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Campground · Isle Royale National Park

Pickerel Cove Campground

1 sitesFirst-come, first-servedIn Isle Royale National Park
A tent sits on a small peninsula in Lake Superior. Trees rise behind the tent.
There is only one tent site on this picturesque cove designed for paddlers. · NPS / Mike Ausema
Campsites
1
How to get a site
First-come, first-served
RVs
Not allowed
Trailers
Not allowed
Fee
Free
Coordinates
48.1245, -88.6522
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48.1245, -88.6522 · Park boundary: National Park Service

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About · Real sources only

Pickerel Cove Campground is located in Pickerel Cove on the north shore of Isle Royale National Park. Canoe/kayak access from Pickerel Cove or via .1 mile portage from Lake Superior. Stay Limit: 2 nights from June 1 – Labor Day annually. Access: Canoe/kayak. No dock for boats.

Hours & season
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
Campsites · 1 total
1
Tent-only
1
Walk or boat in
1 first-come, first-served
Camping fees
Small-party Camping (6 people or less)Free

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

Reservations

Individual tent site first come, first serve.

Amenities
Drinking water
Water · but not potable
Toilets
Composting Toilets - seasonal
Amphitheater
No
Camp store
No
Cell reception
No
Dump station
No
Firewood for sale
No
Food storage lockers
No
Host on site
No
Ice for sale
No
Internet
No
Laundry
No
Showers
None
Trash & recycling
No
Access & accessibility
RVs
Not allowed
Trailers
Not allowed
Access roads
No Roads
Classification
Primitive Camping Areas
Wheelchair access

No wheelchair access.

ADA facilities

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

Fires & stoves

Self-contained stoves only.

Getting there

Pickerel Cove Campground is located in Pickerel Cove on the north shore of Isle Royale National Park.

Weather

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.

Rules & regulations

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.

Described in detail

Pickerel Cove Campground is located in Pickerel Cove on the north shore of Isle Royale National Park. Consecutive night stay limit is two nights from June 1 – Labor Day annually. One individual tent site is available, no shelter sites are available. No dock available for boats. Canoe/kayak access from Pickerel Cove or via .1 mile portage from Lake Superior. No trail access to Pickerel Cove.

Photos · Real imagery only
Aerial view of the blue waters of Herring Bay and Pickerel Cove.
NPS / Paul Brown
Contact
Address800 E. Lakeshore Drive · Houghton, MI 49931
Phone906-482-0984
Emailisro_parkinfo@nps.gov
Official pageOn nps.gov →

Location, hours, and facility details confirmed against the National Park Service registry.

National Park Service registry

Checked 2026-08-04

Common questions

Can you reserve a campsite at Pickerel Cove Campground?

No. All 1 sites at Pickerel Cove Campground in Isle Royale National Park are first-come, first-served, so arrive early in the season.

How many campsites does Pickerel Cove Campground have?

Pickerel Cove Campground in Isle Royale National Park has 1 campsites.

What is the maximum RV length at Pickerel Cove Campground?

Pickerel Cove Campground does not take RVs.

How much does it cost to camp at Pickerel Cove Campground?

Pickerel Cove Campground in Isle Royale National Park is free. Park entrance fees may still apply.

Are there showers at Pickerel Cove Campground?

No. Pickerel Cove Campground in Isle Royale National Park does not list showers.

Is there drinking water at Pickerel Cove Campground?

Yes. Pickerel Cove Campground in Isle Royale National Park lists drinking water: Water · but not potable.

Is there cell service at Pickerel Cove Campground?

No. Pickerel Cove Campground in Isle Royale National Park does not list cell reception.

Is there a dump station at Pickerel Cove Campground?

No. Pickerel Cove Campground in Isle Royale National Park does not list dump station.

Is Pickerel Cove Campground wheelchair accessible?

Pickerel Cove Campground in Isle Royale National Park: No wheelchair access.

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