Grace Island Campground
01 review800 E. Lakeshore Drive, Houghton, MI, USA, 49931
Grace Island 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 range by location and activity. Reservation fees are in addition to these costs: $8 online, $9 through the contact center, $3 in person.
About this campground
Tucked away on the pristine shores of Grace Island, this secluded campground offers an authentic wilderness escape in the heart of Isle Royale National Park. Your journey here requires a paddle stroke or boat ride across Lake Superior's crystal waters, rewarding adventurous souls with two cozy shelters and a private dock where the only sounds are lapping waves and calling loons. This remote sanctuary stands as one of the park's most intimate camping experiences, where civilization feels wonderfully distant.
Grace Island Campground is a primitive camping site with minimal facilities, accessible only by watercraft.
Historical SignificanceGrace Island sits within waters that have witnessed millennia of human history. Long before European explorers navigated these shores, indigenous peoples paddled these same waters, extracting copper from the surrounding islands in what may be the world's oldest metal mining operations. Later, European settlers continued this mining legacy, leaving behind stories etched into the very bedrock of Isle Royale, creating a tapestry of cultural heritage that visitors can still sense today.
Weather and SeasonsSummer brings gentle warmth to this northern paradise, with mild temperatures perfect for paddling and exploring. The most coveted camping weeks feature clear skies and minimal rain, allowing uninterrupted stargazing from your island retreat. As autumn approaches, the boreal forest erupts in golden hues. Winter transforms Grace Island into a frozen wonderland, with recorded temperatures dipping between 18°F and 27°F, when light snow blankets the shelters and ice crystals dance across the frozen lake surface.
ElevationWhile specific elevation measurements remain unrecorded, Grace Island rises gently from Lake Superior's surface, creating natural vantage points for spectacular sunrise and sunset viewing across the world's largest freshwater lake.
Natural Features and ScenerySurrounded by the vast expanse of Lake Superior, Grace Island showcases nature's raw beauty at every turn. Ancient boreal forests of spruce, fir, and birch carpet the rugged terrain, their roots clinging to weathered rock formations. This pristine ecosystem serves as a sanctuary for Isle Royale's legendary wildlife—majestic moose browse the shoreline vegetation while the island's famous wolf packs roam the deeper forests, maintaining nature's delicate balance in this protected wilderness.
Geological RegionGrace Island emerges from Lake Superior as part of Isle Royale's dramatic archipelago, where billion-year-old volcanic bedrock tells the story of Earth's ancient past. The island's rugged coastline, sculpted by centuries of Superior's powerful waves, creates a stunning contrast between weathered stone cliffs and pockets of pristine forest. This geological masterpiece offers campers front-row seats to one of North America's most spectacular wilderness theaters.
Campsite details
AccessibilityThe campground is accessible only by canoe, kayak, or private boat, which may limit accessibility for campers with mobility challenges. No additional accessibility features are mentioned.
Sites SizeThe campground offers two shelters which likely accommodate small groups or families.
Sites PrivacyGiven the small number of facilities (two shelters), privacy is expected to be reasonable, but sites are not isolated.
Total Campsites2 campsites
Recommended CampsitesUser review suggests choosing either shelter as both offer protection from elements and picnic tables.
Best CampsitesBoth shelters provide similar features, including picnic tables and protection from rain and bugs.
Reserving a campsite
Stay Limit
3nights from June 1 to Labor Day annually.
Groups
No group camping facilities are available.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutThe campground consists of two shelters and one dock. There are no trails at this site.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen from June 1 to Labor Day annually.
Walk-in AvailabilityGrace Island Campground is non-reservable and operates on a first-come, first-served basis.
Cancellation PolicyReservations not applicable as Grace Island Campground does not allow advance reservations.
Amenities available
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Grace Island Campground is focused on a quiet, primitive camping experience. Activities are limited to enjoying the serene environment and boating access.
Boating
Boats can dock overnight at the campground. The dock accommodates depths of 2 to 4 feet under normal conditions.Winter Activities
Winter activities are not mentioned and may not be feasible given the location and accessibility.Water Sports
Boating is the primary water-based activity; no additional non-motorized water sports like kayaking or paddleboarding are specified.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- No fires are permitted at the campground.
Hazards
General hazardsPotential hazards include unpredictable weather on Lake Superior, isolation, and the presence of wildlife such as moose and wolves.
Weather forecast
54
°F
Aug 26
Tuesday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 67%
Moderately humid conditions
Wind: 8.9 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
Emergency services are likely located in Houghton, Michigan, the home of the park headquarters. Specific facilities are not detailed.
Good to know
Peak season datesJune 1 to Labor Day annually.
Trash and recyclingNo information available on trash and recycling facilities at the site.
Proximity to water featuresLocated directly on Lake Superior, with a dock providing access for private boats.
Common complaintsNo complaints were noted in official or user reviews.
Campground Map
800 E. Lakeshore Drive, Houghton, MI, USA, 49931
Driving directionsGrace Island Campground is located on Grace Island, outside of Washington Harbor, on the southwest end of Isle Royale National Park.
Access requires canoe, kayak, or private boat as the campground is situated on an island. Roads do not lead directly to the campground.Nearby places
Houghton is the nearest population center but exact distances and travel times were not provided.
Nearby supplies
Supplies would need to be obtained before arriving at Grace Island as the campground lacks facilities for provisioning. Houghton is most likely the point for groceries and camping supplies.
Camper Reviews
0.0
1 reviews
Grace Island Campground has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
Grace Island Campground is highly praised for its serene, primitive environment and functional shelters. Average sentiment for the campground is exceptionally high at 5.0.
Review Summaries
Based on 1 reviews
What Campers Love
Shelters are effective in protecting against rain and bugs, and the presence of a picnic table in each shelter is appreciated. 'Great spot for the night. The cabins keep out the rain and bugs.'
Based on 1 reviewsCommon Concerns
The lack of trails, fire rings, and potable water may be considered drawbacks for some campers. 'No trails. No fires.'
Based on 1 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Campers should plan to bring their own water and firewood, as neither is available on-site. Access via canoe, kayak, or private boat requires preparation to transport all necessary supplies.
Based on 1 reviewsSeasonal Insights
The three-night stay limit from June 1 to Labor Day makes this a summer-focused campground. Visitors outside this period may face accessibility challenges.
Based on 1 reviewsCamper Quotes
'Great spot for the night. The cabins keep out the rain and bugs.'
Based on 1 reviewsSite-Specific Reviews
The campground features only two shelters, both of which include picnic tables. There is also one dock and one outhouse available.
Based on 1 reviewsAccessibility Features
No specific reviews address accessibility, but access is limited to watercraft, which may restrict usage for individuals with certain mobility needs.
Based on 1 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No reviews address pet policies or pet-related experiences.
Based on 1 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025