Lake Whittlesey Campground

1 review

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

Peace & QuietSummer Destination

Quick Facts

705 ft

Price

Free

Booking

First-Come

Sites

3 campsites

Season

June 1 through Labor...

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

705 ft

Price

Free

Booking

First-Come

Sites

3 campsites

Season

June 1 through Labor...

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

Lake Whittlesey Campground

$0.00 - $0.00 / night

Campsite Fees

No specific use fee or other details provided.

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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Campground Map

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

Lake Whittlesey Campground

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

Driving directionsLake Whittlesey Campground is located on the north shore of Lake Whittlesey.

Accessibility is limited to canoe/kayak access only, via two separate .6-mile portages from Wood Lake and Chippewa Harbor. No private boat or trail access is available.

Nearby supplies

Supplies are likely accessible in nearby Houghton, MI, approximately 48 miles away.

Best Time to Camp at Lake Whittlesey Campground

Lake Whittlesey's weather tells a tale of dramatic seasonal contrasts. Summer brings gentle, rain-free days perfect for paddling and exploration, with warm sunshine filtering through the forest canopy. As autumn arrives, the landscape transforms into a tapestry of colors before winter's embrace brings snow and temperatures that hover around 24°F. The predominantly dry conditions throughout the year make this an ideal destination for those seeking predictable weather patterns, though winter adventurers should prepare for the park's legendary cold and moderate snowfall that blankets the wilderness in pristine white.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Open June 1–Labor Day; summer described as ideal for paddling and exploration.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

Not recommended

Peak/season cited through Labor Day; fall use not documented.

Spring(Mar-May)

Not recommended

Open from June 1; spring (pre-June) use not applicable per seasonal info.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

Not recommended

No winter season or amenities indicated; site framed as summer backcountry.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: June 1 through Labor Day annually.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: June 1 through Labor Day annual stay limit update; no explicit seasonal closure mentioned.

About Lake Whittlesey Campground

Hidden deep within Isle Royale National Park, Lake Whittlesey Campground offers an authentic wilderness escape for paddlers willing to venture beyond the beaten path. This secluded sanctuary on the north shore of Lake Whittlesey rewards adventurous souls with three pristine tent sites, each promising solitude and immersion in nature's untamed beauty. Reaching this remote haven requires dedication—paddle across Wood Lake or Chippewa Harbor, then shoulder your canoe or kayak for a challenging 0.6-mile portage through the forest. Your efforts will be rewarded with a camping experience that few ever discover, where the only sounds are lapping waves and the whisper of wind through ancient trees.

Lake Whittlesey Campground caters to primitive tent camping with three individual sites. There are no options for RV camping, group camping, or cabin lodging.

Weather and SeasonsLake Whittlesey's weather tells a tale of dramatic seasonal contrasts. Summer brings gentle, rain-free days perfect for paddling and exploration, with warm sunshine filtering through the forest canopy. As autumn arrives, the landscape transforms into a tapestry of colors before winter's embrace brings snow and temperatures that hover around 24°F. The predominantly dry conditions throughout the year make this an ideal destination for those seeking predictable weather patterns, though winter adventurers should prepare for the park's legendary cold and moderate snowfall that blankets the wilderness in pristine white.

ElevationElevation details not provided.

Natural Features and SceneryLake Whittlesey Campground sits like a jewel in Isle Royale's crown of wilderness treasures. From your tent, watch morning mist rise from the lake's glassy surface as the sun paints the water in shades of gold and amber. Dense forests of spruce, fir, and birch create a living wall of green that shelters the campground, while the rugged shoreline offers endless opportunities for exploration. This is quintessential Isle Royale—raw, beautiful, and utterly removed from civilization's reach. Rocky outcroppings provide natural viewpoints for sunset watching, while the remote location virtually guarantees wildlife encounters with moose, wolves, and the island's diverse bird population.

Geological RegionPerched on Lake Whittlesey's north shore, this campground showcases Isle Royale's remarkable geological story. The landscape bears witness to ancient volcanic activity and glacial sculpting that created the island's characteristic ridges and valleys. The rugged terrain surrounding the campground features exposed bedrock formations and glacial deposits that tell a billion-year tale of fire and ice. Dense boreal forests have reclaimed the land, creating a green sanctuary where rocky shores meet crystal waters—a testament to nature's ability to transform even the harshest geological foundations into places of profound beauty and tranquility.

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Check-in

Not applicable.

Check-out

Not applicable.

Stay Limit

Consecutive night stay limit is two nights
stay limit extended to three nights effective June 1 through Labor Day annually.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Limited to tent sites.

Groups

Group camping is not 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 comprises three individual tent sites, accessed via canoe/kayak portages.

Reservation PlatformsSite is not reservable.

Walk-in AvailabilityAs reservations are not applicable, availability is presumably first-come, first-served.

Cancellation PolicyNot applicable as the site is not reservable.

AccessibilityAccessibility features information is unavailable, but portage access may pose challenges for individuals with mobility issues.

Site SizeSites are designated for individual tents only and are limited in number (three tent sites).

PrivacyPrivacy levels are not explicitly described, but the small number of sites suggests a relatively secluded camping experience.

Total Campsites3 campsites

Recommended SitesRecommend selecting a site closest to the lake shore for optimal views.

Activities you can enjoy

Activities focus on canoeing/kayaking due to portage access and the proximity to Lake Whittlesey. Other activities are not explicitly mentioned.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include rugged terrain, unpredictable weather conditions typical of Isle Royale National Park, and wildlife encounters.