Rock Harbor Campground

Star4.10
13 reviews
800 E. Lakeshore Drive, Houghton, MI, 49931, USA
Summer Destination

Quick Facts

646 ft

Price

$3 - $9/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

9 campsites

Season

Open season is from ...

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
Rock Harbor Campground
$3.00 - $9.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Camping fees vary by location and activity. Reservation fees are $8 if booked online, $9 via contact center, and $3 if purchased 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

4.10

Satisfactory

Based on 13 reviews

9 Google reviews

Most mentioned

quietsites

"User reviews indicate that the campground's shelters are in high demand and get filled quickly, prompting some campers to walk to farther tent sites for better privacy."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

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

Rock Harbor Campground

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

Driving directionsRock Harbor Campground is located in Rock Harbor on the northeast end of Isle Royale, off of the Rock Harbor and Tobin Harbor Trails.
Access is limited to foot, canoe/kayak, and private boats. There are no direct roadways to the campground.
Nearby places
Houghton, MI is the nearest city, serving as the main access point to Isle Royale (distance by ferry).
Nearby supplies
Supplies can be accessed in Houghton, MI, which serves as the main gateway to Isle Royale National Park.

Best Time to Camp at Rock Harbor Campground

Isle Royale transforms dramatically with the seasons, offering distinct experiences throughout the year. Winter blankets the campground in pristine snow, bringing brisk winds and crystalline air that creates a stark, beautiful landscape perfect for the hardy adventurer. As summer arrives, the island awakens with moderate temperatures that invite exploration, making it ideal for hiking the surrounding trails, paddling the harbor's calm waters, and enjoying long evenings under the northern sky.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Open June 1–Sept 15; peak season with trails, boating and shelter use.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
3.0 / 5

Open through Sept 15 so early fall possible; short fall season, limited reviews by season.

Spring(Mar-May)
Not recommended

Campground opens June 1; spring season falls mostly outside open dates.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Closed outside June 1–Sept 15; winter access not part of campground season.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: June 1 – September 15 annually.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open season is from June 1 to September 15 annually.

About Rock Harbor Campground

Tucked away in the pristine wilderness of Isle Royale's northeast corner, Rock Harbor Campground offers nine rustic shelters that promise an authentic backcountry experience. This hidden gem welcomes adventurers who arrive by foot along scenic trails, paddle in by canoe or kayak, or navigate the crystal-clear waters by private boat. As one of the park's less frequented destinations, you'll find a peaceful retreat where shelters await on a first-come, first-served basis. Boaters will appreciate the convenient dock access, with depths ranging from 3 to 12 feet under normal conditions, making it accessible for various watercraft.
Rock Harbor Campground caters to tent camping and includes 9 shelters for accommodations. The stay limit is restricted to 1 night between June 1 and September 15 annually.
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Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit
1night from June 1 – September 15 annually.


Activities you can enjoy

Rock Harbor Campground offers opportunities for exploring surrounding trails (Rock Harbor and Tobin Harbor Trails). Specific recreational activities such as swimming, fishing, or wildlife viewing were not explicitly mentioned.
HikingThe campground is located off Rock Harbor and Tobin Harbor Trails. Details about trail difficulty or length are not provided.
BoatingAccess to Rock Harbor Campground is possible by foot, canoe, kayak, or private boat. Additional fees apply for overnight boat stays at the marina.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include cold weather, high winds, and wildlife.

Weather at Rock Harbor Campground

Reviews

4.1
13 reviews
Satisfactory
Satisfactory
Rock Harbor Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews indicate that the campground's shelters are in high demand and get filled quickly, prompting some campers to walk to farther tent sites for better privacy.
Review Summaries
Based on 13 reviews

What Campers Love

Users appreciate the quieter and more private tent sites farther from the port.
Based on 13 reviews

Common Concerns

Shelters are taken immediately due to high demand, which may inconvenience some campers.
Based on 13 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Plan to walk to the farthest tent sites for a quieter and more private camping experience.
Based on 13 reviews

Seasonal Insights

No reviews indicate different experiences based on the season; however, the stay limit applies from June 1 to September 15.
Based on 13 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'With a number of people rotating through the port, shelters are taken immediately. Plan to walk to the farthest tent sites, which are arguably better because they are quiet and more private.'
Based on 13 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

The farther tent sites are highlighted as quieter and more private compared to shelters closer to the port.
Based on 13 reviews

Accessibility Features

No reviews addressing accessibility features or experiences.
Based on 13 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

No reviews mentioning pets or pet experiences at this campground.
Based on 13 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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