There are group discounts for travel to Isle Royale National
Park aboard the Ranger III from Houghton, Michigan or the Wenonah
from Grand Portage, Minnesota.
You will be assuming a great responsibility when you come to the Isle Royale wilderness. We are here to help facilitate your trip planning, so that your group will have the richest experience possible, while minimally impacting the wilderness. If you have further questions after reading this through, please call us.
Group Camping Summary
- Advance reservations are required for group camping parties. A group is a
party of 7-10 individuals, including leaders. No group may be larger than 10
people. If your party exceeds 10 people, you must split into two groups, each
independent and traveling on completely separate itineraries. Both groups are
required to obtain advance permits.
- Groups are required to follow a set travel itinerary based on campsites that
have been reserved. Groups are limited to camping at the group tent sites -
three sided shelters or individual tent sites are not available.
- There will be a $25 processing fee (per permit) to process group camping permits.
- There is a daily user fee of $4.00 per person per day. The user fee applies
to all visitors 12 and older. Children 11 and under are exempt. The user fee
is collected by the transportation service.
- No one organization can have more than 20 people on the Island at once. Organizations
cannot exceed 80 people per year.
- Commercial groups must obtain an Incidental Business Permit issued
by Isle Royale National Park for the current season. Any operation providing
goods, activities, or services to the general public within the park and which
is undertaken for or results in compensation, monetary gain, benefit, or profit
to an individual, organization, or corporation are subject to this requirement.
Non-profit organizations are subject to these same laws. For an application,
write to: Isle Royale National Park, 800 East Lakeshore Drive, Houghton, MI
49931.
- The average hiking distance per day is 6-8 miles for beginning backpackers
and 8-10 miles for experienced backpackers.
- Please plan on submitting your group camping reservation request as soon as
your plans are firm.
Two Steps for Making Group Camping Reservations
Step 1: Fill out a reservation request form and mail with permit fee to: Isle Royale National Park, 800 East Lakeshore Drive, Houghton, MI 49931 any time after January 1. On the first business day of February, we process reservation request forms in random order. Reservation requests received in February are processed in the order they are received. Beginning the first business day in April, we will accept reservation requests by fax, mail, phone, or in person. Requests will not be processed without enclosed permit fee.
Step 2: After completing step 1 and receiving your group camping confirmation
letter, you must now make your boat or seaplane reservations. See The Greenstone,
the park newspaper, for current schedules and rates.
IMPORTANT REMINDER: Your permit is for group camping only. You are responsible
for making your own transportation reservations to Isle Royale National Park.
Changes to Your Camping Permit
If your group needs to make any of the following changes, contact us right away. These changes must be made prior to departure.
- Your group decides to cancel the trip
- Your group needs to change trip dates
- Your camping party size changed from 7-10 people to 6 or fewer
- Your camping party size changed from 1-6 to 7 or more
- The method of transportation to the park changes
- Your group wants to change their trip itinerary
These changes will substantially affect your permit and reservation, and need
to be dealt with immediately by calling: (906) 482-0984. If your group makes
any of the following changes, have the ranger make these changes on your permit
during your check-in at the park:
- The name or address of the leader changes
- The number in your camping party changes, but stays within the size range
of 7-10 or 1-6 that is already on your permit
- Your "traveling mode" changes
- The number of tents changes
- The number of boats changes
Changes in the second list do not substantially alter your reservation, but
we do need the corrected information for accurate visitor/campground statistics.
At the end of your trip, be sure to turn in your permit with corrections at
any ranger station or onboard the Ranger III. If you forget, please mail it
(or a copy) to the Houghton headquarters. Thank you for your help.
Preparation for a Group Outing
There are several things your group can do to properly prepare for the rigors of Isle Royale. Preparation will help ensure a pleasant trip for all. Here are a few tips on preparing your group:
- Take your group on an overnight hike. This hike will also serve as a way to test equipment such as camp stoves, water filters, etc. to avoid breakdowns on the Island. The practice hike will also help to break in new hiking boots.
- Give a lesson to your group on the usage of topographic maps and compasses. This will also help to familiarize the group with the area you will be traveling.
- Help the group understand the problems of fatigue, exhaustion, and hypothermia. Group members should be able to recognize and treat the initial stages of these conditions.
- The group leader should have a good knowledge of first aid. Remember there are no medical facilities on Isle Royale.
- Be prepared for bugs. Black flies, mosquitoes and other native bugs are present, so remember to bring bug repellent, mosquito netting or other skin barriers.
