South Lake Desor Campground

3.75

14 reviews

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

Summer Destination

Quick Facts

869 ft

Price

$3 - $9/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Year-round

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

869 ft

Price

$3 - $9/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Year-round

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

South Lake Desor Campground

$3.00 - $9.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Fees for campsites range based on activity: $8 online, $9 via contact center, or $3 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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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

(906) 482-0984isro_parkinfo@nps.gov

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What Campers Say

3.75

Mixed Reviews

Based on 14 reviews

13 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewsprivacylakebeach

"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."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

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

South Lake Desor Campground

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

Driving directionsSouth Lake Desor Campground is located on the south side of Lake Desor off of the Greenstone Ridge Trail.

Access is exclusively via foot, as the campground is situated inland and lacks vehicle access.

Nearby places

Houghton is approximately null miles away.

Nearby supplies

Supplies can be obtained in Houghton, Michigan.

Best Time to Camp at South Lake Desor Campground

Experience the dramatic seasonal transformation of Isle Royale's wilderness at South Lake Desor. Summer brings warm, sun-dappled days perfect for lakeside relaxation, when wild thimbleberries ripen along the trails, offering sweet rewards to foragers. As autumn approaches, the forest explodes in brilliant colors before winter's arrival transforms the landscape into a crystalline wonderland of snow and ice. Be prepared for nature's full spectrum—from balmy summer afternoons to the raw beauty of freezing winter conditions that test even seasoned adventurers.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Peak season (June–Labor Day): warm days, berries, active wildlife and enforced stay limits.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

3.5 / 5

Fewer visitors and likely good fall color; cooler weather and shorter days.

Spring(Mar-May)

3.0 / 5

Spring thaw and fewer services; wildlife returns but conditions variable.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

2.0 / 5

Accessible year‑round but primitive; winter conditions are harsh and amenities lacking.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: Peak season occurs from June 1 through Labor Day.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: The campground is accessible year-round, but specific stay limits apply between June 1 and Labor Day.

About South Lake Desor Campground

Hidden deep within Isle Royale National Park's untamed interior, South Lake Desor Campground offers adventurous souls a true wilderness escape. This remote sanctuary, tucked along the tranquil southern shores of Lake Desor, rewards those willing to journey on foot through pristine backcountry trails. Here, the modern world fades away, replaced by the gentle lapping of lake waters and the whisper of wind through ancient forests—a place where solitude and natural beauty converge in perfect harmony.

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

Historical SignificanceSouth Lake Desor Campground stands as a gateway to Isle Royale National Park's storied past—a landscape that has remained virtually unchanged for centuries. This rugged wilderness has long captivated explorers, naturalists, and those seeking refuge from civilization. The park's designation protects not just spectacular scenery, but a living laboratory where wolves and moose continue their ancient dance of predator and prey, and where the rhythms of nature proceed undisturbed by human interference.

Weather and SeasonsExperience the dramatic seasonal transformation of Isle Royale's wilderness at South Lake Desor. Summer brings warm, sun-dappled days perfect for lakeside relaxation, when wild thimbleberries ripen along the trails, offering sweet rewards to foragers. As autumn approaches, the forest explodes in brilliant colors before winter's arrival transforms the landscape into a crystalline wonderland of snow and ice. Be prepared for nature's full spectrum—from balmy summer afternoons to the raw beauty of freezing winter conditions that test even seasoned adventurers.

ElevationNestled at the heart of Isle Royale's interior landscape, the campground rests at a comfortable elevation that provides easy access to Lake Desor's shoreline while remaining protected from the more extreme weather patterns that affect the island's exposed ridges and coastal areas.

Natural Features and SceneryStep into an enchanting world where nature reigns supreme at South Lake Desor. The campground is enveloped by a lush canopy so dense it creates an almost tropical atmosphere, despite the northern latitude. Towering trees filter sunlight into dancing patterns on the forest floor, while understory vegetation creates intimate spaces perfect for quiet contemplation. In summer, thimbleberry bushes heavy with ruby-red fruit line the paths, their sweet bounty a delightful surprise for hikers. The lake itself serves as a mirror to the sky, its calm waters reflecting the surrounding wilderness in perfect detail.

Geological RegionSouth Lake Desor Campground occupies a fascinating geological niche within Isle Royale National Park's ancient landscape. Formed by volcanic activity and sculpted by glaciers over millions of years, this inland location showcases the island's unique geological story. The dense vegetation that characterizes the area thrives in the rich soils deposited by retreating ice sheets, while Lake Desor itself fills a depression carved by those same glacial forces. This creates a microenvironment where boreal and temperate species intermingle, resulting in the unexpectedly lush, almost jungle-like atmosphere that surprises and delights visitors.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

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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

Site layoutCampground layout includes interior sites offering privacy and a beach area near group site 1.

Reservation PlatformsNot applicable as the campground is not reservable.

Walk-in AvailabilitySites are first-come, first-served as reservations are not applicable.

Cancellation PolicyReservations are not applicable as South Lake Desor 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.

Amenities available

Group Sites

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.

HikingThe campground is accessible via the Greenstone Ridge Trail, a prominent hiking trail in Isle Royale National Park.

Wildlife viewingWildlife observation is a notable activity. A user mentioned moose drinking from the lake at dusk and swimming at night.

Beach activitiesThe group site area is noted to have a beach, which one user described as 'nice' and a social area with views of great sunsets.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsDense vegetation may obscure trails, and moose are commonly sighted near water bodies. Swimming is not ideal due to the presence of seaweed.

Weather at South Lake Desor Campground

Reviews

3.8

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

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

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

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