Mccargoe Cove Campground
Closed — Closed for the winter season. Isle Royale National Park operates from April 16 through October 31 annually. The campground will reopen April 16, 2026.
Special Weather Statement issued April 12 at 8:20AM EDT by NWS Marquette MI
Dense fog of a quarter mile or less is being seen in the higher terrain of the Keweenaw, mainly north of Houghton. While the fog is expected to erode away over the next couple of hours, drivers should keep on their low-beam headlights and reduce their speeds in the fog bank.
Flood Watch issued April 12 at 2:10AM EDT until April 15 at 8:00AM EDT by NWS Marquette MI
Heavy rain may fall on a deep primed snowpack leading to the melt increasing. Flows in rivers may increase quickly and reach critical levels. * WHAT...Flooding caused by rain and snowmelt continues to be possible. * WHERE...Portions of central Upper and western Upper Michigan, including the following areas, in central Upper Michigan, Alger, Baraga, Delta, Dickinson, Iron, Luce, Marquette, Menominee, Northern Schoolcraft and Southern Schoolcraft. In western Upper Michigan, Gogebic, Keweenaw, Northern Houghton, Ontonagon and Southern Houghton. * WHEN...Through Wednesday morning. * IMPACTS...Excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations. Flooding may occur in poor drainage and urban areas. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS... - www.weather.gov/safety/flood
About
McCargoe Cove Campground is located in a sheltered cove on the rugged north shore of Isle Royale National Park. This remote backcountry campground is accessible by foot via the Indian Portage and East Chickenbone Trails, by private boat from Lake Superior, or by canoe/kayak either from Lake Superior or via a 1.2-mile portage from Chickenbone Lake. The campground features 6 shelters and 9 first-come, first-served tent sites, plus 3 group sites that require advance reservations for parties of 7 or more. The campground has a dock where boats can overnight, with approximately 7 feet of depth under normal conditions. Due to the remote nature of Isle Royale, visitors must be self-sufficient and prepared for unpredictable weather. Water at the campground is non-potable and must be treated before use. Composting toilets are available seasonally. Fires are permitted in the community fire ring only; otherwise, only self-contained stoves may be used. New food storage guidelines are in effect to reduce human-wildlife interactions, particularly with wolves. A 3-night stay limit is enforced from June 1 through Labor Day. Individual sites do not require reservations, but group sites must be reserved in advance through the park's online system. All visitors pay a park entrance fee and must obtain a free overnight camping permit. Pets are not allowed, and quiet hours run from 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. EDT.
Directions
McCargoe Cove Campground is located in McCargoe Cove on the north shore of Isle Royale National Park, off the Indian Portage and East Chickenbone Trails. Access by foot, private boat, or canoe/kayak from Lake Superior or via 1.2-mile portage from Chickenbone Lake.
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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