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Help Isle Royale stay wild by following these best practices on your powerboating or sailing trip. NPS Isle Royale National Park regulations are intended to protect park resources and visitor experiences. Visitors are responsible for adhering to regulations. The park’s boundary extends 4-1/2 miles into Lake Superior from the outer islands or to the international boundary. No pets allowed. Boater PermitsAll boaters staying overnight at anchor, at docks, or in campgrounds need to permit in advance. Park Entrance FeesA per person daily entrance fee is required to enter and remain in the park. Children 15 and under are exempt. Pay fees online prior to your trip. ![]() Kaitlyn Knick Camping and DocksAll dock space and small-party campsites (including shelters) are available first-come, first-served. They may not be reserved or held for others. From July to September, expect crowded conditions at docks and campgrounds. Observe stay limits for docks and campgrounds; most stay limits are in effect June 1 through Labor Day. Rock Harbor, Three Mile, Lane Cove, and Washington Creek stay limits are in effect June 1 through Septemebr 17.
The following docks are closed to public use:
Regular Dock ClosuresDock closures to accommodate passenger ferry and tour boat operations. Closures in eastern time.
Restricted ActivitiesWater skiing and personal watercraft (e.g. Jet skis and Waverunners) are prohibited. PetsDogs, cats and other mammals are not allowed. This includes pets on boats within the park boundaries, which extend 4 ½ miles into Lake Superior from the outermost land areas of the park. Visitors bringing pets to Isle Royale will be required to leave immediately. Pets disturb wildlife and can transmit diseases. Special conditions apply to guide dogs. On-board Electronics
On-board GeneratorsAllowed: The operation or use of permanently-installed (by manufacturer) on-board vessel generators is allowed from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. eastern time in developed zones, and at the following docks: Beaver Island, Belle Isle, Caribou Island, Grace Island, Hay Bay, Malone Bay, Rock Harbor, Tobin Harbor, and Windigo. Quiet/No Wake ZonesThese zones protect the natural quiet and wilderness values sought by most Isle Royale visitors and reduce wake impacts. Within Quiet/No-Wake Zones, vessels must not exceed 5 mph or create a wake in excess of surrounding seas. Quiet/No-Wake Zones are not marked by buoys. Boaters are responsible for knowing the locations of Quiet/No Wake Zones. ![]() Aquatic Invasive SpeciesZebra mussels and other Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) pose a serious threat. Gray WaterGray water must be dispensed outside of park waters (which extend 4.5 miles from the outermost land areas of the park) or at a pump station in Windigo or Rock Harbor.![]() FirewoodFires are allowed only in provided metal rings and grates. Very few campgrounds allow fires. Only dead wood on the ground may be collected for use as fuel for campfires. |
Last updated: July 20, 2023