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Established Camping

Three Mile Campground — Isle Royale National Park

Three Mile Campground, near Houghton, Michigan, is a fantastic base for exploring Isle Royale National Park. With its proximity to Rock Harbor, this campground offers a unique blend of seclusion and accessibility, making it a popular choice for campers looking to immerse themselves in nature.

The campground features tent sites and shelters, with some spots offering stunning views of Lake Superior. Visitors have raved about the beautiful sunsets and sunrises, with one camper noting, “Incredible views of sunset and sunrise.” The dock is a great place to relax and cool off, perfect for dipping your feet in the refreshing water after a day of hiking.

While amenities are limited—no electric hookups or showers—campers appreciate the drinking water and pit toilets available on-site. Some reviewers have mentioned the importance of securing a spot near the water, as these sites tend to fill up quickly. As one camper advised, “Try to get a spot next to the lake, but if you don't, the shelters in the woods are also great.”

For those eager to explore, the trails leading to and from the campground are well-marked and provide access to breathtaking scenery. Keep an eye out for wildlife; visitors have spotted foxes and even moose during their stays. Whether you're here for a quick stop or a longer adventure, Three Mile Campground offers a memorable experience in the heart of nature.

Description

National Park Service

Isle Royale National Park

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

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Location

Three Mile Campground — Isle Royale National Park is located in Michigan

Detail location of campground

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

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Access

  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.
  • Hike-In
    Backcountry sites.
  • Boat-In
    Sites accessible by watercraft.

Stay Connected

  • WiFi
    Available
  • Verizon
    Unknown
  • AT&T
    Unknown
  • T-Mobile
    Unknown

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • Group
  • Cabins
  • Tent Cabin

Features

For Campers

  • Market
  • Phone Service
  • Drinking Water
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol

Reviews

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4.5

out of 5

8 Reviews

Reviewed Sep. 23, 2023

Three Mile Campground Site 10

We ended up staying 5 days at Three Mile and day hiking from there. Shelter 10 was available on the 2nd day and it was just as amazing as it was when I was here last. This time we even had a camp fox!

Site10
Month of VisitSeptember
  • Review photo of Three Mile Campground — Isle Royale National Park by Jason H., September 23, 2023
  • Review photo of Three Mile Campground — Isle Royale National Park by Jason H., September 23, 2023
Reviewed Apr. 27, 2022

Don't Overlook Three Mile!

Three Mile may be one of the closest campgrounds to Rock Harbor, but it's actually more secluded as Daisy Farm seems to be the more popular destination for the first night. Try to get a spot next to the lake, but if you don't, the shelters in the woods are also great. Either way, spend some time sitting on the rocks and soaking your feet in the cold Lake Superior water.

Month of VisitJune
  • Review photo of Three Mile Campground — Isle Royale National Park by Ethan S., April 27, 2022
Reviewed Aug. 29, 2021

Breathtaking

Dropped in at Moskey Basin, hiked to Lake Richie then moved on to West Chickenbone Lake where we camped for our 1st night. 2nd day we made for Daisy Farm. The interior of the island can be quite a bit warmer than the shoreline for obvious reasons, so bare that in mind along the Greenstone Ridge Trail. For the 3rd night, we took it easy and found shelter 10 at Three Mile.

Incredible views of sunset and sunrise. A storm blew in and gave us an amazing show. Swimming off the remnants of the dock and such easy access to the lake made for a wonderful experience.

SiteShelter 10
Month of VisitAugust
  • Review photo of Three Mile Campground — Isle Royale National Park by Jason H., August 29, 2021
  • Review photo of Three Mile Campground — Isle Royale National Park by Jason H., August 29, 2021
  • sunset at 3 mile
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Reviewed Mar. 6, 2020

Nice spots on the water

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.

  • Review photo of Three Mile Campground — Isle Royale National Park by Matt S., March 6, 2020
  • Review photo of Three Mile Campground — Isle Royale National Park by Matt S., March 6, 2020
  • Review photo of Three Mile Campground — Isle Royale National Park by Matt S., March 6, 2020
Reviewed Aug. 25, 2018

easy hike, beautiful view

easy and quick hike from Rock Harbor, campsites are secluded and great access to Lake Superior. out houses are not as well maintained as they are at other campgrounds. If you can get a site on the water, best lake access on the island.

Reviewed Jul. 3, 2018

Beware the shelters in Inclement weather!

I would give this a 4.5 rating, but here we are. We arrived on the island during a rainstorm. One of our friends wasn't feeling so well, so instead of making it to Daisy Farm, we stopped here. We scrambled for a shelter, but the only shelter with room for 3 people was right on the water. (multiple were right on the water) and the wind, rain, and mist from the lake sprayed right inside. We made due with tent foot prints and other items to make a shield from the storm, but fair warning if you're headed here during a storm and you want a shelter. Otherwise, it's a nice spot. You get a few non hikers showing up wondering where the showers are (lol) but other than that, everyone is great. Also, a busy spot since it's so close to the harbor.

Month of VisitSeptember
Reviewed Apr. 6, 2017

Very Nice, but crowded

Great spot, but crowded for obvious reasons. Only 2.7 miles from rock harbor, this is obviously a popular place to stop for a night. 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.

Had some decent trees to put hammocks up if you bring one. Also, made a little fox friend that came through our site

Reviewed Sep. 24, 2016

Quiet place to camp

The Three Mile campground is three miles from Rock Harbor, and a great place to stay if you're looking for a short day after getting off the ferry. The privy and shelters are just a ways up trails off the main path, creating a little isolation and extra quiet from foot traffic passing through. We saw a fox and a moose while staying here! The trail that connects on either side of the campground is made up of huge rock slabs that are just feet away from Lake Superior, and there's old mining grounds just West of the Three Mile campground that are fun to walk around, just be aware of bees!

  • Review photo of Three Mile Campground — Isle Royale National Park by Alexa S., September 24, 2016
  • Review photo of Three Mile Campground — Isle Royale National Park by Alexa S., September 24, 2016

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Does Three Mile Campground — Isle Royale National Park have wifi?

    No, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, Three Mile Campground — Isle Royale National Park does not have wifi.