Isle Royale National Park

Isle Royale National Park is located in the northernmost part of Lake Superior, off the coast of the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. This remote and pristine park covers an area of 893 square miles, encompassing one large island, Isle Royale, along with about 400 smaller islands and several inland lakes.

Historically, Isle Royale has been occupied intermittently by Native American groups for thousands of years. European explorers visited the area in the 17th century, and the island saw brief periods of timber and fishing industries. The park was established as a national park in 1940, primarily to preserve its unique ecosystem and to study the delicate predator-prey relationship between the island's most iconic inhabitants – the moose and the gray wolf.

Isle Royale National Park is a paradise for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. The park offers a wide range of recreational activities, including hiking, backpacking, camping, boating, fishing, and kayaking. With over 160 miles of scenic hiking trails, visitors can immerse themselves in the island's beautiful landscapes, from dense forests to rocky shores, and encounter wildlife along the way.

One of the main attractions in Isle Royale National Park is the opportunity to observe the fascinating interaction between the moose and gray wolf populations. Visitors can participate in guided hikes and ranger-led programs to gain insights into this predator-prey relationship, as well as learn about the park's geology, history, and biodiversity.

Nearby, on the mainland, visitors can explore other attractions in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, located about 90 miles east of Isle Royale, offers breathtaking cliffs, sand dunes, and pristine beaches along the Lake Superior shoreline. Tahquamenon Falls State Park, situated about 140 miles to the southeast, features one of the largest waterfall systems east of the Mississippi River.

Overall, Isle Royale National Park is a remote and unique destination that offers visitors a chance to escape into a pristine wilderness and experience the wonders of nature.

Isle Royale National Park is situated in the frigid waters of Lake Superior, the largest of the Great Lakes, off the northwestern coast of Michigan's Upper Peninsula. This remote and isolated national park covers the entirety of Isle Royale, a rugged and forested island that stretches about 45 miles in length and 9 miles at its widest point. The park occupies a unique position in the northernmost part of Michigan, just a few miles from the Canadian border. With its pristine wilderness, stunning natural beauty, and tranquil surroundings, Isle Royale National Park offers visitors an unparalleled opportunity to immerse themselves in the untamed wilderness of the region.

Address & Contact

800 East Lakeshore Drive
Houghton, MI 49931
Driving Directions
Phone: 9064820984
Web: Link

Weather & Seasonality

The best time to visit Isle Royale National Park would be during the summer months, from June to August. During this time, the average maximum temperature ranges from 67°F to 74°F, providing pleasant weather for outdoor activities. The average minimum temperature ranges from 46°F to 53°F, ensuring comfortable nights. The average monthly precipitation during these months is around 3 inches, which allows for enjoyable exploration of the park.

Activities

Some of the activities you can do in Isle Royale National Park are: Astronomy Stargazing Food Guided Tours Junior Ranger Program Wildlife Watching Birdwatching Park Film Museum Exhibits Shopping Bookstore and Park Store Gift Shop and Souvenirs Arts and Culture Camping Backcountry Camping Hiking Front-Country Hiking Boating Motorized Boating Canoe or Kayak Camping Fishing Backcountry Hiking Paddling Canoeing Kayaking Boat Tour Group Camping Freshwater Fishing Dining Flying Sailing SCUBA Diving Off-Trail Permitted Hiking

Topics

Learn about these topics at Isle Royale National Park: Animals Birds Geology Night Sky Arts Industry Transportation Fish Fire Trails Unique Species Wilderness Mining Wolves Aurora Borealis Schools and Education Forests and Woodlands Lakes Astronomy Scenic Views Wetlands Deciduous Forests Coniferous Forests Rare Endangered Coasts, Islands and Atolls Maritime Ships and Shipwrecks Lighthouses

Visitor Centers

Windigo Visitor Center

The Windigo Visitor Center is located in Windigo on the southwest end of Isle Royale National Park. It is only accessible by boat or seaplane. Permitting and fee payment, trip planning assistance, a park store, and exhibits are available.

Passport Stamp locations

The following locations have passport stamps for your "Passport to Your National Parks" booklet: Windigo Visitor Center.

