The sound of Lake Superior lapping against rocky shores sets the tone at this backcountry campground, accessible only by hiking 2.7 miles from Rock Harbor or arriving by boat. Three Mile Campground sits along the island's southern coast, where campers choose between tent sites near the water's edge and shelters tucked into the woods above the shoreline.
Waterfront sites fill quickly, offering direct access to Lake Superior for swimming and foot soaking in the cold water. The rocky slabs that form the shoreline extend right up to camping areas, creating natural seating areas where visitors can watch storms roll across the lake. A remnant dock provides a convenient spot for kayakers to tie up, though campers report the structure shows its age.
Wildlife encounters happen regularly here, with foxes making appearances at campsites and moose spotted in the area. The trail system connects to old mining grounds just west of the campground, where hikers can explore historical remnants while watching for bees that frequent the area. Hammock users find adequate trees for setup among the wooded shelter sites.
"A storm blew in and gave us an amazing show," notes Jason H. about the dramatic weather displays visible from the exposed shoreline. The campground's proximity to Rock Harbor means it sees steady foot traffic, though shelters positioned off the main trail provide some separation from passing hikers. For a different experience, Daisy Farm Campground offers a more secluded alternative deeper into the island's interior.
Description
Three Mile Campground is located on Rock Harbor Channel off of the Rock Harbor and Mount Franklin Trails. Boats can overnight at dock. Stay Limit: 1 night effective June 1 September 17 annually Shelters: 8 Depth at dock (normal conditions): 9 Access: Foot/canoe/kayak/private boat
RV Road Trip Guides
Location
Public CampgroundThree Mile Campground — Isle Royale National Park is located in Michigan
Directions
Three Mile Campground is located on Rock Harbor Channel off of the Rock Harbor and Mount Franklin Trails.
Address
800 E. Lakeshore Drive
Houghton, MI 49931
Coordinates
48.123852 N
88.529619 W
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Access
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
- Hike-InBackcountry sites.
- Boat-InSites accessible by watercraft.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- Group
- Cabins
- Tent Cabin
Features
For Campers
- Market
- Phone Service
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
- Alcohol
Drive Time
- 4 hrs 3 min from Wausau, WI
- 4 hrs 24 min from Green Bay, WI
- 4 hrs 41 min from Duluth, MN
- 4 hrs 44 min from Appleton, WI












