Is Hatchet Lake Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Hatchet Lake 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 Hatchet Lake Campground before I book?

Yes! Hatchet Lake Campground has 2 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.

What is the best time to visit Hatchet Lake Campground?

Hatchet Lake Campground is open June 1 – Labor Day (stay limit applies). The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Hatchet Lake Campground?

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

Are dogs allowed at Hatchet Lake Campground?

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

Hatchet Lake Campground

5 reviews

Summer Destination

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Quick Facts

748 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

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Sites

Varies

Season

June 1 – Labor Day (...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

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Book Online Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

748 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Check Site

Sites

Varies

Season

June 1 – Labor Day (...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Book Online Official Website

Get Directions

Hatchet Lake Campground

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Provider

(906) 482-0984isro_parkinfo@nps.gov

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Campground Map

Hatchet Lake Campground

48.0211, -88.8508

Weather at Hatchet Lake Campground

Best Time to Camp at Hatchet Lake Campground

Best season: summer. Summer is the clear choice because the campground is officially open June 1 through Labor Day, and those warm months deliver the best hiking, lakefront camping, and simple backcountry solitude. Expect daytime highs roughly in the mid-60s to mid-70s °F and nighttime lows in the mid-40s to mid-50s °F, which are comfortable for swimming, paddling from shore, and long evening campfires. Because Hatchet Lake is foot-access only, crowds are typically lower than drive-up parks, but sites fill on summer Peak months: July, August, June Avoid: September, October, November, December

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Open June 1–Labor Day; pleasant summer temps mid-60s to mid-70s and peak access season.

Planning Tips

Operating Season: June 1 – Labor Day (stay limit applies)

About Hatchet Lake Campground

Hatchet Lake Campground is a backcountry site accessible only by foot, sitting on the shore of Hatchet Lake on Isle Royale. The hike in from Greenstone Ridge is long and steep. One of the tougher descents on the island. But the reward is a quiet, lakefront camp shaded by birch forest. Open June 1 through Labor Day.

The source identifies access as 'Foot' and gives a seasonal stay limit but does not specify camping types (tent, RV, primitive, group sites, cabins, or glamping).

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer is the clear choice because the campground is officially open June 1 through Labor Day, and those warm months deliver the best hiking, lakefront camping, and simple backcountry solitude. Expect daytime highs roughly in the mid-60s to mid-70s °F and nighttime lows in the mid-40s to mid-50s °F, which are comfortable for swimming, paddling from shore, and long evening campfires. Because Hatchet Lake is foot-access only, crowds are typically lower than drive-up parks, but sites fill on summer Peak months: July, August, June Avoid: September, October, November, December

Elevation748 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground sits in a birch forest a short walk from Hatchet Lake's shore. Sites are shaded and tucked into the trees, with easy water access and views that are especially striking in early morning light. The location is central on the island, which means you're removed from the busier harbor zones. The descent from Greenstone Ridge is steep enough that multiple reviewers called it one of the harder stretches they encountered on Isle Royale.

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Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

2nights from June 1 – Labor Day annually

Amenities available

The provided facility description does not list any specific amenities. It only states the campground is located on Hatchet Lake (near the center of the island), is accessed by foot, and has a stay limit of 2 nights from June 1 through Labor Day.

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Reviews

From Booking Sources

0.0

5 reviews

Limited Reviews

Hatchet Lake Campground has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews

Reviewers describe Hatchet Lake Campground as a beautiful, lakeside backcountry campground with shaded, forested sites and great water access. The main tradeoff is that reaching it requires a long, steep, and challenging descent from Greenstone Ridge, which some found to be one of the tougher stretches of trail on Isle Royale.

Review Summaries

Based on 5 reviews

What Campers Love

Campers praise the gorgeous, secluded sites nestled in a birch forest just a short walk from the lakefront. They highlight the stunning lake views—especially in the early morning—as well as good...

Based on 5 reviews

Common Concerns

The primary complaint is the difficulty of access, with the descent from the Greenstone Ridge Trail described as long, steep, and tough, especially at the end of the day. One reviewer also noted busy...

Based on 5 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

One reviewer stayed in "group site 2" and noted it had nice shade. Another mentioned sharing a group site with three other parties during busy August conditions and still found it to be an enjoyable,...

Based on 5 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Be prepared for a long, steep hike down from Greenstone Ridge and plan your day so you’re not tackling it when already exhausted. In busy periods like August, expect to potentially share group sites...

Based on 5 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Gorgeous campsites tucked away in a birch forest a few meters from the lakefront." "The hike down to the campground is rather long and steep, but well worth it." "Busy August conditions had us share...

Based on 5 reviews

Accessibility Features

Access from the Greenstone Ridge Trail is described as tough, with the descent to the lake characterized as long, steep, and one of the most difficult stretches of trail on the island, making it...

Based on 5 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

Be the first to review this campground

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Go if

Isle Royale backpackers building a multi-day loop will appreciate the early-morning lake views and shaded sites at group site 2. The central island location puts you away from the busier harbor camps, and the birch forest keeps things cool.

Skip if

The descent from Greenstone Ridge is long and brutal at the end of a full hiking day. August group sites can pack in three or four parties at once, so solo travelers chasing real solitude may find the timing wrong.

Nearby Campgrounds

3.9

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Todd Harbor Campground

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

Todd Harbor Campground is a primitive National Park Service site on Isle Royale, accessible only by boat or seaplane in Lake Superior. This remote backcountry destination offers tent camping along a calm bay with moose sightings, sunset views, and access to the Minong Ridge Trail. Visitors stay up to three days during the summer season, when ferry service runs and weather is most stable.