South Lake Desor Campground

47.9707, -88.9715 · Park boundary: National Park Service
South Lake Desor Campground is located inland on the south side of Lake Desor off of the Greenstone Ridge Trail. There is no canoe/kayak/boat access. Stay Limit: 2 nights effective from June 1 – Labor Day. Access: Foot
- 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
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.
Per the National Park Service, as of 2026-08-04
Individual tent sites 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
Per the National Park Service, as of 2026-08-04
- RVs
- Not allowed
- Trailers
- Not allowed
- Access roads
- No Roads
- Classification
- Primitive Camping Areas
No wheelchair access.
Uneven, rough terrain throughout camp. Facilities are not accessible.
Self-contained stoves only.
Per the National Park Service, as of 2026-08-04
South Lake Desor Campground is located on the south side of Lake Desor off of the Greenstone Ridge Trail.
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.
South Lake Desor Campground is located on the south side of Lake Desor off of the Greenstone Ridge Trail. It is about a 12 mile hike from Windigo to South Lake Desor Campground through a maple sugar forest. A steep trail leads from the Greenstone Ridge Trail to the campground. There are seven backcountry individual tent sites, three group sites and vault toilets. No boat access. No canoe/kayak access. Looking north from the campground lies North Desor Campground and the Minong Ridge Trail. Lake Desor has three islands. Lake Desor is the second largest inland lake in the park. Lake Desor is a relatively shallow lake with a sandy bottom. Loons can often be heard from late spring to late summer.


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Drive to South Lake Desor Campground
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