Merritt Lane Campground
Closed — Closed for winter. Isle Royale National Park operates annually from April 16 through October 31 and is closed November 1 through April 15 due to extreme winter weather conditions.
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
Merritt Lane Campground offers a true wilderness camping experience on the remote northeast end of Isle Royale National Park, accessible only by water. The campground features one shelter and one individual tent site, both available on a first-come, first-served basis. Boaters can overnight at the dock, which has approximately 8 feet of depth under normal conditions, making this an ideal stop for kayakers, canoers, and private boaters exploring the island's coastline. The campground provides basic amenities including non-potable water, seasonal composting toilets, and food storage lockers. Due to wolves accessing human food and garbage on the east end of the island, new food storage guidelines are in effect to ensure the safety of visitors and wildlife. Only self-contained stoves are allowed; campfires are not permitted. The terrain throughout the campground is uneven and rough, and facilities are not accessible. Isle Royale National Park is a remote archipelago in the middle of Lake Superior, and Merritt Lane Campground exemplifies the park's primitive, backcountry character. Visitors must be prepared for unpredictable Lake Superior weather conditions and should plan accordingly. A free overnight camping permit is required, and stays are limited to 3 consecutive nights from June 1 through Labor Day. Pets are not allowed, and quiet hours are observed from 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. EDT.
Directions
Merritt Lane Campground is located in Merritt Lane on the northeast end of Isle Royale National Park. Accessible only by canoe, kayak, or private boat.
Nearby Campgrounds
Location
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| Fires Allowed | No |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | No |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $0 |
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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