Campsites within or near Isle Royale National Park

Beaver Island Campground

Located in the center of Washington Harbor, near Windigo. All shelters are water facing. Boats can stay at the dock overnight. Stay Limit: 3 nights effective from 6/1 - Labor Day annually. Shelters: 3 Depth at dock (normal conditions): 2'-5' Access: Canoe/kayak/private boat
Fees (US$): 0.00 (Small-party Camping (6 people or less))
Total Campsites: 3
Toilets: Composting Toilets - seasonal
Showers: None
Potable Water: Water

Belle Isle Campground

A campground located on Belle Isle, in Belle Harbor, on the northeast end of Isle Royale National Park. Boats can use dock for overnight stays. Stay Limit: 5 nights, effective 6/1 – Labor Day. Shelters: 6 Depth at dock (normal conditions): 13’ Access: Canoe/kayak/private boat
Fees (US$): 0.00 (Small-party Camping (6 people or less))
Total Campsites: 7
Toilets: Composting Toilets - seasonal
Showers: None
Potable Water: Water

Birch Island Campground

Small campground on Birch Island, near the mouth of McCargoe Cove, on the north side of Isle Royale National Park. One individual tent site and one shelter on site. Boats can stay overnight at dock. Stay Limit: 3 nights June 1 - Labor Day annually. Shelters: 1 Depth at dock (normal conditions): 5' Access: Canoe/kayak/private boat
Fees (US$): 0.00 (Small-party Camping (6 people or less))
Total Campsites: 2
Toilets: Composting Toilets - seasonal
Showers: None
Potable Water: Water

Caribou Island Campground

Caribou Island Campground is located on the very western tip of West Caribou Island, in Rock Harbor Channel, on the northeast end of Isle Royale National Park. Boats can dock overnight. Stay Limit: 3 nights effective from June 1 – Labor Day. Shelters: 2 Depth at dock (normal conditions): 10’ Access: Canoe/kayak/private boat
Fees (US$): 0.00 (Small-party Camping (6 people or less))
Total Campsites: 3
Toilets: Composting Toilets - seasonal
Showers: None
Potable Water: Water

Chippewa Harbor Campground

Chippewa Harbor Campground is located in Chippewa Harbor, on the south shore of Isle Royale National Park. Trail access is via the Indian Portage Trail. Boats can stay overnight at dock. Stay Limit: 3 nights from June 1 – Labor Day annually. Shelters: 4 Depth at dock (normal conditions): 7’ Access: Foot/canoe/kayak/private boat
Fees (US$): 0.00 (Small-party Camping (6 people or less)), 25.00 (Group Tent Site)
Total Campsites: 7
Toilets: Composting Toilets - seasonal
Showers: None
Potable Water: Water

Daisy Farm Campground

Isle Royale's largest campground is located at Daisy Farm, in Rock Harbor Channel, off of the Rock Harbor Trail, Daisy Farm Trail, and Mount Ojibway Trail. Boats can stay overnight at dock. Ranger Station staffed seasonally. Stay Limit: 3 nights from June 1 – Labor Day annually. Shelters: 16 Depth at dock (normal conditions): 9’. Access: Foot/canoe/kayak/private boat
Fees (US$): 0.00 (Small-party Camping (6 people or less)), 25.00 (Group Tent Sites)
Total Campsites: 25
Toilets: Vault Toilets - seasonal
Showers: None
Potable Water: Water

Duncan Bay Campground

Duncan Bay Campground is located on the west end of Duncan Bay, on the northeast end of Isle Royale National Park. Boats can stay overnight at dock. Stay Limit: 3 nights from June 2 – Labor Day annually. Shelters: 2 Depth at dock (normal conditions): 6’ Access: Canoe/kayak/private boat
Fees (US$): 0.00 (Small-party Camping (6 people or less))
Total Campsites: 3
Toilets: Composting Toilets - seasonal
Showers: None
Potable Water: Water

