Hatchet Lake Campground
Closed — Closed for winter. Isle Royale National Park reopens April 16, 2026. The campground operates seasonally through late September or early October. A 2-night stay limit applies from June 1 through Labor Day.
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
Hatchet Lake Campground is situated on Hatchet Lake in the interior of Isle Royale National Park, Michigan's remote island wilderness in Lake Superior. This backcountry campground is accessible only by hiking and features 5 first-come, first-served individual tent sites and 3 group tent sites that require advance reservation. The campground is equipped with seasonal composting toilets, non-potable water, and food storage lockers to prevent wildlife interactions. Isle Royale operates seasonally, typically from mid-April through late September or early October. During the main season (June 1 through Labor Day), there is a 2-night stay limit at Hatchet Lake. The campground's central location makes it a strategic stopping point for backpackers traversing the island's trail system. The terrain throughout the campground is uneven and rough, and facilities are not accessible. Visitors must use self-contained stoves only, as campfires are not permitted. All campers need a free overnight permit for small parties of 6 or less, while groups of 7 or more must submit permit requests through the park's online system and pay a $25 per-permit fee. Pets are not allowed anywhere on the island. The park entrance fee is separate from camping permits.
Directions
Accessible only by foot via Hatchet Lake Trail. Located near the center of Isle Royale. Detailed trail maps and camping information available at nps.gov/isro.
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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