Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Isle Royale National Park adventure.
Find yourself—and few others—in this remote island wilderness.
The fact that Isle Royale National Park is one of the least-visited national parks speaks more to its remote location than its awe-inspiring landscapes, found north of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. Take a journey across Lake Superior by boat or seaplane to reach the spectacular collection of islands that make up this park, which consists of one larger island and over 400 small ones. Though far from civilization, it is closer to nature, offering abundant opportunities for camping, backpacking, and hiking on land, as well as canoeing/kayaking, boating, fishing, and scuba diving in the clear waters of Lake Superior and pristine inland lakes.
Due to its northern location, Isle Royale closes for the winter season, November through April. Extreme cold and freezing precipitation are possible outside of those dates. Visiting during early spring requires extra preparation, as services are reduced or non-existent. Summer is peak season, as the weather warms, the ice melts, and services open. Prepare for mosquitoes and black flies in late June through late August. Fall is particularly beautiful, as colorful trees fill the islands; however, services are limited or non-existent in September and October, and fall weather is unpredictable, with extreme cold snaps possible.