Shelters are very popular and not reservable.
Rock Harbor Campground is the busiest in the park being closest to the transportation hub for RANGER III, QUEEN IV, and seaplane.
Rock Harbor and Washington Creek campgrounds are the only campgrounds where potable water is available.

Rock Harbor Campground

Closed — Closed for the season. Isle Royale National Park typically operates from mid-April through late October, with campground season running approximately June through mid-September.

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

Rock Harbor Campground is located in Rock Harbor on the northeast end of Isle Royale National Park, a remote wilderness archipelago in Lake Superior. Access is only by foot via the Rock Harbor and Tobin Harbor Trails, or by canoe, kayak, seaplane, or private boat. The campground features 9 shelters and 20 first-come, first-served tent sites, plus 3 group sites available by advance reservation only. During the operating season, the campground provides flush and composting toilets, hot coin-operated showers, treated potable water, and seasonal services including a camp store, laundry, dump station, and trash collection. Due to wildlife considerations and new food storage guidelines in response to wolf activity, all food must be stored in provided lockers. Only self-contained stoves are permitted; campfires are not allowed. The terrain is uneven and rough throughout the campground, and facilities are not ADA accessible. A 1-night stay limit is enforced from June 1 through September 15. Quiet hours run from 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. EDT. All visitors pay a park entrance fee, and a free overnight camping permit is required. Group camping parties of 7 or more pay $25 per permit and must reserve in advance. Pets are not allowed anywhere in the park.

Directions

Rock Harbor Campground is located in Rock Harbor on the northeast end of Isle Royale, accessible only by boat, seaplane, or on foot via the Rock Harbor and Tobin Harbor Trails. The park is a remote island in Lake Superior with no vehicle access.

Nearby Campgrounds

Amenities

Water Yes
Fires Allowed No
Toilets Yes
Dump Station Yes
Wifi
Pets Allowed No
Showers Yes
Electric Hookups
Water Hookups
Sewer Hookups
Camp Store Yes
Price $0 - $25

Vehicle

Max RV Length
Max Trailer Length
Big Rig Friendly No
Pull Through Sites

Contact

Email isro_parkinfo@nps.gov
Phone +1 (906) 482-0984

Cell Service

AT&T None
Verizon None
T-Mobile None

Photos

Shelters are very popular and not reservable.
Rock Harbor Campground is the busiest in the park being closest to the transportation hub for RANGER III, QUEEN IV, and seaplane.
Rock Harbor and Washington Creek campgrounds are the only campgrounds where potable water is available.
There are 3 group sites for parties of 7-10 people camping and traveling together.
The Rock Harbor Lodge provides amenities and lodging to the Rock Harbor area.

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