Duncan Narrows Campground

Duncan Narrows Campground is located in the narrows of Duncan Bay on the northeast end of Isle Royale National Park. Boats can stay overnight at dock. Stay Limit: 3 nights from June 1 – Labor Day annually. Shelters: 2 Depth at dock (normal conditions): 6’. Access: Canoe/kayak/private boat
Fees (US$): 0.00 (Small-party Camping (6 people or less))
Total Campsites: 3
Toilets: Composting Toilets - seasonal
Showers: None
Potable Water: Water

East Chickenbone Campground

An inland campground located on the east end of Chickenbone Lake, off of the East Chickenbone Trail. No boater access. Canoe/kayak access using 1.2 mile portage from McCargoe Cove or 0.2 mile portage from Lake Livermore. Be aware that the campground is not on the shoreline - West Chickenbone Campground is more accessible for watercraft. Stay Limit: 2 nights from June 1 – Labor Day annually. Access: Foot/canoe/kayak
Fees (US$): 0.00 (Small-party Camping (6 people or less)), 25.00 (Group Tent Site)
Total Campsites: 4
Toilets: Composting Toilets - seasonal
Showers: None
Potable Water: Water

Feldtmann Lake Campground

Feldtmann Lake Campground is located on the shoreline of Feldtmann Lake, off the Feldtmann Lake and Feldtmann Ridge Trails, on the southwest end of Isle Royale National Park. This is an inland campground. Stay Limit: 2 nights from June 1 – Labor Day annually. Access: Foot
Fees (US$): 0.00 (Small-party Camping (6 people or less)), 25.00 (Group Tent Sites)
Total Campsites: 7
Toilets: Composting Toilets - seasonal
Showers: None
Potable Water: Water

Grace Island Campground

Grace Island Campground is located on Grace Island, outside of Washington Harbor, on the southwest end of Isle Royale National Park. Boats can dock overnight. Stay Limit: 3 nights from June 1 – Labor Day annually. Shelters: 2 Depth at dock (normal conditions): 2’ - 4’ Access: Canoe/kayak/private boat
Fees (US$): 0.00 (Small-party Camping (6 people or less))
Total Campsites: 2
Toilets: Composting Toilets - seasonal
Showers: None
Potable Water: Water

Hatchet Lake Campground

Hatchet Lake Campground is located on Hatchet Lake off of the Hatchet Lake Trail. This campground is located near the center of the island. Stay Limit: 2 nights from June 1 – Labor Day annually. Access: Foot
Fees (US$): 0.00 (Small-party Camping (6 people or less)), 25.00 (Group Tent Sites)
Total Campsites: 8
Toilets: Composting Toilets - seasonal
Showers: None
Potable Water: Water

Hay Bay Campground

Hay Bay Campground is located in Hay Bay on the south shore of Isle Royale National Park. Boats can overnight at dock. Stay Limit: 3 nights from June 1 – Labor Day annually. Depth at dock (normal conditions): 3’-7’. Access: Canoe/kayak/private boat
Fees (US$): 0.00 (Small-party Camping (6 people or less))
Total Campsites: 1
Toilets: Composting Toilets - seasonal
Showers: None
Potable Water: Water

Huginnin Cove Campground

Huginnin Cove Campground is located at Huginnin Cove, on the north shore of Isle Royale National Park, off of the West and East Huginnin Cove Trails. Stay Limit: 3 consecutive nights from June 1 – Labor Day annually. Access: Foot/canoe/kayak access. No dock available for boats.
Fees (US$): 0.00 (Small-party Camping (6 people or less))
Total Campsites: 5
Toilets: Composting Toilets - seasonal
Showers: None
Potable Water: Water

Intermediate Lake Campground

Intermediate Lake Campground is located on the shoreline of Intermediate Lake. Intermediate Lake can be accessed via a .6 mile portage from Lake Richie or a .4 mile portage from Siskiwit Lake. Stay Limit: 2 nights effective June 1 – Labor Day annually. Access: Canoe/kayak, no private boat access.
Fees (US$): 0.00 (Small-party Camping (6 people or less))
Total Campsites: 3
Toilets: Composting Toilets - seasonal
Showers: None
Potable Water: Water

