Parks / Isle Royale National Park
Isle Royale National Park
National Park · MI
Explore a rugged, isolated island far from our connected communities. Isle Royale offers adventures for backpackers, hikers, boaters, paddlers, and divers. Cross Lake Superior and make a commitment: Become a part of this island, and let it become a part of you. Find peace and refuge in island wilderness – because Isle Royale, in turn, finds refuge in us. Help Isle Royale stay wild.
Official NPS page →Current Alerts (5)
Tent Camping Closed at Multiple East End Campgrounds
Due to increased human-wildlife interactions and food storage concerns, individual tent sites and group sites at Three Mile, Daisy Farm, Moskey Basin, and Caribou Island Campgrounds are currently closed. Tent and hammock camping are not permitted anywhere within the campground. Off-trail camping zones 10, 11, 12, 13, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38 are closed. Shelters remain open. Closed areas will be patrolled to ensure compliance.
Island Mine Campground Stream Low
The stream has very little water flow. Campers should bring enough water to Island Mine or plan on collecting water at Carnelian Beach to the south.
Harmful Algal Blooms Occurring in Lake Richie and Intermediate Lake
Blooms are tested for toxin levels and monitored. Toxin levels are consistently low on Isle Royale. It is not recommended to filter water in any areas where there is surface scum, strong odors, or other evidence of a significant bloom. Blooms move around depending on wind and rain – filter water from places where blooms are not present or a different water source. It is low risk to filter water from relatively clear areas of an impacted water source.
All Backpacks Must be in Storage Area at Three Mile and Rock Harbor.
All backpacks must be stored in backpack storage areas at Three Mile and Rock Harbor campgrounds. All food and scented items are to be in the Food Storage Lockers. Containers should be kept in the Food Storage Locker when space allows or near the Food Storage Locker, do not store in tents.
Food Storage Regulations in Effect
Proper food storage is required on Isle Royale. All food, trash, scented items, cooking supplies, cooking utensils, and fish/fish parts must be stored properly. To learn more about food storage and to learn how to properly store your food, trash, and scented items, click "more."
Entrance Fees
Daily Entrance Fees: $7 per person per day to enter or remain in the park. Children 15 and younger are exempt.
Isle Royale Season Pass, Federal Lands Passes, and 4th Grade Passes are accepted.
Campgrounds (36)
Beaver Island Campground
Located in the center of Washington Harbor, near Windigo. All shelters are water facing. Boats can stay at the dock overnight. Stay Limit: 3 nights effective from 6/1 - Labor Day annually. Shelters: 3 Depth at dock (normal conditions): 2'-5' Access: Canoe/kayak/private boat
Details →Belle Isle Campground
A campground located on Belle Isle, in Belle Harbor, on the northeast end of Isle Royale National Park. Boats can use dock for overnight stays. Stay Limit: 5 nights, effective 6/1 – Labor Day. Shelters: 6 Depth at dock (normal conditions): 13’ Access: Canoe/kayak/private boat
Details →Birch Island Campground
Small campground on Birch Island, near the mouth of McCargoe Cove, on the north side of Isle Royale National Park. One individual tent site and one shelter on site. Boats can stay overnight at dock. Stay Limit: 3 nights June 1 - Labor Day annually. Shelters: 1 Depth at dock (normal conditions): 5' Access: Canoe/kayak/private boat
Details →Caribou Island Campground
Caribou Island Campground is located on the very western tip of West Caribou Island, in Rock Harbor Channel, on the northeast end of Isle Royale National Park. Boats can dock overnight. Stay Limit: 3 nights effective from June 1 – Labor Day. Shelters: 2 Depth at dock (normal conditions): 10’ Access: Canoe/kayak/private boat
Details →Chippewa Harbor Campground
Chippewa Harbor Campground is located in Chippewa Harbor, on the south shore of Isle Royale National Park. Trail access is via the Indian Portage Trail. Boats can stay overnight at dock. Stay Limit: 3 nights from June 1 – Labor Day annually. Shelters: 4 Depth at dock (normal conditions): 7’ Access: Foot/canoe/kayak/private boat
Details →Daisy Farm Campground
