Is South Lake Desor Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

South Lake Desor 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 South Lake Desor Campground before I book?

Yes! South Lake Desor Campground has 3 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.

Are there showers at South Lake Desor Campground?

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

How many campsites does South Lake Desor Campground have?

South Lake Desor Campground has 1 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Arrive early for the best site selection.

Are dogs allowed at South Lake Desor Campground?

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

South Lake Desor Campground

3.21

14 reviews

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

Peace & QuietSummer Destination

Featured in:Beach Camping Michigan

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

869 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Book on National Park Service 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

869 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Book on National Park Service Official Website

Get Directions

South Lake Desor Campground

No fees available

Campsite Fees

No paid fee categories listed.

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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

South Lake Desor Campground

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

Nearby places

Houghton is approximately null miles away.

Weather at South Lake Desor Campground

Best Time to Camp at South Lake Desor Campground

Best season: summer. Summer offers the most reliable weather window for accessing remote South Lake Desor and getting the full range of backcountry experiences — expect daytime highs typically in the mid-50s to mid-60s°F (roughly 50–70°F on warm spells) and cool nights in the 40s–50s°F. Trails, lake paddling, wildlife viewing (moose and abundant birdlife), and berry-foraging are at their peak, and the lush canopy and warm days make lakeside camps especially pleasant. Crowds are higher in July–August due to ferry and Peak months: July, August, September, June Avoid: December, January, February

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Peak season June–Labor Day; best access, berries and wildlife viewing occur in summer.

Planning Tips

About South Lake Desor Campground

South Lake Desor Campground sits on the remote western end of Isle Royale National Park, accessible only by boat or a multi-day hike across Michigan's roadless wilderness island in Lake Superior. This National Park Service site offers primitive tent camping with lake views and frequent moose sightings. The two-day stay limit encourages backpackers and paddlers to keep moving through the island's backcountry trail network.

South Lake Desor Campground is a primitive, backcountry site accessible only by foot. It offers individual campsites and group camping areas.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer offers the most reliable weather window for accessing remote South Lake Desor and getting the full range of backcountry experiences — expect daytime highs typically in the mid-50s to mid-60s°F (roughly 50–70°F on warm spells) and cool nights in the 40s–50s°F. Trails, lake paddling, wildlife viewing (moose and abundant birdlife), and berry-foraging are at their peak, and the lush canopy and warm days make lakeside camps especially pleasant. Crowds are higher in July–August due to ferry and Peak months: July, August, September, June Avoid: December, January, February

Elevation869 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryLake Desor fills a glacial depression at 869 feet elevation, surrounded by unexpectedly lush vegetation. The boreal-temperate mix creates an almost jungle-like canopy in summer. Thimbleberry bushes line the approaches, heavy with fruit during peak season. The lake itself is calm and clear, though seaweed can interfere with swimming. Views through the forest to the water are striking, especially at sunset. Moose frequent the area, drawn to the wetland edges and dense understory.

Lodging & AccommodationsThe campground does not offer lodging accommodations, such as cabins or hotels.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are mentioned.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Stay limit is 2 nights from June 1 through Labor Day.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Not specified

Groups

User reviews mention a group site area with a beach, offering space for larger groups. Specific details on capacity are not provided.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Reservation PlatformsNot applicable as the campground is not reservable.

AccessibilityDue to its backcountry location and foot-only access, the campground is not likely to be accessible for individuals with mobility impairments.

Site SizeIndividual campsites vary in size, but specific dimensions are not provided.

PrivacyUser reviews highlight a high level of privacy at the interior sites. One user commented, 'Camping during August was busy so we took an interior site which was very private.

Total Campsites1 campsites

Recommended SitesChoose interior sites for privacy and beachfront locations for social activities near sunset.

Best CampsitesIndividual campsite 1 offers the best water access and tent pads. During busy August periods, the interior sites provide more privacy than spots near the beach area at the group site.

Amenities available

South Lake Desor Campground is a primitive, inland campsite located off the Greenstone Ridge Trail. It is accessible only by foot and lacks vehicle, canoe, kayak, or boat access. Key amenities are minimal, as it is designed for a backcountry experience.

Group Sites

I manage this campground

Activities you can enjoy

The campground provides a back-to-nature experience with limited recreational infrastructure, but offers opportunities for hiking, wildlife observation, and enjoying scenic sunsets.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not available at this site, consistent with its backcountry nature.

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

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

3.2

14 reviews

Mixed Reviews

South Lake Desor Campground has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews

The campground is appreciated for its privacy, scenic views, and natural setting. 'The view of the lake through the trees is pretty cool,' one reviewer noted. The sunsets are a recurring highlight.

Review Summaries

Based on 14 reviews

What Campers Love

Users highlighted the privacy of the campsites, the lake views, and the opportunity to observe moose and other wildlife. The beach area at the group site was also well-received for its social...

Based on 14 reviews

Common Concerns

Some users mentioned the lack of infrastructure, which is inherent to its primitive nature. Others noted that the lake's south side had significant seaweed, making it less appealing for swimming.

Based on 14 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

User Stephen Smith noted that 'Individual Campsite 1 has the best water access and best pads.' The group site area was described as having a 'nice beach' by Eric Stelter.

Based on 14 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring your own tent, as there are no shelters. Prepare for backcountry conditions, with minimal amenities. August may be busy, so interior sites offer more privacy.

Based on 14 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The campground is busiest during the summer months (June 1 – Labor Day), when the two-night stay limit is enforced. Wildlife viewing and berry-picking (e.g., thimbleberries) are popular activities...

Based on 14 reviews

Camper Quotes

- 'Camping during August was busy so we took an interior site which was very private.' - 'Water is pure and moose love to drink out of it at dusk.' - 'The beach area was social with a great sunset!'

Based on 14 reviews

Accessibility Features

No specific reviews address accessibility features, but the backcountry nature and foot-only access suggest challenges for individuals with disabilities.

Based on 14 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pet policies are not mentioned in the available materials, and no reviews address pet-related experiences.

Based on 14 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

Be the first to review this campground

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Go if

You want wilderness solitude on a multi-day Isle Royale trek and don't mind primitive conditions or short stay limits.

Skip if

You need vehicle access, developed amenities, or want to stay in one spot for more than two nights.

Nearby Campgrounds

0.0

(4)

North Desor Campground

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

North Desor Campground is a primitive backcountry site on Isle Royale National Park, accessible only by boat or multi-day hike along the Lake Minong Trail. Managed by the National Park Service, this very small campground sits at low elevation near Lake Desor and serves as a backcountry waypoint for hikers and paddlers exploring the island's remote northwest interior. The two-day stay limit encourages visitors to keep moving through Isle Royale's trail network.

8 campsites