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.
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
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.
Nearby Campgrounds
Location
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| 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
Community Posts
No posts yet. Be the first to share your experience!