A 400 acre wildlife preserve with 4 miles of pristine, undeveloped shoreline with an inland harbor. Charity Island is a nature lovers paradise complete with a mature hardwood forest canopy covering most of the Island and a night sky unblemished by artificial lights. Charity Island lodge has a master bedroom with a queen bed and a loft with 4 twin beds. The new Bunkhouse contains 6 queen bunks and a bathroom with shower. The Lodge kitchen has an electric refrigerator, gas range and a coffee percolator. The cupboards are stocked with dishes and cooking utensils as well as most common cooking spices. Please do not bring electric cooking equipment as our power is limited but propane is plentiful. There is also a gas grill and a grate over the fire pit for outside cooking. Our water system is an NSF approved system that draws water from Lake Huron and is filtered and treated with Ultraviolet light and stored in an elevated storage tank for continual water service to the Kitchen and bathroom.
Charity Island Lodge added an off-grid power system in 2019. The cottage has 24-7 power via a battery bank that is charged by wind and solar and is backed up by a generator. The cottage is completely wired as any cottage on the mainland. New in 2022, we have screened in the front porch of the lodge!
Charity Island Lodge is the only cottage on Charity Island with the exception of the historic Charity Island lighthouse. Seven miles from the closest land, you will feel the isolation as recreational boaters depart the surrounding waters of Charity Island and the spectacular sunset sky begins to unfold. It's now bonfire time and the spacious fire pit is the place where stories unfold and lasting memories are made. Folding chairs are provided.
Whether you like hiking, fishing, kayaking, recreational boating, bird watching, night sky watching or just chilling out on a secluded island beach, Charity Island Lodge will be your new favorite destination in Northeast Michigan. There are no stores or restaurants on the Island so come prepared.
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Beginning in 2023, we are requiring 4 night minimum stays due to the extensive logistics and time required in getting to and from the Island and making it available for guests. If you require transportation, that can be arranged separately from either Brown's Landing in Tawas City or Captain Tom Cariveau in Caseville. Both services offer ample room for all your passengers, gear and are Coast Guard licensed vessels. You can also come via your own boat (no cost) and tie up to our 24' dock. The fishing around the Island is legendary and having your own boat is nice to have! Lastly, as with any back country experience, mosquitos and black flies can be bothersome on the hottest days and when the breezes do not cooperate. We have two kayaks for exploring the 4.5 miles of shoreline on these days and usually you can find some wind on the other side.
Dear Fall Guest to Charity Island, September and October are absolutely our favorite times of the year to enjoy the island. Autumn sun, cool nights, minimal bugs and total tranquility make for an amazing experience! With all of this grandeur however comes the reality of unstable fall weather patterns that can disrupt travel to and from the island. Lake Huron can turn vicious in a matter of a few hours so we must always be monitoring the weather. When we see potentially dangerous weather in the making, we will contact you and advise you of options. In short, travel can be delayed or postponed to and from the island We will never make an unsafe crossing for ANY reason and it is conceivable that your departure could be delayed or you could get stuck on the island for an extra day or two. We do provide full refunds when weather prevents safe travel.