Wood Lake Campground

5 reviews

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

Summer Destination

Quick Facts

673 ft

Price

$3 - $8/night

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

Varies

Season

Open June 1 – Labor ...

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

673 ft

Price

$3 - $8/night

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

Varies

Season

Open June 1 – Labor ...

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

Wood Lake Campground

$3.00 - $8.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Recreation Use Fees vary by location and activity. Reservation service fees range from $3-$9 based on method of reservation. Additional fees may...

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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Campground Map

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

Wood Lake Campground

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

Driving directionsWood Lake Campground is located on the north shore of Wood Lake.

Access is exclusively via canoe or kayak, with no private boat access. Portage is required for 0.6 miles from Lake Whittlesey or Siskiwit Lake.

Nearby places

Houghton (Exact distance and time unavailable from source materials)

Nearby supplies

Closest supplies are likely in Houghton, MI, but exact details are unavailable.

Best Time to Camp at Wood Lake Campground

Summer transforms this northern paradise into a paddler's dream, with warm days and crystal-clear skies stretching from June through August. While winter brings moderate snowfall and the lake's surface freezes into a crystalline wonderland, summer visitors should prepare for nature's occasional power displays – sudden winds can whip across the open water, turning calm paddles into exciting adventures. The dry summer climate means fewer bugs and more starlit nights around the campfire, making these months the perfect window for your wilderness escape.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.5 / 5

Open June–Labor Day; described as a paddler's dream in summer.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

Not recommended

Campground closed after Labor Day; fall stays not available.

Spring(Mar-May)

Not recommended

Site opens June 1; spring access not available.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

Not recommended

Closed in winter; winter activities not supported.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: June 1 – Labor Day annually.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open June 1 – Labor Day annually.

About Wood Lake Campground

Tucked away on the pristine north shore of Wood Lake, this hidden gem offers the ultimate escape for paddlers seeking true wilderness solitude. Your journey begins with a canoe or kayak voyage across mirror-like waters, leaving civilization behind as you glide toward your secluded sanctuary. With just two precious nights allowed per stay and access limited to the summer months (June 1 through Labor Day), Wood Lake Campground remains one of Isle Royale's best-kept secrets, where the only sounds you'll hear are lapping waves and the call of loons echoing across the water.

Wood Lake Campground is a primitive, less-visited campground ideal for backcountry camping accessible only by canoe/kayak.

Historical SignificanceAs part of Isle Royale National Park – a pristine wilderness so remarkable it earned UNESCO Biosphere Reserve status – Wood Lake Campground sits within one of North America's most important ecological treasures. This protected landscape represents centuries of careful conservation, preserving ancient boreal forests and freshwater ecosystems that have remained virtually unchanged since time immemorial. While the campground itself may not bear historical markers, every paddle stroke takes you through waters that have sustained wildlife and inspired adventurers for generations.

Weather and SeasonsSummer transforms this northern paradise into a paddler's dream, with warm days and crystal-clear skies stretching from June through August. While winter brings moderate snowfall and the lake's surface freezes into a crystalline wonderland, summer visitors should prepare for nature's occasional power displays – sudden winds can whip across the open water, turning calm paddles into exciting adventures. The dry summer climate means fewer bugs and more starlit nights around the campfire, making these months the perfect window for your wilderness escape.

ElevationNestled at lake level, the campground offers intimate access to Wood Lake's shoreline environment.

Natural Features and SceneryStep into a world where ancient boreal forests meet crystal-clear waters, creating a tapestry of emerald greens and sapphire blues. Towering conifers frame your campsite while the rugged shoreline invites exploration at every turn. This pristine freshwater ecosystem serves as nature's theater, where moose wade through shallow bays at dawn, wolves leave tracks along muddy shores, and eagles soar overhead. The untouched landscape offers photographers and nature lovers endless opportunities to witness the raw beauty of Isle Royale's interior, from delicate wildflowers carpeting the forest floor to dramatic sunsets painting the lake in shades of gold and crimson.

Geological RegionCarved by ancient glaciers and shaped by millions of years of geological forces, Wood Lake rests within Isle Royale's dramatic interior landscape. This inland water body showcases the island's characteristic rugged terrain, where billion-year-old volcanic bedrock meets pristine boreal forest. The surrounding ecosystem represents one of North America's last intact wilderness areas, where freshwater lakes like Wood Lake serve as vital lifelines for the island's iconic wildlife. The campground's north shore location offers front-row seats to this geological masterpiece, where every rocky outcrop and forest grove tells the story of our planet's incredible natural history.

Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Check-in

Not specified.

Check-out

Not specified.

Stay Limit

Two nights from June 1 – Labor Day annually.

Groups

No group camping details provided.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutNot provided.

Reservation PlatformsReservations cannot be made for this campground.

Walk-in AvailabilityWalk-up availability only; reservations are not accepted.

Cancellation PolicyCancellations are subject to a $10 fee and forfeiture of the first night's fees if canceled after 12:00 AM local time the day before the reservation start date. No refunds for no-shows or late cancellations.

AccessibilityNo information available about accessibility features.

Site SizeNo specific information available about the size of individual campsites.

PrivacyNo specific information available about the level of privacy at campsites.

Recommended SitesNot provided.

Activities you can enjoy

The campground is primarily suited for wilderness activities such as canoeing and kayaking due to its remote location.

BoatingAccess to the campground is possible via a .6 mile portage from Lake Whittlesey or from Siskiwit Lake, making it suitable for canoeing/kayaking.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include rugged terrain, remote access, and adverse weather conditions such as high winds or snow during colder months.

Fire PolicyFire policies not specified in authoritative sources.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are Not specified in authoritative sources.

Emergency ServicesClosest emergency services are likely in Houghton, MI, but exact details are unavailable.

Trash & RecyclingNo information provided about trash and recycling facilities.

Water FeaturesThe campground is directly on the north shore of Wood Lake.

Camp HostNot documented in authoritative sources.