Pickerel Cove Campground

Star0
3 reviews
800 E. Lakeshore Drive, Houghton, MI 49931, USA
Peace & QuietSummer Destination

Quick Facts

594 ft

Price

Free

Booking

First-Come

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Open season is June ...

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

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
Pickerel Cove Campground
$0.00 - $2.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Recreation use fees range between $0-$2 based on activity. Reservation service fees are not applicable as Pickerel Cove Campground is non-reservable.
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

N/A

Limited Reviews

Based on 3 reviews

1 Google reviews

Most mentioned

quiet

Some mention

small

"Reviews describe Pickerel Cove Campground as a remote, small, and less-visited site primarily suited for primitive camping."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

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

Pickerel Cove Campground

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

Driving directionsPickerel Cove Campground is located in Pickerel Cove on the north shore of Isle Royale National Park. Canoe/kayak access from Pickerel Cove or via 0.1 mile portage from Lake Superior.
Accessible only by canoe/kayak. No dock for boats. Not reachable by road.
Nearby places
Houghton (base location
nearest city
approximately 61 miles to mainland visitor center via ferry)
Nearby supplies
Limited supplies at Windigo or Rock Harbor within Isle Royale National Park. For comprehensive provisions, Houghton, MI is the primary mainland hub.

Best Time to Camp at Pickerel Cove Campground

The northern exposure of Pickerel Cove creates its own microclimate, where summer days bring gentle warmth perfect for paddling and exploring, while crisp mornings remind you of your latitude. Winter transforms this landscape into a frozen wonderland, with average temperatures hovering between 16.7°F and 24.2°F, and snow blanketing the forest in pristine white. Spring and fall offer their own magic, with migrating birds filling the air and autumn colors reflecting off the water's surface.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Open June 1–Labor Day; summer offers gentle warmth ideal for paddling.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
Not recommended

Campground closed after Labor Day; fall season not available.

Spring(Mar-May)
Not recommended

Closed until June 1; spring season not available for camping.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Closed outside June 1–Labor Day; winter use not supported.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: June 1 – Labor Day annually.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open season is June 1 through Labor Day annually; closed outside of these dates.

About Pickerel Cove Campground

Tucked away on Isle Royale's pristine north shore, Pickerel Cove Campground beckons adventurous souls seeking true wilderness solitude. This paddle-in paradise rewards those who arrive by canoe or kayak with an intimate camping experience where the only sounds are lapping waves and whispering pines. Here, far from any road or trail, you'll discover what it means to truly disconnect and immerse yourself in nature's raw beauty.
Pickerel Cove Campground is a primitive camping site accessible only by canoe or kayak.
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Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Open arrival on first-come basis.
Check-out
Open departure within 2-night limit.
Stay Limit
2nights from June 1 – Labor Day annually.


Activities you can enjoy

Pickerel Cove Campground offers opportunities for water-based activities due to its location. Canoeing and kayaking are the primary means of access and are likely popular activities.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include exposure to inclement weather, isolation due to lack of road access, and wildlife encounters typical of Isle Royale.

Weather at Pickerel Cove Campground

Reviews

0.0
3 reviews
Limited Reviews
Limited Reviews
Pickerel Cove Campground has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
Reviews describe Pickerel Cove Campground as a remote, small, and less-visited site primarily suited for primitive camping.
Review Summaries
Based on 3 reviews

What Campers Love

Campers appreciate the campground's quiet and remote nature.
Based on 3 reviews

Common Concerns

Some users noted that one side of the campsite is exposed to northwest winds.
Based on 3 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Visitors should prepare for limited amenities and exposure to the elements due to the remote and primitive setup.
Based on 3 reviews

Seasonal Insights

No user reviews provide specific feedback about seasonal variations at this campground.
Based on 3 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Small and quiet with an exposed side to the NW" is one reviewer's description.
Based on 3 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

The single campsite has been described as small but quiet, with exposure to northwest winds.
Based on 3 reviews

Accessibility Features

There is no information about accessibility features at the campground.
Based on 3 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

No user reviews address pet-related policies or features.
Based on 3 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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