Backpacking & Camping

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[MUSIC PLAYING] Hey, backpackers. Isle Royale's wilderness attracts thousands of visitors each year. So how you treat the park when you visit matters. Isle Royale can stay wild. Here's how you can help.

Know before you go. Isle Royale is a remote island and self-reliance is a must. Services are limited. So make sure to bring everything you'll need, including a Michigan fishing license if you plan on fishing in Lake Superior. When you're in the backcountry, it will be necessary to collect, filter, and chemically treat your own drinking water.

Play it safe. Stay on the trail but watch your footing. Isle Royale trails are rugged, uneven, and sometimes obstructed. Accidents can happen. Wear reliable footwear. And consider bringing hiking poles. Stop the transfer of invasive species by cleaning boots and gear before your arrival and in between uses, transitioning from Lake Superior to interior waters.

Protect your park. One way to do this is to camp in designated campgrounds. Each campground has at least one outhouse. Use them. If nature calls while you're on the trail, move off and dig a cat hole. Only have fires in designated metal rings or standing grills. Remember, everything on Isle Royale is protected, so leave it where you found it. And pack out all trash

Share the space. Consider how your actions may affect the wilderness experience of others. Your actions may also affect wildlife. Never approach, feed, touch, or disturb.

Visit the park website for trip planning guidance and current conditions prior to your trip. Thank you for doing your part to help Isle Royale stay wild.

[MUSIC PLAYING]

Duration:

2 minutes, 48 seconds

Help Isle Royale stay wild by following these best practices for your wilderness backpacking experience.

 

On This Page Navigation

 

Moskey Basin shelter

NPS

Camping Overview

Isle Royale has 36 campgrounds located across the island. Campsites are accessible only by foot or watercraft. All campgrounds offer tent sites, a water source, and outhouses. Some campgrounds on Lake Superior offer shelters and picnic tables. For boaters and parties of six or fewer, overnight permits are free.

• Backpackers hike from one campground to another, usually traveling six to eight miles per day.
• Several campgrounds on the Lake Superior shoreline have docks for power boaters and sail boaters.
• Canoes and kayak campgrounds, located inland, are only accessible by non-motorized boats.
• For those looking for a more rugged and adventurous experience, cross-country camping is allowed with an additional permit addendum.
• Consecutive night stay limits are in effect from June 1 through Labor Day. Rock Harbor, Three Mile, Lane Cove, and Washington Creek extend through September 17. See specific stay limits for each campground. They are also listed in the current park newspaper.

Camping Permits

Permits are required, regardless of group size or method of travel, for all overnight stays at campgrounds, cross country sites, docks, or at anchor. Permits are free for parties of six or fewer or boaters.

• For a party of six or fewer (small-party), permits are obtained when you arrive in Rock Harbor, Windigo, or aboard Ranger III. When you arrive at a campground for the evening, campsites are selected on a first come, first served basis.
  • Parties with separate overnight permits, but sharing the same affiliation (camp, school, church, scout group, organization, family, friends, etc. or any combination thereof) may not travel or camp within one half (0.5) mile of each other.
• For a party of seven or more (group camping), groups must have advance reservations. There is a $25 per permit fee.
• Boaters staying overnight in the park also need free permits.

Permits should be displayed on a backpack when hiking and on a tent or shelter when at camp. Please follow camping regulations during your visit.

 

Camping Fees?

For boaters or parties of six or fewer, there is no additional fee to camp overnight in the park. You do need the overnight camping permit discussed above. You are still required to pay park entrance fees, which are seperate from camping.

For parties of seven or more (group camping), there is a $25 per permit fee. Advanced reservations are required.

Campgrounds

Campgrounds with Group Sites

• Campgrounds with Group Sites Table

Campgrounds: Trail Accessible

• Campground Table

Campgrounds: Lake Superior Accessible

• Boater Accessible Campgrounds and Docks Table

Campgrounds: Inland Lake Paddling

 

Trip Planning Resources

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  Backpacking Trips

  Discover backpacking routes at Isle Royale.

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  Backpacker Orientation

  Help Isle Royale Stay Wild by following these best practices for your wilderness backpacking experience.

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  Group Camping

  Groups of 7 or more people need advance reservations to camp at Isle Royale National Park.

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  Fuels & Stoves

  Isle Royale requires certain fuels for boating and cooking in the wilderness.

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  Food Storage

  Learn how to properly store your food during your overnight or daytrip visit to Isle Royale.

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  Drinking Water

  Thirsty in the backcountry? Know your drinking water options before island arrival.

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  Biting Insects

  Learn about what bothersome bugs you may encounter during your trip.

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  Camping FAQs

  Find out all the need-to-know information that others have asked before.

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  Packing Guide

  Plan ahead for your backpacking trip by reviewing suggested gear and how to pack it.