Island Mine Campground

Island Mine Campground is located .5 miles south from the junction of the Greenstone and Island Mine Trails, on the Island Mine Trail. This inland campground offers no canoe/kayak/boat access. Little Siskiwit River runs south of the campground, where water can usually be obtained for filtering, unless it is dried up. Check with a Visitor Center for current water status. Stay Limit: 3 nights effective June 1 – Labor Day annually. Access: Foot
Fees (US$): 0.00 (Small-party Camping (6 people or less)), 25.00 (Group Tent Sites)
Total Campsites: 6
Toilets: Vault Toilets - seasonal
Showers: None
Potable Water: Water

Lake Richie Campground

Lake Richie Campground is located on the north shore of Lake Richie, off of the Indian Portage Trail. Canoe/kayak access from .6 mile portage from Intermediate Lake, 2.0 mile portage from Moskey Basin, 1.2 miles portage from Chippewa Harbor, and .6 mile portage from Lake LeSage. Paddlers may want to consider staying at Lake Richie Canoe Campground. Stay Limit: 2 nights from June 1 – Labor Day annually. Access: Foot/canoe/kayak. No private boat access.
Fees (US$): 0.00 (Small-party Camping (6 people or less)), 25.00 (Group Tent Sites)
Total Campsites: 6
Toilets: Composting Toilets - seasonal
Showers: None
Potable Water: Water

Lake Richie Canoe Campground

Lake Richie Canoe Campground is located on the north shore of Lake Richie. Canoe/kayak access via the .6 mile portage from Intermediate Lake, the 1.2 mile portage from Chippewa Harbor, the 2.0 mile portage from Moskey Basin, and the .6 mile portage from Lake LeSage. Stay Limit: 2 nights effective from June 1st – Labor Day annually. Access: Canoe/kayak. No private boat access.
Fees (US$): 0.00 (Small-party Camping (6 people or less))
Total Campsites: 3
Toilets: Composting Toilets - seasonal
Showers: None
Potable Water: Water

Lake Whittlesey Campground

Lake Whittlesey Campground is located on the north shore of Lake Whittlesey. Consecutive night stay limit is two nights. Three individual tent sites are available. No boat access. Canoe/kayak access via .6 mile portage from Wood Lake and .6 mile portage from Chippewa Harbor. Stay Limit: 3 nights effective June 1 – Labor Day annually. Access: Canoe/kayak, no private boat or trail access.
Fees (US$): 0.00 (Small-party Camping (6 people or less))
Total Campsites: 3
Toilets: Composting Toilets - seasonal
Showers: None
Potable Water: Water

Lane Cove Campground

Lane Cove Campground is located in Lane Cove, on the north shore of Isle Royale National Park, off of the Lane Cove Trail. The Lane Cove Trail can be accessed via the Greenstone Ridge Trail. Stay Limit: 1 night effective June 1 – September 17 annually Access: Foot/canoe/kayak. No boat access.
Fees (US$): 0.00 (Small-party Camping (6 people or less))
Total Campsites: 5
Toilets: Composting Toilets - seasonal
Showers: None
Potable Water: Water

Little Todd Campground

Little Todd Campground is located in Little Todd, on the north shore of Isle Royale National Park, off of the Minong Ridge Trail. Stay Limit: 2 nights effective June 1 – Labor Day annually. Access: Foot/canoe/kayak. No boat access.
Fees (US$): 0.00 (Small-party Camping (6 people or less))
Total Campsites: 4
Toilets: Composting Toilets - seasonal
Showers: None
Potable Water: Water

Malone Bay Campground

Malone Bay Campground is located in Malone Bay, on the south shore of Isle Royale National Park, off of the Ishpeming Trail. Boats can overnight at dock. A ranger station, information station, and dock can be found just further east of the campground. The ranger station is not always staffed. Stay Limit: 3 nights effective June 1 – Labor Day annually. Shelters: 5 Depth at dock (normal conditions): 3’-6’. Access: Foot/canoe/kayak/private boat
Fees (US$): 0.00 (Small-party Camping (6 people or less)), 25.00 (Group Tent Sites)
Total Campsites: 7
Toilets: Composting Toilets - seasonal
Showers: None
Potable Water: Water

