Three Mile Campground is very busy due to its proximity to Rock Harbor and the ferry terminals.
Shelters are very popular on Isle Royale. Don't expect one to be available your first evening in a campground.
Enjoy chilling your feet off the Three Mile Campground dock.

Three Mile Campground

Closed — Closed for the winter season. Isle Royale National Park reopens April 16, 2026. Small-party camping permits are free and available first-come, first-served. Group sites for parties of 7 or more require advance reservation.

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

Three Mile Campground is a remote backcountry camping destination located on Rock Harbor Channel within Isle Royale National Park, Michigan's wilderness island in Lake Superior. The campground is accessible via the Rock Harbor and Mount Franklin Trails, as well as by water via kayak, canoe, or private boat. The site features 8 shelters available on a first-come, first-served basis, along with 3 group tent sites that require advance reservation for parties of 7 or more. The campground provides essential backcountry amenities including food storage lockers (required under park regulations to prevent wildlife interactions), seasonal composting toilets, and non-potable water. Boats can overnight at the dock, which has a depth of approximately 9 feet under normal conditions. The terrain throughout the campground is uneven and rough, and facilities are not accessible for those with mobility limitations. Due to the park's stay limit regulations, campers are restricted to 1 night at Three Mile Campground during the peak season from June 1 through September 17. Only self-contained stoves are permitted; ground fires are not allowed. All visitors must follow park regulations including quiet hours from 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. EDT, and pets are not permitted anywhere in the park. The campground operates seasonally when Isle Royale National Park is open to visitors, typically mid-April through mid-September.

Directions

Three Mile Campground is located on Rock Harbor Channel off of the Rock Harbor and Mount Franklin Trails. Access by foot, canoe, kayak, or private boat only. No road access; Isle Royale is accessible only by ferry or seaplane from the mainland.

Nearby Campgrounds

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 - $25

Vehicle

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

Contact

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

Cell Service

AT&T None
Verizon None
T-Mobile None

Photos

Three Mile Campground is very busy due to its proximity to Rock Harbor and the ferry terminals.
Shelters are very popular on Isle Royale. Don't expect one to be available your first evening in a campground.
Enjoy chilling your feet off the Three Mile Campground dock.

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