West Chickenbone Campground

9 sitesReservable & first-comeIn Isle Royale National Park
Aerial view of the blue water of Chickenbone Lake.
Chickenbone Lake has two campgrounds that are used by many backpackers traveling the Greenstone Ridge Trail. · NPS / Paul Brown
Campsites
9
How to get a site
Reservable & first-come
RVs
Not allowed
Fee
Free
Coordinates
48.0633, -88.7247
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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

6
Tent-only
3
Group
9
Walk or boat in
3 reservable6 first-come, first-served
Small-party Camping (6 people or less)Free

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

Group Tent Sites$25

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
Wheelchair access

Not wheelchair accessible.

ADA facilities

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

Fires & stoves

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.

View of marshy Chickenbone Lake area.
NPS / Paul Brown
Tent on the shores of Chickenbone Lake with trees along the shoreline.
NPS / Mike Ausema
Address800 E. Lakeshore Drive · Houghton, MI 49931
Official pageOn nps.gov →
Visitor centers in Isle Royale · 3

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