West Chickenbone Campground
Closed — Closed for the season. Isle Royale National Park typically reopens in mid-April and operates through fall. The 2026 season is expected to open April 16, 2026.
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
West Chickenbone Campground is a remote wilderness campground located on the west end of Chickenbone Lake in the interior of Isle Royale National Park. Positioned along the Indian Portage Trail, this inland site has no direct boater access and requires commitment from visitors willing to hike or paddle to reach it. Canoeists and kayakers can access the campground via a 1.2-mile portage from McCargoe Cove or a shorter 0.2-mile portage from Lake Livermore. The campground offers 9 total tent sites: 6 first-come, first-served individual sites and 3 group sites that require advance reservation for parties of 7 or more. Amenities are minimal and wilderness-appropriate, including seasonal composting toilets, food storage lockers to prevent wildlife interactions, and non-potable water. Self-contained stoves are required as open fires are not permitted. The terrain is uneven and rough throughout the campground, and facilities are not accessible. From June 1 through Labor Day, a 2-night stay limit is enforced to allow more visitors to experience this popular backcountry destination. Isle Royale's wilderness setting in the middle of Lake Superior means visitors must be prepared for unpredictable weather and isolated conditions. New food storage guidelines are in effect parkwide to reduce human-wildlife interactions, particularly with wolves. All overnight campers need a free permit, and entrance fees apply to all park visitors.
Directions
West Chickenbone Campground is located on the west end of Chickenbone Lake, off of the Indian Portage Trail. Access by foot or canoe/kayak via 1.2-mile portage from McCargoe Cove or 0.2-mile portage from Lake Livermore. No boater access.
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 - $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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