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.
Winter Storm Warning issued January 19 at 2:12AM EST until January 19 at 10:00AM EST by NWS Marquette MI
* WHAT...Moderate to heavy snowfall rates and blowing snow. Additional snow accumulations between 1 and 4 inches. Winds gusting as high as 40 mph. * WHERE...Keweenaw and Northern Houghton Counties. * WHEN...Until 10 AM EST this morning. * IMPACTS...Plan on slippery road conditions and very difficult to near impossible travel conditions at times. Widespread blowing snow will significantly reduce visibility. The hazardous conditions will impact the Monday morning commute. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Windchills will fall into the -15F to -25F range this morning.
Cold Weather Advisory issued January 19 at 1:44AM EST until January 20 at 9:00AM EST by NWS Marquette MI
* WHAT...Very cold wind chills as low as 30 below expected. * WHERE...Keweenaw and Northern Houghton Counties. * WHEN...Until 9 AM EST Tuesday. * IMPACTS...The dangerously cold wind chills as low as 30 below zero could cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 30 minutes.
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
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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