Moskey Basin Campground
02 reviews800 E. Lakeshore Drive, Houghton, MI, 49931, USA
Moskey Basin 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 activity and facility type. Reservation fees range from $3 for in-person booking to $8 online or $9 via contact center.
About this campground
Deep within Isle Royale National Park lies Moskey Basin Campground, a hidden sanctuary where wilderness whispers through ancient forests and pristine waters lap against rocky shores. This remote haven, reachable only by foot trail, paddle stroke, or private vessel, rewards adventurous souls with six rustic shelters nestled along the basin's edge. A sturdy dock extends into waters that plunge 8 feet deep under normal conditions, welcoming kayakers and boaters who navigate these untamed channels. Here, far from civilization's clamor, visitors discover the profound solitude and breathtaking vistas that have drawn wilderness seekers to this northern refuge for generations.
The campground supports tent camping and shelter accommodations.
Historical SignificanceMoskey Basin stands as a testament to Michigan's enduring commitment to wilderness preservation, forming an integral part of Isle Royale National Park's protected landscape. These waters and forests have witnessed centuries of human interaction with the natural world, from indigenous peoples who first navigated these channels to the conservation visionaries who fought to preserve this pristine archipelago for future generations. Today, the campground continues this legacy, offering modern adventurers a chance to connect with the same untouched wilderness that has captivated hearts and inspired protection efforts throughout Michigan's conservation history.
Weather and SeasonsThe rhythms of Moskey Basin shift dramatically with the seasons, from summer's warm embrace to winter's fierce grip. While gentle breezes cool hikers in July and August, persistent mosquitoes remind visitors of nature's less welcome inhabitants, maintaining their buzzing presence well into September's golden days. As autumn fades, the basin transforms into a frozen wonderland where snow blankets the shelters and ice claims the waterways, creating conditions that test even the hardiest adventurers. This is a place where weather writes its own rules, demanding respect and proper preparation from all who venture here.
ElevationWhile specific elevation data remains unrecorded for this secluded campground, visitors experience the gentle undulations of Isle Royale's ancient landscape as they explore the basin's varied terrain.
Natural Features and SceneryMoskey Basin unfolds like nature's masterpiece, where crystalline waters mirror towering pines and weathered rock formations tell stories millions of years in the making. The campground's shelters peek through dense forest canopy, offering front-row seats to one of Isle Royale's most photogenic theaters. Morning mists dance across the basin's surface while eagles soar overhead, and lucky visitors might glimpse moose wading through shallow coves or wolves padding silently along distant ridgelines. This pristine ecosystem showcases the raw beauty of the North Woods, where every sunrise paints the rocky shores in new hues and every sunset transforms the basin into liquid gold.
Geological RegionPerched within Isle Royale's dramatic landscape, Moskey Basin Campground occupies a fascinating geological theater carved by ancient forces. The Rock Harbor Channel region showcases nature's architectural prowess through weathered rocky outcrops that rise from crystalline waters, creating a rugged paradise of stone and lake. These geological formations, sculpted by millennia of ice and water, frame a network of inland waterways that wind through the wilderness like nature's highways. The basin itself represents a perfect marriage of land and water, where exposed bedrock meets pristine lakes in a testament to the powerful geological processes that shaped this remote corner of Lake Superior's vast wilderness.
Campsite details
Sites Size"super spacious," with "many nice, flat areas for tents" (user review by stina).
Sites PrivacyDescribed as peaceful and secluded by user reviews.
Total Campsites6 campsites
Recommended CampsitesReviews recommend exploring the rock formations behind the campground for stunning vistas. Shelters provide a comfortable stay.
Best CampsitesUsers have highlighted the spacious shelters and scenic views as key positives.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Not applicable due to the first-come, first-served system.
Check-out
Not applicable due to the first-come, first-served system.
Stay Limit
3nights from June 1 – Labor Day annually
Guests Allowed Per Site
Details about guest limits per site are not provided.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutSix shelters are available; the campground is spread across the basin and accessible by trails or waterways.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen season is not explicitly mentioned, but restrictions apply from June through Labor Day annually.
Reservation PlatformsReservations are not applicable; the campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis.
Walk-in AvailabilityThis campground operates exclusively on walk-up/first-come-first-served availability.
Cancellation PolicyReservation cancellations incur a $10 cancellation fee. Late cancellations (after 12:00 AM the day before arrival) forfeit the first night's fees. No-shows incur a $20 fee and forfeit the first night's fees.
Activities you can enjoy
The campground provides opportunities for hiking and exploring trails such as the Indian Portage and Rock Harbor Trails. It is also accessible via a 2-mile portage from Lake Richie and offers serene natural surroundings.
Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- No specific fire policies are documented.
- Quiet hours are not detailed.
Hazards
General hazardsVisitors have noted mosquitoes as a nuisance even in early September. Seasonal weather conditions include potential freezing and snow.
Active alertsNo active alerts reported.
Weather forecast
53
°F
Aug 26
Tuesday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 70%
High humidity, may feel muggy
Wind: 6 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
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 available in Houghton, MI. Emergency assistance on Isle Royale may depend on ranger stations and park personnel due to its remote nature.
Good to know
Peak season datesPeak season aligns with summer months, June through Labor Day.
Proximity to water featuresThe campground is located on Moskey Basin, providing direct access to Rock Harbor Channel and nearby Lake Richie via portage.
Common complaintsMosquito presence during warmer months. Lack of reservation system may cause logistical challenges.
HostInformation about campground hosts is not provided.
Campground Map
800 E. Lakeshore Drive, Houghton, MI, 49931, USA
Driving directionsMoskey Basin Campground is located in Moskey Basin at the west end of Rock Harbor Channel, off of the Indian Portage and Rock Harbor Trails.
Accessible via foot, canoe/kayak, or private boat. The campground can be reached by canoe/kayak access from Rock Harbor Channel or through a 2.0-mile portage from Lake Richie. Road access is not applicable.Nearby places
Houghton (approximately 0 miles as the campground address is listed here
further remote locations may apply for boat/kayak access).
Nearby supplies
Closest supplies such as food, fuel, and camping gear would generally be found in Houghton, MI, but on the island, supplies may be extremely limited and rely on ranger stations or port facilities.
Camper Reviews
0.0
2 reviews
Moskey Basin Campground has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
The campground receives high praise from visitors, described as a favorite location on Isle Royale by multiple reviewers. It boasts a peaceful and beautiful environment, with spacious campsites and scenic views.
Review Summaries
Based on 2 reviews
What Campers Love
Highlights include "super spacious, flat areas for tents," newly maintained clean latrines, and unique scenic features like a giant rock accessible for spectacular views. Visitors also appreciate the...
Based on 2 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Some reviewers noted the presence of mosquitoes, especially during the warmer months (July/August).
Based on 2 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Visitors recommend exploring the giant rock for great views and being prepared for mosquitoes in the summer. Staying during less foggy days is advised to fully enjoy the scenery.
Based on 2 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Warm months (July through August) are noted for mosquito activity, while early September retains good weather but with diminished insect presence.
Based on 2 reviewsCamper Quotes
"Super spacious, many nice, flat areas for our tents." - Stina. "Very peaceful and beautiful... you can watch the stream change directions as Moskey Basin sloshes against Lake Michigan." - Adam...
Based on 2 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Users have highlighted this campground as the best on the Isle Royale, specifically appreciating its spaciousness and scenic features.
Based on 2 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025