East Chickenbone Campground
Closed — Closed for the winter season. Isle Royale National Park typically reopens in mid-April. The 2026 season is scheduled to open April 16, 2026.
Special Weather Statement issued April 12 at 8:20AM EDT by NWS Marquette MI
Dense fog of a quarter mile or less is being seen in the higher terrain of the Keweenaw, mainly north of Houghton. While the fog is expected to erode away over the next couple of hours, drivers should keep on their low-beam headlights and reduce their speeds in the fog bank.
Flood Watch issued April 12 at 2:10AM EDT until April 15 at 8:00AM EDT by NWS Marquette MI
Heavy rain may fall on a deep primed snowpack leading to the melt increasing. Flows in rivers may increase quickly and reach critical levels. * WHAT...Flooding caused by rain and snowmelt continues to be possible. * WHERE...Portions of central Upper and western Upper Michigan, including the following areas, in central Upper Michigan, Alger, Baraga, Delta, Dickinson, Iron, Luce, Marquette, Menominee, Northern Schoolcraft and Southern Schoolcraft. In western Upper Michigan, Gogebic, Keweenaw, Northern Houghton, Ontonagon and Southern Houghton. * WHEN...Through Wednesday morning. * IMPACTS...Excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations. Flooding may occur in poor drainage and urban areas. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS... - www.weather.gov/safety/flood
About
East Chickenbone Campground offers a true wilderness camping experience in one of Isle Royale National Park's most remote inland locations. Situated on the east end of Chickenbone Lake along the East Chickenbone Trail, this backcountry campground is accessible only by experienced hikers or paddlers willing to portage their watercraft 1.2 miles from McCargoe Cove or 0.2 miles from Lake Livermore. The campground is not located directly on the lake shoreline, making West Chickenbone Campground a more practical choice for those traveling primarily by water. The site provides basic amenities appropriate for backcountry camping, including seasonal composting toilets, non-potable water sources, and food storage lockers that comply with the park's wildlife interaction protocols. Three individual tent sites operate on a first-come, first-served basis, while one group site accommodates parties of 7 or more through advance reservation. From June 1 through Labor Day, a 2-night stay limit applies to ensure equitable access during peak season. Only self-contained stoves are permitted, as open fires are prohibited to protect the wilderness environment. Visitors should be prepared for challenging conditions and self-sufficiency. The terrain throughout the campground is uneven and rough, with no accessible facilities. Lake Superior's unpredictable weather can dramatically affect conditions on the island, requiring preparation for any season regardless of forecast. All visitors must obtain a free overnight permit, and parties of 7 or more pay a $25 group site fee. Pets are not allowed anywhere in the park, and quiet hours are enforced from 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. EDT.
Directions
Located on the east end of Chickenbone Lake, accessed via the East Chickenbone Trail on foot, or by canoe/kayak using a 1.2-mile portage from McCargoe Cove or 0.2-mile portage from Lake Livermore. No boat access available. The campground is inland from the shoreline.
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 - $25 |
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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