West Chickenbone Campground

4.00

8 reviews

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

Summer Destination

Quick Facts

686 ft

Price

$3 - $8/night

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

10 campsites

Season

Open season is infer...

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

686 ft

Price

$3 - $8/night

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

10 campsites

Season

Open season is infer...

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

West Chickenbone Campground

$3.00 - $8.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Recreation Use fees vary by location and activity. Reservation fees add $8 if made online or through the app, $9 if made through the 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

4.00

Satisfactory

Based on 8 reviews

7 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewspeacefulwaterlake

"The campground is appreciated for its seclusion, natural beauty, and wildlife experiences. However, it lacks the amenities found at other locations in Isle Royale National Park."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

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

West Chickenbone Campground

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

Driving directionsWest Chickenbone Campground is located on the west end of Chickenbone Lake, off of the Indian Portage Trail.

Accessible via foot, canoe, or kayak. No boater access. Canoe/kayak access involves a 1.2-mile portage from McCargoe Cove or a 0.2-mile portage from Lake Livermore.

Nearby places

Nearby population centers include Houghton, MI (exact distance not specified).

Nearby supplies

Supplies can be found in Houghton, MI, exact details and distances are not specified.

Best Time to Camp at West Chickenbone Campground

Winter transforms West Chickenbone into a dramatic landscape where nature showcases its raw power. Recent conditions paint a picture of true northern wilderness—heavy cloud blankets drape the sky nearly 90% of the time, while temperatures dance between a brisk 16°F at night and a crisp 25°F during daylight hours. Fresh snowfall blankets the ground with over 2.5 inches of pristine powder, while winds averaging 18 mph can surge to impressive 34 mph gusts, creating a symphony of whistling through the pines. These challenging conditions reward hardy winter campers with an unforgettable experience of Isle Royale's untamed beauty.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Peak season (June–Labor Day); best access and activities though group sites may be busy.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Fall noted as a quieter season offering solitude and scenic views.

Spring(Mar-May)

Not recommended

Open season inferred from June 1; spring access and services not described.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

Not recommended

Season likely closed to typical campers; winter conditions described but not operational details.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: June 1 through Labor Day.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open season is inferred to be June 1 through Labor Day; no explicit mention of closed season.

About West Chickenbone Campground

Tucked away on the western shores of pristine Chickenbone Lake, West Chickenbone Campground offers adventurous souls a true wilderness escape in the heart of Isle Royale National Park. This hidden gem remains delightfully uncrowded, drawing those who seek solitude and authentic backcountry experiences. Reaching this rustic haven requires dedication—whether you arrive by hiking trail, or paddle across the lake's crystalline waters by canoe or kayak. Unlike the park's coastal campgrounds, West Chickenbone embraces simplicity, offering tent sites without shelters, where the only sounds breaking the silence are lapping waves and the occasional call of a loon.

West Chickenbone Campground caters to backcountry campers, offering primitive, non-reservable sites suitable for tents.

Historical SignificanceWest Chickenbone Campground stands as a testament to Isle Royale's enduring wilderness character, where generations of backpackers have found refuge in this undeveloped corner of the park. The campground preserves the traditional backcountry experience that has drawn adventurers to these remote shores for decades.

Weather and SeasonsWinter transforms West Chickenbone into a dramatic landscape where nature showcases its raw power. Recent conditions paint a picture of true northern wilderness—heavy cloud blankets drape the sky nearly 90% of the time, while temperatures dance between a brisk 16°F at night and a crisp 25°F during daylight hours. Fresh snowfall blankets the ground with over 2.5 inches of pristine powder, while winds averaging 18 mph can surge to impressive 34 mph gusts, creating a symphony of whistling through the pines. These challenging conditions reward hardy winter campers with an unforgettable experience of Isle Royale's untamed beauty.

ElevationNestled at the lake level of Isle Royale's interior wilderness, the campground offers a gentle terrain that provides easy access to the water's edge while maintaining the rugged character of this remote island paradise.

