Moskey Basin Campground

4.90

13 reviews

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

Scenic ViewsPeace & QuietSummer Destination

Featured in:Camping Near Isle Royale National Park Beach Camping Michigan Winter Camping Michigan +5 more

Quick Facts

633 ft

Price

$3 - $8/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

6 campsites

Season

Open season is not e...

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

633 ft

Price

$3 - $8/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

6 campsites

Season

Open season is not e...

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

Moskey Basin Campground

$3.00 - $8.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Recreation Use fees vary by activity and facility type. Reservation fees range from $3 for in-person booking to $8 online or $9 via contact center.

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

4.90

Top-Rated

Based on 13 reviews

19 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewscleanspacious

Some mention

reservation

"The campground receives high praise from visitors, described as a favorite location on Isle Royale by multiple reviewers. It boasts a peaceful and beautiful environment, with spacious campsites and scenic views."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

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

Moskey Basin Campground

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

Driving directionsMoskey Basin Campground is located in Moskey Basin at the west end of Rock Harbor Channel, off of the Indian Portage and Rock Harbor Trails.

Accessible via foot, canoe/kayak, or private boat. The campground can be reached by canoe/kayak access from Rock Harbor Channel or through a 2.0-mile portage from Lake Richie. Road access is not applicable.

Nearby places

Houghton (approximately 0 miles as the campground address is listed here

further remote locations may apply for boat/kayak access).

Nearby supplies

Closest supplies such as food, fuel, and camping gear would generally be found in Houghton, MI, but on the island, supplies may be extremely limited and rely on ranger stations or port facilities.

Best Time to Camp at Moskey Basin Campground

The rhythms of Moskey Basin shift dramatically with the seasons, from summer's warm embrace to winter's fierce grip. While gentle breezes cool hikers in July and August, persistent mosquitoes remind visitors of nature's less welcome inhabitants, maintaining their buzzing presence well into September's golden days. As autumn fades, the basin transforms into a frozen wonderland where snow blankets the shelters and ice claims the waterways, creating conditions that test even the hardiest adventurers. This is a place where weather writes its own rules, demanding respect and proper preparation from all who venture here.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Peak season June–Labor Day; good weather but mosquitoes notably active in July–August.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Early September noted as retaining good weather with diminished insect presence.

Spring(Mar-May)

3.0 / 5

Seasonal shifts are noted; spring likely cool with variable conditions and limited mentions.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

Not recommended

Winter is harsh and not part of the main open season; 'fierce grip' noted.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: Peak season aligns with summer months, June through Labor Day.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open season is not explicitly mentioned, but restrictions apply from June through Labor Day annually.
Current Alerts: No active alerts reported.

About Moskey Basin Campground

Deep within Isle Royale National Park lies Moskey Basin Campground, a hidden sanctuary where wilderness whispers through ancient forests and pristine waters lap against rocky shores. This remote haven, reachable only by foot trail, paddle stroke, or private vessel, rewards adventurous souls with six rustic shelters nestled along the basin's edge. A sturdy dock extends into waters that plunge 8 feet deep under normal conditions, welcoming kayakers and boaters who navigate these untamed channels. Here, far from civilization's clamor, visitors discover the profound solitude and breathtaking vistas that have drawn wilderness seekers to this northern refuge for generations.

The campground supports tent camping and shelter accommodations.

Historical SignificanceMoskey Basin stands as a testament to Michigan's enduring commitment to wilderness preservation, forming an integral part of Isle Royale National Park's protected landscape. These waters and forests have witnessed centuries of human interaction with the natural world, from indigenous peoples who first navigated these channels to the conservation visionaries who fought to preserve this pristine archipelago for future generations. Today, the campground continues this legacy, offering modern adventurers a chance to connect with the same untouched wilderness that has captivated hearts and inspired protection efforts throughout Michigan's conservation history.

Weather and SeasonsThe rhythms of Moskey Basin shift dramatically with the seasons, from summer's warm embrace to winter's fierce grip. While gentle breezes cool hikers in July and August, persistent mosquitoes remind visitors of nature's less welcome inhabitants, maintaining their buzzing presence well into September's golden days. As autumn fades, the basin transforms into a frozen wonderland where snow blankets the shelters and ice claims the waterways, creating conditions that test even the hardiest adventurers. This is a place where weather writes its own rules, demanding respect and proper preparation from all who venture here.