- Bees are present all over Isle Royale, especially during a hot, dry summer. Be sure to pack an epinephrine kit if you or a member of your party is allergic to bee stings.
- Footwear: EXPECT BLISTERS! Pack plenty of moleskin in your first aid kit. Even if your feet are tough, the terrain is very rugged and may give you blisters. Wear footwear that is comfortable and in good condition. Boots high enough to give ankle support are recommended. Boots should breathe. Heavy mountaineering types are not needed. If you suspect that someone may have noticeable rubbing, redness, or soreness, treat it immediately. Don't wait until the next stop. We recommend waterproofing your boots and carrying along running shoes or sandals for evening wear while your boots air dry. When drying footwear make sure it is secured. Fox have run off with unattended footwear.
- Drinking Water: Water not obtained from the spigots at Rock Harbor and Washington Creek campgrounds must be considered contaminated with the eggs of the Echinococcus granulosus tapeworm and other harmful bacteria. Boil water for two minutes, or filter through an adequate water filter (pore size of 0.4 microns or less). We recommend the purchase and use of water filters. One unit for each group of 5 or 6 will provide an adequate and safe water supply. Collect water with a pan and filter the cleaner water. Collapsible plastic jugs are very useful at campsites. Remember, it is unsafe to drink untreated Isle Royale water. Water treated with chemical tablets, such as chlorine, halazone, or iodine WILL NOT guarantee safe drinking water.
- Also, carry plenty of water when hiking. A minimum of 2 quarts per person per day is a good rule of thumb. Drink continuously through the hike to avoid dehydration. Island Mine is the only campsite that does not have a reliable source of water.
- Tents: Use tents you are familiar with and trust. This is not the time to experiment. The "lake effect" can alter weather in a short period of time and you will have only your tent for shelter. Your tent should have insect-proof netting, sewn in floor, waterproof fly, stability in strong winds and cross flow ventilation for moisture removal. It should also be lightweight.
- Backpacks: A strong backpack with a comfortable fit is a necessity. This is a poor time to break in a new pack since it could strain your back and make walking uncomfortable. Whether you use an internal or external frame pack is a minor consideration as long as it is durable and well designed for backpacking. Test the loading of your pack prior to your visit to be certain it is balanced. Make sure your pack rain cover or poncho is in good condition and readily accessible. Remember to keep your first aid kit, flashlight, snack, and water bottles where they can be used without disturbing the rest of the pack.
- Stoves: Self-contained fuel stoves are a must since campfires are not allowed at most Isle Royale campgrounds. Stoves reduce the amount of wood that would otherwise be cut for fuel and help to preserve the natural forest area. Any stove used for a group should have a high BTU output and be stable enough to handle group sized cooking pots. Be sure to bring replacement parts and know how to service them. Don't attempt to cook only with Sterno; groups that have done this usually end up borrowing or sharing the stove of another backpacker. Determine your fuel needs during a shakedown outing. Bring 25% more fuel than you think you will need. Check with the transportation service to see how fuel is to be transported.
- Sleeping Bags: The cool Isle Royale climate makes a warm sleeping bag a necessity. Prepare for sudden drops in temperature. House bags or lightweight summer bags are not suitable. Bags that compress easily and are somewhat water resistant work best. Bring a sleeping pad; cutting of tree boughs for bedding is prohibited. Remember, one third of your time on the Island will be spent in a sleeping bag.
- Food: There are several manufacturers of trail foods on the market making menu selection almost unlimited. Sample your meals at planning meetings. Cook at a shake-down outing so that you order only those items that will be eaten and enjoyed by the group. There will be minimum opportunity for substitutions on the Island. Also, consider developing your menu from items at your local supermarket. There are many things on the shelf that are suitable for backpacking and are usually cheaper than freeze dried trail foods. Try dry soups, potato flakes, pastas, biscuits, breakfast foods, desserts, and juices. Keep meals simple; one-pot meals are best for preparation and cleanup. Cooked food that is not eaten must be packed out, so plan your meals carefully. It is illegal to dump food or garbage in the outhouses. Package your meals so they can be distributed easily and allow everyone's load to become a little lighter each day. All trash must be taken off the Island by your group when you leave so refrain from using cans or glass containers. A menu that repeats itself can simplify planning and purchasing of food. Squirrels and foxes have been conditioned by visitors and may raid your equipment and food. Don't feed them, and protect your food and trash by maintaining a clean camp.
