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.
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
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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