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Moskey Basin Campground — Isle Royale National Park

5 Reviews

Moskey Basin Campground, near Houghton, Michigan, is a serene spot tucked away in Isle Royale National Park, perfect for those who crave a little peace and quiet. With sites right along the water's edge, you can soak in stunning views and enjoy the sounds of nature without the hustle and bustle of more crowded campgrounds.

This campground is all about simplicity and connection with the outdoors. Visitors rave about the privacy offered by the trees, making it easy to feel secluded while still being close to the water. One camper shared, “We got a shelter right on the bay, and it was secluded enough... to clean ourselves nude without having peeping toms.” There are basic amenities like outhouses, but don’t expect showers or potable water—this is camping at its most raw.

If you’re up for some wildlife watching, you’re in luck. Reviewers have spotted beavers, river otters, and a variety of birds, including nesting loons. The nearby dock is a great place to kick back, watch the ducks, and catch breathtaking sunrises and sunsets. As one camper put it, “Gorgeous sunrises and sunsets can be viewed from Moskey Basin Campground.”

For those who enjoy hiking, the trails around the campground offer a chance to explore the rugged beauty of Isle Royale. Whether you’re here for a weekend or a longer stay, Moskey Basin Campground is a fantastic choice for anyone looking to escape into nature.

Description

National Park Service

Isle Royale National Park

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

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Location

Moskey Basin Campground — Isle Royale National Park is located in Michigan

Directions

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.

Address

800 E. Lakeshore Drive
Houghton, MI 49931

Coordinates

48.062981 N
88.645163 W

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Access

Hike-In
Backcountry sites.
Boat-In
Sites accessible by watercraft.

Stay Connected

WiFi
Poor
Verizon
Good
AT&T
Unknown
T-Mobile
Good

Site Types

Tent Sites
Group

Features

For Campers

Phone Service
Toilets

Contact

General Info

Drive Time

4 hrs 3 min from Wausau
4 hrs 24 min from Green Bay
4 hrs 41 min from Duluth
4 hrs 44 min from Appleton

SAM

Guide

Reviewed Mar. 17, 2025

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.

Siteparking lot

Month of VisitMarch

Ann E.

Guide

Reviewed Oct. 1, 2019

Quiet and Scenic

We could see the water from all shelters, But in 1 the shelter isn't as exposed as there are trees at the shoreline to block the wind.

There are outhouses, but no potable water at the site.

SiteShelter 1

Month of VisitJune

(4) View All

Jesse H.

Traveler

Reviewed Aug. 14, 2018

Amazing views with private campsites

Great lakeshore access, plenty of wildlife viewing, great campsite all around!

Nicole L.

Traveler

Reviewed Jul. 3, 2018

Secluded, tranquil bay

This was by far my favorite campground (that we stayed at.) We got a shelter right on the bay, and it was secluded enough from the other campers to the point where we could walk out to the water and clean ourselves nude without having peeping toms. The nights were cold and clear, and very still, with the occasional loon call. There is a dock a short hike east, connected to the campground, with plenty of places to relax and enjoy nature. We saw beaver, river otters (?), and hares here, as well as plenty of birds, including nesting loons.

Month of VisitSeptember

Danielle A.

Guide

Reviewed Sep. 28, 2016

Campsites, shelter, and a short walk to Lake Superior

This campground was very nice -- lots of trees for protection and privacy from the neighbors, plus a shelter for rainy nights (or lazy nights when you don't want to set up your tent!). Tent sites have picnic tables. The water source is just a short walk away to Lake Superior, where there is a long L-shaped pier, a great place to watch the ducks, look for moose, and watch the sun rise and set.