Camping

If you want to see more of the island, camping is the way to do it. Rustic campsites are located throughout Isle Royale [1], with three types of sites available: tent sites for 1–3 tents, group sites for parties of 7–10 campers, and three-sided shelters that hold up to six people. You must obtain a free camping permit from the Windigo Rangers Station when you arrive, outlining your itinerary, but you can’t obtain a reservation. All sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Should you reach a site at the end of the day and find it full (this can happen at sites a day’s hike from Rock Harbor, especially in August), the unwritten rules say double up. No one expects you to hike off into the dwindling light to the next campsite.