Birch Island Campground

2 sitesFirst-come, first-servedIn Isle Royale National Park
Birch Island Campground shelter visible across water through tress with a blue sky overhead.
Birch Island Campground from the water. · Yeva Cifor
Campsites
2
How to get a site
First-come, first-served
RVs
Not allowed
Fee
Free
Coordinates
48.1101, -88.6856
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48.1101, -88.6856 · Park boundary: National Park Service

Small campground on Birch Island, near the mouth of McCargoe Cove, on the north side of Isle Royale National Park. One individual tent site and one shelter on site. Boats can stay overnight at dock. Stay Limit: 3 nights June 1 - Labor Day annually. Shelters: 1 Depth at dock (normal conditions): 5' Access: Canoe/kayak/private boat

Every day
All Day

The campground is open from April 16 - October 31 (the park operating season) annually, 24 hours a day.

  • Park Closed · Nov 1, 2026 – Apr 15, 2027 · Closed

Per the National Park Service, as of 2026-08-04

1
Tent-only
2
Walk or boat in
1
Other
2 first-come, first-served
Small-party Camping (6 people or less)Free

No fee for small-party camping. A free overnight permit is required.

Per the National Park Service, as of 2026-08-04

First come, first serve.

Drinking water
Water · but not potable
Food storage lockers
Yes - year round
Toilets
Composting Toilets - seasonal
Amphitheater
No
Camp store
No
Cell reception
No
Dump station
No
Firewood for sale
No
Host on site
No
Ice for sale
No
Internet
No
Laundry
No
Showers
None
Trash & recycling
No

Per the National Park Service, as of 2026-08-04

RVs
Not allowed
Trailers
Not allowed
Access roads
No Roads
Classification
Limited Development Campground
Wheelchair access

Not wheelchair accessible.

ADA facilities

Mostly uneven, rough terrain throughout campground. Facilities are not accessible.

Fires & stoves

Self-contained stoves only.

Per the National Park Service, as of 2026-08-04

Isle Royale National Park is a remote archipelago in the middle of Lake Superior. To make the most of your visit, it is necessary that you plan ahead and prepare. Be aware that many services and items that are available on the mainland are not available at Isle Royale. Due to the unpredictable waters of Lake Superior and its effect on island weather, be prepared for any and all weather conditions.

All park visitors pay an entrance fee. Self-contained stoves only. Dogs, cats, and other pets are not allowed. Quiet hours are from 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. EDT/ 9:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. CDT. Fishing licenses are not required for inland lakes and streams on the island. However, Michigan size, season, and possession limits still apply. Only barbless hooks and artificial lures and flies may be used on inland lakes and streams. A State of Michigan fishing license is required to fish in the waters of Lake Superior.

Birch Island Campground is located on Birch Island near the mouth of McCargoe Cove, along the north shore of Isle Royale National Park. There is one individual tent site and one shelter site. Under normal conditions the depth at the dock is 5'. Boats are permitted overnight at the dock. Canoe/kayak accessible.

Address800 E. Lakeshore Drive · Houghton, MN 49931
Official pageOn nps.gov →
Visitor centers in Isle Royale · 3

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