McCargoe Cove Campground

McCargoe Cove Campground is located in McCargoe Cove, on the north shore of Isle Royale National Park, off of the Indian Portage and East Chickenbone Trails. Boats can overnight at dock. Canoe/kayak access from Lake Superior or 1.2 mile portage from Chickenbone Lake. Stay Limit: 3 nights effective from June 1 – Labor Day annually. Shelters: 6 Depth at dock (normal conditions): 7’. Access: Foot/canoe/kayak/private boat
Fees (US$): 0.00 (Small-party Camping (6 people or less)), 25.00 (Group Tent Sites)
Total Campsites: 12
Toilets: Composting Toilets - seasonal
Showers: None
Potable Water: Water

Merritt Lane Campground

Merritt Lane Campground is located in Merritt Lane on the northeast end of Isle Royale National Park. Boats can overnight at dock. Stay Limit: 3 nights from June 1 – Labor Day annually. Shelters: 1 Depth at dock (normal conditions): 8’ Access: Canoe/kayak/private boat.
Fees (US$): 0.00 (Small-party Camping (6 people or less))
Total Campsites: 2
Toilets: Composting Toilets - seasonal
Showers: None
Potable Water: Water

Moskey Basin Campground

Moskey Basin Campground is located in Moskey Basin at the west end of Rock Harbor Channel, off of the Indian Portage and Rock Harbor Trails. Boats can overnight at dock. Canoe/kayak access from Rock Harbor Channel or via 2.0 mile portage from Lake Richie. Stay Limit: 3 nights from June 1 – Labor Day annually. Shelters: 6 Depth at dock (normal conditions): 8’. Access: Foot/canoe/kayak/private boat
Fees (US$): 0.00 (Small-party Camping (6 people or less)), 25.00 (Group Tent Sites)
Total Campsites: 10
Toilets: Composting Toilets - seasonal
Showers: None
Potable Water: Water

North Desor Campground

North Desor Campground is located on the north side of Lake Desor off of the Minong Ridge Trail. There is no boat/canoe/kayak access. Stay Limit: 2 nights from June 1 – Labor Day Access: Foot
Fees (US$): 0.00 (Small-party Camping (6 people or less))
Total Campsites: 3
Toilets: Composting Toilets - seasonal
Showers: None
Potable Water: Water

Pickerel Cove Campground

Pickerel Cove Campground is located in Pickerel Cove on the north shore of Isle Royale National Park. Canoe/kayak access from Pickerel Cove or via .1 mile portage from Lake Superior. Stay Limit: 2 nights from June 1 – Labor Day annually. Access: Canoe/kayak. No dock for boats.
Fees (US$): 0.00 (Small-party Camping (6 people or less))
Total Campsites: 1
Toilets: Composting Toilets - seasonal
Showers: None
Potable Water: Water

Rock Harbor Campground

Rock Harbor Campground is located in Rock Harbor on the northeast end of Isle Royale, off of the Rock Harbor and Tobin Harbor Trails. Additional fees for boats to stay overnight at marina. Stay Limit: 1 night from June 1 – September 15 annually. Shelters: 9 Depth at dock (normal conditions): 3’-12’. Access: Foot/canoe/kayak/private boat
Fees (US$): 0.00 (Small-party Camping (6 people or less)), 25.00 (Group Tent Sites)
Total Campsites: 23
Toilets: Composting Toilets - seasonal
Showers: Hot - Seasonal
Potable Water: Yes - seasonal

Siskiwit Bay Campground

Siskiwit Bay Campground is located in Siskiwit Bay on the southwest end of Isle Royale National Park, off of the Island Mine and Feldtmann Ridge Trails. Boats can overnight at dock. Stay Limit: 3 nights from June 1 to Labor Day annually. Shelters: 2 Depth at dock (normal conditions): 2’-6’. Access: Foot/canoe/kayak/private boat
Fees (US$): 0.00 (Small-party Camping (6 people or less)), 25.00 (Group Tent Sites), 25.00 (Group Tent Sites)
Total Campsites: 9
Toilets: Composting Toilets - seasonal
Showers: None
Potable Water: Water

