Duncan Bay Campground

Star0
5 reviews
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Peace & QuietSummer Destination

Quick Facts

617 ft

Price

$3 - $8/night

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

2 campsites

Season

Open from June 2 thr...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Opens Isle Royale National Park 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
Duncan Bay Campground
$3.00 - $8.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Recreation use fees vary depending on activity and method of payment. Fees range from $3 (in person) to $8 (online/app) and $9 (through contact...
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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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Recreation Dot Gov
Provider
(906) 482-0984isro_parkinfo@nps.gov
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What Campers Say

N/A

Limited Reviews

Based on 5 reviews

3 Google reviews

"User sentiment is mixed, with general ratings leaning towards average (3.0/5 for campgrounds) while overall park sentiment is higher (4.0/5). The campground's minimalistic nature is appreciated by some but may not suit campers looking for modern facilities."

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Campground Map

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Duncan Bay Campground

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Driving directionsDuncan Bay Campground is located on the west end of Duncan Bay, on the northeast end of Isle Royale National Park.
Access via Canoe/kayak/private boat. No direct road access has been specified.
Nearby places
Houghton, MI (exact distance and time unavailable).
Nearby supplies
Closest supplies are likely available in Houghton, MI. More specific details unavailable.

Best Time to Camp at Duncan Bay Campground

Summer transforms Duncan Bay into a paddler's paradise, with calm waters and warm days perfect for exploration. As autumn approaches, the campground takes on a wilder character—winds pick up across the bay, and by late fall, snow begins to dust the forest canopy. Winter visitors should come prepared for challenging conditions, as snow and wind dominate the landscape, creating a stark but beautiful wilderness experience that few ever witness.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Open June 2–Labor Day; described as a paddler's paradise in summer with calm waters.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
Not recommended

Campground closes after Labor Day; not available in fall season.

Spring(Mar-May)
Not recommended

Opens June 2; spring season not available for camping here.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Closed in colder months; winter camping not supported.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: From June 2 through Labor Day annually.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open from June 2 through Labor Day annually.
  • Current Alerts: No active alerts mentioned.

About Duncan Bay Campground

Tucked away on the pristine western shores of Duncan Bay, this hidden gem in Isle Royale National Park's northeastern wilderness offers an authentic escape for adventurous souls. Accessible only by water—whether you paddle in by canoe or kayak, or motor up to the 6-foot-deep dock—Duncan Bay Campground rewards those who make the journey with unparalleled tranquility. Two rustic shelters await, providing sanctuary in one of the park's most peaceful and least-visited corners, where the rhythms of nature set the pace for your stay.
Duncan Bay Campground caters to non-motorized water travel and basic shelter use. It is best suited for those arriving via personal watercraft and seeking isolated outdoor experiences.
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Stay Limit
3nights from June 2 – Labor Day annually.


Activities you can enjoy

Duncan Bay Campground is minimalistic but offers opportunities for water-based activities and tranquil enjoyment of nature. User reviews highlight unique features like the sounds of loons.
BoatingBoating is a significant activity as boats can dock overnight at Duncan Bay Campground. The dock depth is 6 feet under normal conditions.
Wildlife viewingUser reviews mention the presence of wildlife, specifically loons, adding a natural charm to the campground.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsWeather conditions can be hazardous, including high winds and snow outside of summer. Wildlife like loons is present but no explicit mention of dangerous species such as bears.
Active AlertsNo active alerts mentioned.

Weather at Duncan Bay Campground

Reviews

0.0
5 reviews
Limited Reviews
Limited Reviews
Duncan Bay Campground has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
User sentiment is mixed, with general ratings leaning towards average (3.0/5 for campgrounds) while overall park sentiment is higher (4.0/5). The campground's minimalistic nature is appreciated by some but may not suit campers looking for modern facilities.
Review Summaries
Based on 5 reviews

What Campers Love

"The Loons here - <3." The tranquility and natural environment, including wildlife sounds, are appreciated by users.
Based on 5 reviews

Common Concerns

Complaints are not explicitly detailed, but the lack of modern facilities may be a drawback for some.
Based on 5 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers should arrive prepared with all necessary supplies, as facilities are minimal. Access is by watercraft only.
Based on 5 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The stay limit is explicitly seasonal, restricted to three nights from June 2 through Labor Day. Weather conditions may vary greatly, and the campground is less accessible during colder months due to...
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Based on 5 reviews

Camper Quotes

"The Loons here - <3 (Likes: 1, Date: 2019-08-23T02:23:13+00:00)."
Based on 5 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Specific feedback mentions the two shelters and one campsite without elaborating on site conditions or preferences.
Based on 5 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility is limited to watercraft arrivals, which may be challenging for individuals without access to such resources or with mobility constraints.
Based on 5 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

There are no reviews addressing pet policies or pet-related features at Duncan Bay Campground.
Based on 5 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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