Island picnic spots exist — but don't assume

Probably. Most public islands with picnic areas have some shaded seating (pavilions, trees, benches). But the restrictions are where it gets tricky.

Common rules: No glass containers, no open fires or charcoal grills (propane might be okay), and some areas ban food entirely to protect wildlife. Alcohol is often prohibited, especially on state-run islands. If it’s a small, uninhabited island, you might be limited to “pack in, pack out” — no trash cans.

Best move: Check the island’s official website or call the ranger station. A five-minute lookup saves you from hauling a picnic basket to a spot where eating is banned.

Don’t be that person who unpacks the whole setup only to see a “No Food Beyond This Point” sign.