Isle Royale National Park
Explore a rugged, isolated island far from our connected communities. Isle Royale offers adventures for backpackers, hikers, boaters, paddlers, and divers. Cross Lake Superior and make a commitment: Become a part of this island, and let it become a part of you. Find peace and refuge in island wilderness – because Isle Royale, in turn, finds refuge in us. Help Isle Royale stay wild.
Alerts
- ClosureNPS ↗Tent Camping Closed at Multiple East End Campgrounds
Due to increased human-wildlife interactions and food storage concerns, individual tent sites and group sites at Three Mile, Daisy Farm, Moskey Basin, and Caribou Island Campgrounds are currently closed. Tent and hammock camping are not permitted anywhere within the campground. Off-trail camping zones 10, 11, 12, 13, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38 are closed. Shelters remain open.
- CautionIsland Mine Campground Stream Low
The stream has very little water flow. Campers should bring enough water to Island Mine or plan on collecting water along your route.
- CautionNPS ↗Harmful Algal Blooms Occurring in Lake Richie and Intermediate Lake
Blooms are tested for toxin levels and monitored. Toxin levels are consistently low on Isle Royale. It is not recommended to filter water in any areas where there is surface scum, strong odors, or other evidence of a significant bloom. Blooms move around depending on wind and rain – filter water from places where blooms are not present or a different water source.
- InformationNPS ↗Boat Fuel Unavailable
Fuel for boaters will not be available from September 13 through October 31 except for emergencies only. Boaters are encouraged to bring extra fuel in containers.
- InformationNPS ↗All Backpacks Must be in Storage Area at Three Mile and Rock Harbor.
All backpacks must be stored in backpack storage areas at Three Mile and Rock Harbor campgrounds. All food and scented items are to be in the Food Storage Lockers. Containers should be kept in the Food Storage Locker when space allows or near the Food Storage Locker, do not store in tents.
- InformationNPS ↗Food Storage Regulations in Effect
Proper food storage is required on Isle Royale. All food, trash, scented items, cooking supplies, cooking utensils, and fish/fish parts must be stored properly. To learn more about food storage and to learn how to properly store your food, trash, and scented items, click "more."
Fees & passes
| Type | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| Per Person$7 per person per day to enter or remain in Isle Royale National Park. Children 15 and younger are exempt. Visiting Park Headquarters in Houghton, MI does not require a fee. | $7 | |
| Passes | ||
| Annual Entrance - ParkIsle Royale Season Pass: $60 valid from April 16 through October 31 of the year indicated. Pass covers fees for the pass holder and up to three adults traveling with the pass holder (four total). | $60 | |
Daily Entrance Fees: $7 per person per day to enter or remain in the park. Children 15 and younger are exempt.
Hours
| Isle Royale National Park Open Season (April 16 through October 31) | Daily · All Day |
Hours by date. Standard hours apply on every date not listed.
| Dates | Hours |
|---|---|
| Standard hoursNow | All Day |
| Nov 1, 2026 to Apr 15, 2027Annual Winter Closure (November 1 to April 15) | Closed |
| May 1 to Sep 30, 2027Transportation Services (Offered May to September) | All Day |
When to go
August draws the most visits here and January the fewest, averaged over 2021 to 2025.
Campgrounds
| Beaver Island Campground | 3 sites | |
| Closed Nov 1 to Apr 15 · 3 first-come | ||
| Belle Isle Campground | 7 sites | |
| Closed Nov 1 to Apr 15 · 7 first-come | ||
| Birch Island Campground | 2 sites | |
| Closed Nov 1 to Apr 15 · 2 first-come | ||
| Caribou Island Campground | 3 sites | |
| Closed Nov 1 to Apr 15 · 3 first-come | ||
| East Chickenbone Campground | 4 sites | |
| $25 a night · Closed Nov 1 to Apr 15 · 1 reservable, 3 first-come | ||
Show all 36 campgroundsHide
| West Chickenbone Campground | 9 sites | |
| $25 a night · Closed Nov 1 to Apr 15 · 3 reservable, 6 first-come | ||
| Chippewa Harbor Campground | 7 sites | |
