McCargoe Cove Campground

48.0872, -88.7093 · Park boundary: National Park Service
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McCargoe Cove Campground is located in McCargoe Cove, on the north shore of Isle Royale National Park, off of the Indian Portage and East Chickenbone Trails. Boats can overnight at dock. Canoe/kayak access from Lake Superior or 1.2 mile portage from Chickenbone Lake. Stay Limit: 3 nights effective from June 1 – Labor Day annually. Shelters: 6 Depth at dock (normal conditions): 7’. Access: Foot/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
No fee for small-party camping. A free overnight permit is required.
3 Group Sites by advanced reservation only. All parties of 7 or more must submit group permit requests through the park's online request system. The fee is a per permit cost for each party within a group of 7 or more.
Individual tent sites and shelters are first come, first serve. Group tent sites must be reserved in advance.
- 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
- RVs
- Not allowed
- Trailers
- Not allowed
- Access roads
- No Roads
- Classification
- Limited Development Campground
No wheelchair access.
The campground is open from April 16 - October 31 (the park operating season) annually, 24 hours a day.
Community fire ring. Otherwise, self-contained stoves only.
McCargoe Cove Campground is located in McCargoe Cove, on the north shore of Isle Royale National Park, off of the Indian Portage and East Chickenbone Trails.
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 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.
McCargoe Cove Campground is located in McCargoe Cove, on the north shore of Isle Royale National Park, off of the Indian Portage and East Chickenbone Trails. Three individual tent sites, six shelters, and three group tent sites are available. Normal conditions for depth at dock is 7'. Boats can overnight at dock. Canoe/kayak access from Lake Superior or 1.2 mile portage from Chickenbone Lake. The campground is on a rocky hillside. The Minong mile is accessible via the Minong Ridge Trail .8 miles from the campground.

Location, hours, and facility details confirmed against the National Park Service registry.
National Park Service registryChecked 2026-08-04
Can you reserve a campsite at McCargoe Cove Campground?
Both. McCargoe Cove Campground in Isle Royale National Park has 3 sites that can be reserved in advance and 9 that are first-come, first-served.
How many campsites does McCargoe Cove Campground have?
McCargoe Cove Campground in Isle Royale National Park has 12 campsites.
What is the maximum RV length at McCargoe Cove Campground?
McCargoe Cove Campground does not take RVs.
How much does it cost to camp at McCargoe Cove Campground?
McCargoe Cove Campground in Isle Royale National Park charges between Free and $25 per night, depending on the site type.
Are there showers at McCargoe Cove Campground?
No. McCargoe Cove Campground in Isle Royale National Park does not list showers.
Is there drinking water at McCargoe Cove Campground?
Yes. McCargoe Cove Campground in Isle Royale National Park lists drinking water: Water · but not potable.
Is there cell service at McCargoe Cove Campground?
No. McCargoe Cove Campground in Isle Royale National Park does not list cell reception.
Is there a dump station at McCargoe Cove Campground?
No. McCargoe Cove Campground in Isle Royale National Park does not list dump station.
Is McCargoe Cove Campground wheelchair accessible?
McCargoe Cove Campground in Isle Royale National Park: No wheelchair access.
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