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. Campground is very primitive, but nice to be on the lake. There is a latrine here at least."

    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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Showing results 1-10 of 37 campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews near Isle Royale National Park

73 Reviews of 37 Isle Royale National Park Campgrounds



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.