Best Tent Camping near Isle Royale National Park

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.

Best Tent Sites Near Isle Royale National Park (37)

    1. West Chickenbone Campground — Isle Royale National Park

    5 Reviews
    Grand Portage, MI
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (906) 482-0984

    "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."

    "There are many tent sites, including a few group sites, and a couple of privys. Not all of the sites are on the lake but all have plenty of tree cover."

    2. McCargoe Cove Campground — Isle Royale National Park

    5 Reviews
    Grand Portage, MI
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (906) 482-0984

    "A small group of family and friends left the luxuries of home to backpack thirty miles in Isle Royale National Park."

    "This is lovely in buggy weather! There are also boards all over the inside (parallel to the floor around the walls) that are great for hanging and airing out wet items."

    3. Moskey Basin Campground — Isle Royale National Park

    5 Reviews
    Eagle Harbor, MI
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (906) 482-0984

    "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!)."

    "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."

    4. Daisy Farm Campground — Isle Royale National Park

    7 Reviews
    Eagle Harbor, MI
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (906) 482-0984

    "Ranger station, dock, access to the trail that goes up to the tower, lots of vault toilets, and quite a few shelters that sit far away enough from the lake so that inclement weather won't affect you as"

    "Decent vault toilets but the dock and walkouts to the rocky beach make for easy access to the water."

    5. Three Mile Campground — Isle Royale National Park

    8 Reviews
    Eagle Harbor, MI
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (906) 482-0984

    "We stayed here our last night so we only had a short hike in the morning before catching the ferry back to the mainland. Definitely not secluded, but nice all the same."

    "Rough trail well marked from rock harbor. Tent sites close to the water but they get taken quick. Very nice dock to tie kayaks up to also."

    6. Todd Harbor Campground — Isle Royale National Park

    2 Reviews
    Grand Portage, MI
    1 mile
    Website
    +1 (906) 482-0984

    "The breeze from Lake Superior kept the bugs down and the campsite had awesome views of the lake."

    "These spots were well spaced and while impacted, had a nice pine duff layer on the ground which was nice for sleeping."

    7. Hatchet Lake Campground — Isle Royale National Park

    2 Reviews
    Grand Portage, MI
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (906) 482-0984

    "This was one of the interior lakes on Isle Royale National Park."

    "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."

    8. Chippewa Harbor Campground — Isle Royale National Park

    1 Review
    Eagle Harbor, MI
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (906) 482-0984

    "There are outhouses but no potable water nor cell reception.

    There were a few people who docked their fishing boat and ate here."

    9. East Chickenbone Campground — Isle Royale National Park

    1 Review
    Grand Portage, MI
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (906) 482-0984

    "We had started out from Daisy Farm that morning, heading to Chickenbone lake due to the fact that Lake Ritchie had an algae bloom warning."

    10. Lane Cove Campground — Isle Royale National Park

    3 Reviews
    Eagle Harbor, MI
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (906) 482-0984

    "Of the three places I pitched my tent on Isle Royale, Lane Cove was my favorite."

    "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."

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Tent Camping Reviews near Isle Royale National Park

74 Reviews of 37 Isle Royale National Park Campgrounds


  • Matt S.
    Aug. 31, 2018

    South Lake Desor Campground — Isle Royale National Park

    What's that noise? The sound of a trillion mosquitos!!!

    South Lake Desour was my least favorite campsite on Isle Royale National Park. It felt suffocating with the afternoon heat and the bugs were insane. About 8:00 p.m. you had to dive into your tents to survive the mosquitos. The noise sounded like a jet engine out side the tent. Anyone without a bug net would be miserable.

    Even at 7:00 a.m. in the morning when we were trying to pack up, we were bitten like crazy. Lesson learned: spray your clothes with permethrin before you go backpacking in Isle Royale. BUT it is Isle Royale national Park so it still gets three stars.

