Camping near Isle Royale National Park
Isle Royale National Park, Michigan features multiple backcountry campgrounds accessible primarily by boat or hiking trails. The island's established campgrounds include Daisy Farm, Three Mile, Moskey Basin, and McCargoe Cove, which offer a mix of tent sites and rustic shelters. Most campgrounds are situated along the shoreline of Lake Superior or interior lakes, with West Chickenbone, East Chickenbone, and Hatchet Lake providing more secluded inland experiences. Accommodation options are limited to tent camping and basic shelters, with no vehicle access on this remote island wilderness.
Access to Isle Royale requires careful planning as the island is only reachable by ferry service or seaplane during the operating season, typically mid-April through late October. Campgrounds lack traditional amenities with most providing only pit toilets and no potable water. Campers must filter or treat all water from Lake Superior or inland lakes. No fires are permitted at most campgrounds, requiring visitors to use camp stoves for cooking. Weather conditions can change rapidly, with cool temperatures persisting even in summer months. A review noted that "the interior of the island can be much warmer than the coast, not to mention the arid conditions throughout making it difficult to find water."
Waterfront locations like Moskey Basin and Todd Harbor consistently receive high ratings from visitors for their scenic views and relative seclusion. Campers frequently mention wildlife sightings including fox, moose, and loons as highlights of their stay. Several visitors commented on varying mosquito populations, with interior lakes sometimes experiencing significant insect pressure. The primitive nature of the facilities requires thorough preparation, as one camper observed, "they do not provide TP - you must take your own." Sites with shelters are first-come, first-served and are particularly valued during rainy or buggy conditions. McCargoe Cove and Daisy Farm tend to be busier due to boat access, while more remote interior campgrounds offer greater solitude despite requiring longer hikes to reach.