- Telephone service is not available and cellular phone service is unreliable on Isle Royale. Emergency communication is available through the rangers on the Island but it is very difficult to contact them.
- Emergencies: Each group should establish one contact person at home. The
contact person should have all the necessary information about each group member
and the group's itinerary. This information includes: group leader's name, individual
names of each group member, ferry service taken - departure and arrival dates,
permit numbers, camping itinerary. In case of an emergency medical evacuation,
visitors are flown to Thunder Bay, Canada. Therefore, be sure each member of
your group is carrying identification and some money.
Emergency contact numbers:
Between 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.: (906) 482-0984
After hours contact Houghton City Police: (906) 482-2121
Preparing Yourself (The Leader):
Know the answers to these questions:
- How would I get word to a ranger station if an injury or illness makes it
impossible for a group member to hike?
- How would I care for an injured/ill group member?
- What would I do with the remainder of my group? (Never leave an injured person
alone.)
- How would I get an injured/ill group member off the Island?
- Do I have a card for each member of my group that lists name, address, emergency
phone number, and medical information such as blood type, allergies, and medications
used? (This is extremely important to medical personnel in emergencies.)
- Do I have sufficient resources to stay a few days beyond what I planned?
- Am I current in first aid training?
- Am I carrying a first aid kit and have I taught the group how to use it?
Preparation is the key to a successful Isle Royale visit. Being prepared for
whatever may occur will help you to be an effective leader. Keep in mind that
the park is a natural wilderness that should be preserved for future generations
of hikers and campers.
The first time visitor must realize the isolation of the Island. It will be
very difficult to leave if conditions are not what you expected. Be prepared
for colder temperatures and insects. Few facilities exist on the Island. There
are no medical facilities and it is extremely difficult to contact a ranger
if an emergency occurs. Supplies are only available in limited quantities from
one small store on each end of the Island. Plan ahead and bring with you whatever
you will need.
Your Trip - Lodging/Camping Before & After
For campers needing lodging either before or after the trip, the following contacts are listed to assist in your preparation:
Michigan's Keweenaw Convention & Visitors Bureau
56638 Calumet Avenue, Calumet, MI 49913 Phone: (906) 337-4579
Email: info@keweenaw.info
World-Wide-Website Address: http://www.keweenaw.info
Distances from campgrounds to Ranger III dock in Houghton:
Minnesota's Grand Marais Visitor Information Center
Box 805, Grand Marais, MN 55604-1048 Phone: (218) 387-9112
Email: gmcc@boreal.org
World-Wide-Website Address: http://www.grandmaraismn.com
For airline arrangements, the nearest airport to Houghton and Copper Harbor
is the Houghton County Memorial Airport, Houghton, MI (CMX). Airline services
provided by Mesaba-Northwest Airlink - (906) 482-3660. Bus service provided
by Superior Delivery and Transportation - (906) 487-6511.
For airline arrangements to Grand Portage, the nearest airport is the Duluth
International Airport, Duluth, MN (DLH). Bus service from Duluth to Grand Portage
provided by Happy Times Tours (807) 473-5515.
While on the Island, Practice Leave No Trace
Principles
The Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics is a national non-profit organization dedicated to promoting and inspiring responsible outdoor recreation through education, research and partnerships. Leave No Trace builds awareness, appreciation and respect for our wildlands. For more information, visit http://www.lnt.org
1. Plan ahead and prepare. This will help make your outing safer and more fun. Consider what to bring and what to leave behind. Repackage food into plastic bags to reduce litter. Plan practical, achievable itineraries.
2. Travel and camp on durable surface. Use existing trails and avoid shortcutting switchbacks. You must camp in designated group campsites.
3. Dispose of waste properly. Never bury your trash. Garbage and leftover food cannot be placed in outhouses. If you pack it in, pack it out! Wash yourself and dishes at least 200 feet away from water.
4. Leave what you find. People come to Isle Royale to enjoy its natural state. Allow others the same sense of discovery by leaving plants, rocks, historic, cultural, and archaeological artifacts as you find them.
5. Minimize campfire impacts. Campfires are only permitted at a small number of campgrounds. A small, lightweight stove is required for cooking.
6. Respect wildlife. Avoid encounters with wildlife. Use binoculars or telephoto lenses to observe them from a safe distance. If the animals stop what they are doing, you are too close.
7. Be considerate of other visitors. Observe quiet hours and avoid noisy games
to allow all visitors to enjoy the peace of the wilderness. Hike quietly. Lessen
your impact on others by wearing colors that blend in with the wilderness.
