West Chickenbone Campground
04 reviews800 E. Lakeshore Drive, Houghton, MI 49931, USA
West Chickenbone Campground
$3.00 - $8.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Recreation Use fees vary by location and activity. Reservation fees add $8 if made online or through the app, $9 if made through the contact center, and $3 if made in-person.
About this campground
Tucked away on the western shores of pristine Chickenbone Lake, West Chickenbone Campground offers adventurous souls a true wilderness escape in the heart of Isle Royale National Park. This hidden gem remains delightfully uncrowded, drawing those who seek solitude and authentic backcountry experiences. Reaching this rustic haven requires dedication—whether you arrive by hiking trail, or paddle across the lake's crystalline waters by canoe or kayak. Unlike the park's coastal campgrounds, West Chickenbone embraces simplicity, offering tent sites without shelters, where the only sounds breaking the silence are lapping waves and the occasional call of a loon.
West Chickenbone Campground caters to backcountry campers, offering primitive, non-reservable sites suitable for tents.
Historical SignificanceWest Chickenbone Campground stands as a testament to Isle Royale's enduring wilderness character, where generations of backpackers have found refuge in this undeveloped corner of the park. The campground preserves the traditional backcountry experience that has drawn adventurers to these remote shores for decades.
Weather and SeasonsWinter transforms West Chickenbone into a dramatic landscape where nature showcases its raw power. Recent conditions paint a picture of true northern wilderness—heavy cloud blankets drape the sky nearly 90% of the time, while temperatures dance between a brisk 16°F at night and a crisp 25°F during daylight hours. Fresh snowfall blankets the ground with over 2.5 inches of pristine powder, while winds averaging 18 mph can surge to impressive 34 mph gusts, creating a symphony of whistling through the pines. These challenging conditions reward hardy winter campers with an unforgettable experience of Isle Royale's untamed beauty.
ElevationNestled at the lake level of Isle Royale's interior wilderness, the campground offers a gentle terrain that provides easy access to the water's edge while maintaining the rugged character of this remote island paradise.
Natural Features and SceneryWest Chickenbone Lake serves as your personal wilderness mirror, reflecting towering pines and the ever-changing moods of Isle Royale's sky. The campground's position offers front-row seats to nature's daily theater—watch morning mist rise from the lake's surface, witness moose wading through the shallows at dusk, and spot snowshoe hares darting between the underbrush. The surrounding rugged terrain creates an intimate amphitheater of wilderness, where jagged ridgelines frame distant views and dense forests harbor the island's elusive wildlife. This is where Isle Royale reveals its wild heart to those patient enough to seek it.
Geological RegionPositioned in the remote interior of Isle Royale National Park, West Chickenbone Campground sits within one of North America's most isolated wilderness areas. The campground occupies the western terminus of Chickenbone Lake, a glacially carved gem set deep within the island's rugged backbone. This inland location showcases Isle Royale's characteristic landscape—ancient volcanic ridges clothed in boreal forest, sculpted by millennia of glacial activity into the dramatic terrain that challenges and rewards today's adventurers.
Campsite details
AccessibilityNo specific accessibility features are mentioned, typical of a primitive backcountry campsite.
Sites SizeSites are described as roomy by a user review.
Sites PrivacyUser reviews mention that the campground can be busy in peak seasons, with some sites being shared. However, certain sites like site 6 have been noted for their ideal location.
Total Campsites10 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSite 6 is recommended for its lakeside location and scenic views. Group sites have steep access.
Best CampsitesCampsite 6 is noted for its proximity to the water and scenic views.
Reserving a campsite
Stay Limit
2nights from June 1 – Labor Day annually.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Not specified, though reviews mention instances of multiple tents sharing a site.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutCamping sites are spread out and include individual and group camping areas. Group sites require steep access.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen season is inferred to be June 1 through Labor Day; no explicit mention of closed season.
