Island 89         ADD INFO

Island 89 is an excellent campsite capable of handling several tents with easy access.  When approaching from upstream it is easiest to stay to the west of the group of islands near the center of the river.  Approximately ½ mile after passing under the high tension wires (notable due to the crackling sound that these lines typically emit) you will reach the end of a large (1/2 - 1 mile in length) island.  The small island 30 or 40 yards directly downstream of the large island is #89.  Access becomes slightly shallow when the river level in Harrisburg reaches 3.5 feet or less and the island is satisfactory for camping up to a river level of approximately 6 or 7 feet in Harrisburg.  Once you are in the vicinity of the island, it is most easily recognized by the relative lack of ground/low vegetation on the upstream end.  Landing on the western side is recommended as the eastern side of the island has a substantial amount of vegetation, steep banks and some poison ivy.  There is poison ivy on the island but generally it is on the perimeter of the camping area (be careful if wandering around in the dark!).

This large, level site offers excellent views of the sunrise and sunset but is less than a mile from the highway so some traffic sound will be heard.  It is also relatively exposed to windy conditions so do take appropriate steps to secure your tent and fly.  The fire ring is ample and offers a substantial area for seating around its entire circumference with suitable driftwood available on the top of the island or on any adjacent island's upstream end.  The eastern half of the river nearby is relatively shallow while the western half consists of a large, deep pool.  Both offer typically good fishing opportunities.  Also note that the island across the eastern channel and due south of 89 has been used as a roosting site for Egrets during portions of 2006 in the evenings so please be considerate and provide a wide berth so as not to disturb the wildlife.  Haldeman Island , beginning approximately ½ mile downstream on the western side of the river, is roughly 3 miles long and the majority of it is a game preserve with excellent waterfowl habitat.  It also has been home to Bald Eagle nesting sites.  At the downstream end of this island is the shared bridge for routes 22/322 and pedestrian traffic on the Appalachian Trail as it crosses the Susquehanna and ascends Peters Mountain for hikers traveling north towards Maine .  In the 7 mile stretch from the 22/322 bridge to the stone arch Rockville Bridge (the longest stone arch railroad viaduct in the world) the Susquehanna bisects three mountains in one of the more astonishing geologic features of this ancient river system.

Images from Island 89: