Caribou Island Campground

3 sitesFirst-come, first-servedIn Isle Royale National Park
Aerial view of West Caribou Island surrounded by the blue waters of Lake Superior.
West Caribou Island is a popular campground for boaters. · NPS Paul Brown
Campsites
3
How to get a site
First-come, first-served
RVs
Not allowed
Fee
Free
Coordinates
48.0946, -88.5722
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48.0946, -88.5722 · Park boundary: National Park Service

Caribou Island Campground is located on the very western tip of West Caribou Island, in Rock Harbor Channel, on the northeast end of Isle Royale National Park. Boats can dock overnight. Stay Limit: 3 nights effective from June 1 – Labor Day. Shelters: 2 Depth at dock (normal conditions): 10’ 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
3
Walk or boat in
3 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

Uneven, rough terrain throughout campground. Facilities are not accessible.

Fires & stoves

Community campfire ring on site. Otherwise, use self-contained stoves.

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

Caribou Island Campground is located on West Caribou Island, in Rock Harbor Channel, on the northeast end of Isle Royale National Park.

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. Fires in community fire ring 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.

Caribou Island Campground is located on the western end of West Caribou Island, in Rock Harbor Channel, on the northeast end of Isle Royale National Park. Boats are permitted to stay overnight at the dock. Consecutive night stay limit is 3 nights form June 1 – Labor Day annually. This campground includes one individual tent site, two shelter sites, and a vault toilet.

View of West Caribou Island shoreline surrounded by blue water.
NPS / Paul Brown
Caribou Island sign with shelter in the distance behind trees.
NPS / Mike Ausema
Rock Harbor Channel in the distance through trees with a shelter on the left side.
NPS / Alan West
Address800 E. Lakeshore Drive · Houghton, MI 49931
Official pageOn nps.gov →
Visitor centers in Isle Royale · 3

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