Mccargoe Cove Campground

Star4.58
14 reviews
800 E. Lakeshore Drive, Houghton, MI, 49931, USA
Summer Destination

Quick Facts

669 ft

Price

$3 - $9/night

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

6 campsites

Season

Open season: June 1 ...

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
Mccargoe Cove Campground
$3.00 - $9.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Recreation Use Fee and Reservation Fees vary by location and activity: $8 for online app, $9 through contact center, $3 in-person. Other fees include...
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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

4.58

Top-Rated

Based on 14 reviews

11 Google reviews

"User reviews highlight the campground's accessibility, sheltered sites, and scenic cove views. Some users appreciated the group site and dock facilities."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

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

Mccargoe Cove Campground

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

Driving directionsMcCargoe Cove Campground is located in McCargoe Cove, on the north shore of Isle Royale National Park, off of the Indian Portage and East Chickenbone Trails.
Access to McCargoe Cove Campground requires foot, canoe/kayak, or private boat transport. There is no direct vehicular road access as it is part of Isle Royale National Park.
Nearby places
Houghton, MI - approximately 56 miles by ferry and road.
Nearby supplies
Groceries, camping supplies, and fuel are available in Houghton, MI, which serves as the primary access point to Isle Royale National Park.

Best Time to Camp at Mccargoe Cove Campground

The rhythm of the seasons transforms McCargoe Cove into distinctly different worlds throughout the year. Summer unfolds from June through Labor Day with gentle warmth and clear skies, creating perfect conditions for wilderness exploration. As autumn arrives, the boreal forest erupts in golden hues before winter's dramatic entrance brings deep snows and Arctic temperatures, cloaking the landscape in crystalline silence.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.5 / 5

Open June 1–Labor Day; summer offers warmth, water activities and best access, though peak crowds.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
Not recommended

Campground season ends at Labor Day; fall access not supported.

Spring(Mar-May)
Not recommended

Season opens June 1; spring access not supported.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Closed outside June 1–Labor Day; winter activities not available.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: June 1 – Labor Day annually.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open season: June 1 to Labor Day annually. No data on closed season.

About Mccargoe Cove Campground

Nestled along the pristine north shore of Isle Royale National Park, McCargoe Cove Campground beckons adventurers seeking an authentic wilderness escape. This remote sanctuary, reachable only by foot, paddle, or private boat, features six rustic shelters and a welcoming dock that extends into waters seven feet deep. Here, far from the crowds that frequent the park's more accessible areas, you'll discover the raw beauty of Lake Superior's largest island in peaceful solitude.
McCargoe Cove Campground features shelters and open tent sites. The area is accessible via hiking trails, as well as by boat or kayak.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Walk-up only
Check-out
Walk-up only
Stay Limit
3nights effective from June 1 – Labor Day annually.

Amenities available

Fire rings
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

The campground offers opportunities for boating, wildlife viewing, and enjoying the surrounding cove. Hiking trails such as the Indian Portage and East Chickenbone Trails provide access.
HikingHiking options include nearby Indian Portage and East Chickenbone Trails, though specific details on trail length and difficulty are not provided.
SwimmingOne user review highlights easy water access for 'dips in the cove,' suggesting informal swimming opportunities.
BoatingThe campground's 7-foot deep dock accommodates overnight stays for boats, and it is accessible by canoe and kayak from Lake Superior or via a 1.2-mile portage from Chickenbone Lake.
Wildlife viewingThe park's natural setting makes wildlife viewing possible, though specific species or viewing areas are not detailed.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsChallenges include remote access, potential encounters with wildlife, and unpredictable weather conditions. Boaters should note the 7-foot dock depth.

Weather at Mccargoe Cove Campground

Reviews

4.6
14 reviews
Top-Rated
Top-Rated
Mccargoe Cove Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight the campground's accessibility, sheltered sites, and scenic cove views. Some users appreciated the group site and dock facilities.
Review Summaries
Based on 14 reviews

What Campers Love

- 'Great campground with good shelter from the wind.' - 'Easily one of my favorite campgrounds we visited.' - 'Good jumping-off place with a beautiful cove.'
Based on 14 reviews

Common Concerns

- Crowding during peak times due to ferry access.
Based on 14 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

- Arrive early to secure a shelter site if you are backpacking. - Consider Site #4 for its proximity to the outhouse and good views.
Based on 14 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Crowding increases during the peak season (June 1 – Labor Day). Backpackers should prepare for competition with ferry visitors.
Based on 14 reviews

Camper Quotes

- 'Great campground with good shelter from the wind, a dock for ferry access and a fire ring.' - 'We stayed at number 4, view pictured here, was a good spot with a short walk to the outhouse.' -...
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Based on 14 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site #4 is noted for its good views and proximity to the outhouse. The large group site on the hillside is also positively reviewed.
Based on 14 reviews

Accessibility Features

No specific information provided regarding accessibility experiences.
Based on 14 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pet policies or experiences with pets are not mentioned in the reviews.
Based on 14 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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