  • Matt S.
    Aug. 31, 2018

    Hatchet Lake Campground — Isle Royale National Park

    RANGER REVIEW: Mountain House Chili Mac with Beef at Hatchet Lake

    This was one of the interior lakes on Isle Royale National Park. It is very pretty, and the water is a perfect temperature for swimming, but the mosquitos are thick in the interior of the island, especially at the interior lakes. All of the campsites at Hatchet Lake are comparable. I don't think there was a bad campsite.

    RANGER REVIEW: One of the benefits of being a contributor on theDyrt is you are given the opportunity to test different gear. I had the Mountain House Chili Mac with Beef. It is freeze dried and very light for backpacking. The best part, it tastes great!!! I give the Mountain House Chili Mac with Beef 5/5 stars.

  • Matt S.
    Sep. 22, 2017

    Grand Portgage Lodge & Casino

    Grand Portage is the last stop in MN to Isle Royale NP

    Grand Portage Lodge and Casino is not what I imagine as a place to pitch a tent, but right next to the marina is an RV park and a bunch of spots for tents. I'm not a gambler so this is not normally a destination for me, but it is the best place to camp to make it to the Ferry by 6:30 a.m. the next morning to be transported to a paradise in Isle Royale National Park.

    The nice thing about the campground is that you sit on a hill and look out at lake superior. There is a large gas station next to the marina where you can make phone calls at a pay phone (There is no cell service) and get some last minute treats before you head out on the boat.

    This is the place to stay if you are going to Isle Royale National Park from Minnesota.

  • Matt S.
    Aug. 31, 2018

    McCargoe Cove Campground — Isle Royale National Park

    Our First stop on the Island

    A small group of family and friends left the luxuries of home to backpack thirty miles in Isle Royale National Park. It was an amazing experience and I look forward to taking the rest of my children here as they grow up.

    The first leg of our journey was a boat ride from Grand Portage, Minnesota to McCargoe Cove. We did not do much backpacking the first day. We did hike around the area and set up camp to take it easy our first night. We elected to stay in our own tents, but those who wanted more amenities could take advantage of several small shelters built in each camp.

    Other than Windigo and Rock Harbor, there are no amenities other than some shelters and latrines.

    McCargoe Cove is set in a cove right off Lake superior, so this spot is especially popular with the fishermen since there is a nice dock and ease of access for their boats. This was a nice place to stay but it wasn't my favorite.

    I tried some new food at McCargoe Cove that I highly recommend: NOKA - Mango/Coconut was fantastic.

  • 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.

  • Matt S.
    Aug. 31, 2018

    Washington Creek Campground — Isle Royale National Park

    The $12 Frozen Pizza is well worth it at Washington Creek

    Washington Creek was an awesome place to end our trip. The campsites were right next to a cove and were awesome! The fox trying to steal our shoes in the middle of the night was annoying, but overall, a great experience.

    The frozen pizza was awesome. You have the choice of sausage or cheese. We each ordered our own. The General Store has just the amenities that you want at the end of your journey. Especially a shower!!!

    Isle Royale National Park is amazing and I can't wait to go back!!!

  • Danielle A.
    Sep. 28, 2016

    Moskey Basin Campground — Isle Royale National Park

    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.

  • Matthew G.
    Jun. 25, 2021

    Washington Creek Campground — Isle Royale National Park

    Isle Royale N.P., Windigo, Washington Creek

    There is not a lot of info out there on this camp site so I thought I'd fill in some of the gaps.  It is not shown on many maps.  It is on Isle Royale and is about 1/3 of a mile walk from the Windogo area where the Ferry boat lands.  The easiest access to the island is via Ferry which is about $150 round trip from Grand Portage MN.  A sea plane is also available for around $320 RT.  There are no motorized vehicles or bicycles at Windigo and the surrounding area.

    Washington Creek is a popular overnight stay for backpackers who are on their way on/way off the island via the ferry as well as a great camp  for people who aren't up to the strenuous activity of backpacking.  Everyone is super-friendly.

