Hay Bay Campground
Closed — Closed for the season. Isle Royale National Park operates seasonally and reopens April 16, 2026. A free overnight camping permit is required.
Gale Warning issued January 19 at 3:28AM EST until January 19 at 7:00AM EST by NWS Marquette MI
* WHAT...For the Gale Warning, north winds 25 to 30 kt with gusts up to 35 kt and waves 7 to 10 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 Saxon Harbor WI to Upper Entrance to Portage Canal MI 5NM off shore to the US/Canadian border including Isle Royale National Park. * WHEN...For the Gale Warning, until 7 AM EST this morning. For the Heavy Freezing Spray Warning, until 7 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.
Heavy Freezing Spray Warning issued January 19 at 3:28AM EST until January 20 at 7:00PM EST by NWS Marquette MI
* WHAT...For the Gale Warning, north winds 25 to 30 kt with gusts up to 35 kt and waves 7 to 10 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 Saxon Harbor WI to Upper Entrance to Portage Canal MI 5NM off shore to the US/Canadian border including Isle Royale National Park. * WHEN...For the Gale Warning, until 7 AM EST this morning. For the Heavy Freezing Spray Warning, until 7 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
Hay Bay Campground is a primitive backcountry campground situated in Hay Bay on the south shore of Isle Royale National Park, a remote wilderness archipelago in Lake Superior. This campground is accessible exclusively by water via canoe, kayak, or private boat, and offers dock space for overnight mooring with depths ranging from 3 to 7 feet under normal conditions. The single tent site operates on a first-come, first-served basis with a 3-night stay limit from June 1 through Labor Day. The campground provides basic amenities including food storage lockers, non-potable water, and seasonal composting toilets. The terrain throughout the campground is uneven and rough, and facilities are not accessible. Campfires are not permitted; only self-contained stoves may be used. Isle Royale's remote location in the middle of Lake Superior means visitors must be self-sufficient and prepared for unpredictable weather conditions. All park visitors must obtain a free overnight camping permit, though no camping fees are charged.
Directions
Hay Bay Campground is located in Hay Bay on the south shore of Isle Royale National Park. Access is by canoe, kayak, or private boat only.
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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