Natural Features and SceneryWest Chickenbone Lake serves as your personal wilderness mirror, reflecting towering pines and the ever-changing moods of Isle Royale's sky. The campground's position offers front-row seats to nature's daily theater—watch morning mist rise from the lake's surface, witness moose wading through the shallows at dusk, and spot snowshoe hares darting between the underbrush. The surrounding rugged terrain creates an intimate amphitheater of wilderness, where jagged ridgelines frame distant views and dense forests harbor the island's elusive wildlife. This is where Isle Royale reveals its wild heart to those patient enough to seek it.

Geological RegionPositioned in the remote interior of Isle Royale National Park, West Chickenbone Campground sits within one of North America's most isolated wilderness areas. The campground occupies the western terminus of Chickenbone Lake, a glacially carved gem set deep within the island's rugged backbone. This inland location showcases Isle Royale's characteristic landscape—ancient volcanic ridges clothed in boreal forest, sculpted by millennia of glacial activity into the dramatic terrain that challenges and rewards today's adventurers.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

2nights from June 1 – Labor Day annually.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Not specified, though reviews mention instances of multiple tents sharing a site.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutCamping sites are spread out and include individual and group camping areas. Group sites require steep access.

Reservation PlatformsReservations are not accepted for this campground.

Walk-in AvailabilityWalk-up availability is implied since reservations are not accepted.

Cancellation PolicyCancellations are not relevant as the campground does not accept reservations.

AccessibilityNo specific accessibility features are mentioned, typical of a primitive backcountry campsite.

Site SizeSites are described as roomy by a user review.

PrivacyUser reviews mention that the campground can be busy in peak seasons, with some sites being shared. However, certain sites like site 6 have been noted for their ideal location.

Total Campsites10 campsites

Recommended SitesSite 6 is recommended for its lakeside location and scenic views. Group sites have steep access.

Amenities available

Potable water

Activities you can enjoy

The campground offers opportunities for hiking, wildlife viewing, and paddling. It is a backcountry experience designed for those looking to immerse in nature.

HikingThe campground is accessible via the Indian Portage Trail and a short, steep walk from the Greenstone Ridge Trail. Hiking opportunities include connecting trails to McCargoe Cove and Lake Livermore.

BoatingCanoe and kayak access are available via portages: 1.2 miles from McCargoe Cove and 0.2 miles from Lake Livermore.

Wildlife viewingUser reviews describe moose sightings and friendly rabbits within the campground. The area is noted for its rich wildlife presence.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include steep terrain as noted in reviews, and wildlife such as moose and rabbits. Algae blooms in the lake are also mentioned.

Weather at West Chickenbone Campground

Reviews

4.0

8 reviews

Satisfactory

West Chickenbone Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

The campground is appreciated for its seclusion, natural beauty, and wildlife experiences. However, it lacks the amenities found at other locations in Isle Royale National Park.

Review Summaries

Based on 8 reviews

What Campers Love

Scenic views of Chickenbone Lake, rich wildlife, and the peaceful setting are commonly praised. "Beautiful spot on the lake. Easy water access," noted one reviewer. Roomy campsites, such as site 6,...

Based on 8 reviews

Common Concerns

Lack of shelters and steep access to water from group sites are noted drawbacks. Algae in the lake was also mentioned as an issue.

Based on 8 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring all necessary supplies, as there are no facilities on-site. Plan for steep trails and shared sites during busy periods. Site 6 is recommended for its ideal location.

Based on 8 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer (June through August) is the busiest period, with some reviews indicating crowding at the group sites. Fall offers a quieter experience.

Based on 8 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Beautiful campground a quick but steep 5 minute walk from the turnoff on the Greenstone Ridge Trail. Secluded and peaceful." - Marshall Sims. "Stayed at individual campsite 4, campsite 6 seemed like...

Based on 8 reviews