Notable Campgrounds
- Best campground for less-remote camping: While some want to camp in isolated wilderness, those seeking more civilization may like Daisy Farm Campground, the largest of Isle Royale’s 36 campgrounds, offering 25 sites.
- Best campground for amenities: While all of the campgrounds at Isle Royale offer primitive camping, Washington Creek Campground has potable water, ice, firewood, laundry, and more nearby.
- Best for isolation: Several of Isle Royale’s 36 campgrounds only have a handful of sites, and some are only accessible by boat from the larger island, which creates even more seclusion. Check out Duncan Narrows Campground, Hay Bay Campground, and Pickerel Cove Campground, among others.
Tips for Snagging a Campsite Reservation
- Campsites are only accessible by foot and by boat, so Isle Royale is only available for tent camping.
- Isle Royale has 36 established campgrounds, with most having a handful of campsites.
- All sites are first-come-first-served and require permits.
- Permits are available aboard the Ranger III passenger boat and at Rock Harbor Visitor Center and Trading Post and Windigo Visitor Center.
- Cross-country camping outside of established campgrounds is allowed, by permit.
- The number of nights you are allowed to stay varies by campground. Check the park newspaper or website for details.
When to Go
Due to its northern location, Isle Royale closes for the winter season, November through April. Extreme cold and freezing precipitation are possible outside of those dates. Visiting during early spring requires extra preparation, as services are reduced or non-existent. Summer is peak season, as the weather warms, the ice melts, and services open. Prepare for mosquitoes and black flies in late June through late August. Fall is particularly beautiful, as colorful trees fill the islands; however, services are limited or non-existent in September and October, and fall weather is unpredictable, with extreme cold snaps possible.
Know Before You Go
- Isle Royale National Park is closed November 1 until April 15.
- Potable water is limited on the islands. It can be accessed at the two visitor centers.
- Non-potable water is available from Lake Superior or interior lakes at most campgrounds. Come prepared to properly boil and/or filter water.
- Ferry and seaplane transportation options operate mid-May through September, with departures from Minnesota and Michigan.
- Only credit cards are accepted on the island for entrance fees and many other services.
Isle Royale National Park
Find yourself—and few others—in this remote island wilderness.
The fact that Isle Royale National Park is one of the least-visited national parks speaks more to its remote location than its awe-inspiring landscapes, found north of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. Take a journey across Lake Superior by boat or seaplane to reach the spectacular collection of islands that make up this park, which consists of one larger island and over 400 small ones. Though far from civilization, it is closer to nature, offering abundant opportunities for camping, backpacking, and hiking on land, as well as canoeing/kayaking, boating, fishing, and scuba diving in the clear waters of Lake Superior and pristine inland lakes.
The fact that Isle Royale National Park is one of the least-visited national parks speaks more to its remote location than its awe-inspiring landscapes, found north of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. Take a journey across Lake Superior by boat or seaplane to reach the spectacular collection of islands that make up this park, which consists of one larger island and over 400 small ones. Though far from civilization, it is closer to nature, offering abundant opportunities for camping, backpacking, and hiking on land, as well as canoeing/kayaking, boating, fishing, and scuba diving in the clear waters of Lake Superior and pristine inland lakes.
Activities in the park
35 campgrounds in Isle Royale National Park
Along Rock Harbor lies Three Mile Campground, a peaceful, primitive grouping of campsite and showers that gives you access to the sickest spots on the west side of the island. Several ferries can drop you off at the Rock Harbor Visitors Center before you hike or paddle in to your campsite; there’s even docks for your watercraft! Explore nearby Suz Read more...
Daisy Farm Campground is a backcountry adventurer's heaven! Canoe in via Rock Harbor—or hike in—to one of their primitive tent sites or shelters for a base camp. While there, you'll have access to all kinds of sweet things on the island, like hikes to Lake Benson or some time on the water in Moskey Bay. Paddle past Rock Harbor Lighthouse to Caribo Read more...