Isle Royale's largest campground is located at Daisy Farm, in Rock Harbor Channel, off of the Rock Harbor Trail, Daisy Farm Trail, and Mount Ojibway Trail. Boats can stay overnight at dock. Ranger Station staffed seasonally. Stay Limit: 3 nights from June 1 – Labor Day annually. Shelters: 16 Depth at dock (normal conditions): 9’. Access: Foot/canoe/kayak/private boat
Details →Duncan Bay Campground
Duncan Bay Campground is located on the west end of Duncan Bay, on the northeast end of Isle Royale National Park. Boats can stay overnight at dock. Stay Limit: 3 nights from June 2 – Labor Day annually. Shelters: 2 Depth at dock (normal conditions): 6’ Access: Canoe/kayak/private boat
Details →Duncan Narrows Campground
Duncan Narrows Campground is located in the narrows of Duncan Bay on the northeast end of Isle Royale National Park. Boats can stay overnight at dock. Stay Limit: 3 nights from June 1 – Labor Day annually. Shelters: 2 Depth at dock (normal conditions): 6’. Access: Canoe/kayak/private boat
Details →East Chickenbone Campground
An inland campground located on the east end of Chickenbone Lake, off of the East Chickenbone Trail. No boater access. Canoe/kayak access using 1.2 mile portage from McCargoe Cove or 0.2 mile portage from Lake Livermore. Be aware that the campground is not on the shoreline - West Chickenbone Campground is more accessible for watercraft. Stay Limit: 2 nights from June 1 – Labor Day annually. Access: Foot/canoe/kayak
Details →Feldtmann Lake Campground
Feldtmann Lake Campground is located on the shoreline of Feldtmann Lake, off the Feldtmann Lake and Feldtmann Ridge Trails, on the southwest end of Isle Royale National Park. This is an inland campground. Stay Limit: 2 nights from June 1 – Labor Day annually. Access: Foot
Details →Grace Island Campground
Grace Island Campground is located on Grace Island, outside of Washington Harbor, on the southwest end of Isle Royale National Park. Boats can dock overnight. Stay Limit: 3 nights from June 1 – Labor Day annually. Shelters: 2 Depth at dock (normal conditions): 2’ - 4’ Access: Canoe/kayak/private boat
Details →Hatchet Lake Campground
Hatchet Lake Campground is located on Hatchet Lake off of the Hatchet Lake Trail. This campground is located near the center of the island. Stay Limit: 2 nights from June 1 – Labor Day annually. Access: Foot
Details →Hay Bay Campground
Hay Bay Campground is located in Hay Bay on the south shore of Isle Royale National Park. Boats can overnight at dock. Stay Limit: 3 nights from June 1 – Labor Day annually. Depth at dock (normal conditions): 3’-7’. Access: Canoe/kayak/private boat
Details →Huginnin Cove Campground
Huginnin Cove Campground is located at Huginnin Cove, on the north shore of Isle Royale National Park, off of the West and East Huginnin Cove Trails. Stay Limit: 3 consecutive nights from June 1 – Labor Day annually. Access: Foot/canoe/kayak access. No dock available for boats.
Details →Intermediate Lake Campground
Intermediate Lake Campground is located on the shoreline of Intermediate Lake. Intermediate Lake can be accessed via a .6 mile portage from Lake Richie or a .4 mile portage from Siskiwit Lake. Stay Limit: 2 nights effective June 1 – Labor Day annually. Access: Canoe/kayak, no private boat access.
Details →Island Mine Campground
Island Mine Campground is located .5 miles south from the junction of the Greenstone and Island Mine Trails, on the Island Mine Trail. This inland campground offers no canoe/kayak/boat access. Little Siskiwit River runs south of the campground, where water can usually be obtained for filtering, unless it is dried up. Check with a Visitor Center for current water status. Stay Limit: 3 nights effective June 1 – Labor Day annually. Access: Foot
Details →Lake Richie Campground
Lake Richie Campground is located on the north shore of Lake Richie, off of the Indian Portage Trail. Canoe/kayak access from .6 mile portage from Intermediate Lake, 2.0 mile portage from Moskey Basin, 1.2 miles portage from Chippewa Harbor, and .6 mile portage from Lake LeSage. Paddlers may want to consider staying at Lake Richie Canoe Campground. Stay Limit: 2 nights from June 1 – Labor Day annually. Access: Foot/canoe/kayak. No private boat access.
Details →Lake Richie Canoe Campground
Lake Richie Canoe Campground is located on the north shore of Lake Richie. Canoe/kayak access via the .6 mile portage from Intermediate Lake, the 1.2 mile portage from Chippewa Harbor, the 2.0 mile portage from Moskey Basin, and the .6 mile portage from Lake LeSage. Stay Limit: 2 nights effective from June 1st – Labor Day annually. Access: Canoe/kayak. No private boat access.
