East Chickenbone Campground

2.33

8 reviews

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

Quick Facts

751 ft

Price

$3 - $8/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

Varies

Season

Open seasonally from...

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

751 ft

Price

$3 - $8/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

Varies

Season

Open seasonally from...

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

East Chickenbone Campground

$3.00 - $8.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Recreation use fees vary by activity and location within Isle Royale National Park. Reservation fees, where applicable, range from $3 (in-person) to...

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

2.33

Mixed Reviews

Based on 8 reviews

4 Google reviews

"East Chickenbone Campground has a mixed reputation, with an average user sentiment of 3.5 out of 5. It is valued for its solitude but criticized for its exposed setting and inconvenient water access."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

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

East Chickenbone Campground

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

Driving directionsThe East Chickenbone Campground is located on the east end of Chickenbone Lake, off of the East Chickenbone Trail. No boater access; accessible via foot/canoe/kayak. Canoe/kayak access requires a 1.2 mile portage from McCargoe Cove or 0.2 mile portage from Lake Livermore.

Accessible via foot, canoe, or kayak; no boater access. Portages required from McCargoe Cove (1.2 miles) or Lake Livermore (0.2 miles). Not reachable by car.

Nearby places

Houghton (~0 miles

campground is managed from Houghton headquarters).

Nearby supplies

Supplies are likely available in Houghton, MI (~0 miles, campground managed from here). Specific supply locations not indicated.

Best Time to Camp at East Chickenbone Campground

Summer brings the magic to East Chickenbone, with the campground welcoming visitors from June 1 through Labor Day when Isle Royale's wilderness is at its most hospitable. Outside this window, winter transforms the landscape into a frozen realm where snow blankets the ground in weekly dustings of 2.5 inches and winds howl across the exposed terrain at speeds reaching 34 mph. These seasonal restrictions ensure visitors experience the island at its best, when wildflowers bloom along the trails and the lake sparkles under long northern days.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Open June 1–Labor Day; summer is peak season and most hospitable time to visit.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

Not recommended

Site is seasonally open only through Labor Day; fall use not supported.

Spring(Mar-May)

Not recommended

Season opens June 1; spring access not supported.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

Not recommended

Closed outside summer season; winter season not applicable.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: June 1 through Labor Day.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open seasonally from June 1 to Labor Day.

About East Chickenbone Campground

Nestled on the eastern shores of Chickenbone Lake, East Chickenbone Campground beckons adventurous souls seeking true wilderness solitude. This remote backcountry gem, reachable only by foot trail or paddle, rewards those who make the journey with an authentic Isle Royale experience. While the exposed setting and distance to water may challenge some campers, these very features create an atmosphere of rugged isolation that makes this site a favorite among those who prefer their wilderness untamed and uncrowded.

East Chickenbone Campground offers a remote camping experience accessible by foot, canoe, or kayak. It is not reservable and has a two-night stay limit during the peak season (June 1 to Labor Day).

Historical SignificanceWhile East Chickenbone may not boast documented historical landmarks, its story is written in the unchanged wilderness that surrounds it. This pristine corner of Isle Royale offers visitors a chance to experience the island much as it has existed for centuries, untouched by development and preserved in its natural state.

Weather and SeasonsSummer brings the magic to East Chickenbone, with the campground welcoming visitors from June 1 through Labor Day when Isle Royale's wilderness is at its most hospitable. Outside this window, winter transforms the landscape into a frozen realm where snow blankets the ground in weekly dustings of 2.5 inches and winds howl across the exposed terrain at speeds reaching 34 mph. These seasonal restrictions ensure visitors experience the island at its best, when wildflowers bloom along the trails and the lake sparkles under long northern days.

ElevationThe campground's inland position places it within Isle Royale's gently rolling interior landscape, where the terrain rises and falls through ancient ridges carved by time and ice.

Natural Features and SceneryEast Chickenbone sits at the heart of Isle Royale's rugged interior, where dense boreal forests give way to glimpses of shimmering lake water. The exposed nature of the site, noted by seasoned backpacker Willy Graves in 2021 as having 'a long walk to water,' actually offers campers unobstructed views of the surrounding wilderness. Rocky outcroppings punctuate the landscape, while the pristine waters of Chickenbone Lake stretch westward, creating a backdrop of raw, untamed beauty that defines the Isle Royale experience.

Geological RegionPositioned on the eastern edge of Chickenbone Lake, this campground occupies a fascinating pocket of Isle Royale's interior wilderness. The surrounding landscape tells the ancient story of volcanic activity and glacial carving, with dense forests clinging to rocky ridges and hidden waterways threading through the terrain. This inland sanctuary showcases the island's characteristic blend of rugged geology and thriving ecosystem, where billion-year-old bedrock supports a vibrant tapestry of northern forest life.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

2nights from June 1 to Labor Day 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 is not on the shoreline and is inland, limiting access to water features. Layout information is otherwise unspecified.

Reservation PlatformsWalk-up only; no advance reservations allowed.

Walk-in AvailabilityAll sites are walk-up only; first-come, first-served.

Cancellation PolicyCancellations incur a $10 fee plus forfeiture of the first night's fees. Late cancellations (after 12:00 am local time the day before check-in) forfeit all fees. No refunds for same-day cancellations.

AccessibilityNo accessibility features were explicitly stated. The only access mentioned is via foot, canoe, or kayak, which may not be suitable for individuals with mobility challenges.

Site SizeNo specific sizes of campsites were provided.

PrivacyCampground has been described as 'exposed,' suggesting a lack of privacy. One user review mentions it is suitable for solitude when the campground is not busy.

Recommended SitesSites are recommended for solitude rather than convenience. Visitors should plan for extended walks to water sources.

Activities you can enjoy

East Chickenbone Campground is a remote and less-visited site, ideal for hikers and paddlers seeking solitude. It lacks boater access and is not on the shoreline, which may limit water-based activities.

HikingHiking access is available via the East Chickenbone Trail. The area is remote and described by visitors as less scenic and interesting compared to other campgrounds on the island.

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsBackcountry hazards include exposure, long walks for water, and potentially challenging terrain. Wildlife and isolation may present additional risks.

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

Weather at East Chickenbone Campground

Reviews

2.3

8 reviews

Mixed Reviews

East Chickenbone Campground has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews

East Chickenbone Campground has a mixed reputation, with an average user sentiment of 3.5 out of 5. It is valued for its solitude but criticized for its exposed setting and inconvenient water access.

Review Summaries

Based on 8 reviews

What Campers Love

Visitors appreciate the solitude the campground provides, particularly when the island is busy.

Based on 8 reviews

Common Concerns

Users have noted the campground's 'exposed' nature and the 'long walk to the lake for water,' which some found inconvenient. Others described it as 'not as scenic or interesting as other campgrounds...

Based on 8 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers should be prepared for the exposed nature of the campsites and the long walk to the lake for water. Consider bringing sufficient water or equipment to manage water collection.

Based on 8 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The campground is busiest during the peak summer season (June 1 to Labor Day). Visitors seeking solitude may appreciate the less crowded atmosphere during this period.

Based on 8 reviews

Camper Quotes

'Pretty exposed site, long walk to water, but when it's busy and you were looking for solitude it works.' - Willy Graves, Aug 2021. 'Long walk to the lake for water, not as scenic or interesting as...

Based on 8 reviews