North Desor Campground
Closed — Closed for the winter season. Isle Royale National Park operates April 16 through October 31 annually. Reopens April 16, 2026. Campground is first-come, first-served with a 2-night maximum stay from June 1 through Labor Day.
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
North Desor Campground is a remote backcountry campground located on the north side of Lake Desor, accessible only by foot via the challenging Minong Ridge Trail. This primitive site offers three first-come, first-served tent sites in one of Isle Royale's most isolated areas, with no boat, canoe, or kayak access available. The campground features seasonal composting toilets, non-potable water, and food storage lockers to protect against wildlife encounters. The terrain throughout the campground is uneven and rough, with facilities that are not ADA accessible. Campers must use self-contained stoves only, as campfires are not permitted. From June 1 through Labor Day, stays are limited to 2 consecutive nights. All visitors must obtain a free overnight permit, and quiet hours are enforced from 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. EDT. The campground operates seasonally as part of Isle Royale National Park's April 16 through October 31 season. Pets are not allowed anywhere in the park. Given the remote location and challenging access along the Minong Ridge Trail, this campground is best suited for experienced backpackers seeking solitude in Isle Royale's wilderness. Visitors should be prepared for all weather conditions and bring everything they need, as services are extremely limited in this backcountry location.
Directions
North Desor Campground is located on the north side of Lake Desor off of the Minong Ridge Trail. Foot access only. No boat, canoe, or kayak access available. Park headquarters: 800 E. Lakeshore Drive, Houghton, MI 49931.
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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