Todd Harbor Campground sits on the quiet, no wake Todd Harbor (imagine that) and is perfect for campers who want to portage their canoes or hike into the north side of the island. There are spots for your tent, a shelter you can sleep in, and even overnight docks that’ll make for easy unloading of your gear! Pittsburg and Isle Royal Mines are clos Read more...
A beguiling, looped campground, Moskey Basin Campground is comely curved with the island’s boreal and northern hardwoods. And, ringed with well-manicured fire pits, this haunt invites you to to scent the crispy air with the insulin-inducing aroma of caramel marshmallows. Read more...
Moated by Great Lake-fed Rock Harbor, Tooker’s Island Campground is only accessible via canoe, kayak, or like means of transportation. With no tenting campsites and sheltered only by two element-shielding structures, this insular campground is aimed toward the minimalistic among us. Read more...
Stroke, stroke―and stroke some more! Wood Lake Campground is known to be a fantastic outlet at which to view courting moose from. And, only accessible by canoe, the area’s few campsites are sure to boast a solitary, serene environment at which to appreciate those quadrupeds from. Read more...
Chippewa Harbor Campground sits along the south side of the island and is perfect for campers who want to boat- or hike-in to this rad little campground for a night underneath the stars in your tent or one of their shelters. Overnight docks and firepits are provided, but the rest of the adventure and supplies are up to you! Like a choose your own Read more...
Lane Cove Campground offers sweet advantages to both boaters and hikers looking to happen upon its picturesque views. It’s one of Isle Royale’s relatively lower-traffic campgrounds, it represents a doable day’s hike from nearby Rock Harbor, and it provides one of the shorter and more accessible canoe portages in the area. The camping is simple, an Read more...
Deer are great and all―but moose are far more eye-catching. And a hell of a lot larger too. For the wildlife watching fond among us McCargoe Cove Campground is nestled within a common moose crossing and wading area. Popular with the paddle savvy, this campground offers-up some great launching points for both the novice and well-seasoned kayakers a Read more...
Bricked by its abiotic namesake, Rock Harbor Campground is chiseled with a like-named hiking trail and dusted with the morning dew-swept winds that are churned up by Lake Superior. Speckled with well-constructed cabins and lodges, this campground sees that your inner lumberjack is well-suited within electrically heated confines. Read more...
Along the Greenstone Ridge lies Chickenbone East Campground, where you can camp along its pristine and quiet lake. It’ll be a gorgeous hike in to your spot, and you can even stop at Mount Siskiwit for epic views of the park once you're all setup. There are no actual chicken bones along the lake, just an epic backcountry adventure waiting for the p Read more...
On the northwest shore of Isle Royale National Park is Birch Island Campground, which offers both a shelter and a spot for your tent! You’ll have access to stunning Stanley Ridge, plus this boat-in site is perfect for those wanting to explore the forest for a couple of days. There are several no-wake coves nearby—the perfect place to try and catch Read more...
Caribou Island Campground is gonna put you close the action, the park headquarters, and even the Rock Harbor Lighthouse. Dock your vessel for the evening and stoke the fire in the fire pit! S’mores will be the perfect nightcap along with starry skies and the sound of the waves along the shore. Hikes on Mott Island or across the water to Mount Ojib Read more...
You’ll discover beautiful sunrises when you set up camp at Chickenbone West Campground. Set along the shores of Chickenbone Lake, you’ll have gorgeous views of the Greenstone Ridge and an insane amount of hikes right at your fingertips! The hike in will be well worth it when you pop your tent at the epicenter of Isle Royale. Read more...
Duncan Bay Campground sits along the west shore of Duncan Bay and is the perfect spot for canoers and hikers alike looking to explore the gorgeous interconnected bays on the northeast side of Isle Royale. There’s a tent site, a few shelters available, and overnight docks offered to happy campers who arrive ridin’ the waves (hiking in is totes poss Read more...
Where the mouth of Duncan Bay reaches open water is Duncan Narrows Campground, where the sites are in small supply but the views and backcountry opportunities are HUGE. Hike in, or, as we prefer, boat in—there are overnight docks from which you’ll be able to paddle that sucker into Duncan Bay the next day for some big time exploring. At night, the Read more...
