no indoor amenities. You are welcome to sit on the porch and enjoy the tables and chairs and views on the large veranda. Additionally, there is a large dock that serves as a deck with excellent views of the water and staging area for swimming, or sunbathing. There is no Wi-Fi, but there is endless sky, water, and quiet. Guests are encouraged to explore the beach, paddle the shoreline with kayaks or canoes (bring your own boats!), and enjoy the unmatched views of massive freighters passing by on the St. Lawrence Seaway.

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Neebish Island Light Station Site 1

100%

(3)

RV/tent site · Sleeps 24 · Vehicles under 40 ft

Guests will have access to approximately 1 acre of open grassy and sandy space overlooking the St. Marys River, with room for either one self-contained RV or a couple of tent setups. The area is mostly level and surrounded by trees, with direct access to a private sandy beach, perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and launching kayaks or canoes. There are trails through the woods and dirt/gravel roads around the island for exploring, biking, or motor sport. The wood-fired sauna is a short walk away near the shoreline and available for guest use upon request. A large outdoor fire pit and wood-fired pizza oven are also available for shared use. The porta potties are located within a short walk near the garage and are maintained regularly. Basic electricity and water access are available on the exterior of the house walls (spigot is sourced from a healthy and tested well water), though we recommend bringing your own back-up drinking water and backup lighting. This is a rustic and remote setting—guests should expect limited cell reception and no indoor amenities. You are welcome to sit on the porch and enjoy the tables and chairs and views on the large veranda. Additionally, there is a large dock that serves as a deck with excellent views of the water and staging area for swimming, or sunbathing. There is no Wi-Fi, but there is endless sky, water, and quiet. Guests are encouraged to explore the beach, paddle the shoreline with kayaks or canoes (bring your own boats!), and enjoy the unmatched views of massive freighters passing by on the St. Lawrence Seaway.

Campfires allowed

Toilet

Potable water

Pets allowed

Electrical hookup

Water hookup

from

$60

/ night

for NaN guests

Reviews

100% Recommend3 ratings · 2 reviews

Recommends

· September 2025

Tent · With pets ·

Neebish Island Light Station Site 1

We had such a lovely time here! We’re Neebish Newbies and loved it. The freighters were a highlight for my fiancé and I loved the beautiful beach all to ourselves. Our dogs were able to be off leash all weekend which was so great! We went for a few brisk swims and enjoyed the dock for sunning. At night, we had wonderful fires with the provided fire pit and benches (nice to not have to bring camp chairs!) I can’t say enough good things about this camp!

Emma B.

2 reviews

Recommends

· July 2025

Slice of Paradise, Neebish style

Tent · With pets ·

Neebish Island Light Station Site 1

We’ve camped all over and this is the BEST drive up camping spot we’ve been to! Even on July 4th, the river wasn’t busy except for a few boats and the freight liners which we loved watching go by. You have access to water in multiple spots, we camped out of our bronco up by the garage and then set up a beach tent for the day. Huge campfire and access to screened in porch which was helpful when it rained. Our dog ran free and played in the water and we watched incredible sunsets. Having the stretch of beach to ourselves was awesome - and tucked in between trees on both sides. We can’t say enough good things and Garrett communicated quickly and answered our questions. As he said, the ferry times are limited so plan accordingly - groceries, gas, etc aren’t on the island. There was one small store but when we went it was changing owners and closed but hopefully it will open back up for items you forget. Be sure to pack the bug spray - we used that and a portable thermacell and did fine. We’ll be back!

M

Meghan H.

5 years on Hipcamp

Location

Barbeau, Chippewa County, Michigan, United StatesTo respect the Host's privacy, the precise address of this land will be provided after booking

Hosted by Garrett M.

Joined in May 2025

Neebish Island Light Station

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Neebish Island Light Station Site 1

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Hosted by Garrett M.

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