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Camping near Isle Royale National Park

74 Reviews

Surrounded by the water of Lake Superior is some of the best camping in Michigan on the isolated and quiet Isle Royale. Near Rock Harbor, MI, campers can enjoy a variety of activities from swimming and fishing to boating and scuba diving. Lake Superior’s seemingly bottomless depths offer a world of exploration for snorkelers and divers. Campsites close to the lake make it easy to put in a kayak or canoe for exploring the tiny islands and waterways found throughout the area. Campgrounds come with the amenities campers expect to find that include cabins, yurts, and plenty of sites ideal for tents. RV drivers will also find plenty of places to hook up their vehicles.

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Best Camping Sites Near Isle Royale National Park (40)

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Recent Camping Photos near Isle Royale National Park

60 Photos of 40 Isle Royale National Park Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Isle Royale National Park

74 Reviews of 40 Isle Royale National Park Campgrounds

  • Jordan A.
    Jul. 5, 2025

    Grand Portgage Lodge & Casino

    Definitely not great

    Most staff don’t know what’s happening around the place. Room did not have air conditioning thankfully it was cooler outside.

  • Tori K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 12, 2025

    Hatchet Lake Campground — Isle Royale National Park

    Quite steep

    The hike in was quite steep. No shelters here, no fires here (personal camp stove is fine). Campground is very primitive, but nice to be on the lake. There is a latrine here but do not expect there to be toilet paper stocked and no hand sanitizer. Overall a nice place to stay!

  • Tori K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 1, 2025

    West Chickenbone Campground — Isle Royale National Park

    Lake sites

    Primitive site. Most sites have room for a couple of backpacking tents if you are hiking in a small group. No fire rings or picnic table. There are some lakefront sites here. I believe there was an outhouse in the campground. I believe this is one of the lakes that periodically has algal blooms. When you get to the island off the boat, the ranger goes through everybody’s route and itinerary with them and will let you know what water sources may be dried up and what water sources are going through an algal bloom so you can plan your water sourcing appropriately.

  • Tori K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Mar. 26, 2025

    Island Mine Campground — Isle Royale National Park

    Spacious

    This was our first campground from Windigo port. We saw a mom and a calf moose in our first 5 minutes of hiking after checking in with the rangers. Overall the campground and sites were pretty spacious, we could've fit more tents if needed. There was an outhouse and each site had a fire ring I believe. The water source is a small creek nearby that does get low or dry up seasonally, so plan accordingly.

  • SAM The Dyrt PRO User
    Mar. 17, 2025

    Moskey Basin Campground — Isle Royale National Park

    Loves Cheyenne wyoming

    It a loves truck stop.. sign said no camping .. 1 hrs parking.. I got away with it.. but risky.. there are other truck n campers .. vans but no one bothered me. Store speak is loud at store. All night . Every shower bought.

  • Tori K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Feb. 9, 2025

    Daisy Farm Campground — Isle Royale National Park

    Lake views

    Some sites with shelters and some sites without. The squirrels here are fearless and will try to steal your food or garbage when you are sitting right there. Campground was a little difficult to navigate due to some flooding on the trails. This was my favorite campsite out of all the ones I stayed at on the island due to the proximity to Lake Superior and the fact that we were able to snag one of the sites with a shelter that was 'lakefront'. No fires allowed in this campground. Picnic table provided at most if not all sites.

  • Tori K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jan. 28, 2025

    Rock Harbor Campground — Isle Royale National Park

    close to harbor

    Campground is right outside of the rock harbor port. There are bathrooms with flush toilets at the port and outhouses in the campground. There is a store with souvenirs and food items and beverages(finally got a much deserved cold beer after our 50 mile, 5 day hike across the island!). most sites had shelters and a picnic table was provided. You have to stay in the shelter unless not everybody can fit in there, and honestly the site we had would’ve been hard to pitch a tent outside. Getting to this campground later in the day, you may find that all the sites are taken and may end up sharing one of the sites without shelters with others. This site only allows 1 consecutive night stays due to it being popular with those just getting to the island and those preparing to leave the next day.

  • gardenia
    Aug. 30, 2024

    Grand Portgage Lodge & Casino

    good

    Как большой поклонник азартных игр, я всегда в поиске новых увлечений, и недавно открыл для себя классный ресурс. Если вам интересен спорт и ставки, рекомендую заглянуть сюда: www.gorodpavlodar.kz/News_105640_3.html. Этот сайт предлагает много полезной информации, включая аналитику и прогнозы на матчи. Я сам часто использую их рекомендации, чтобы повысить свои шансы на победу. Отличная платформа для тех, кто хочет быть в курсе всех последних новостей в мире спорта. Особенно советую тем, кто увлекается ставками на футбол. Проверьте сами, уверен, не пожалеете!