| $25 a night · Closed Nov 1 to Apr 15 · 1 reservable, 6 first-come | ||
| Daisy Farm Campground | 25 sites | |
| $25 a night · Closed Nov 1 to Apr 15 · 3 reservable, 22 first-come | ||
| North Desor Campground | 3 sites | |
| Closed Nov 1 to Apr 15 · 3 first-come | ||
| South Lake Desor Campground | 10 sites | |
| $25 a night · Closed Nov 1 to Apr 15 · 3 reservable, 7 first-come | ||
| Duncan Bay Campground | 3 sites | |
| Closed Nov 1 to Apr 15 · 3 first-come | ||
| Duncan Narrows Campground | 3 sites | |
| Closed Nov 1 to Apr 15 · 3 first-come | ||
| Feldtmann Lake Campground | 7 sites | |
| $25 a night · Closed Nov 1 to Apr 15 · 2 reservable, 5 first-come | ||
| Grace Island Campground | 2 sites | |
| Closed Nov 1 to Apr 15 · 2 first-come | ||
| Hatchet Lake Campground | 8 sites | |
| $25 a night · Closed Nov 1 to Apr 15 · 3 reservable, 5 first-come | ||
| Hay Bay Campground | 1 site | |
| Closed Nov 1 to Apr 15 · 1 first-come | ||
| Huginnin Cove Campground | 5 sites | |
| Closed Nov 1 to Apr 15 · 5 first-come | ||
| Intermediate Lake Campground | 3 sites | |
| Closed Nov 1 to Apr 15 · 3 first-come | ||
| Island Mine Campground | 6 sites | |
| $25 a night · Closed Nov 1 to Apr 15 · 2 reservable, 4 first-come | ||
| Lake Richie Campground | 6 sites | |
| $25 a night · Closed Nov 1 to Apr 15 · 2 reservable, 4 first-come | ||
| Lake Richie Canoe Campground | 3 sites | |
| Closed Nov 1 to Apr 15 · 3 first-come | ||
| Lake Whittlesey Campground | 3 sites | |
| Closed Nov 1 to Apr 15 · 3 first-come | ||
| Lane Cove Campground | 5 sites | |
| Closed Nov 1 to Apr 15 · 5 first-come | ||
| Little Todd Campground | 4 sites | |
| Closed Nov 1 to Apr 15 · 4 first-come | ||
| Malone Bay Campground | 7 sites | |
| $25 a night · Closed Nov 1 to Apr 15 · 2 reservable, 5 first-come | ||
| McCargoe Cove Campground | 12 sites | |
| $25 a night · Closed Nov 1 to Apr 15 · 3 reservable, 9 first-come | ||
| Merritt Lane Campground | 2 sites | |
| Closed Nov 1 to Apr 15 · 2 first-come | ||
| Moskey Basin Campground | 10 sites | |
| $25 a night · Closed Nov 1 to Apr 15 · 2 reservable, 8 first-come | ||
| Pickerel Cove Campground | 1 site | |
| Closed Nov 1 to Apr 15 · 1 first-come | ||
| Rock Harbor Campground | 23 sites | |
| $25 a night · Closed Nov 1 to Apr 15 · 3 reservable, 20 first-come | ||
| Siskiwit Bay Campground | 9 sites | |
| $25 a night · Closed Nov 1 to Apr 15 · 3 reservable, 6 first-come | ||
| Three Mile Campground | 15 sites | |
| $25 a night · Closed Nov 1 to Apr 15 · 3 reservable, 12 first-come | ||
| Todd Harbor Campground | 9 sites | |
| $25 a night · Closed Nov 1 to Apr 15 · 3 reservable, 6 first-come | ||
| Tookers Island Campground | 2 sites | |
| Closed Nov 1 to Apr 15 · 2 first-come | ||
| Washington Creek Campground | 19 sites | |
| $25 a night · Closed Nov 1 to Apr 15 · 4 reservable, 15 first-come | ||
| Wood Lake Campground | 3 sites | |
| Closed Nov 1 to Apr 15 · 3 first-come | ||
Every campground here has its own page on Campsite Atlas, with site counts, hookups, rig limits and booking windows. All of them on one page → How park camping works
Visitor centers
- Houghton Visitor Center ↗Passport stamp
The Houghton Visitor Center is located in Houghton, Michigan. It is the mainland headquarters for Isle Royale National Park. Trip planning assistance, Ranger III tickets and information, a park store, and viewing the park film are available.
- Rock Harbor Visitor Center ↗Passport stamp
The Rock Harbor Visitor Center is located in Rock Harbor on the northeast end of Isle Royale National Park. It is only accessible by boat or seaplane. Permitting and fee payment, trip planning assistance, and a park store area available.
- Windigo Visitor Center ↗Passport stamp
The Windigo Visitor Center is located in Windigo on the southwest end of Isle Royale National Park. It is only accessible by boat or seaplane. Permitting and fee payment, trip planning assistance, a park store, and exhibits are available.
Explore
Things to do
- Become an Isle Royale Junior Ranger2-6 Hours
Become an Isle Royale Junior Ranger and learn about the isolated island, the unique plants and animals found in the park, the island’s cultural history, and Leave No Trace principles.