South Lake Desor Campground

South Lake Desor Campground is located inland on the south side of Lake Desor off of the Greenstone Ridge Trail. There is no canoe/kayak/boat access. Stay Limit: 2 nights effective from June 1 – Labor Day. Access: Foot
Fees (US$): 0.00 (Small-party Camping (6 people or less)), 25.00 (Group Tent Sites)
Total Campsites: 10
Toilets: Composting Toilets - seasonal
Showers: None
Potable Water: Water

Three Mile Campground

Three Mile Campground is located on Rock Harbor Channel off of the Rock Harbor and Mount Franklin Trails. Boats can overnight at dock. Stay Limit: 1 night effective June 1 – September 17 annually Shelters: 8 Depth at dock (normal conditions): 9’ Access: Foot/canoe/kayak/private boat
Fees (US$): 0.00 (Small-party Camping (6 people or less)), 25.00 (Group Tent Sites)
Total Campsites: 15
Toilets: Composting Toilets - seasonal
Showers: None
Potable Water: Water

Todd Harbor Campground

Todd Harbor Campground is located in Todd Harbor on the north shore of Isle Royale National Park, off of the Minong Ridge Trail. Boats can overnight at dock. Stay Limit: 3 nights from June 1 – Labor Day annually. Shelters: 1 Depth at dock (normal conditions): 2’. Access: Foot/canoe/kayak/private boat
Fees (US$): 0.00 (Small-party Camping (6 people or less)), 25.00 (Group Tent Sites)
Total Campsites: 9
Toilets: Composting Toilets - seasonal
Showers: None
Potable Water: Water

Tookers Island Campground

Tookers Island Campground is located on Tookers Island in Rock Harbor Channel. Boats can overnight at dock. Stay Limit: 3 nights from June 1 – Labor Day annually. Shelters: 2 Depth at dock (normal conditions): 7’ Access: Canoe/kayak/private boat
Fees (US$): 0.00 (Small-party Camping (6 people or less))
Total Campsites: 2
Toilets: Composting Toilets - seasonal
Showers: None
Potable Water: Water

Washington Creek Campground

Washington Creek Campground is located along Washington Creek near Windigo on the southwest end of Isle Royale, off of the Feldtmann Lake, Minong, and Greenstone Ridge Trails. The Windigo Visitor Center, Windigo Store, and Windigo Comfort Station are all accessible from the campground. Boats can stay at Windigo Dock (average depth at dock 4'-20') or stay and walk .3 miles to campground. Stay Limit: 3 nights from June 1 – September 17 annually Shelters: 10 Access: Foot/canoe/kayak/private boat
Fees (US$): 0.00 (Small-party Camping (6 people or less)), 25.00 (Group Tent Sites)
Total Campsites: 19
Toilets: Flush Toilets - seasonal
Showers: Hot - Seasonal
Potable Water: Yes - seasonal

West Chickenbone Campground

West Chickenbone Campground is located on the west end of Chickenbone Lake, off of the Indian Portage Trail This inland campground has no boater access. Canoe/kayak access from the 1.2 mile portage from McCargoe Cove or the 0.2 mile portage from Lake Livermore. Stay Limit: 2 nights from June 1 – Labor Day annually. Access: Foot/canoe/kayak
Fees (US$): 0.00 (Small-party Camping (6 people or less)), 25.00 (Group Tent Sites)
Total Campsites: 9
Toilets: Composting Toilets - seasonal
Showers: None
Potable Water: Water

Wood Lake Campground

Wood Lake Campground is located inland on the north shore of Wood Lake. Wood Lake can be accessed via a .6 mile portage from Lake Whittlesey or from Siskiwit Lake. Stay Limit: 2 nights from June 1 – Labor Day annually. Access: Canoe/kayak. No private boat access.
Fees (US$): 0.00 (Small-party Camping (6 people or less))
Total Campsites: 3
Toilets: Composting Toilets - seasonal
Showers: None
Potable Water: Water