Birch Island Campground
Closed — Closed for the season. Isle Royale National Park opens April 16, 2026. First-come, first-served; no reservations. A free overnight permit is required.
New Food Storage Guidelines to Reduce Human - Wildlife Interactions
In response to wolves accessing human food and garbage in and around Rock Harbor and campgrounds located on the east end of the island, new food storage guidelines to ensure the safety of visitors and wildlife are in effect.
Malone Bay Campground Shelters Closed Nights of July 29 - August 1, 2025
On these dates, the Malone Bay shelters are reserved for Agaaming Aki tribal summer youth camp. Isle Royale is within the traditional homelands of the Grand Portage Band of Lake Superior Chippewa. The 2 group sites at Malone Bay will remain open.
Duncan Bay Narrows Campground Closed Nights of August 1 - August 5, 2025
On these dates, Duncan Bay Narrows campground will be closed for shelter and privy maintenance.
USCG Navigational Buoys Not in Water Until Mid-June
Boaters: Due to USCG season start-up delays, navigational buoys are not in Lake Superior waters around Isle Royale. Use caution around navigational channels. Buoys are estimated to be put in place by mid-June.
2025 RANGER III Parking Area Construction Notice: Carpool When Possible
Houghton city will be doing construction work that affects the upper, non-gated lot for most of the 2025 summer season. Parking may become limited in the NPS available lots. To help with available parking, when possible, please carpool.
About
Birch Island Campground is a remote wilderness campground located on Birch Island near the mouth of McCargoe Cove on the northern side of Isle Royale National Park. This primitive boat-access-only site offers one individual tent site and one shelter, accommodating a total of two camping parties. The campground includes a dock where boats can stay overnight, with a depth of approximately 5 feet under normal conditions. The campground features food storage lockers to protect against wildlife interactions, composting toilets (seasonal), and non-potable water. The terrain is mostly uneven and rough throughout the campground, and facilities are not accessible. Campfires are prohibited; only self-contained stoves are permitted. Isle Royale is a designated wilderness area within traditional homelands of the Grand Portage Band of Lake Superior Chippewa. Birch Island Campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis with no reservations accepted. Camping is limited to 3 consecutive nights between June 1 and Labor Day annually. All visitors must obtain a free overnight camping permit. The remote location in the middle of Lake Superior means weather can be unpredictable, and campers should be prepared for any conditions. Pets are not allowed, and quiet hours are enforced from 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. EDT.
Directions
Birch Island is located near the mouth of McCargoe Cove on the north side of Isle Royale. Accessible only by canoe, kayak, or private boat. Detailed boating directions and navigation information available at nps.gov/isro/planyourvisit/boating-guide.htm.
Nearby Campgrounds
Location
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| Fires Allowed | No |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | No |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $0 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| isro_parkinfo@nps.gov | |
| Phone | +1 (906) 482-0984 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Photos
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