Details →Lake Whittlesey Campground
Lake Whittlesey Campground is located on the north shore of Lake Whittlesey. Consecutive night stay limit is two nights. Three individual tent sites are available. No boat access. Canoe/kayak access via .6 mile portage from Wood Lake and .6 mile portage from Chippewa Harbor. Stay Limit: 3 nights effective June 1 – Labor Day annually. Access: Canoe/kayak, no private boat or trail access.
Details →Lane Cove Campground
Lane Cove Campground is located in Lane Cove, on the north shore of Isle Royale National Park, off of the Lane Cove Trail. The Lane Cove Trail can be accessed via the Greenstone Ridge Trail. Stay Limit: 1 night effective June 1 – September 21 annually Access: Foot/canoe/kayak. No boat access.
Details →Little Todd Campground
Little Todd Campground is located in Little Todd, on the north shore of Isle Royale National Park, off of the Minong Ridge Trail. Stay Limit: 2 nights effective June 1 – Labor Day annually. Access: Foot/canoe/kayak. No boat access.
Details →Malone Bay Campground
Malone Bay Campground is located in Malone Bay, on the south shore of Isle Royale National Park, off of the Ishpeming Trail. Boats can overnight at dock. A ranger station, information station, and dock can be found just further east of the campground. The ranger station is not always staffed. Stay Limit: 3 nights effective June 1 – Labor Day annually. Shelters: 5 Depth at dock (normal conditions): 3’-6’. Access: Foot/canoe/kayak/private boat
Details →McCargoe Cove Campground
McCargoe Cove Campground is located in McCargoe Cove, on the north shore of Isle Royale National Park, off of the Indian Portage and East Chickenbone Trails. Boats can overnight at dock. Canoe/kayak access from Lake Superior or 1.2 mile portage from Chickenbone Lake. Stay Limit: 3 nights effective from June 1 – Labor Day annually. Shelters: 6 Depth at dock (normal conditions): 7’. Access: Foot/canoe/kayak/private boat
Details →Merritt Lane Campground
Merritt Lane Campground is located in Merritt Lane on the northeast end of Isle Royale National Park. Boats can overnight at dock. Stay Limit: 3 nights from June 1 – Labor Day annually. Shelters: 1 Depth at dock (normal conditions): 8’ Access: Canoe/kayak/private boat.
Details →Moskey Basin Campground
Moskey Basin Campground is located in Moskey Basin at the west end of Rock Harbor Channel, off of the Indian Portage and Rock Harbor Trails. Boats can overnight at dock. Canoe/kayak access from Rock Harbor Channel or via 2.0 mile portage from Lake Richie. Stay Limit: 3 nights from June 1 – Labor Day annually. Shelters: 6 Depth at dock (normal conditions): 8’. Access: Foot/canoe/kayak/private boat
Details →North Desor Campground
North Desor Campground is located on the north side of Lake Desor off of the Minong Ridge Trail. There is no boat/canoe/kayak access. Stay Limit: 2 nights from June 1 – Labor Day Access: Foot
Details →Pickerel Cove Campground
Pickerel Cove Campground is located in Pickerel Cove on the north shore of Isle Royale National Park. Canoe/kayak access from Pickerel Cove or via .1 mile portage from Lake Superior. Stay Limit: 2 nights from June 1 – Labor Day annually. Access: Canoe/kayak. No dock for boats.
