About Rock Harbor Campground — Isle Royale NP
The most remote and least-visited national park in the continental US requires a ferry or seaplane to reach —
and that difficulty is exactly its greatest appeal. Isle Royale is a roadless island wilderness in Lake
Superior, home to an ongoing wolf-moose predator-prey research study running since 1958.
Highlights
- Wolf and moose sightings on trails
- Pristine Lake Superior wilderness island
- World-class backpacking loop trails
- Scuba diving on historic Great Lakes shipwrecks
- Zero road noise — true wilderness silence
Directions & How to Get There
There are no roads to Isle Royale. Ferry service from Copper Harbor, MI (Ranger III, 6 hours) or Houghton, MI
(M/V Isle Royale Queen IV, 3.5 hours) or Grand Portage, MN (Voyageur II, 2-2.5 hours). Floatplane service also
available from Houghton County Memorial Airport.
Nearby Attractions
- Tobin Harbor Trail
- Greenstone Ridge Trail (main spine of island)
- Raspberry Island
- Rock Harbor Lighthouse
- Ojibway Tower viewpoint
Insider Tips
- The ferry costs $70-150+ per person each way — budget accordingly
- Moose encounters are common and can be dangerous — give wide berth
- Backpacking the 40-mile Greenstone Ridge is a bucket-list experience
- The park closes mid-September — plan your trip accordingly
Best Time to Visit
Best months: July–August
Season: June–September
Access difficulty: Very remote (boat/plane access only)
What to Pack for Michigan Camping
- Navigation: downloaded offline maps, compass, and GPS device
- Water: at least 3 liters per person per day (more in desert parks)
- Food: bear canister or use provided bear boxes where required
- Shelter: 3-season tent, rain fly, and ground tarp
- Clothing: moisture-wicking base layers, insulating mid-layer, waterproof shell
- First aid kit: including blister treatment, pain reliever, and any personal medications
- Sun protection: SPF 50 sunscreen, wide-brim hat, UV-blocking sunglasses
- Lighting: headlamp with extra batteries, lantern for camp
- Safety: whistle, emergency bivy, and knowledge of your emergency exit route