Michigan is well known for its wild expanses and natural beauty--from its lake shorelines to the untouched wildernesses of the Upper Peninsula. Isle Royale, in the far northwest of the state, is a microcosm of Michigan's wild landscapes. Remote and accessible only by boat or sea plan, Isle Royale has become a refuge for visitors looking to reconnect with nature and escape the worries of modern life. There are several options within the park for campers; however, you should plan to come spring through fall, as the park is normally closed from November until April.
What to Do
Campers should plan their time in Isle Royale National Park carefully, given all there is to do. Isle Royale is mainly a water park, located in Lake Superior, so you can certainly enjoy canoeing, kayaking and boating, although it's best to bring a portable radio, given the lake's changeable weather and notoriously cold temperatures. You can also scuba dive to the many shipwrecks that attest to Superior's danger. On land, do a short day hike, or join a ranger-led walk.
When to Go
If you want to camp overnight in Isle Royale National Park, you will have to come spring through fall, as the campsites are closed during the winter with the rest of the park. Spring and autumn are least crowded, but can still be quite cool, so prepare for low overnight temperatures. Fall is generally rainier than spring. Average highs don't break into the 70s until June through August,
Camping Shelters
Three-sided shelters, which can accommodate as many as six people overnight, are spread throughout the park. Permits are required but are often issued for free. However, as with all campgrounds in the park, you should not expect many amenities, and bring all supplies like water, food and any necessary fuel. Daisy Farm is one of the largest campgrounds, with 16 shelters; it has a dock and canoe and kayak access. Washington Creek has 10 shelters; it does not have a dock but can be reached by canoe and kayak.
Tent Camping
There are also tent camping sites throughout Isle Royale, where you can pitch tents. Up to 6 people can stay at one tent camping site. Rock Harbor has 11 tent sites, the most of any of the park's campgrounds. It has a dock and you can also arrive by canoe or kayak. Desor South is the second largest campground for tents, with seven sites. This is a land-based campground, so you can only reach a site by hiking a short trail.
Group Camping
If you plan to camp with seven to 10 people, you will need to secure a group campsite, and groups will likely have to pay for a permit. Washington Creek has four group sites, the largest in Isle Royale. Hatchet Lake, a land-based campground accessible by trail, has three campgrounds, while Todd Harbor, which also has three group sites, is accessible by canoe or kayak and also has a dock.
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