Isle Royale National Park
36 campgrounds in the park · 26 nearby · 8 free and dispersed sites within 50 mi
Photo: NPS Photo / Paul Brown
6 current alerts
As of Sep 20, 2026 · from nps.gov
- InformationBoat Fuel UnavailableFuel for boaters will not be available from September 13 through October 31 except for emergencies only. Boaters are encouraged to bring extra fuel in containers.
- CautionIsland Mine Campground Stream LowThe stream has very little water flow. Campers should bring enough water to Island Mine or plan on collecting water along your route.
- Park closureTent Camping Closed at Multiple East End CampgroundsDue 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.
- CautionHarmful Algal Blooms Occurring in Lake Richie and Intermediate LakeBlooms 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.
- InformationAll 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.
- InformationFood Storage Regulations in EffectProper 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."
At a glance
- Entrance
- $7 per person
- In the park
- 36 campgrounds
- Near the park
- 26 campgroundsWithin 50 mi
- Free and dispersed
- 8 sitesWithin 50 mi
- Annual pass
- $60Isle Royale only
Where to camp
Camping in the park 36
- National Park
Malone Bay Campground
In the park · Eagle Harbor, MI
- National Park
Rock Harbor Campground
In the park · Houghton, MI
Camping near the park 26
- Aerial viewCampground
National Park Service Site #2
9.1 mi · Houghton, MI
- Aerial viewCampground
National Park Service Site #1
9.1 mi · Houghton, MI
Free and dispersed nearby 8
See them on the map- Camp siteEagle Harbor, MI1.3 mi
- Lake WhittleseyHoughton, MI5.4 mi
- West Chickenbone Lake CampgroundHoughton, MI6.0 mi
- West Chickenbone Lake CampgroundHoughton, MI6.0 mi
- North Lake DesorEagle Harbor, MI8.0 mi
- Rock HarborHoughton, MI18 mi
Services nearby: 3 dump stations · 6 rest areas
About Isle Royale
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…
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.
Photos: NPS Photo / Paul Brown
Things to do
- Arts and Culture
- Astronomy
- Stargazing
- Boating
- Motorized Boating
- Sailing
- Boat Tour
- Camping
- Backcountry Camping
Plan your visit
Getting there
Isle Royale National Park headquarters is located in Houghton, MI. Visit the Houghton page on the Isle Royale National Park website for additional information and a map on how to access the visitor center.
Weather
Isle Royale National Park is a remote island wilderness in the middle of Lake Superior. Weather influences traveling to and from the island, as well as your trip once you arrive. For the most up-to-date weather…
Plan your visit
Fees and passes
- Per person$7
- Isle Royale annual pass$60
Hours
Isle Royale National Park is open annually from April 16 to October 31. Transportation services are offered from May to September. The island and its surrounding islands are closed to all visitors from November 1 to April 15 due to extreme winter weather conditions and for the safety and protection of visitors. This closure extends 4.5 miles out into Lake Superior from the island. Park headquarters during the winter is in Houghton, Michigan. Summer headquarters is located at Mott Island on Isle Royale.
Getting there
Isle Royale National Park headquarters is located in Houghton, MI. Visit the Houghton page on the Isle Royale National Park website for additional information and a map on how to access the visitor center.
Weather
Isle Royale National Park is a remote island wilderness in the middle of Lake Superior. Weather influences traveling to and from the island, as well as your trip once you arrive. For the most up-to-date weather information, call (906) 482-0984 or email isro_parkinfo@nps.gov prior to your trip.
Camped at Isle Royale? You could be the first to say which site you'd pick again.
Reviews, photos and cell signal reports from real stays help the next camper choose between Malone Bay Campground, Rock Harbor Campground and Washington Creek Campground.