Photo: NPS Photo / Paul Brown
Explore a rugged, isolated island far from our connected communities.
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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.
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.
The stream has very little water flow. Campers should bring enough water to Island Mine or plan on collecting water along your route.
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.
Fuel 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.
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.
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."
41 experiences from the National Park Service. Check details on NPS.gov before you go.
Hike on the Feldtmann Lake Trail and experience remnants of an old Lake Superior shoreline. Mileage: About 8.5 miles
Learn more about Feldtmann Loop Section 1: Hike from Windigo to Feldtmann Lake on NPS.gov (opens in a new tab)
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
Learn more about Feldtmann Loop Section 2: Hike from Feldtmann Lake to Siskiwit Bay on NPS.gov (opens in a new tab)
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
Learn more about Feldtmann Loop Section 3: Hike from Siskiwit Bay to Island Mine on NPS.gov (opens in a new tab)
Walk along an old mining road on the western end of the Greenstone Ridge then descend to Windigo. Mileage: About 6.5 miles
Learn more about Feldtmann Loop Section 4 / Greenstone Ridge: Hike from Island Mine to Windigo on NPS.gov (opens in a new tab)
This secluded section of the Greenstone Ridge Trail reaches to the northeastern tip of Isle Royale. Mileage: About 5 miles
Learn more about Greenstone Section 1: Hike from Lookout Louise to Mount Franklin on NPS.gov (opens in a new tab)
Travel from one scenic viewpoint to another starting at Mount Franklin, a picturesque overlook along the Greenstone Ridge. Mileage: About 2.8 miles
Learn more about Greenstone Section 2: Hike from Mount Franklin to Mount Ojibway on NPS.gov (opens in a new tab)
Take in the stunning vistas from the eastern Greenstone Ridge, including views from Ojibway Tower. Mileage: About 5.7 miles
Learn more about Greenstone Section 3: Hike from Mount Ojibway to Chickenbone Lake on NPS.gov (opens in a new tab)
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
Learn more about Greenstone Section 4: Hike from Chickenbone Lake to Hatchet Lake on NPS.gov (opens in a new tab)
Discover scenic views, an old fire tower, and the hardwood forest on Isle Royale's west end. Mileage: About 3.8 miles
Learn more about Greenstone Section 5: Hike from Hatchet Lake to Ishpeming Tower on NPS.gov (opens in a new tab)
This rolling trail through hardwood forest offers an opportunity for self reflection. Mileage: About 3.5 miles
Learn more about Greenstone Section 6: Hike from Ishpeming Tower to South Desor on NPS.gov (opens in a new tab)
Unknowingly trek over the highest peak on the island—Mount Desor—on this section through hardwood forest. Mileage: About 5.2 miles
Learn more about Greenstone Section 7: Hike from South Desor to Island Mine on NPS.gov (opens in a new tab)
The Rock Harbor Trail hugs the Rock Harbor Channel offering scenic views of the outer islands. Mileage: About 3.6 miles
Learn more about Harbor to Hills Section 1: Hike from Rock Harbor to Three Mile on NPS.gov (opens in a new tab)
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
Learn more about Harbor to Hills Section 2: Hike from Three Mile to Daisy Farm on NPS.gov (opens in a new tab)
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
Learn more about Harbor to Hills Section 3: Hike from Daisy Farm to Moskey Basin on NPS.gov (opens in a new tab)
Hike by streams, through wetlands, and atop rocky outcroppings on the Lake Richie Trail. Mileage: About 1.9 miles
Learn more about Harbor to Hills Section 4: Hike from Moskey Basin to Lake Richie on NPS.gov (opens in a new tab)
Hike from one interior lake to the next on the Indian Portage Trail. Mileage: About 3.6 miles
Learn more about Harbor to Hills Section 5: Hike from Lake Richie to West Chickenbone on NPS.gov (opens in a new tab)
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
Learn more about Hike the Daisy Farm Trail on NPS.gov (opens in a new tab)
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…
Learn more about Hike the Huginnin Loop on NPS.gov (opens in a new tab)
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
Learn more about Hike the Mount Franklin Trail on NPS.gov (opens in a new tab)
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…
Learn more about Hike the Mount Ojibway Trail on NPS.gov (opens in a new tab)
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
Learn more about Hike the Tobin Harbor Trail on NPS.gov (opens in a new tab)
Try out Isle Royale's most challenging trail by trekking this more traveled section of this primitive trail. Mileage: About 6.7 miles
Learn more about Minong Section 1: Hike from McCargoe Cove to Todd Harbor on NPS.gov (opens in a new tab)
Enjoy scenic views of interior lakes, Lake Superior, and Canada on this strenuous, primitive trail. Mileage: About 6.8 miles
Learn more about Minong Section 2: Hike from Todd Harbor to Little Todd on NPS.gov (opens in a new tab)
Trek the most challenging section of the primitive Minong Ridge Trail with strenuous hill climbs, unsure footing, and picturesque ridgetop views. Mileage: About 5.7 miles
Learn more about Minong Section 3: Hike from Little Todd to North Desor on NPS.gov (opens in a new tab)
Discover remnants of a wildfire, carefully trek over beaver dams, and roll with the ridges of the longest section of the primitive Minong Ridge Trail. Mileage: About 13 miles
Learn more about Minong Section 4: Hike from North Desor to Windigo on NPS.gov (opens in a new tab)Showing 25 of 25
Pick one to find other parks that offer it.
