Island Mine Campground

Star3.70
12 reviews
800 E. Lakeshore Drive

Quick Facts

1,227 ft

Price

$3 - $9/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

Varies

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

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
Island Mine Campground
$3.00 - $9.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Fees vary based on reservation method: $8 if made online, $9 via contact center, $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

3.70

Mixed Reviews

Based on 12 reviews

13 Google reviews

Most mentioned

quietpeacefulspaciouswater

"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."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

800 E. Lakeshore Drive

Island Mine Campground

800 E. Lakeshore Drive

Driving directionsThe Island Mine Campground is located 0.5 miles south of the Greenstone and Island Mine Trails junction, off of the Island Mine Trail.
Access is restricted to foot travel only; there is no vehicle access.
Nearby places
Houghton (null miles, null travel time)
Nearby supplies
Closest supplies are likely in Houghton, MN
specific details are unavailable.

Best Time to Camp at Island Mine Campground

Island Mine's weather tells a story of nature's raw power, with recorded wind speeds reaching nearly 17 mph and temperatures that can plunge to a bracing 16°F even during camping season. The campground transforms dramatically with the seasons—from the challenging conditions of spring and fall, where cloud cover dominates nearly 87% of the time, to the gentle embrace of summer. June through August emerge as the golden months, when temperatures moderate and the maple canopy provides dappled shade for comfortable camping adventures.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
3.0 / 5

Peak season; reviewers note bugs and potential water scarcity despite peacefulness.

Best
Fall(Sep-Nov)
3.5 / 5

Fall reviews appreciated the peaceful ambiance despite few amenities.

Spring(Mar-May)
2.5 / 5

Shoulder season likely cold/wet with limited facilities; fewer reviews available.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
2.0 / 5

Open year-round but cold and windy with primitive conditions; limited winter support.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: June 1 – Labor Day annually.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open year-round, but the stay limit of 3 nights applies June 1 through Labor Day.

About Island Mine Campground

Tucked away in the heart of Isle Royale National Park, Island Mine Campground offers an intimate escape into Michigan's wilderness where solitude reigns supreme. This hidden gem, nestled just half a mile south of where the Greenstone and Island Mine Trails converge, rewards those seeking tranquility far from the crowds. The nearby Little Siskiwit River whispers through the landscape, providing a natural water source for prepared campers—though wise travelers should note that this lifeline occasionally runs dry during extended dry spells.
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.
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Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit
3nights effective June 1 – Labor Day annually.

Amenities available

Fire rings

Activities you can enjoy

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.
HikingThe campground is located along the Greenstone and Island Mine Trails, making it a key stop for hikers exploring Isle Royale National Park.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include proximity to wildlife, seasonal water shortages, and mosquito presence ("just be sure to make a fire to keep the bugs away").
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Weather at Island Mine Campground

Reviews

3.7
12 reviews
Mixed 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 12 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...
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Based on 12 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...
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Based on 12 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...
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Based on 12 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 12 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 12 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

No specific site numbers are provided in the reviews.
Based on 12 reviews

Accessibility Features

No specific reviews address accessibility features, but the foot-only access may create challenges for some visitors.
Based on 12 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

No reviews specifically mention pets or pet-related policies.
Based on 12 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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