West Chickenbone Campground

About

West Chickenbone Campground is a remote backcountry destination on the west end of Chickenbone Lake in Isle Royale National Park's wilderness interior. The campground is positioned along the Indian Portage Trail and serves as a key waypoint on the Harbor to Hills Loop and other multi-day backpacking routes through the island. Access is exclusively by foot or human-powered watercraft, with no boater access from Lake Superior. Paddlers can reach the campground via a 1.2-mile portage from McCargoe Cove on the island's north shore or a shorter 0.2-mile portage from Lake Livermore. The campground provides minimal amenities suited to wilderness travel: seasonal composting toilets, food storage lockers for bear protection, and non-potable water that must be treated before drinking. Campers must use self-contained stoves as campfires are prohibited. The campground has 9 total sites: 6 individual tent sites available first-come first-served and 3 group tent sites requiring advance reservation for parties of 7 or more. A 2-night consecutive stay limit applies from June 1 through Labor Day. Individual campers obtain free overnight permits upon arrival at Rock Harbor, Windigo, or aboard the Ranger III ferry.

Directions

West Chickenbone Campground is located on the west end of Chickenbone Lake, off of the Indian Portage Trail. Canoe/kayak access via the 1.2-mile portage from McCargoe Cove or the 0.2-mile portage from Lake Livermore.