Is Mccargoe Cove Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Mccargoe Cove 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 Mccargoe Cove Campground before I book?

Yes! Mccargoe Cove Campground has 2 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 Mccargoe Cove Campground?

Mccargoe Cove Campground is open Open season: June 1 to Labor Day annually. No data on closed season.. 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 Mccargoe Cove Campground?

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

How many campsites does Mccargoe Cove Campground have?

Mccargoe Cove Campground has 6 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Arrive early for the best site selection.

Are dogs allowed at Mccargoe Cove Campground?

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

What amenities are available at Mccargoe Cove Campground?

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

Mccargoe Cove Campground

3.93

14 reviews

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

Summer Destination

Featured in:Camping Near Isle Royale National Park

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

669 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

6 campsites

Season

Open season: June 1 ...

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

669 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

6 campsites

Season

Open season: June 1 ...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Book on Isle Royale National Park Official Website

Get Directions

Mccargoe Cove Campground

No fees available

Campsite Fees

No paid fee categories listed.

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Share this campground

Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

(906) 482-0984isro_parkinfo@nps.gov

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

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

Mccargoe Cove Campground

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

Nearby places

Houghton, MI - approximately 56 miles by ferry and road.

Weather at Mccargoe Cove Campground

Best Time to Camp at Mccargoe Cove Campground

Best season: summer. Summer offers the best combination of accessible services and reliably mild weather — expect daytime highs most days in the 55–70°F (13–21°C) range with cool nights in the 40s–50s°F (4–10°C). Water- and shore-based activities (paddling, swimming, boating off the dock) and hiking the island’s ridges and interior lakes are at their peak, and wildlife viewing (especially moose and abundant songbirds) is easiest. Crowds are light compared with mainland parks, but McCargoe Cove has only a handful of, Peak months: July, August, June Avoid: September, October, November, December

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.5 / 5

Open June 1–Labor Day; most reliable weather and peak paddling, swimming and hiking season.

Planning Tips

Operating Season: Open season: June 1 to Labor Day annually. No data on closed season.

About Mccargoe Cove Campground

McCargoe Cove Campground sits on a protected cove along the north shore of Isle Royale, a remote wilderness island in Lake Superior accessible only by boat or seaplane. Operated by Isle Royale National Park, this primitive backcountry site serves backpackers and paddlers exploring the island's interior trails and coastal waters. The sheltered cove offers respite from Lake Superior winds, with vault toilets and fire rings as the only amenities.

McCargoe Cove Campground features shelters and open tent sites. The area is accessible via hiking trails, as well as by boat or kayak.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer offers the best combination of accessible services and reliably mild weather — expect daytime highs most days in the 55–70°F (13–21°C) range with cool nights in the 40s–50s°F (4–10°C). Water- and shore-based activities (paddling, swimming, boating off the dock) and hiking the island’s ridges and interior lakes are at their peak, and wildlife viewing (especially moose and abundant songbirds) is easiest. Crowds are light compared with mainland parks, but McCargoe Cove has only a handful of, Peak months: July, August, June Avoid: September, October, November, December

Elevation669 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe cove creates a sheltered pocket where boreal forest meets Lake Superior's rocky shoreline. Ancient volcanic bedrock and billion-year-old exposed copper deposits tell the story of lava flows carved by glaciers. Trails connect the campground to Isle Royale's interior ridges and inland lakes. Views stretch across the cove and out toward the open lake. The protected water and forested slopes provide good wind shelter.

Lodging & AccommodationsThere are 6 shelters available at the campground, but no information about other types of accommodations (e.g., lodges, hotels).

Programs & ActivitiesNo information about cultural or educational programs is available.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

3nights effective from June 1 – Labor Day annually.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Maximum number of guests per site not specified.

Groups

Auser review mentions a large group site on the hillside, but no details about group size limits or vehicles are provided.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Reservation PlatformsNo reservations available for McCargoe Cove Campground.

AccessibilityNo details about accessibility options are provided.

Site SizeThe campground offers open tent sites and shelters; specific dimensions are not provided.

PrivacyPrivacy levels at the campsites are not described, though one review suggests proximity between sites may affect solitude.

Total Campsites6 campsites

Recommended SitesBackpackers are advised to arrive early to secure shelter sites during peak season.

Best CampsitesSite #4 gets mentioned for its proximity to the outhouse and good cove views. Arrive early if you want a shelter rather than a tent platform, especially during peak season when the ferry brings day visitors.

Amenities available

McCargoe Cove Campground, located on Isle Royale National Park's north shore, provides a mix of open tent sites and shelters. It is accessible by foot, canoe, kayak, or private boat, and features a 7-foot deep dock. Shelter availability and good wind protection were frequently praised in user reviews.

Fire rings

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

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.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

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Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

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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

14 reviews

Mixed Reviews

Mccargoe Cove Campground has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% 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

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

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.' -...

Based on 14 reviews