Is Island Mine Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Island Mine 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 Island Mine Campground before I book?

Yes! Island Mine 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.

Are there showers at Island Mine Campground?

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

Are dogs allowed at Island Mine Campground?

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

Island Mine Campground

3.67

16 reviews

800 E. Lakeshore Drive

Top 8% in MNFall

Quick Facts

1,227 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Book on National Park Service Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

1,227 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Book on National Park Service Official Website

Get Directions

Island Mine Campground

No fees available

Campsite Fees

No campsite 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

Island Mine Campground

800 E. Lakeshore Drive

Nearby places

Houghton (null miles, null travel time)

Weather at Island Mine Campground

Best Time to Camp at Island Mine Campground

Best season: fall. Fall highlights Island Mine's cathedral maple forest at peak color and offers the best combination of mild hiking weather and solitude — daytime highs are often in the 40s–60s°F with nights dropping into the 20s–40s°F. Autumn reduces biting insects and brings crisp air that makes ridge and river views especially vivid; hiking and photography are at their peak, and moose/ wildlife viewing can be more active. Crowds thin after Labor Day, but weather can shift quickly (winds have been recorded near Peak months: September, October, August, June Avoid: January, February, March

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

5.0 / 5

Top 8% in MN

Explicitly noted 'best season: fall' for peak color, mild weather and solitude.

Planning Tips

About Island Mine Campground

Island Mine Campground sits in a cathedral maple forest within Isle Royale National Park, accessible only by boat or seaplane from Michigan's Upper Peninsula. Operated by the National Park Service, this primitive backcountry site offers fire rings and creek water access for hikers exploring the island's ridge trails and wildlife corridors. The three-day stay limit encourages visitors to move between Isle Royale's coastal and interior camps.

Island Mine Campground is a primitive campground located within Isle Royale National Park. It is accessible only by foot, offering a simple and remote camping experience.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: fall. Fall highlights Island Mine's cathedral maple forest at peak color and offers the best combination of mild hiking weather and solitude — daytime highs are often in the 40s–60s°F with nights dropping into the 20s–40s°F. Autumn reduces biting insects and brings crisp air that makes ridge and river views especially vivid; hiking and photography are at their peak, and moose/ wildlife viewing can be more active. Crowds thin after Labor Day, but weather can shift quickly (winds have been recorded near Peak months: September, October, August, June Avoid: January, February, March

Elevation1227 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryA maple forest canopy shades the campground at 1,227 feet elevation. The Little Siskiwit River runs nearby, providing a water source when conditions allow. Though it can run dry during extended droughts. One visitor described it as "a beautiful campsite in a maple forest with creek water close by." The surrounding terrain shows where ancient volcanic rocks meet younger sedimentary layers, and the hardwood forest has reclaimed former mining lands. Fall brings vivid color to the maples and clearer ridge and river views.

Lodging & AccommodationsOnly primitive camping is available; there are no additional lodging facilities.

Programs & ActivitiesThere are no cultural or educational programs offered at this site.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

3nights effective June 1 – Labor Day annually.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations are not available for this campground.

AccessibilityThe campground is accessible only by foot, which may pose challenges for individuals with mobility concerns.

Site SizeThe campsites are described as spacious in one user review.

PrivacyCampsites have little to no trees or brush between them, so there isn't much privacy if the campground is full.

Recommended SitesCampers have recommended building fires to deter insects and filtering creek water if available.

Amenities available

Island Mine Campground is a primitive, inland camping area located .5 miles south from the junction of the Greenstone and Island Mine Trails. It does not offer canoe/kayak/boat access and is accessible only by foot. Water can typically be filtered from the nearby Little Siskiwit River, although this is contingent on the river not being dried up. Campers are advised to check at the Visitor Center for the current water status.

Fire rings

I manage this campground

Things to do at Island Mine Campground

Island Mine Campground is primarily a destination for hikers, due to its remote and foot-access-only location. The surrounding forest and creek provide a serene environment for nature enthusiasts.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Signature experiences

Stargazing4.0/5Remote, primitive island setting implies dark skies and quiet nights.

Photography4.0/5Cathedral maples, fall colors and ridge trails offer strong photo opportunities.

Not sure what to pack?Our complete camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

No Flush ToiletsThe campground does not have flush toilets.

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

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Tips from campers

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Reviews

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From Booking Sources

3.7

16 reviews

Mixed Reviews

Island Mine Campground has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews for Island Mine Campground generally highlight its peaceful and quiet environment, but also note its lack of privacy and limited facilities. The campground is better suited for those seeking a remote and simple camping experience.

Review Summaries

Based on 16 reviews

What Campers Love

Campers appreciated the serene and quiet atmosphere: 'Beautiful campsite in a maple forest with creek water close by. Incredibly peaceful.' The spaciousness of the campsites was also noted: 'The site...

Based on 16 reviews

Common Concerns

Main complaints included the lack of privacy between campsites: 'Campsites have little to no trees or brush between them, so there isn't much privacy.' Water availability can also be an issue, as one...

Based on 16 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers recommend checking water availability at the Visitor Center before arrival and bringing sufficient water filtration supplies. Lighting a campfire can help with bugs, and one reviewer noted...

Based on 16 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer reviews noted the potential for water scarcity and bugs. Fall reviews appreciated the peaceful ambiance but noted minimal amenities.

Based on 16 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Incredibly peaceful.' 2. 'Honestly an underrated campsite.' 3. 'The creek had yellow water but it tasted fine.' 4. 'Not as scenic as the other campsites.'

Based on 16 reviews