If you’re all for isolated camping that’s not kidding around, Feldtmann Lake Campground is your next adventure waiting to happen. This area offers a few isolated tent sites overlooking an absolutely gorgeous inland lake, and it's totally worth having to hike into. In any case, as long as you’ll have an obligatory trek from wherever you dock or lan Read more...
Off the west shore of Isle Royale in Lake Superior, Grace Island Campground is a cool little destination for the adventurous and romantic alike. A small boat-in-only area with limited shelter space, this primitive wilderness campground requires a permit to be acquired upon arrival at Windigo or Rock Harbor (on the Isle Royale mainland). On the bri Read more...
A paradise for solitude-seekers and a dreamt-of rest for daring hikers, Hatchet Lake Campground is set on a stunning, expansive stretch of blue water. Isle Royale National Park boasts miles of beautiful coastline, but don't write off the awesome inland shore experience. Offering a limited number of tent sites and requiring a bit of effort on your Read more...
“Haaay, Mother Nature, Haaay. ” Or something like that. Inundated by surrounding Lake Superior, Hay Bay Campground is a prime spot on which to bask in the sun-warmed horizons that bathe the Great Lake. Read more...
Hugging the area’s namesake cove, Huginnin Campground is dotted with campsites that line the inviting shorelines. Make sure to practice the area’s well-echoed “carry-in, carry-out” mantra and everyone will be happy. Read more...
The picturesque Intermediate Campground is anything but mediocre. Nestled within the scenic confines of Isle Royale’s Siskiwit Lake, your inner angler will be well catered to. And, be sure to bring your favorite long-lensed DSLR―because you’ll also likely land some killer lake-view stills too. Read more...
Inundated by the island’s so called “deep woods,” Island Maine Campground is the only one of its kind not situated near a nuclear lake. Carved by one of Island Royale’s most alluring hiking trails, you’ll hardly notice the lack of dew-swept, frog-croaked shorelines. Read more...
An odessian-like hike from much of the otherwise accessible outlets of Island Royale, Desor North Campground is geared toward the enudrance-minded outdoors men (or women). And, with a two-night limit stay, you’ll be hard pressed to validate any downtime from the shaded confines of your tent. Read more...
Perfumed by the combing winds that manicure the island’s endemic thimbleberry plants, Desor South Campground is accessible by the snaking Greenwood Trail. Comely situated over area’s like-named lake, you’ll be reward at the end of your slightly inclined hike by gorgeous, breathtaking view of the inundating body of freshwater. Read more...
Bouldered by Rock Harbor Trail, Lake Richie Campground lines the inland lake with wrist-straining fishing and fantastic canoe or kayak launch areas. And, like numerous campgrounds in Isle Royale, there’s a two-night limit for the water-loving backpacker. Read more...
Can you canoe? Lake Whittlesey Campground is accepting your kind! This cozy little wooded area offers limited tent sites accessible only by water. Close to the southern shore of Isle Royale, between Wood Lake and Chippewa Harbor, this beautiful wildnerness preserve is part of the incredible array of inland lakes and waterways that characterize th Read more...
On the north shore of Isle Royale, overlooking a fantastic stretch of Lake Superior, Little Todd Campground is a primitive hike-in hotel. As a stop along the ridiculously challenging Minong Trail, it may spell glorious, glorious relief for hikers. Since Little Todd is one of the camps on Isle Royale that permits open fires, you’ll even have the ch Read more...
Stroll along the charming pebble beach on Isle Royale’s south shore at Malone Bay Campground. Limited wooden shelters are available on a first-come, first-served basis, and the campground is accessible either by boat or the Ishpeming Trail. With a beautiful view of Lake Superior on one side, and a gateway to one of the coolest wilderness preserves Read more...
Fanned by the wings of ascending waterfowl, Pickerel Cove Campground is soundtracked with the busy chitter-chatter of Isle Royale’s feathered fauna. Limited by a two-night stay, this avian oasis is a favorite among bird watchers and like-minded ilk. Read more...