Details →Rock Harbor Campground
Rock Harbor Campground is located in Rock Harbor on the northeast end of Isle Royale, off of the Rock Harbor and Tobin Harbor Trails. Additional fees for boats to stay overnight at marina. Stay Limit: 1 night from June 1 – September 21 annually. Shelters: 9 Depth at dock (normal conditions): 3’-12’. Access: Foot/canoe/kayak/private boat
Details →Siskiwit Bay Campground
Siskiwit Bay Campground is located in Siskiwit Bay on the southwest end of Isle Royale National Park, off of the Island Mine and Feldtmann Ridge Trails. Boats can overnight at dock. Stay Limit: 3 nights from June 1 to Labor Day annually. Shelters: 2 Depth at dock (normal conditions): 2’-6’. Access: Foot/canoe/kayak/private boat
Details →South Lake Desor Campground
South Lake Desor Campground is located inland on the south side of Lake Desor off of the Greenstone Ridge Trail. There is no canoe/kayak/boat access. Stay Limit: 2 nights effective from June 1 – Labor Day. Access: Foot
Details →Three Mile Campground
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 21 annually Shelters: 8 Depth at dock (normal conditions): 9’ Access: Foot/canoe/kayak/private boat
Details →Todd Harbor Campground
Todd Harbor Campground is located in Todd Harbor on the north shore of Isle Royale National Park, off of the Minong Ridge Trail. Boats can overnight at dock. Stay Limit: 3 nights from June 1 – Labor Day annually. Shelters: 1 Depth at dock (normal conditions): 2’. Access: Foot/canoe/kayak/private boat
Details →Tookers Island Campground
Tookers Island Campground is located on Tookers Island in Rock Harbor Channel. Boats can overnight at dock. Stay Limit: 3 nights from June 1 – Labor Day annually. Shelters: 2 Depth at dock (normal conditions): 7’ Access: Canoe/kayak/private boat
Details →Washington Creek Campground
Washington Creek Campground is located along Washington Creek near Windigo on the southwest end of Isle Royale, off of the Feldtmann Lake, Minong, and Greenstone Ridge Trails. The Windigo Visitor Center, Windigo Store, and Windigo Comfort Station are all accessible from the campground. Boats can stay at Windigo Dock (average depth at dock 4'-20') or stay and walk .3 miles to campground. Stay Limit: 3 nights from June 1 – September 21 annually Shelters: 10 Access: Foot/canoe/kayak/private boat
Details →West Chickenbone Campground
West Chickenbone Campground is located on the west end of Chickenbone Lake, off of the Indian Portage Trail This inland campground has no boater access. Canoe/kayak access from the 1.2 mile portage from McCargoe Cove or the 0.2 mile portage from Lake Livermore. Stay Limit: 2 nights from June 1 – Labor Day annually. Access: Foot/canoe/kayak
Details →Wood Lake Campground
Wood Lake Campground is located inland on the north shore of Wood Lake. Wood Lake can be accessed via a .6 mile portage from Lake Whittlesey or from Siskiwit Lake. Stay Limit: 2 nights from June 1 – Labor Day annually. Access: Canoe/kayak. No private boat access.
Details →Things to Do
Attend a Rock Harbor Ranger Program
Attend a Rock Harbor ranger program at Isle Royale National Park. Learn about the isolated island, it's cultural history, and the critters who call the island home. Topics include moose, wolves, geology, shipwrecks, island biogeography, wilderness, and more. Ranger programs also include guided hikes and tours.
Attend a Windigo Ranger Program
Attend a Windigo ranger program at Isle Royale National Park. Learn about the isolated island, it's cultural history, and the critters who call the island home. Topics include moose, wolves, geology, shipwrecks, island biogeography, wilderness, and more.
Become an Isle Royale Junior Ranger
Become an Isle Royale Junior Ranger and learn about the isolated island, the unique plants and animals found in the park, the island’s cultural history, and Leave No Trace principles.
Explore Raspberry Island
Take a leisurely walk along a boardwalk through the spruce bog on Raspberry Island accessible by private boat, vessel rental, or a tour on the MV SANDY from Rock Harbor on Isle Royale’s east end.