36 campgrounds listed on Recreation.gov. Check availability and current conditions before you go.
Not reservable on Recreation.gov 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…
Not reservable on Recreation.gov 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…
Not reservable on Recreation.gov 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…
Not reservable on Recreation.gov 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…
Not reservable on Recreation.gov 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…
Not reservable on Recreation.gov 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…
Not reservable on Recreation.gov 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…
Not reservable on Recreation.gov 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…
Not reservable on Recreation.gov 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…
Not reservable on Recreation.gov 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…
Not reservable on Recreation.gov 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…
Not reservable on Recreation.gov 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…
Not reservable on Recreation.gov 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…
Not reservable on Recreation.gov 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…
Not reservable on Recreation.gov 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…
Not reservable on Recreation.gov 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…
Not reservable on Recreation.gov 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…
Not reservable on Recreation.gov 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…
Not reservable on Recreation.gov 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…
Not reservable on Recreation.gov 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…
Not reservable on Recreation.gov 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…
Not reservable on Recreation.gov 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…
Not reservable on Recreation.gov 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…
Not reservable on Recreation.gov 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…
Not reservable on Recreation.gov 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…
Not reservable on Recreation.gov 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…
Not reservable on Recreation.gov 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…
Not reservable on Recreation.gov 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…
Not reservable on Recreation.gov 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…
Not reservable on Recreation.gov 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…
Not reservable on Recreation.gov 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…
Not reservable on Recreation.gov 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…
Not reservable on Recreation.gov 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…
Not reservable on Recreation.gov 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…
Not reservable on Recreation.gov 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…
Not reservable on Recreation.gov 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…
Find visitor services available in the park. Check current hours and availability before you go.
Facility
The Houghton Visitor Center is located in Houghton, Michigan. It is the mainland headquarters for Isle Royale National Park. Trip planning assistance, Ranger III tickets…
800 East Lakeshore Drive, Houghton, MI (906) 482-0984 Directions
Facility
The Rock Harbor Visitor Center is located in Rock Harbor on the northeast end of Isle Royale National Park. It is only accessible by boat or seaplane. Permitting and fee…
800 E. Lakeshore Drive, Houghton, MI (906) 482-0984 Directions
Facility
The Windigo Visitor Center is located in Windigo on the southwest end of Isle Royale National Park. It is only accessible by boat or seaplane. Permitting and fee…
800 East Lakeshore Drive, Houghton, MI (906) 482-0984 Directions
Open 24 hours, daily · Isle Royale National Park Open Season (April 16 through October 31)
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.
$7 per person per day to enter or remain in Isle Royale National Park. Children 15 and younger are exempt. Visiting Park Headquarters in Houghton, MI does not require a fee.
Isle Royale Season Pass: $60 valid from April 16 through October 31 of the year indicated. Pass covers fees for the pass holder and up to three adults traveling with the pass holder (four total).
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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.
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.
Mailing address: 800 East Lakeshore Drive, Houghton, MI 49931
Ask about trails, fees, weather, events, or planning your visit.
AI answers can be wrong. Check official NPS info before you go.
