West Chickenbone Campground
48.0633, -88.7247 · Park boundary: National Park Service
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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
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 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
- Primitive Camping Areas
Not wheelchair accessible.
Uneven, rough terrain throughout campground. Facilities are not accessible.
Self-contained stoves only.
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.
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 West Chickenbone Campground?
Both. West Chickenbone Campground in Isle Royale National Park has 3 sites that can be reserved in advance and 6 that are first-come, first-served.
How many campsites does West Chickenbone Campground have?
West Chickenbone Campground in Isle Royale National Park has 9 campsites.
What is the maximum RV length at West Chickenbone Campground?
West Chickenbone Campground does not take RVs.
How much does it cost to camp at West Chickenbone Campground?
West Chickenbone Campground in Isle Royale National Park charges between Free and $25 per night, depending on the site type.
Are there showers at West Chickenbone Campground?
No. West Chickenbone Campground in Isle Royale National Park does not list showers.
Is there drinking water at West Chickenbone Campground?
Yes. West Chickenbone Campground in Isle Royale National Park lists drinking water: Water · but not potable.
Is there cell service at West Chickenbone Campground?
No. West Chickenbone Campground in Isle Royale National Park does not list cell reception.
Is there a dump station at West Chickenbone Campground?
No. West Chickenbone Campground in Isle Royale National Park does not list dump station.
Is West Chickenbone Campground wheelchair accessible?
West Chickenbone Campground in Isle Royale National Park: Not wheelchair accessible.
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