West Chickenbone Campground

48.0633, -88.7247 · Park boundary: National Park Service
West Chickenbone Campground is located on the west end of Chickenbone Lake, off of the Indian Portage Trail This inland campground has no boater access. Canoe/kayak access from the 1.2 mile portage from McCargoe Cove or the 0.2 mile portage from Lake Livermore. Stay Limit: 2 nights from June 1 – Labor Day annually. Access: Foot/canoe/kayak
- 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
Not wheelchair accessible.
Uneven, rough terrain throughout campground. Facilities are not accessible.
Self-contained stoves only.
Per the National Park Service, as of 2026-08-04
West Chickenbone Campground is located on the west end of Chickenbone Lake, off of the Indian Portage 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.
West Chickenbone Campground is located on the west end of Chickenbone Lake, off the Indian Portage Trail. This backcountry campground includes six individual tent sites, three group sites, and vault toilets. No boater access. There is canoe/kayak access from a 1.2 mile portage from McCargoe Cove or the .2 mile portage from Lake Livermore. This inland campground offers a forest experience.


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