Michigan / Keweenaw County / Isle Royale Wilderness / Isle Royale National Park

Island Mine Campground

Closed — Closed for the winter season. Isle Royale National Park operates from mid-April through October 31 annually and closes during winter due to extreme weather conditions and frozen Lake Superior. The park reopens in April 2026.

About

Island Mine Campground is a primitive backcountry campground situated in the interior of Isle Royale National Park, accessible only by hiking 0.5 miles south from the junction of the Greenstone and Island Mine Trails. This inland location offers no boat, canoe, or kayak access, making it a true backcountry experience for hikers exploring the island's trail network. The campground provides 4 individual tent sites available on a first-come, first-served basis and 2 group tent sites that must be reserved in advance for parties of 7 or more. The Little Siskiwit River flows south of the campground and typically provides a water source for filtering, though the flow can diminish or dry up seasonally. Visitors should check with a visitor center for current water status before their trip. The campground features food storage lockers in response to new guidelines aimed at reducing human-wildlife interactions with wolves. Each site includes a fire ring, and vault toilets are available seasonally. The terrain is uneven and rough throughout the campground, and facilities are not accessible. A 3-night stay limit is in effect from June 1 through Labor Day annually. All park visitors must pay an entrance fee, and a free overnight permit is required for small parties of 6 or fewer. Groups of 7 or more must submit group permit requests through the park's online system and pay a $25 per-permit fee. Quiet hours are observed from 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. EDT or 9:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. CDT.

Directions

Located 0.5 miles south of the Greenstone and Island Mine Trails junction, off the Island Mine Trail. Accessible only by foot; no boat, canoe, or kayak access. Park headquarters is at 800 East Lakeshore Drive, Houghton, MI 49931.

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