Malone Bay Campground
Closed — Closed for the winter season. Isle Royale National Park reopens April 16, 2026. The campground operates seasonally from mid-April through October, with a 3-night stay limit 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
Malone Bay Campground is a remote wilderness camping area located on the south shore of Isle Royale National Park in Lake Superior. Accessible only by foot via the Ishpeming Trail or by water (canoe, kayak, or private boat), this primitive campground embodies the backcountry experience Isle Royale is known for. The campground features 5 shelters available on a first-come, first-served basis, plus 2 group tent sites that must be reserved in advance for parties of 7 or more people. Boaters can moor overnight at the dock, which typically has 3-6 feet of depth under normal conditions. A ranger station and information station are located just east of the campground, though the ranger station is not always staffed. The campground provides basic amenities including composting toilets (seasonal), food storage lockers to prevent wildlife interactions, and campfire rings at each shelter and group site. Non-potable water is available. The terrain throughout the campground is uneven and rough, and facilities are not ADA accessible. A 3-night stay limit is in effect from June 1 through Labor Day annually. All visitors must obtain a free overnight permit for small parties (6 or less), while groups of 7 or more pay $25 per permit and must request group permits through the park's online system. Dogs and other pets are not allowed. Quiet hours run from 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. EDT or 9:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. CDT.
Directions
Malone Bay Campground is located in Malone Bay on the south shore of Isle Royale National Park, off the Ishpeming Trail. Access is by foot, canoe, kayak, or private boat only. The park headquarters for transportation information is located 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
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