Hatchet Lake Campground

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3 reviews
Hatchet Lake Campground

Quick Facts

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Sites

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Season

June 1 – Labor Day (...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Not Allowed

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Hatchet Lake Campground
No fees available
Campsite Fees
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
Total Campsite Fees$0.00

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This campground is available, but we don’t have a booking link. Please reserve through the official site.
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What Campers Say

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Limited Reviews

Based on 3 reviews

4 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewswaterlakesites

"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."

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Best Time to Camp at Hatchet Lake Campground

Spring (Mar-May)

Wildflowers bloom, mild temperatures, fewer crowds. Great for hiking and photography.

Best
Summer (Jun-Aug)

Peak season with warm days. Most facilities open. Reserve ahead.

Fall (Sep-Nov)

Beautiful fall colors, cooler temps, quieter campgrounds. Ideal for peaceful trips.

Winter (Dec-Feb)

Off-season, limited services. Check for closures before visiting.

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

About Hatchet Lake Campground

Discover a true backcountry retreat at Hatchet Lake Campground, where adventure begins the moment you lace up your hiking boots. This secluded foot-access haven sits on the tranquil shores of Hatchet Lake, accessible only via the scenic Hatchet Lake Trail, offering an authentic wilderness experience near the heart of the island.
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).
Natural Features and SceneryYour journey to this island sanctuary follows the winding Hatchet Lake Trail before opening onto pristine lakefront views. Positioned near the island's center, the campground offers a peaceful vantage point surrounded by water, where the gentle lap of waves and rustling forest canopy create the perfect soundtrack for your wilderness escape. The protected location provides both solitude and stunning natural beauty, making it an ideal basecamp for paddlers, anglers, and those seeking genuine disconnection from the everyday world.
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Campsite details

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Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit
2nights from June 1 – Labor Day annually
Tents
Tents are not allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed

Open and Closed SeasonJune 1 – Labor Day (stay limit applies)

Activities you can enjoy

No specific activities are listed in the provided description. The campground is located on Hatchet Lake and accessed via the Hatchet Lake Trail; it is near the center of the island.
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Campground rules

  • Pets are not allowed

Hazards


Weather at Hatchet Lake Campground

17
°F
Dec 11
Thursday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Humidity: 79%
Wind: 17.6 mph
Overcast

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Good to know

Proximity to water featuresSituated on Hatchet Lake

Campground Map

Hatchet Lake Campground
Driving directionsHatchet Lake Campground directions and information are available at https://www.nps.gov/isro/planyourvisit/camping.htm
Access: Foot

Reviews from booking and map sources

0.0
3 reviews
Limited 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 3 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...
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Based on 3 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...
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Based on 3 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...
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Based on 3 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...
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Based on 3 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,...
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Based on 3 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...
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Based on 3 reviews

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Last updated December 10, 2025
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