Opens on the Park Service site - Attend a Rock Harbor Ranger Program20-60 Minutes
Attend a Rock Harbor ranger program at Isle Royale National Park. Learn about the isolated island, it's cultural history, and the critters who call the island home.
Opens on the Park Service site - Explore Raspberry Island2-6 Hours
Take a leisurely walk along a boardwalk through the spruce bog on Raspberry Island accessible by private boat, vessel rental, or a tour on the MV SANDY from Rock Harbor on Isle Royale’s east end.
Opens on the Park Service site - Greenstone Section 1: Hike from Lookout Louise to Mount Franklin1 Day
This secluded section of the Greenstone Ridge Trail reaches to the northeastern tip of Isle Royale. Mileage: About 5 miles
Opens on the Park Service site - Minong Section 1: Hike from McCargoe Cove to Todd Harbor1 Day
Try out Isle Royale's most challenging trail by trekking this more traveled section of this primitive trail. Mileage: About 6.7 miles
Opens on the Park Service site - Minong Section 2: Hike from Todd Harbor to Little Todd1 Day
Enjoy scenic views of interior lakes, Lake Superior, and Canada on this strenuous, primitive trail. Mileage: About 6.8 miles
Opens on the Park Service site
Show all 12Hide
- Minong Section 3: Hike from Little Todd to North Desor1 Day
Trek the most challenging section of the primitive Minong Ridge Trail with strenuous hill climbs, unsure footing, and picturesque ridgetop views. Mileage: About 5.7 miles
Opens on the Park Service site - Minong Section 4: Hike from North Desor to Windigo1 Day
Discover remnants of a wildfire, carefully trek over beaver dams, and roll with the ridges of the longest section of the primitive Minong Ridge Trail. Mileage: About 13 miles
Opens on the Park Service site - Hike the Mount Franklin Trail1-4 Hours
Looking for a hike with a scenic view? The Mount Franklin Trail connects Three Mile Campground to Mount Franklin, an overlook with picturesque northern views. Mileage: About 2.5 miles
Opens on the Park Service site - Hike the Mount Ojibway Trail1-3 Hours
Hike from Mount Ojibway to Daisy Farm on the Mount Ojibway Trail. Explore an old fire tower on the Greenstone Ridge, hike through wetlands, and finish near Daisy Farm Campground along Rock Harbor Channel. Mileage: About 1.7 miles
Opens on the Park Service site - Hike the Daisy Farm Trail1-3 Hours
Explore a bog, trek along a lengthy boardwalk through wetlands, and view wildlife along the Daisy Farm Trail that connects the Greenstone Ridge to Daisy Farm Campground. Mileage: About 1.7 miles
Opens on the Park Service site - Harbor to Hills Section 5: Hike from Lake Richie to West Chickenbone1 Day
Hike from one interior lake to the next on the Indian Portage Trail. Mileage: About 3.6 miles
Opens on the Park Service site
Films
National Park Service productions, public domain.
Webcams
Windigo Webcam
Mott Island Southwest Webcam
Middle Islands Passage Webcam
Greenstone Ridge Northeast Webcam
North Shore Webcam
Tobin Harbor Webcam
Rock Harbor Webcam
Greenstone Ridge Southwest WebcamCamera images load live from the National Park Service and partner agencies
News
- Isle Royale National Park Seeks Commercial Use Authorization Applications for 2027 Operating Season ↗2026-10-01
Isle Royale National Park will accept applications for one-year Commercial Use Authorization for the 2027 operating season from Nov. 1 to Nov. 30.
- Isle Royale Closes Tent and Group Campsites at Four Campgrounds ↗2026-08-28
Isle Royale National Park is closing some tent and group campsites due to continued wolf activity. Starting August 28 and continuing until the park closes on October 31, tent and group campsites and hammock use will be…
- Join Family Day Aboard Ranger III, Thursday, August 20 ↗2026-08-04
Isle Royale National Park and Kaleidoscope invite families with children age 15 or younger to enjoy a free cruise on the Keweenaw waterway on Aug. 20, during Ranger III Family Day.
- Isle Royale Closes Duncan Narrows Campground Until End of July ↗2026-07-14
Isle Royale National Park closed Duncan Narrows Campground for the second time this month following increased wolf activity at campsites due to improperly stored food.
Map
Interactive map by the National Park Service
On the National Register nearby
- Ishpeming Fire TowerStructure · Houghton · 4.3 mi
- Isle Royale Light StationBuilding · Isle Royale · 5.6 mi
- Ojibway Fire TowerStructure · Houghton · 12.1 mi
- Edisen FisheryBuilding · Isle Royale National Park · 12.5 mi
Public land nearby
Distances are approximate. Wilderness Atlas publishes a center point and an acreage for each area rather than a boundary, so each area is treated here as a circle of the same size and the figure is the gap to that circle.