Reservation PlatformsReservations are not accepted for this campground.
Walk-in AvailabilityWalk-up availability is implied since reservations are not accepted.
Cancellation PolicyCancellations are not relevant as the campground does not accept reservations.
Amenities available
Potable water
Activities you can enjoy
The campground offers opportunities for hiking, wildlife viewing, and paddling. It is a backcountry experience designed for those looking to immerse in nature.
Hiking
The campground is accessible via the Indian Portage Trail and a short, steep walk from the Greenstone Ridge Trail. Hiking opportunities include connecting trails to McCargoe Cove and Lake Livermore.Boating
Canoe and kayak access are available via portages: 1.2 miles from McCargoe Cove and 0.2 miles from Lake Livermore.Wildlife viewing
User reviews describe moose sightings and friendly rabbits within the campground. The area is noted for its rich wildlife presence.Winter Activities
Winter activities are unlikely due to limited accessibility and extreme weather conditions in the area.Water Sports
The primary water sports activity is paddling, as the campground is accessible by canoe or kayak.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Fire policies are not mentioned.
Hazards
General hazardsPotential hazards include steep terrain as noted in reviews, and wildlife such as moose and rabbits. Algae blooms in the lake are also mentioned.
Weather forecast
54
°F
Aug 26
Tuesday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 71%
High humidity, may feel muggy
Wind: 9.2 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
Clear sky
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Closest emergency services are likely located in Houghton, MI.
Good to know
Peak season datesJune 1 through Labor Day.
Trash and recyclingNo information available about trash and recycling facilities.
Proximity to water featuresLocated directly on Chickenbone Lake, offering easy access for water purification.
Common complaintsSome reviews mention busy conditions in August, requiring shared group sites. Presence of algae blooms in the lake at certain times.
HostNo information about campground hosts is available.
Campground Map
800 E. Lakeshore Drive, Houghton, MI 49931, USA
Driving directionsWest Chickenbone Campground is located on the west end of Chickenbone Lake, off of the Indian Portage Trail.
Accessible via foot, canoe, or kayak. No boater access. Canoe/kayak access involves a 1.2-mile portage from McCargoe Cove or a 0.2-mile portage from Lake Livermore.Nearby places
Nearby population centers include Houghton, MI (exact distance not specified).
Nearby supplies
Supplies can be found in Houghton, MI, exact details and distances are not specified.
Camper Reviews
0.0
4 reviews
West Chickenbone Campground has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
The campground is appreciated for its seclusion, natural beauty, and wildlife experiences. However, it lacks the amenities found at other locations in Isle Royale National Park.
Review Summaries
Based on 4 reviews
What Campers Love
Scenic views of Chickenbone Lake, rich wildlife, and the peaceful setting are commonly praised. "Beautiful spot on the lake. Easy water access," noted one reviewer. Roomy campsites, such as site 6,...
Based on 4 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Lack of shelters and steep access to water from group sites are noted drawbacks. Algae in the lake was also mentioned as an issue.
Based on 4 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Bring all necessary supplies, as there are no facilities on-site. Plan for steep trails and shared sites during busy periods. Site 6 is recommended for its ideal location.
Based on 4 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Summer (June through August) is the busiest period, with some reviews indicating crowding at the group sites. Fall offers a quieter experience.
Based on 4 reviewsCamper Quotes
"Beautiful campground a quick but steep 5 minute walk from the turnoff on the Greenstone Ridge Trail. Secluded and peaceful." - Marshall Sims. "Stayed at individual campsite 4, campsite 6 seemed like...
Based on 4 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Site 6 is noted as the most ideal site, being spacious and located close to the water. Site 1 offers moose sightings from across the lake.
Based on 4 reviewsAccessibility Features
No reviews specifically address accessibility features, which aligns with the primitive nature of the campground.
Based on 4 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No reviews mention experiences with pets or the campground's pet policy.
Based on 4 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025