Grace Island Campground

4.81

10 reviews

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

Scenic ViewsPeace & QuietSummer Destination

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

Quick Facts

623 ft

Price

$3 - $8/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

2 campsites

Season

Open from June 1 to ...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Opens Isle Royale National Park site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Quick Facts

623 ft

Price

$3 - $8/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

2 campsites

Season

Open from June 1 to ...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Opens Isle Royale National Park site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Grace Island Campground

$3.00 - $8.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Recreation Use fees range by location and activity. Reservation fees are in addition to these costs: $8 online, $9 through the contact center, $3 in...

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

4.81

Top-Rated

Based on 10 reviews

6 Google reviews

"Grace Island Campground is highly praised for its serene, primitive environment and functional shelters. Average sentiment for the campground is exceptionally high at 5.0."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

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

Grace Island Campground

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

Driving directionsGrace Island Campground is located on Grace Island, outside of Washington Harbor, on the southwest end of Isle Royale National Park.

Access requires canoe, kayak, or private boat as the campground is situated on an island. Roads do not lead directly to the campground.

Nearby places

Houghton is the nearest population center but exact distances and travel times were not provided.

Nearby supplies

Supplies would need to be obtained before arriving at Grace Island as the campground lacks facilities for provisioning. Houghton is most likely the point for groceries and camping supplies.

Best Time to Camp at Grace Island Campground

Summer brings gentle warmth to this northern paradise, with mild temperatures perfect for paddling and exploring. The most coveted camping weeks feature clear skies and minimal rain, allowing uninterrupted stargazing from your island retreat. As autumn approaches, the boreal forest erupts in golden hues. Winter transforms Grace Island into a frozen wonderland, with recorded temperatures dipping between 18°F and 27°F, when light snow blankets the shelters and ice crystals dance across the frozen lake surface.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

5.0 / 5

Top 6% in MI

Open June 1–Labor Day; summer described as mild and ideal for paddling/exploring.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

Not recommended

Campground closed after Labor Day; fall use not supported.

Spring(Mar-May)

Not recommended

Open June 1 onward; spring access/use not supported.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

Not recommended

Seasonal: closed outside summer; not a winter destination.

Planning Tips

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

About Grace Island Campground

Tucked away on the pristine shores of Grace Island, this secluded campground offers an authentic wilderness escape in the heart of Isle Royale National Park. Your journey here requires a paddle stroke or boat ride across Lake Superior's crystal waters, rewarding adventurous souls with two cozy shelters and a private dock where the only sounds are lapping waves and calling loons. This remote sanctuary stands as one of the park's most intimate camping experiences, where civilization feels wonderfully distant.

Grace Island Campground is a primitive camping site with minimal facilities, accessible only by watercraft.

Historical SignificanceGrace Island sits within waters that have witnessed millennia of human history. Long before European explorers navigated these shores, indigenous peoples paddled these same waters, extracting copper from the surrounding islands in what may be the world's oldest metal mining operations. Later, European settlers continued this mining legacy, leaving behind stories etched into the very bedrock of Isle Royale, creating a tapestry of cultural heritage that visitors can still sense today.

Weather and SeasonsSummer brings gentle warmth to this northern paradise, with mild temperatures perfect for paddling and exploring. The most coveted camping weeks feature clear skies and minimal rain, allowing uninterrupted stargazing from your island retreat. As autumn approaches, the boreal forest erupts in golden hues. Winter transforms Grace Island into a frozen wonderland, with recorded temperatures dipping between 18°F and 27°F, when light snow blankets the shelters and ice crystals dance across the frozen lake surface.

ElevationWhile specific elevation measurements remain unrecorded, Grace Island rises gently from Lake Superior's surface, creating natural vantage points for spectacular sunrise and sunset viewing across the world's largest freshwater lake.

Natural Features and ScenerySurrounded by the vast expanse of Lake Superior, Grace Island showcases nature's raw beauty at every turn. Ancient boreal forests of spruce, fir, and birch carpet the rugged terrain, their roots clinging to weathered rock formations. This pristine ecosystem serves as a sanctuary for Isle Royale's legendary wildlife—majestic moose browse the shoreline vegetation while the island's famous wolf packs roam the deeper forests, maintaining nature's delicate balance in this protected wilderness.

Geological RegionGrace Island emerges from Lake Superior as part of Isle Royale's dramatic archipelago, where billion-year-old volcanic bedrock tells the story of Earth's ancient past. The island's rugged coastline, sculpted by centuries of Superior's powerful waves, creates a stunning contrast between weathered stone cliffs and pockets of pristine forest. This geological masterpiece offers campers front-row seats to one of North America's most spectacular wilderness theaters.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

3nights from June 1 to Labor Day annually.

Groups

No group camping facilities are available.

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 two shelters and one dock. There are no trails at this site.

Walk-in AvailabilityGrace Island Campground is non-reservable and operates on a first-come, first-served basis.

Cancellation PolicyReservations not applicable as Grace Island Campground does not allow advance reservations.

AccessibilityThe campground is accessible only by canoe, kayak, or private boat, which may limit accessibility for campers with mobility challenges. No additional accessibility features are mentioned.

Site SizeThe campground offers two shelters which likely accommodate small groups or families.

PrivacyGiven the small number of facilities (two shelters), privacy is expected to be reasonable, but sites are not isolated.

Total Campsites2 campsites

Recommended SitesUser review suggests choosing either shelter as both offer protection from elements and picnic tables.

Amenities available

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Grace Island Campground is focused on a quiet, primitive camping experience. Activities are limited to enjoying the serene environment and boating access.

BoatingBoats can dock overnight at the campground. The dock accommodates depths of 2 to 4 feet under normal conditions.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include unpredictable weather on Lake Superior, isolation, and the presence of wildlife such as moose and wolves.

Weather at Grace Island Campground

Reviews

4.8

10 reviews

Top-Rated

Grace Island Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews

Grace Island Campground is highly praised for its serene, primitive environment and functional shelters. Average sentiment for the campground is exceptionally high at 5.0.

Review Summaries

Based on 10 reviews

What Campers Love

Shelters are effective in protecting against rain and bugs, and the presence of a picnic table in each shelter is appreciated. 'Great spot for the night. The cabins keep out the rain and bugs.'

Based on 10 reviews

Common Concerns

The lack of trails, fire rings, and potable water may be considered drawbacks for some campers. 'No trails. No fires.'

Based on 10 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers should plan to bring their own water and firewood, as neither is available on-site. Access via canoe, kayak, or private boat requires preparation to transport all necessary supplies.

Based on 10 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The three-night stay limit from June 1 to Labor Day makes this a summer-focused campground. Visitors outside this period may face accessibility challenges.

Based on 10 reviews