Feldtmann Loop Section 1: Hike from Windigo to Feldtmann Lake
Hike on the Feldtmann Lake Trail and experience remnants of an old Lake Superior shoreline. Mileage: About 8.5 miles
Feldtmann Loop Section 2: Hike from Feldtmann Lake to Siskiwit Bay
Climb the steep path to the Feldtmann Ridge and enjoy scenic views of Feldtmann Lake and the western wilderness of Isle Royale. Mileage: About 10.3 miles
Feldtmann Loop Section 3: Hike from Siskiwit Bay to Island Mine
Comb Carnelian Beach and relish in the remnants of the historic Island Mine on this section of the Feldtmann Loop. Mileage: About 4.3 miles
Feldtmann Loop Section 4 / Greenstone Ridge: Hike from Island Mine to Windigo
Walk along an old mining road on the western end of the Greenstone Ridge then descend to Windigo. Mileage: About 6.5 miles
Greenstone Section 1: Hike from Lookout Louise to Mount Franklin
This secluded section of the Greenstone Ridge Trail reaches to the northeastern tip of Isle Royale. Mileage: About 5 miles
Greenstone Section 2: Hike from Mount Franklin to Mount Ojibway
Travel from one scenic viewpoint to another starting at Mount Franklin, a picturesque overlook along the Greenstone Ridge. Mileage: About 2.8 miles
Greenstone Section 3: Hike from Mount Ojibway to Chickenbone Lake
Take in the stunning vistas from the eastern Greenstone Ridge, including views from Ojibway Tower. Mileage: About 5.7 miles
Greenstone Section 4: Hike from Chickenbone Lake to Hatchet Lake
Begin this trek with scenic views near Chickenbone Lake then travel through a variety of forest types to Hatchet Lake. Mileage: About 7.2 miles
Greenstone Section 5: Hike from Hatchet Lake to Ishpeming Tower
Discover scenic views, an old fire tower, and the hardwood forest on Isle Royale's west end. Mileage: About 3.8 miles
Greenstone Section 6: Hike from Ishpeming Tower to South Desor
This rolling trail through hardwood forest offers an opportunity for self reflection. Mileage: About 3.5 miles
Greenstone Section 7: Hike from South Desor to Island Mine
Unknowingly trek over the highest peak on the island—Mount Desor—on this section through hardwood forest. Mileage: About 5.2 miles
Harbor to Hills Section 1: Hike from Rock Harbor to Three Mile
The Rock Harbor Trail hugs the Rock Harbor Channel offering scenic views of the outer islands. Mileage: About 3.6 miles
Harbor to Hills Section 2: Hike from Three Mile to Daisy Farm
Hike along the Rock Harbor Trail from Three Mile to Daisy Farm and enjoy views of Rock Harbor Channel, Rock Harbor Lighthouse, and Edisen Fishery. Mileage: About 4.2 miles
Harbor to Hills Section 3: Hike from Daisy Farm to Moskey Basin
This section of the Rock Harbor Trail strays away from Rock Harbor Channel and meanders through forests speckled with rocky outcroppings. Mileage: About 3.9 miles
Harbor to Hills Section 4: Hike from Moskey Basin to Lake Richie
Hike by streams, through wetlands, and atop rocky outcroppings on the Lake Richie Trail. Mileage: About 1.9 miles
Harbor to Hills Section 5: Hike from Lake Richie to West Chickenbone
Hike from one interior lake to the next on the Indian Portage Trail. Mileage: About 3.6 miles
Hike the Daisy Farm Trail
Explore a bog, trek along a lengthy boardwalk through wetlands, and view wildlife along the Daisy Farm Trail that connects the Greenstone Ridge to Daisy Farm Campground. Mileage: About 1.7 miles
Hike the Huginnin Loop
Day hike or backpack the Huginnin Loop on the west end of Isle Royale. Discover over 8 miles of trail that includes remnants from past humans, the rocky northern shore, and the western wilderness of the island.
Hike the Mount Franklin Trail
Looking for a hike with a scenic view? The Mount Franklin Trail connects Three Mile Campground to Mount Franklin, an overlook with picturesque northern views. Mileage: About 2.5 miles
Hike the Mount Ojibway Trail
Hike from Mount Ojibway to Daisy Farm on the Mount Ojibway Trail. Explore an old fire tower on the Greenstone Ridge, hike through wetlands, and finish near Daisy Farm Campground along Rock Harbor Channel. Mileage: About 1.7 miles
Hike the Tobin Harbor Trail
The Tobin Harbor Trail connects the Mount Franklin Trail to Rock Harbor. This easygoing route is preferred amongst backpackers compared to the Rock Harbor Trail. Mileage: About 3 miles
Hike to Grace Creek Overlook
Grace Creek Overlook offers scenic views of Grace Creek, Grace Harbor, and Lake Superior.
Hike to Minong Ridge Overlook
Hike to the Minong Ridge Overlook and enjoy views of Isle Royale's west end, Lake Superior, and the Canadian shoreline to the north.
Hike to Suzy's Cave
Discover Suzy’s Cave, a wave-washed cliff and an inland sea arch, found on Isle Royale’s eastern end.
Minong Section 1: Hike from McCargoe Cove to Todd Harbor
Try out Isle Royale's most challenging trail by trekking this more traveled section of this primitive trail. Mileage: About 6.7 miles
Minong Section 2: Hike from Todd Harbor to Little Todd
Enjoy scenic views of interior lakes, Lake Superior, and Canada on this strenuous, primitive trail. Mileage: About 6.8 miles
Visitor Centers
- Houghton Visitor Center
- Rock Harbor Visitor Center
- Windigo Visitor Center
Webcams
Source: National Park Service.