Before you even get to your spot at Siskiwit Bay Campground, you’re gonna have an adventure! Hike along the Feldtmann Ridge, or Greenstone Ridge or take your boat around the south side of the island to arrive at your overnight spot in style. Pop your tent along the shores of the bay or spend the night in one of the campgrounds shelters. From there Read more...
Drinking water, flushing toilets, raining shower heads, oh my! Washington Creek Campground isn’t only inundated with damp amenities―but by courting moose as well. Boasting a plethora of primitive campsites and large shelters, Washington Creek Campground is a popular go-to for both the naive and well-seasoned outdoorsmen (and women). Read more...
Located a hop, skip, and jump from the Windigo Visitors Center, this sweet little spot offers a few shelters for campers who want to boat in from Washington Harbor. From here you can peer out on the water at the Rock of Ages campsite, and shoot, ya might even spot Canada from your tent! You’ll have to haul in and out all your goodies and be prepar Read more...
There’s a mad dash for Daisy Farm campground as soon as the Ranger III (Isle Royale NP’s trusty aquatic people-mover) hits land. Make sure to elbow your way to the front as soon as they lower the gang plank - the “mad dash" is a 7. 2 mile hike and the prize is a shelter for the night. Sites are large enough to double-up with other campers if all a Read more...
A proverbial arm and a leg out on Blake Point, Merritt Lane Campground is on the very tip of Isle Royale, peninsula by Lake Superior. Accessible, primarily, by canoe or other like-minded means of travel, this well-secluded campground is popular among the water-locking backpackers who visit this insular nature reserve. Read more...
Why can't I see these campgrounds when I search with dates?
Notable Campgrounds
Notable Campgrounds
Tips for Snagging a Campsite Reservation
When to Go
Due to its northern location, Isle Royale closes for the winter season, November through April. Extreme cold and freezing precipitation are possible outside of those dates. Visiting during early spring requires extra preparation, as services are reduced or non-existent. Summer is peak season, as the weather warms, the ice melts, and services open. Prepare for mosquitoes and black flies in late June through late August. Fall is particularly beautiful, as colorful trees fill the islands; however, services are limited or non-existent in September and October, and fall weather is unpredictable, with extreme cold snaps possible.
Know Before You Go
Frequently asked questions
Do you need a bear canister in Isle Royale National Park?
Yes, using a bear canister is recommended when camping on Isle Royale to protect your food and scented items from wildlife, such as red foxes and red squirrels. While there are no black bears on the island, it's still essential to follow proper food storage practices to avoid attracting other animals to your campsite.
Can you stay overnight at Isle Royale National Park?
Yes, you can stay overnight at Isle Royale National Park, which is located in Lake Superior in Michigan. The park offers a variety of camping options, including 36 designated wilderness campgrounds for tent camping. Some campgrounds have shelters, while others only have tent sites. Keep in mind that permits are required for overnight stays, and you must follow the park's regulations for camping. You can learn more about camping in Isle Royale National Park and make reservations through the National Park Service website. If you're looking for other camping options nearby, check out Bois Blanc Island in Michigan.
Do you need permits to camp in Isle Royale National Park?
Yes, you need permits to camp on Isle Royale. Isle Royale National Park requires all campers to obtain a backcountry camping permit before setting up camp. The permit is required for all overnight stays at the park's campgrounds and is available at the visitor centers in Houghton, Rock Harbor, or Windigo. Additionally, there is an entrance fee for visiting the park. You can find more information about Isle Royale camping, permits, and fees on the Hipcamp Isle Royale page and the National Park Service website.
Which campsites on Isle Royale have shelters?
On Isle Royale National Park, several campsites have shelters available for campers. These shelters are typically three-sided wooden structures with a roof, providing protection from the elements. Campsites on Isle Royale with shelters include:
Please note that shelters are available on a first-come, first-served basis and cannot be reserved in advance. Additionally, always check with the National Park Service for the most up-to-date information on camping and shelters at Isle Royale National Park.
Public campgrounds (book externally) —