Is Grace Island Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Grace Island Campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Arrive early, especially on weekends and holidays, to secure a spot.

Can I see photos of campsites at Grace Island Campground before I book?

Yes! Grace Island Campground has 1 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Grace Island Campground?

Grace Island Campground is open Open from June 1 to Labor Day annually.. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Grace Island Campground?

Grace Island Campground does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

How many campsites does Grace Island Campground have?

Grace Island Campground has 2 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Arrive early for the best site selection.

Are dogs allowed at Grace Island Campground?

Pets are not allowed at Grace Island Campground. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at Grace Island Campground?

Grace Island Campground offers: Restrooms. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

Grace Island Campground

3.85

10 reviews

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

Top 6% in MISummer

Scenic ViewsPeace & QuietSummer Destination

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

First-come, first-served

This campground doesn't take reservations — sites are claimed in person on arrival, so there's no availability to check online. Plan to arrive early, especially on weekends and holidays.

Quick Facts

623 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

2 campsites

Season

Open from June 1 to ...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Book on Isle Royale National Park Official Website

Get Directions

First-come, first-served

This campground doesn't take reservations — sites are claimed in person on arrival, so there's no availability to check online. Plan to arrive early, especially on weekends and holidays.

Quick Facts

623 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

2 campsites

Season

Open from June 1 to ...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Book on Isle Royale National Park Official Website

Get Directions

Grace Island Campground

No fees available

Campsite Fees

No paid fee categories listed.

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

(906) 482-0984isro_parkinfo@nps.gov

I manage this campground

Plan a trip to Grace Island Campground

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Campground Map

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

Grace Island Campground

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

Nearby places

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

Weather at Grace Island Campground

Best Time to Camp at Grace Island Campground

Best season: summer. Summer offers reliably mild weather (daytime highs typically in the mid-50s to upper-60s °F, nights in the 40s–50s) and calm enough waters for paddling and small-boat access, which makes Grace Island's secluded shelters and dock fully usable. This is peak season for boating, wildlife viewing (loons, shorebirds, and active boreal forest life), and clear-night stargazing over Lake Superior; water temperatures remain cool, so plan for layering and cold-water safety. Crowds are light compared with a Peak months: July, August, June Avoid: September, October, November, December

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

5.0 / 5

Top 6% in MI

Open Jun 1–Labor Day; summer offers calm water, best paddling and access—peak season.

Planning Tips

Operating Season: Open from June 1 to Labor Day annually.

About Grace Island Campground

Grace Island Campground sits on a remote island in Isle Royale National Park, accessible only by boat or kayak across Lake Superior. Operated by the National Park Service, this primitive campground offers a handful of three-sided shelters with picnic tables, vault toilets, and a dock for small watercraft. Visitors come for backcountry solitude, wildlife watching, and paddling in one of the most isolated wilderness areas in the Great Lakes.

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

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer offers reliably mild weather (daytime highs typically in the mid-50s to upper-60s °F, nights in the 40s–50s) and calm enough waters for paddling and small-boat access, which makes Grace Island's secluded shelters and dock fully usable. This is peak season for boating, wildlife viewing (loons, shorebirds, and active boreal forest life), and clear-night stargazing over Lake Superior; water temperatures remain cool, so plan for layering and cold-water safety. Crowds are light compared with a Peak months: July, August, June Avoid: September, October, November, December

Elevation623 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryGrace Island rises from Lake Superior at 623 feet elevation, part of Isle Royale's archipelago built on billion-year-old volcanic bedrock. Lake Superior's waves have carved the island's coastline into weathered stone cliffs and pockets of boreal forest. The island's limited trail system keeps the focus on shoreline exploration, where loons call across the water and moose browse the vegetation. From the dock, the view stretches across open water to neighboring islands and the park's forested ridges.

Lodging & AccommodationsThere are no hotel-style lodges at the campground, but two primitive shelters are available for use.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are offered at this campground.

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

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.

Best CampsitesBoth shelters offer the same setup: picnic tables and solid protection from rain and bugs. Reviews note the shelters work well for their purpose. Neither site is isolated given the small footprint, but you'll have reasonable privacy with only two shelters on the island.

Amenities available

Grace Island Campground offers minimal amenities and is suited for campers seeking a primitive experience. The campground features two shelters, designed to shield visitors from rain and bugs, as noted in user reviews: 'The cabins keep out the rain and bugs.' These shelters also come with picnic tables for visitor convenience. There is one dock available for boats, with a depth of 2 to 4 feet under normal conditions. Additionally, there is one outhouse on the site to serve as a restroom. Fires are not permitted. There are no trails within the campground boundaries.

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

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.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Flush ToiletsNo flush toilets are available. Visitors must use the single outhouse provided.

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

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From Booking Sources

3.9

10 reviews

Mixed Reviews

Grace Island Campground has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% 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

Site-Specific Reviews

The campground features only two shelters, both of which include picnic tables. There is also one dock and one outhouse available.

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