Duncan Bay Campground
Closed — Closed for the season. The campground operates from approximately June 2 through Labor Day annually on a first-come, first-served basis. Isle Royale National Park reopens April 16, 2026. Stay limit is 3 consecutive nights.
Heavy Freezing Spray Warning issued January 19 at 3:28AM EST until January 20 at 10:00PM EST by NWS Marquette MI
* WHAT...For the Gale Warning, north winds 20 to 30 kt with gusts up to 40 kt and waves 7 to 12 ft occurring. For the Heavy Freezing Spray Warning, heavy freezing spray at a rate of 2 cm per hour or greater occurring, and may rapidly accumulate on vessels. * WHERE...Lake Superior from Upper Entrance to Portage Canal to Manitou Island MI 5NM off shore to the US/Canadian Border. * WHEN...For the Gale Warning, until 1 PM EST this afternoon. For the Heavy Freezing Spray Warning, until 10 PM EST Tuesday. * IMPACTS...Operating a vessel in heavy freezing spray is hazardous. Freezing spray may render mechanical and electronic components inoperative. Rapid ice accretion on decks and superstructures may result in a catastrophic loss of stability. Strong winds will cause hazardous waves which could capsize or damage vessels and reduce visibility.
Gale Warning issued January 19 at 3:28AM EST until January 19 at 1:00PM EST by NWS Marquette MI
* WHAT...For the Gale Warning, north winds 20 to 30 kt with gusts up to 40 kt and waves 7 to 12 ft occurring. For the Heavy Freezing Spray Warning, heavy freezing spray at a rate of 2 cm per hour or greater occurring, and may rapidly accumulate on vessels. * WHERE...Lake Superior from Upper Entrance to Portage Canal to Manitou Island MI 5NM off shore to the US/Canadian Border. * WHEN...For the Gale Warning, until 1 PM EST this afternoon. For the Heavy Freezing Spray Warning, until 10 PM EST Tuesday. * IMPACTS...Operating a vessel in heavy freezing spray is hazardous. Freezing spray may render mechanical and electronic components inoperative. Rapid ice accretion on decks and superstructures may result in a catastrophic loss of stability. Strong winds will cause hazardous waves which could capsize or damage vessels and reduce visibility.
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
Duncan Bay Campground is a remote wilderness campground located on the west end of Duncan Bay in the northeast section of Isle Royale National Park. This water-accessible campground can only be reached by canoe, kayak, or private boat, making it a peaceful retreat for paddlers and boaters exploring the island's rugged coastline. The campground features 2 shelters and 1 individual tent site, all available on a first-come, first-served basis. A dock with 6 feet depth under normal conditions allows boats to stay overnight. Each site includes a grill for cooking, and the campground provides non-potable water, food storage lockers, and seasonal composting toilets. The terrain is uneven and rough throughout the campground, and facilities are not accessible. Isle Royale National Park is a remote wilderness archipelago in Lake Superior where visitors must be self-sufficient and prepared for unpredictable weather conditions. Pets are not allowed in the park. A free overnight camping permit is required, though there is no fee for small-party camping. Quiet hours are enforced from 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. EDT.
Directions
Duncan Bay Campground is located on the west end of Duncan Bay, on the northeast end of Isle Royale National Park. The campground is accessible only by canoe, kayak, or private boat. Boats can stay overnight at the dock, which has 6 feet depth under normal conditions.
Nearby Campgrounds
Location
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| 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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