Helping the Group During the Trip
- Hike for ½ hour then rest for five minutes regardless of weather or
terrain. Fatigue is responsible for most accidents.
- Place the slowest hikers in the front of the line and don't allow the group
to become strung along over a long distance.
- Allow ample time to set up and break camp. Time spent relaxing in a campsite
is as important as distance covered on the trail. Hike a reasonable distance
each day (6-10 miles) and avoid "forced marches."
- Dress in layers so that you can put on or take off clothing as needed. Try
to limit each group member to one change of clothes. This will make packs lighter.
- Tape flashlight switches off and screw fuel bottles tight. Try not to store
fuel bottles next to food.
- Never let a group member light or use a stove inside a tent.
- Carry energy food as you hike: candy, nuts, granola, cookies, trail mix, and
fruit. Use similar foods for no-cook lunches.
- If a group member becomes injured, keep their personal belongings with them
since they may be separated from the group if further treatment elsewhere is
necessary.
- Expect rain. Carry a poncho and rain fly, and be sure to pack clothing, sleeping
bag, and other gear in plastic bags.
- Keep pack weights to a quarter or less of the body weight of the person carrying
the pack.
- If there are more than ten of you, you will be broken into smaller groups
and are required to go on separate routes. Plan to use your stoves, water filters,
and first aid kits accordingly. Have sufficient equipment to supply both groups.
- Unruly groups affect the experience of other campers and may be dealt with
by park staff.
- What your group carries into the park must also be carried out, so bring along
plastic bags for separating your trash from the other things in your pack. Small
zip-lock bags are good for leftover food and help to keep your larger trash
bags odor free.
- Be honest with yourself and your group; if you or another person are having
problems, tell someone.
With good planning and preparation, your trip should be a success. Listen to
the sounds of nature and have a good time!
Special Tips
- The peak season on Isle Royale is mid-July to mid-August. Try to plan your
visit earlier or later in the season.
- Merely "hiking the Island" is unfair to you and your group. Take
time to learn about its plants, animals, rocks, and history. Read the publications
available from the Isle Royale Natural History Association; they can help you
prepare for your trip and make your visit more pleasant, safe, and educational.
- Enjoy the interpretive programs at Windigo and Rock Harbor.
If your groups lacks the experience for an Isle Royale trek, consider these
similar nearby areas:
Regulations
The regulations of Isle Royale National Park are designed to protect park resources and visitor experiences. Regulations place strong emphasis on preserving wilderness character. Visitors are responsible for adhering to park regulations.
- User Fee: A user fee of $4.00 per person per day will be assessed to your party. 80% of the revenue collected stays at Isle Royale National Park and will be earmarked for trail and dock maintenance; the remaining 20% is used on park projects at other National Parks.
- Quiet hours at all campgrounds are from 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. EDT. This will insure that all campers have a restful experience, while enjoying the natural sounds of the wilderness.
- Prohibited items include items that cause damage to an area or create excess noise. This includes: fireworks, kites, radios, video games, frisbees, baseballs, footballs, and other sporting equipment. Wheeled canoe portaging devices are also prohibited.
- Fishing licenses are not required for inland lakes and streams on the Island,
however Michigan size and possession limits still apply. Only artificial lures
and flies may be used. Fish in possession must be measurable and identifiable
(skin and heads on). Michigan State fishing
licenses are required for Lake Superior and the connecting bays. Only daily
licenses are available at Rock Harbor and Windigo. Refer to the Michigan Fishing
Guide and the park newspaper for a complete set of rules regarding fishing at
Isle Royale National Park.
Checklist
Before you depart, did your group remember to:
* Make reservations with the ferry or seaplane service to the Island as soon as your group camping reservations are secured
* Establish an emergency contact person at home with all necessary information
* Check all essential equipment including camp stove, water filter, tents, and sleeping bags
* Pack an extra camp stove and replacement filters in case of a breakdown
* Pack a first-aid kit and an epinephrine kit if any group member is allergic to bee stings
* Pack bug repellent and protective clothing
* Purchase a Michigan fishing license if you plan to fish on Lake Superior or connecting waters
If you have any questions contact:
Group Camping Office
Isle Royale National Park
800 East Lakeshore Drive
Houghton, MI 49931
(906) 482-0984
Fax: (906) 482-8753
E-mail: ISRO_GroupReserve@nps.gov
Go to Camping at Isle Royale National Park
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