Free Camping Collection
Established Camping
Lane Cove Campground — Isle Royale National Park
About
National Park Service
Isle Royale National Park
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.
Reservation Info
Permits are required, regardless of group size or method of travel, for all overnight stays at campgrounds, cross country sites, docks, or at anchor. Permits are free for parties of six or fewer or boaters.
For a party of six or fewer (small-party), free permits are obtained when you arrive in Rock Harbor, Windigo, or aboard Ranger III. When you arrive at a campground for the evening, campsites are selected on a first-come, first-served basis.Your permit does not reserve campgrounds. There are no limits on the number of permits issued. Parties with separate overnight permits, but sharing the same affiliation (camp, school, church, scout group, organization, family, friends, etc. or any combination thereof) may not travel or camp within one half (0.5) mile of each other. For a party of seven or more (group camping), groups must have advance reservations. There is a $25 per permit fee. Boaters staying overnight in the park also need free permits. Permits should be displayed on a backpack when hiking and on a tent or shelter when at camp. Please follow camping regulations during your visit.
Access
- Hike-InBackcountry sites.
- Boat-InSites accessible by watercraft.
Stay Connected
- WiFiUnknown
- VerizonUnknown
- AT&TUnknown
- T-MobileUnknown
Site Types
- Tent Sites
Features
For Campers
- Drinking Water
- Alcohol
A hike that changed my life
My trip to Isle Royale was my first backpacking trip ever. My partner and I took the Queen IV ferry into Rock Harbor and then hike the 7 or something miles to Lane Cove. It was a tough hike, but well worth it. We saw a moose ahead of us on our way to the campsite, which I imagine would be the same feeling that one would have when running into a majestic unicorn.
We arrived shortly before the golden hour and the campground was gorgeous and perfect for watching the sunset and listening to the looms sing their songs. As we were falling asleep we heard a pack of wolves howling in the distance. I hope to one day experience that again. Lane Cove is still my favorite campground I’ve ever stayed at. Every site there feels special. I can’t wait to hike back and show this campground to loved ones. I definitely recommend staying here at least two nights.
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Quiet Scenic Campground
One of the most scenic campgrounds on Isle Royale. Difficult hike downhill to the cove, but worth it. Only a handful of campsites so arrive early if possible. super quiet, and lots of beavers around!
Wonderful, secluded sites on Lake Superior
Of the three places I pitched my tent on Isle Royale, Lane Cove was my favorite. It is about four miles one way to get here, and because it's not part of any loop there are usually fewer people down here. You have lovely views of Lake Superior. The campground is quite large and tent sites are all pretty far from one another. Some tent sites are flatter than others. Water comes from Lake Superior, and I believe most if not all tent sites have direct access to the lake. We heard a family of moose tromp through the forest in the night, and saw them browsing on our hike back to the ferry the next morning. The view of the sunset from our camp was gorgeous, and I would highly recommend spending a night at Lane Cove.
Location
Lane Cove Campground — Isle Royale National Park is located in Michigan
Directions
Lane Cove Campground is located in Lane Cove, on the northeast end of Isle Royale National Park (along Lake Superior), off of the Lane Cove Trail.
Coordinates
48.144907 N
88.557679 W