Guidebooks for Isle Royale National Park, Michigan's national parks and Michigan
We earn a small commission if you buy through these links. It does not change what we list.
Titles come from Open Library's catalog, matched by subject.
Reference
Wildlife
Full checklist: 247 birds, 20 mammalsHide
Raptors & owlsAmerican kestrel · Bald eagle · Barred owl · Boreal owl · Broad-winged hawk · Cooper's hawk · Golden eagle · Great gray owl · Great horned owl · Hawk owl · Long-eared owl · Marsh hawk · Merlin · Mississippi kite · Northern saw-whet owl · Osprey · Peregrine falcon · Red-shouldered hawk · Red-tailed hawk · Rough-legged hawk · Sharp-shinned hawk · Short-eared owl · Snowy owl · Turkey vulture
Waterfowl & wadersAmerican bittern · American black duck · American coot · American white pelican · American wigeon · Black-crowned night heron · Blue-winged teal · Bufflehead · Canada goose · Common goldeneye · Common loon · Common merganser · Common pintail · Double-crested cormorant · Great blue heron · Greater scaup · Greater white-fronted goose · Green-winged teal · Harlequin duck · Hooded merganser · Horned grebe · Lesser scaup · Long-tailed duck · Mute swan · Pied-billed grebe · Red-breasted merganser · Red-necked grebe · Red-throated loon · Ring-necked duck · Ruddy duck · Sandhill crane · Snow goose · Tundra swan · Virginia rail · Wood duck · Yellow-billed loon
Shorebirds & seabirdsAmerican golden plover · American woodcock · Baird's sandpiper · Black tern · Black-bellied plover · Bonaparte's gull · Caspian tern · Common snipe · Common tern · Dunlin · Glaucous gull · Greater yellowlegs · Herring gull · Hudsonian godwit · Iceland gull · Killdeer · Least sandpiper · Lesser yellowlegs · Long-billed dowitcher · Long-tailed jaeger · Marbled godwit · Pectoral sandpiper · Red-necked phalarope · Ring-billed gull · Ruddy turnstone · Sanderling · Semipalmated plover · Semipalmated sandpiper · Short-billed dowitcher · Solitary sandpiper · Spotted sandpiper · White-rumped sandpiper
Gamebirds & dovesFeral pigeon · Mourning dove
WoodpeckersBlack-backed woodpecker · Common flicker · Downy woodpecker · Hairy woodpecker · Pileated woodpecker · Red-headed woodpecker · Three-toed woodpecker · Yellow-bellied sapsucker
Hummingbirds & swiftsChimney swift · Ruby-throated hummingbird
Also on the checklistAlder flycatcher · American black mallard · American crow · American goldfinch · American pipit · American redstart · American robin · American tree sparrow · Baltimore oriole · Bank swallow · Barn swallow · Bay-breasted warbler · Belted kingfisher · Black scoter · Black-and-white warbler · Black-billed cuckoo · Black-billed magpie · Black-capped chickadee · Black-throated blue warbler · Black-throated green warbler · Blackburnian warbler · Blackpoll warbler · Blue jay · Blue-headed vireo · Bobolink · Boreal Chickadee · Brewer's blackbird · Brown creeper · Brown thrasher · Brown-headed cowbird · Canada jay · Canada warbler · Canvasback · Cape May warbler · Cedar waxwing · Cerulean warbler · Chestnut-sided warbler · Chipping sparrow · Clay-colored sparrow · Cliff swallow · Common grackle · Common nighthawk · Common raven · Common redpoll · Common yellowthroat · Connecticut warbler · Dark-eyed junco · Eastern Wood-pewee · Eastern bluebird · Eastern kingbird · Eastern meadowlark · Eastern phoebe · Eastern towhee · European starling · Evening grosbeak · Field sparrow · Fox sparrow · Gadwall · Golden-crowned kinglet · Golden-winged warbler · Gray catbird · Gray-cheeked thrush · Great crested flycatcher · Gyrfalcon · Harris's sparrow · Hermit thrush · Hoary redpoll · Horned lark · House sparrow · House wren · Indigo bunting · Kirtland's warbler · Lapland longspur · Le Conte's sparrow · Least flycatcher · Lincoln's sparrow · Loggerhead shrike · Magnolia warbler · Mallard · Marsh wren · Mourning warbler · Nashville warbler · Northern cardinal · Northern goshawk · Northern mockingbird · Northern parula · Northern rough-winged swallow · Northern shoveler · Northern shrike · Northern waterthrush · Olive-sided flycatcher · Orange-crowned warbler · Ovenbird · Palm warbler · Philadelphia vireo · Pine grosbeak · Pine siskin · Pine warbler · Purple finch · Purple martin · Red crossbill · Red-breasted nuthatch · Red-eyed vireo · Red-winged blackbird · Redhead · Rose-breasted grosbeak · Ruby-crowned kinglet · Rusty blackbird · Savannah sparrow · Scarlet tanager · Sedge wren · Smith's longspur · Snow bunting · Song sparrow · Sora · Surf scoter · Swainson's thrush · Swamp sparrow · Tennessee warbler · Tree swallow · Veery · Vesper sparrow · Warbling vireo · Western Wood-pewee · Western kingbird · Whimbrel · Whip-poor-will · White-breasted nuthatch · White-crowned sparrow · White-eyed vireo · White-throated sparrow · White-winged crossbill · White-winged scoter · Willow flycatcher · Wilson's warbler · Winter wren · Wood thrush · Yellow warbler · Yellow-bellied flycatcher · Yellow-billed cuckoo · Yellow-headed blackbird · Yellow-rumped warbler · Yellow-throated vireo
Small mammalsBeaver · Deer mouse · Eastern chipmunk · Isle Royale red squirrel · Muskrat · Snowshoe hare
PredatorsCanada lynx · Common Otter · Ermine · Gray wolf · Marten · Mink · Red fox
Hoofed mammalsMoose
BatsBig brown bat · Eastern red bat · Hoary bat · Little brown bat · Northern long-eared bat · Silver-haired bat
Activities
Activity guides for this park Birdwatching in the national parks · Camping in the national parks · Canoeing and kayaking in the national parks · Diving and snorkeling in the national parks · Fishing in the national parks · Hiking in the national parks · Stargazing in the national parks · Wildlife watching in the national parks
Weather & climate
Isle Royale National Park is a remote island wilderness in the middle of Lake Superior. Weather influences traveling to and from the island, as well as your trip once you arrive. For the most up-to-date weather information, call (906) 482-0984 or email [email protected] prior to your trip.
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to enter Isle Royale?
Entrance is $7 per person on foot or bike. $7 per person per day to enter or remain in Isle Royale National Park.
Source: National Park Service
Which passes work at Isle Royale?
The $80 America the Beautiful pass covers the entrance fee here, and a Isle Royale-only annual pass is $60.
Source: Is the pass worth it
Can I pay the entrance fee in cash?
No. Isle Royale takes cards only at the entrance.
Source: National Park Service
When is entrance to Isle Royale free?
Next on October 27, Theodore Roosevelt's birthday. 2 fee-free days are left this year, for US residents only.
Source: Free entrance days
Do I need a reservation to enter Isle Royale?
No. There is no timed-entry or entrance reservation at Isle Royale. Camping and some tours have their own reservations.
Source: National Park Service
Is Isle Royale open year-round?
Yes. The grounds are open 24 hours a day, year-round. Dated exceptions are listed under Hours.
Source: National Park Service
Can I camp in Isle Royale?
Yes. The Park Service lists 36 campgrounds in Isle Royale: Beaver Island, Belle Isle, Birch Island, Caribou Island, and East Chickenbone, and more. 17 take reservations through Recreation.gov; 19 are first-come, first-served.
Which Isle Royale campgrounds have showers, hookups, or a dump station?
Showers: Rock Harbor and Washington Creek. Dump station: Rock Harbor and Washington Creek.
Source: Campgrounds
Do camping fees at Isle Royale include the entrance fee?
No. Camping is charged per night on top of the entrance fee or a pass; East Chickenbone is $25 a night.
Source: Campgrounds
When do Isle Royale campgrounds close for the season?
Beaver Island is closed Nov 1 to Apr 15, Belle Isle is closed Nov 1 to Apr 15, and Birch Island is closed Nov 1 to Apr 15; 33 more have posted closures.
Source: Campgrounds
Is anything closed at Isle Royale right now?
6 active alerts as of October 14, 2026: Boat Fuel Unavailable; Island Mine Campground Stream Low; and more.
Source: Alerts
How busy is Isle Royale?
29,091 recreation visits in 2025, number 305 of 387 units that report visitation.
Source: Most visited parks
Follow this park
- Alerts feed (RSS)
- Every active Park Service alert for this unit, one item each, rebuilt with the nightly data refresh.
- Add dates to your calendar (.ics file)
- Fee-free entrance days that apply here and each published hours exception, as all-day events.
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