ElevationWhile specific elevation data remains unrecorded for this secluded campground, visitors experience the gentle undulations of Isle Royale's ancient landscape as they explore the basin's varied terrain.

Natural Features and SceneryMoskey Basin unfolds like nature's masterpiece, where crystalline waters mirror towering pines and weathered rock formations tell stories millions of years in the making. The campground's shelters peek through dense forest canopy, offering front-row seats to one of Isle Royale's most photogenic theaters. Morning mists dance across the basin's surface while eagles soar overhead, and lucky visitors might glimpse moose wading through shallow coves or wolves padding silently along distant ridgelines. This pristine ecosystem showcases the raw beauty of the North Woods, where every sunrise paints the rocky shores in new hues and every sunset transforms the basin into liquid gold.

Geological RegionPerched within Isle Royale's dramatic landscape, Moskey Basin Campground occupies a fascinating geological theater carved by ancient forces. The Rock Harbor Channel region showcases nature's architectural prowess through weathered rocky outcrops that rise from crystalline waters, creating a rugged paradise of stone and lake. These geological formations, sculpted by millennia of ice and water, frame a network of inland waterways that wind through the wilderness like nature's highways. The basin itself represents a perfect marriage of land and water, where exposed bedrock meets pristine lakes in a testament to the powerful geological processes that shaped this remote corner of Lake Superior's vast wilderness.

Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Check-in

Not applicable due to the first-come, first-served system.

Check-out

Not applicable due to the first-come, first-served system.

Stay Limit

3nights from June 1 – Labor Day annually

Guests Allowed Per Site

Details about guest limits per site are not provided.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutSix shelters are available; the campground is spread across the basin and accessible by trails or waterways.

Reservation PlatformsReservations are not applicable; the campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis.

Walk-in AvailabilityThis campground operates exclusively on walk-up/first-come-first-served availability.

Cancellation PolicyReservation cancellations incur a $10 cancellation fee. Late cancellations (after 12:00 AM the day before arrival) forfeit the first night's fees. No-shows incur a $20 fee and forfeit the first night's fees.

Site Sizesuper spacious," with "many nice, flat areas for tents" (user review by stina).

PrivacyDescribed as peaceful and secluded by user reviews.

Total Campsites6 campsites

Recommended SitesReviews recommend exploring the rock formations behind the campground for stunning vistas. Shelters provide a comfortable stay.

Activities you can enjoy

The campground provides opportunities for hiking and exploring trails such as the Indian Portage and Rock Harbor Trails. It is also accessible via a 2-mile portage from Lake Richie and offers serene natural surroundings.

HikingAccessed via the Indian Portage and Rock Harbor Trails, with a 2-mile portage also connecting to Lake Richie.

BoatingCanoe, kayak, and private boat access are available. Boats can overnight at the dock.

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsVisitors have noted mosquitoes as a nuisance even in early September. Seasonal weather conditions include potential freezing and snow.

Active AlertsNo active alerts reported.

Fire PolicyNo specific fire policies are documented.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are not detailed.

Emergency ServicesClosest emergency services are available in Houghton, MI. Emergency assistance on Isle Royale may depend on ranger stations and park personnel due to its remote nature.

Water FeaturesThe campground is located on Moskey Basin, providing direct access to Rock Harbor Channel and nearby Lake Richie via portage.

Camp HostInformation about campground hosts is not provided.

Weather at Moskey Basin Campground

Reviews

4.9

13 reviews

Top-Rated

Moskey Basin Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews

The campground receives high praise from visitors, described as a favorite location on Isle Royale by multiple reviewers. It boasts a peaceful and beautiful environment, with spacious campsites and scenic views.

Review Summaries

Based on 13 reviews

What Campers Love

Highlights include "super spacious, flat areas for tents," newly maintained clean latrines, and unique scenic features like a giant rock accessible for spectacular views. Visitors also appreciate the...

Based on 13 reviews

Common Concerns

Some reviewers noted the presence of mosquitoes, especially during the warmer months (July/August).

Based on 13 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Visitors recommend exploring the giant rock for great views and being prepared for mosquitoes in the summer. Staying during less foggy days is advised to fully enjoy the scenery.

Based on 13 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Warm months (July through August) are noted for mosquito activity, while early September retains good weather but with diminished insect presence.

Based on 13 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Super spacious, many nice, flat areas for our tents." - Stina. "Very peaceful and beautiful... you can watch the stream change directions as Moskey Basin sloshes against Lake Michigan." - Adam...

Based on 13 reviews