  • Stephen L.
    Aug. 14, 2024

    Sunset Bay RV Resort and Campground

    Just awesome

    This place is way off the beaten path. Long dirt road to get back here. There are tent sites all along the beach front to watch the sunset and pick rocks. Most sites are fairly level. I feel like we got one of the only ones that wasn't but I'm not real picky. @ramblinsmurf

Guide to Isle Royale National Park

Camping near Isle Royale National Park, Michigan, offers a unique experience surrounded by stunning natural beauty. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, there are several campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the many trails around the park. Campers at Three Mile Campground enjoy day hikes, with one reviewer saying, "We ended up staying 5 days at Three Mile and day hiking from there." The trails lead to breathtaking views and hidden gems throughout the park.
  • Fishing: If you’re into fishing, West Chickenbone Campground is a great spot. One visitor noted, "Our neighbor caught 3 pike and a walleye in about 45 minutes." It’s a perfect place to cast a line and enjoy the serene surroundings.
  • Wildlife Watching: Keep an eye out for local wildlife. Campers at McCargoe Cove Campground reported seeing a cow moose nearby, with one saying, "A loon was swimming in the cove." This area is rich in wildlife, making it a great spot for nature lovers.

What campers like:

  • Seclusion: Many campers appreciate the quieter spots. One reviewer at Daisy Farm Campground mentioned, "Daisy is big and busy, but still pretty good," highlighting that while it can be crowded, it still offers beautiful views and a nice atmosphere.
  • Shelters: Campers enjoy the shelters available at various campgrounds. At Rock Harbor Campground, a visitor said, "I believe most, if not all of the sites here have a shelter," which provides a cozy place to stay during inclement weather.
  • Access to Water: Campgrounds like Moskey Basin Campground offer great access to the lake. One camper noted, "The water source is just a short walk away to Lake Superior," making it easy to enjoy a refreshing dip.

What you should know:

  • No Fires Allowed: Many campgrounds, including Three Mile Campground, do not allow campfires. A reviewer mentioned, "There are no fires allowed in the Rock Harbor campground," so be prepared for a fire-free experience.
  • Limited Amenities: Campgrounds like McCargoe Cove have basic facilities. One camper pointed out, "There are no amenities other than some shelters and latrines," so plan accordingly.
  • Wildlife Caution: Be cautious of wildlife, especially at Daisy Farm Campground. A visitor warned, "Squirrels and foxes were spotted here so keep an eye on your food and any trash," as these animals can be quite bold.

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Daisy Farm Campground is a larger campground with many first-come sites, making it easier to find space for the whole family. One reviewer said, "The campground was a little bit of a maze to navigate," which can be fun for kids to explore.
  • Bring Entertainment: With limited activities, consider bringing games or books. A camper at Moskey Basin Campground mentioned, "We could see the water from all shelters," making it a great spot to relax and enjoy family time.
  • Plan for Nature: Kids will love the wildlife. One camper at West Chickenbone Campground noted, "Very good spot to see wildlife including moose!" This can make for exciting family adventures.

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: If you're bringing an RV, check the site sizes at campgrounds like Sunset Bay RV Resort and Campground. A reviewer mentioned, "Many sites will be a tight fit for larger rigs," so it's good to confirm before you go.
  • Be Prepared for Dust: Campers noted that the gravel roads can get dusty. One visitor at Sunset Bay said, "The campground loops are also gravel or sand so it can be a little dusty," so keep that in mind when packing.
  • Enjoy the Views: RVers love the scenic spots. A camper at Grand Portgage Lodge & Casino shared, "The sites are really spaced out," allowing for a peaceful stay with beautiful views.

Camping near Isle Royale National Park, Michigan, is a fantastic way to connect with nature and enjoy the great outdoors. With a variety of campgrounds to choose from, there's something for everyone!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you RV camp near Isle Royale National Park?

Since Isle Royale is an island with no road access, RV camping isn't available on the park itself. However, you can RV camp at Grand Portgage Lodge & Casino in Minnesota, which serves as an ideal base camp before taking the ferry to Isle Royale. Located next to the marina, this RV park is particularly convenient for catching the early 6:30 a.m. ferry. Another option is Sunset Bay RV Resort and Campground, which provides RV accommodations within reasonable driving distance to ferry departure points. These locations allow you to park your RV securely while you explore the island on foot.

What are the best campgrounds in Isle Royale National Park?

Washington Creek Campground is highly rated for its beautiful cove-side campsites, making it an excellent place to end a trip. The campground even offers frozen pizza (cheese or sausage) for a welcome treat after backcountry hiking. For those looking for a convenient first-night option, Three Mile Campground is just three miles from Rock Harbor ferry landing, providing a perfect short hike after arrival. Other excellent options include Feldtmann Lake Campground, which offers waterfront sites just steps from your tent, and West Chickenbone Campground with its incredible lakefront views.

Are there shelters available for hikers in Isle Royale National Park?

Yes, Isle Royale National Park offers shelters at several campgrounds for hikers. Three Mile Campground provides shelters located just off the main path, creating isolation and quiet from passing foot traffic. These shelters are particularly valuable after getting off the ferry from Rock Harbor. Daisy Farm Campground also offers shelters for overnight stays. However, not all campgrounds have shelters - for example, West Chickenbone Campground has nice tent sites but no shelters. Shelters are available on a first-come, first-served basis and can be especially valuable during inclement weather or heavy mosquito seasons.

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