Three Mile Campground

Star4.37
21 reviews
800 E. Lakeshore Drive, Houghton, MI, 49931, USA
Summer Destination

Quick Facts

623 ft

Price

$3 - $9/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

8 campsites

Season

Open from June 1 to ...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Opens National Park Service site

Official Website
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Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
Three Mile Campground
$3.00 - $9.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Fees vary based on reservation method: $8 if booked online, $9 via contact center, or $3 in-person. Additional $10 charge for reservation changes or...
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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

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Provider
(906) 482-0984isro_parkinfo@nps.gov
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What Campers Say

4.37

Recommended

Based on 21 reviews

21 Google reviews

Most mentioned

lake

"User reviews highlight Three Mile Campground's scenic lakeside location, accessibility via trails and boats, and challenges like shared spaces during busier seasons."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

800 E. Lakeshore Drive, Houghton, MI, 49931, USA

Three Mile Campground

800 E. Lakeshore Drive, Houghton, MI, 49931, USA

Driving directionsThree Mile Campground is located on Rock Harbor Channel off of the Rock Harbor and Mount Franklin Trails. GPS coordinates are 48° 7' 25.8672" N, 88° 31' 46.6284" W.
Access to the campground is by foot, canoe/kayak, or private boat. There is no direct road access.
Nearby places
Houghton (approximately 50 miles by water or air)
no other population centers are close due to Isle Royale's remote nature.
Nearby supplies
Rock Harbor Visitor Center for essential supplies
larger supply stock available in Houghton accessible by ferry or plane.

Best Time to Camp at Three Mile Campground

Summer transforms Three Mile into a gentle paradise where warm days invite exploration and cool evenings demand campfire stories. While occasional thunderstorms roll across Lake Superior's vast expanse, bringing dramatic skies and refreshing rain, the mid-summer weeks shine as the crown jewels of camping season—offering perfect temperatures and minimal precipitation. As autumn fades, winter's fierce grip closes the island to visitors, blanketing the landscape in deep snow and ice until spring's eventual return.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Open and busiest in summer; warm days, blueberries on trails, but shelters get crowded.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
3.0 / 5

Open through Sept 17 so limited fall window; possible colors but short season and fewer services.

Spring(Mar-May)
Not recommended

Campground closed before June 1; spring season not available.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground closed outside June 1–Sept 17.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: June 1–September 17 annually.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open from June 1 to September 17 annually; closed outside these dates.

About Three Mile Campground

Nestled along the pristine waters of Rock Harbor Channel, Three Mile Campground beckons adventurers as a perfect waystation on the legendary trek between Rock Harbor and Windigo. This lakeside haven offers eight cozy shelters where weary travelers can rest under starlit skies, while its welcoming dock provides safe harbor for paddlers and boaters exploring Isle Royale's remote shores. Whether you arrive by foot, canoe, or motorboat, you'll find yourself immersed in the raw beauty of one of America's most isolated wilderness areas.
Three Mile Campground supports various camping styles, including shelters and primitive setups. Some user reviews suggest cabins near the lake, though cabins are not confirmed in authoritative content.
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Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit
1night effective June 1–September 17 annually.


Activities you can enjoy

Activities at Three Mile Campground are focused on hiking, water-based activities like canoeing/kayaking, fishing, and general wildlife observation. The trails provide access to scenic views and destinations such as Mount Franklin.
HikingNumerous trails are accessible, including routes to Mount Franklin. User reviews suggest trails are well-loved for their beauty and connection to the island's features.
FishingFishing can be done near the dock, though no specifics about species or fishing quality are noted.
BoatingBoating is supported, evident by the dock available for overnight boat stays. Depth at the dock is 9 feet.
Wildlife viewingWildlife encounters include moose, as noted by user reviews, and a 'friendly' fox was mentioned by one user.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsWildlife encounters (e.g., moose and foxes) are possible; storms can occur during summer, and lakefront exposure could result in high winds.

Weather at Three Mile Campground

Reviews

4.4
21 reviews
Recommended
Recommended
Three Mile Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight Three Mile Campground's scenic lakeside location, accessibility via trails and boats, and challenges like shared spaces during busier seasons.
Review Summaries
Based on 21 reviews

What Campers Love

Shelters by the lakefront and access to Rock Harbor trails are praised. Wildlife sightings like moose and foxes are memorable experiences.
Based on 21 reviews

Common Concerns

Shared campsites can reduce privacy, and obtaining a shelter can be competitive. Some reviewers highlight limited activity options directly at the campground.
Based on 21 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Users recommend using Tobin Bay Trail instead of Rock Harbor Trail for safer hiking with backpacks. Shelters 11 and 12 are suggested by one reviewer.
Based on 21 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The campground's popularity peaks during summer, leading to crowded conditions at shelters and shared spaces. Reviewers appreciated the abundance of blueberries along trails during the season.
Based on 21 reviews

Camper Quotes

User quotes include: 'Shelters by the lakefront are beautiful. Saw a moose!' (Chip LeVan), 'Great place to spend the night on way in or out of Rock Harbor' (Joe Engel), 'Ran into a friendly fox that...
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Based on 21 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Shelters 11 and 12 recommended for their location (Carl Nerup).
Based on 21 reviews

Accessibility Features

No specific reviews discuss accessibility experiences beyond general comments about access via foot, canoe, kayak, or private boat.
Based on 21 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

No reviews specifically discuss pet experiences or policies.
Based on 21 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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