    There are 15 individual wooded campsites.  5 are tent/hammock sites and 10 have a shelter that is a wood structure about 10' x 16' with a wood floor, 3 wood walls and a forth wall made of screen with a screen door.  Each campsite has a picnic table, but no fire ring as fires are not allowed, only cook stoves.  There are a few pit toilet "privies" (out houses) which all campers are asked to use.  There is one potable water faucet for the campground and another at the Windigo flag pole.  At the time we were there there was some concern about filtering water from inland water sources, but this might have been just a CYA on the part of the park service.

    There are 4 group campsites each of which consist of a picnic table and more open space than the individual sites - which might supply enough room for a half dozed tents plus or minus.  There are 2 privies in that area. 

    In the nearby Windigo area there is a small store with the basics; Dry and canned food, beer, wine, soda, ice and some souvenirs.  All the basics you would need to survive if you showed up with no food as long as you are not picky.  Looking around there, I actually didn't know there was that many flavors of Romman Noodles. :-). No fresh meat or produce though.  The availability of only 1 kind of potato chips kinda sums it up for me… They do sell a bit of camping gear most notably the iso-butane canisters for cook stoves.  They have a bit of fishing gear too.  The store has an open porch that is a nice place to relax and drink a beer or read a book and mingle with other campers.

    There was a nice new but un-opened store building(6/2021) which should boost the appeal, and perhaps the available merchandise.  I heard tell there was to be a few beer taps too (Woo-Hoo!!!) with indoor seating area.  Lots of outside covered and uncovered seating too.

    In addition to the store there is a Ranger/visitor center with some interesting displays and is staffed with park personnel who are anxious to provide whatever info you may need.

    There at Windigo (again 1/3 mile from the Washington Creek Campground) there is a "bath house".  This has flush toilets and hot/cold sinks, and pay showers and pay laundry facilities.

    I heard there were a few rustic cabins there at Windigo for rent however I did not see them myself. 

    I'll post some pics to provide further info.

  • Danielle A.
    Sep. 28, 2016

    West Chickenbone Campground — Isle Royale National Park

    Many private sites near the lake

    I stayed here one night of a four day trip through Isle Royale NP. There are many tent sites, including a few group sites, and a couple of privys. Not all of the sites are on the lake but all have plenty of tree cover. My partner and I each found a nice spot on either side of our tent site which was pretty close to the water and up a short slope, nestled right in the trees.


Guide to Isle Royale National Park

Isle Royale National Park in Michigan offers a stunning backdrop for tent camping, with its pristine wilderness and diverse wildlife. Campers can enjoy a range of well-reviewed sites that cater to outdoor enthusiasts looking for adventure and tranquility.

Tent campers appreciate these amenities

  • Three Mile Campground provides drinking water and toilets, making it a convenient choice for those looking to stay close to nature without sacrificing basic comforts.
  • Daisy Farm Campground features ample first-come, first-served sites with shelters, allowing for a cozy camping experience even in inclement weather.
  • Washington Creek Campground offers a mix of tent and cabin accommodations, along with access to potable water and nearby facilities for a comfortable stay.

Tent campers like these nearby activities

  • At Moskey Basin Campground, visitors can enjoy scenic views and wildlife watching, with opportunities to spot loons and other birds right from their campsite.
  • West Chickenbone Campground is perfect for fishing enthusiasts, with beautiful lake access and a chance to catch pike and walleye.
  • Feldtmann Lake Campground provides a serene environment for hiking and exploring the surrounding wilderness, making it an ideal base for outdoor adventures.

Unique features of these campgrounds

  • Todd Harbor Campground boasts stunning views of Lake Superior, with well-spaced sites that offer privacy and a peaceful atmosphere.
  • McCargoe Cove Campground features a dock for easy access to the water, making it a great spot for kayaking and relaxing by the shore.
  • Hatchet Lake Campground is known for its primitive sites and beautiful surroundings, perfect for those seeking a more rugged camping experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Isle Royale National Park?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Isle Royale National Park is West Chickenbone Campground — Isle Royale National Park with a 4.8-star rating from 5 reviews.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Isle Royale National Park?

TheDyrt.com has all 37 tent camping locations near Isle Royale National Park, with real photos and reviews from campers.