Lane Cove Campground
04 reviewsQuick Facts
Price
$3 - $8/night
Booking
Walk-in Only
Sites
5 campsites
Season
Year-round
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Not Allowed
Quick Facts
Price
$3 - $8/night
Booking
Walk-in Only
Sites
5 campsites
Season
Year-round
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Not Allowed
Lane Cove Campground
$3.00 - $8.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Fees vary depending on the type of reservation method. Standard fees include $8 for online or app reservations, $9 for contact center reservations,...
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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
Total Campsite Fees$0.00
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Recreation Dot Gov
Provider(906) 482-0984isro_parkinfo@nps.gov
What Campers Say
N/A
Limited Reviews
Based on 4 reviews
7 Google reviews
Most mentioned
quietlocation
"Overall, Lane Cove Campground receives high praise for its seclusion, natural beauty, and opportunities for wildlife observation. Common themes include the challenging yet rewarding hike to reach the campground and the peacefulness of the setting."
Fees & Passes at Lane Cove Campground
$3 - $8/night
Campsite fees
Stay Limit: 1 night effective June 1 – September 17 annually.
Cancellation: Cancellations are allowed through the Recreation.gov platform but are subject to a $10 cancellation ...
Prices verified November 27, 2025
Prices may vary by season and site type. Always confirm current rates on the official National Park Service website.
Best Time to Camp at Lane Cove Campground
Lane Cove transforms dramatically with the seasons, from winter's dramatic blanket of heavy snow and fierce winds to summer's gentle embrace. July and August bring ideal camping conditions with crystal-clear skies, pleasantly dry weather, and temperatures that invite both daytime exploration and comfortable evening campfires. Spring and fall offer their own rewards—fewer visitors and spectacular displays of wildflowers or autumn colors—though visitors should prepare for more variable conditions during these transitional seasons.
Spring (Mar-May)
Wildflowers bloom, mild temperatures, fewer crowds. Great for hiking and photography.
Best
Summer (Jun-Aug)
Peak season with warm weather, perfect for water activities. Book early.
Fall (Sep-Nov)
Beautiful fall colors, cooler temps, quieter campgrounds. Ideal for peaceful trips.
Winter (Dec-Feb)
Off-season, limited services. Check for closures before visiting.
Planning Tips
- Peak Season: June 1 – September 17 annually.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
- Operating Season: Open year-round. However, specific policies such as the 1-night stay limit apply during June 1 – September 17 annually.
About Lane Cove Campground
Hidden away on Isle Royale's pristine north shore, Lane Cove Campground offers an authentic wilderness escape for adventurers willing to venture off the beaten path. This remote sanctuary, reached only by rugged trail or paddling through crystal-clear waters, rewards visitors with unparalleled solitude and an intimate connection with one of America's most untouched landscapes. Here, the gentle lapping of Lake Superior's waves and the whisper of wind through ancient forests replace the noise of modern life.
Lane Cove Campground is a primitive backcountry campground designed for those seeking solitude and a connection with nature.
Historical SignificanceYour campsite rests on land steeped in thousands of years of human history. Long before European explorers arrived, Native American peoples harvested copper from Isle Royale's rich deposits, leaving behind ancient mining pits that still dot the landscape. In the early 1900s, hardy fishing families made their living from these waters, establishing small communities that thrived despite the island's isolation. Today, their weathered docks and cabin foundations serve as silent testimonies to the enduring human connection with this remarkable place.
Weather and SeasonsLane Cove transforms dramatically with the seasons, from winter's dramatic blanket of heavy snow and fierce winds to summer's gentle embrace. July and August bring ideal camping conditions with crystal-clear skies, pleasantly dry weather, and temperatures that invite both daytime exploration and comfortable evening campfires. Spring and fall offer their own rewards—fewer visitors and spectacular displays of wildflowers or autumn colors—though visitors should prepare for more variable conditions during these transitional seasons.
Natural Features and SceneryNestled within a cathedral of towering conifers and hardwoods, Lane Cove Campground offers front-row seats to nature's finest theater. The sheltered cove provides a natural amphitheater where morning mists dance across the water and evening light paints the shoreline in golden hues. From your tent, watch as moose wade through the shallows at dawn, listen for the haunting call of loons echoing across the water, and catch glimpses of wolves—part of the island's famous predator-prey study—moving silently through the forest shadows.
