Merritt Lane Campground

3 reviews

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

Peace & QuietStargazingSummer Destination

Quick Facts

653 ft

Price

$3 - $8/night

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Open season: annuall...

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

653 ft

Price

$3 - $8/night

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Open season: annuall...

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

Merritt Lane Campground

$3.00 - $8.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Recreation Use fees vary by location. Service fees include $8 for online/app reservations, $9 for contact center reservations, and $3 for in-person...

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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What Campers Say

N/A

Limited Reviews

Based on 3 reviews

2 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewsquietpeaceful

"The campground is described as "quiet and peaceful with nice views," with an overall 5.0 sentiment rating for the campground-specific experience."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

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

Merritt Lane Campground

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

Driving directionsMerritt Lane Campground is located in Merritt Lane on the northeast end of Isle Royale National Park.

Access is restricted to canoe, kayak, or private boat; no vehicular access is provided.

Nearby places

Houghton, MI (approximately 0 miles as it serves as the main gateway city)

Isle Royale National Park area is remote with limited nearby cities.

Nearby supplies

Closest supplies are located in Houghton, MI, including groceries, camping gear, and fuel, as Isle Royale National Park has limited provisions available.

Best Time to Camp at Merritt Lane Campground

Summer transforms Merritt Lane into a paddler's paradise, with the camping season running from June through Labor Day when moderate temperatures and dry conditions create ideal outdoor living. Morning mists often dance across the water before giving way to sun-drenched afternoons perfect for exploration. As autumn approaches, the island reveals its fierce side—winter brings a dramatic transformation with howling winds, heavy snowfall, and freezing temperatures that remind visitors why this pristine wilderness remains so wonderfully untamed.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.5 / 5

Open June 1–Labor Day; described as a paddler's paradise in summer conditions.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

Not recommended

Campground closed after Labor Day; fall season not supported.

Spring(Mar-May)

Not recommended

Open season begins June 1; spring access not part of official season.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

Not recommended

Closed outside the June–Labor Day season; winter use not supported.

Planning Tips

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

About Merritt Lane Campground

Tucked into the serene northeast corner of Isle Royale National Park, Merritt Lane Campground offers adventurous souls a true wilderness escape. This remote sanctuary, accessible only by canoe, kayak, or private watercraft, rewards intrepid travelers with breathtaking views and the profound peace that comes from being truly off the grid. The campground's single shelter provides just enough comfort while maintaining the raw, authentic experience of island camping. Boaters will appreciate the 8-foot dock depth available under normal conditions, making arrival and departure smooth even for deeper-draft vessels.

Merritt Lane Campground is designed for primitive camping, with limited facilities and access primarily by watercraft. There is one shelter on-site.

Historical SignificanceAs part of Isle Royale National Park's prestigious designation as a biosphere reserve, Merritt Lane Campground stands as a testament to conservation success. This protected corner of the park plays a vital role in preserving the delicate balance of island ecosystems that have captivated scientists, naturalists, and adventurers for generations. Here, visitors become part of an ongoing story of wilderness preservation that ensures future generations can experience the same unspoiled beauty.

Weather and SeasonsSummer transforms Merritt Lane into a paddler's paradise, with the camping season running from June through Labor Day when moderate temperatures and dry conditions create ideal outdoor living. Morning mists often dance across the water before giving way to sun-drenched afternoons perfect for exploration. As autumn approaches, the island reveals its fierce side—winter brings a dramatic transformation with howling winds, heavy snowfall, and freezing temperatures that remind visitors why this pristine wilderness remains so wonderfully untamed.

ElevationThe campground rests at lake level, offering intimate connections with the rhythms of Lake Superior.

Natural Features and SceneryImmerse yourself in a landscape where ancient boreal forests meet the endless horizon of Lake Superior. Towering conifers create a natural cathedral around the campground, their branches whispering stories of centuries past. The rugged shoreline reveals nature's artistry in weathered rock formations and secluded coves. Wildlife thrives in this protected habitat—listen for the haunting call of loons at twilight, watch for moose wading through nearby wetlands, and perhaps catch a glimpse of the island's elusive wolves. Every sunrise paints the water in shades of copper and gold, while star-filled nights remind you just how far you've traveled from civilization.

Geological RegionPerched on the northeastern reaches of Isle Royale, Merritt Lane showcases the raw geological drama that defines this remarkable archipelago. Ancient volcanic activity and millennia of glacial sculpting have created a landscape of stunning contrasts—from smooth, water-worn shores to jagged ridgelines cloaked in dense forest. The campground's location offers front-row seats to Lake Superior's moods, where the world's largest freshwater lake by surface area demonstrates its power through everything from mirror-calm mornings to spectacular storm displays. This unique position allows visitors to experience firsthand the ecological richness that emerges where rugged terrain meets the great inland sea.

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Reserving a campsite

Check-in

No specific check-in time stated.

Check-out

No specific check-out time stated.

Stay Limit

Stay Limit: 3 nights from June 1 – Labor Day annually.

Guests Allowed Per Site

1shelter, 1 campsite

Tents

Tents are not allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutSingle campsite with 1 shelter available.

Reservation PlatformsNo reservations allowed at Merritt Lane Campground.

Walk-in AvailabilityWalk-up availability only as no prior reservations are permitted. Sites may fill quickly during peak seasons.

Cancellation PolicyA $10 cancellation fee applies for individual campsites if cancelled the day before arrival. Late cancellations incur forfeiture of the first night’s fees and are subject to no-show fees if applicable.

AccessibilityAccessibility details for visitors with disabilities have not been specified.

Site SizeSites at Merritt Lane Campground are limited, with only one shelter described in the official source.

PrivacyThe campground consists of minimal camping facilities, which likely affords a quiet and secluded experience. User reviews emphasize the tranquility of the location: "quiet and peaceful with nice views.

Total Campsites1 campsites

Recommended SitesDue to the limited availability (1 shelter), early arrival is recommended during peak season to secure the site.

Activities you can enjoy

Activities at Merritt Lane Campground are primarily centered around water-based recreation, given its access via canoe, kayak, or private boat. There are limited explicit mentions of available activities, but its location within Isle Royale National Park suggests opportunities for hiking, wildlife viewing, and exploring the surrounding area.

BoatingAccess to Merritt Lane Campground is described as being via canoe, kayak, or private boat. Boats can also overnight at the dock, which has a depth of 8’ under normal conditions. This highlights the significance of boating as an integral activity at this location.

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include the remote location, limited access to emergency services, and wildlife encounters typical in Isle Royale National Park.

Fire PolicyNo specific fire policy mentioned.

Emergency ServicesClosest emergency services available in Houghton, MI, which serves as the gateway town. Additional emergency support may be accessible through Isle Royale National Park ranger stations.

Trash & RecyclingNo information is provided about trash and recycling facilities at this campground.

Water FeaturesLocated near Lake Superior, with 8-foot dock depth under normal conditions.

Camp HostNo campground host information provided.