Lane Cove Campground

4.60

10 reviews

Scenic ViewsPeace & QuietSummer Destination

Featured in:Boating Camping Michigan Camping Near Isle Royale National Park

Quick Facts

594 ft

Price

$3 - $8/night

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

5 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Opens National Park Service site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Quick Facts

594 ft

Price

$3 - $8/night

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

5 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Opens National Park Service site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

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,...

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

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

(906) 482-0984isro_parkinfo@nps.gov

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What Campers Say

4.60

Top-Rated

Based on 10 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."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Lane Cove Campground

48.1449, -88.5577

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.

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.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.5 / 5

July–August called ideal; peak season June 1–Sept 17 though stay limits apply.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

3.5 / 5

Seasons transform the area; no specific fall reviews but scenic solitude likely valuable.

Spring(Mar-May)

3.0 / 5

Spring conditions variable; season noted but few specifics on camping experience then.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

Not recommended

Open year-round but winter brings heavy snow and fierce winds; no winter camping evidence.

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.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

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 camping is 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.

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.

AccessibilityThe campground is accessible only by foot, canoe, or kayak, which makes it less accessible for individuals with mobility impairments.

Total Campsites5 campsites

Recommended SitesIf strong winds are a concern, choose Site 1. For the best sunset views, select Site 2.

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.

HikingHiking 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.

BoatingThe campground is accessible by canoe or kayak, catering to paddlers. However, motorized boating access is not available.

Wildlife viewingCampers have observed diverse wildlife, including mentions of wolf calls in user reviews.

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsLimited 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.

No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Weather at Lane Cove Campground

Reviews

4.6

10 reviews

Top-Rated

Lane Cove Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% 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 10 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 10 reviews

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 10 reviews

Pro 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 10 reviews

Seasonal 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 10 reviews

Camper 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 10 reviews

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 10 reviews

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 10 reviews