Geological RegionLane Cove sits within Isle Royale National Park, a 45-mile-long wilderness sanctuary rising from the depths of Lake Superior. This rugged island showcases nature's raw power through its ancient volcanic ridges, glacier-carved valleys, and the world's largest freshwater lake stretching endlessly to the horizon. The island's unique isolation has created a living laboratory where wolves and moose engage in one of nature's most studied predator-prey relationships, while dense boreal forests shelter an ecosystem found nowhere else in Michigan.
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Campsite details
AccessibilityThe campground is accessible only by foot, canoe, or kayak, which makes it less accessible for individuals with mobility impairments.
Total Campsites5 campsites
Recommended CampsitesIf strong winds are a concern, choose Site 1. For the best sunset views, select Site 2.
Best Campsites
Curated by campers, for campers
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Reserving a campsite
Stay Limit
1night effective June 1 – September 17 annually.
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 five campsites arranged in a linear fashion, with varying degrees of privacy and scenic appeal.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen year-round. However, specific policies such as the 1-night stay limit apply during June 1 – September 17 annually.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made on Recreation.gov using the website, contact center, app, or in-person.
Walk-in AvailabilityNot applicable as the campground is not reservable in advance.
Cancellation PolicyCancellations are allowed through the Recreation.gov platform but are subject to a $10 cancellation fee. Late cancellations may forfeit the first night's fees.
Activities you can enjoy
Activities at Lane Cove Campground are focused on enjoying the natural and remote setting, including hiking to the site, wildlife observation, and watching the sunset.
Hiking
Hiking is a key activity, with access provided via the Lane Cove Trail, which branches off from the Greenstone Ridge Trail. Reviews describe the hike as rugged and challenging but rewarding.Boating
The campground is accessible by canoe or kayak, catering to paddlers. However, motorized boating access is not available.Wildlife viewing
Campers have observed diverse wildlife, including mentions of wolf calls in user reviews.Water Sports
Paddling activities such as kayaking and canoeing are possible due to water access.Advertisement
Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
Hazards
General hazardsLimited number of campsites, and the hike is described as rugged and challenging by multiple reviewers. No adjacent day hiking trails are available, according to a user review.
Weather at Lane Cove Campground
13
°F
Dec 7
Sunday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 73%
High humidity, may feel muggy
Wind: 11.7 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
Overcast
Weather History
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Good to know
Peak season datesJune 1 – September 17 annually.
Proximity to water featuresThe campground is positioned along Lake Superior in Lane Cove, providing direct access to the water.
Common complaintsLimited campsites and no adjacent day-hiking trails.
Campground Map
Driving directionsLane Cove Campground is located in Lane Cove, on the northeast end of Isle Royale National Park (along Lake Superior), off of the Lane Cove Trail.
Accessible exclusively by foot, canoe, or kayak. No boat access is allowed.Nearby places
Houghton, MI: Exact distances and travel times not provided.
Reviews from booking and map sources
0.0
4 reviews
Lane Cove Campground has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
Overall, Lane Cove Campground receives high praise for its seclusion, natural beauty, and opportunities for wildlife observation. Common themes include the challenging yet rewarding hike to reach the campground and the peacefulness of the setting.
Review Summaries
Based on 4 reviews
What Campers Love
The setting is described as 'absolutely beautiful' with 'plenty of wildlife' and 'BEAUTIFUL sunsets.' Another user called it 'amazing, quiet, and secluded,' while others praised specific campsite...
Based on 4 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Some users noted the limited number of campsites, the absence of adjacent day hiking trails, and the ruggedness of the hike required to reach the campground.
Based on 4 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
One reviewer suggested trying to secure site 2 for its sunset views and proximity to the water. Site 1 offers protection from wind and is also recommended for campers who prefer more shelter.
Based on 4 reviewsSeasonal Insights
The campground's stay limit from June 1 to September 17 suggests summer is the most popular and accessible season. No specific reviews highlight winter camping.
Based on 4 reviewsCamper Quotes
1. 'Absolutely beautiful campground. Tucked away, plenty of wildlife, BEAUTIFUL sunsets. 10/10.'
2. 'Amazing, quiet, and secluded campground. Stayed here our first night out of Rock Harbor. Well...
Based on 4 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Site 2 is highly recommended for its sunset views and proximity to water. Site 1 is noted for its wind protection and suitability during harsh conditions. Other sites are regarded as less desirable...
Based on 4 reviewsShow more
Accessibility Features
No reviews specifically address accessibility features, though the remote and rugged nature of the campground makes it less suitable for those with mobility challenges.
Based on 4 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No reviews specifically address pet policies or experiences.
Based on 4 reviewsCamper Reviews by Outdoorithm campers
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Last updated November 27, 2025
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