So you’re considering a trip to Isle Royale National Park in Michigan but you have questions. Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about Isle Royale.
How much does it cost to go to Isle Royale?
The cost for an Isle Royale trip is mostly in the transportation. There is a daily National Park fee ($7 right now, that may change so always check the National Park site.) Or you can use an annual National park Pass. You will need transportation there – either a ferry or the seaplane.
How do I get to Isle Royale National Park?
Boat or plane are your options. There are a few ferries with service to the island: Ranger III out of Houghton, Michigan; Queen IV from Copper Harbor, Michigan; and the Voyageur II from Grand Portage, Minnesota. Check their websites for up-to-date schedules and costs.
The other option is the Isle Royale Seaplanes. Again, check their website for schedule and costs. The seaplanes are more expensive, but get you there more quickly. However they are very dependent on good weather.
Transportation is the first thing you need to get lined up for your trip to Isle Royale National Park. It is possible to take your own boat to Isle Royale, too. I’ve never done that so I don’t know much about it – just that it’s possible.
Are there bears on Isle Royale?
No, there are no bears on Isle Royale. There are moose and wolves, but no bears, and no raccoons or possums either. Wolves are generally shy – I have never seen one on Isle Royale. You should always be careful around wild animals, particularly during rutting season and when there are mothers with babies, but the moose generally aren’t too worried about humans. That’s because they are too big to care!
What’s the best Isle Royale National Park Guidebook and map?
The DuFresne Guidebook is pretty much the Isle Royale Bible, and the National Geographic map is sturdy, foldable, and has the right amount of detail.
Product image not available.
Get the Isle Royale guidebookDo I need to hang my food on Isle Royale?
You don’t need to hang food on Isle Royale. However, you should be careful with food. Don’t leave it lying around, don’t leave wrappers out, that kind of thing. The smaller animals – squirrels and foxes – will come after it. If you leave food open in your tent, they may tear open your tent to get to it. So be cautious with your food – keeping it and all garbage tightly wrapped and sealed – and you won’t need to hang it. There are no garbage cans in the campgrounds – you will need to pack out everything you bring.
Read about my two week solo hike on Isle Royale or watch the videos:
Start from the beginning with Backpacking Isle Royale Part 1: Planning & Training.
Like the videos?
You can subscribe to my YouTube channel and see a playlist with all my Isle Royale videos.
Can I get water on Isle Royale?
Yes, there is water at every campground on Isle Royale. However, this really means water access, not a water faucet or spigot. Water access is a lake or stream. Washington Creek and Rock Harbor have spigots, everywhere else you need to filter/treat the water. Check the National Park site for up-to-date information on requirements for treating water on the island.
Are there bathrooms on Isle Royale?
Yes, both Windigo and Rock Harbor have flush toilets and showers (showers have a fee). Every campground has at least one vault toilet. They are usually – but not always – stocked with toilet paper. It is wise to bring your own, just in case. I like these small, lightweight coreless toilet paper rolls.
Is Isle Royale safe?
Yes, Isle Royale is very safe. I spent two weeks solo hiking the island from one end to the other and back again and never felt unsafe. I have written a post on why it’s a safe place to solo hike that answers most of the Isle Royale safety questions:
Reasons why it’s safe to solo hike Isle Royale National Park
What are campgrounds like on Isle Royale?
The campgrounds on Isle Royale have numbered sites. Each campground has at least one vault toilet and access to water (i.e., a lake to filter/treat water). Some have group sites – set up to accommodate larger groups of campers – as well as individual sites. Many have picnic tables. Some sites have shelters on a first-come, first-served basis. A few sites also have fire rings. There are no garbage cans.
Do I need to reserve a campsite?
Campsites are first-come, first-served – you do not reserve them. This is for groups of six or fewer people. If you have seven or more, ‘group’ rules apply and you should check the National Park website.
What are the Isle Royale shelters?
The shelters on Isle Royale have 3 wood walls (back and sides) and are screened on the front with a screen door (try not to let it slam!) There are often a couple of steps leading up into them. They will usually have a broom inside so you can sweep the dirt out. I have seen a couple with fly swatters, too. If you see fly swatters, it may be a sign that you can expect black flies!
Shelters can hold quite a few people – I went with a group of six before and we shared a shelter. They’re a great place to relax with a view where the bugs can’t get you, or to escape bad weather.
Do people share shelters?
Shelters are first-come, first-served, and you are not obligated to share. It’s not like some places where shelters are considered more public, and everyone can come in. If you’re there first, it’s your shelter. You can always invite others to share if you want and, If the weather is bad, you should definitely consider inviting others in if you have the space.
What are the best campsites on Isle Royale?
There’s no way to answer that question – so much of it depends on what you like. There are campsites for solitude, or some prefer more people around to make friends and sit around a campfire. Some prefer amazing views, or a lake for swimming. Maybe a dock to sit on. There are so many variables and it comes down to personal preference. I hope you get to try them all and pick your own favorites!
Can I stay in the same campground for my whole trip?
Probably not. Most campgrounds have stay limits, which vary by campground. Check the National Park site for more information.
Do I have to stay in a campground?
No, you can get backcountry permits. However, much of Isle Royale is not conducive to backcountry, off-trail hiking and camping. Unless you are very familiar with the island, you should plan to stay in a campground.
Do I have need an itinerary? Can I change my itinerary?
You will show your itinerary to a ranger so be sure to make a plan, but you can change it as you go. Did you find out your planned 15-mile day was a bit too ambitious? You can stay somewhere closer if you need to.
What amenities are on the island – are there stores or restaurants?
There are stores at both Windigo and Rock Harbor. You can get food and snacks, supplies, souvenirs, and more. However, keep in mind it’s difficult to keep items stocked on an island, so don’t depend on it for things you need. Rock Harbor has a restaurant, too.
Does Isle Royale National Park have a hotel?
There is a lodge in Rock Harbor, and there are some cabins, too. I haven’t stayed in any of them, but those are options if camping isn’t your thing.
Is Isle Royale worth it?
Yes.
I’m tempted to leave this with a one-word answer, but I’ll elaborate. It is one of the least visited National Parks in the country and yet is one of the most re-visited. Most people who go, go more than once – and that’s because it’s magical! It’s a rugged, remote wilderness where you can truly unplug and get away. You take only what you need, which gives a certain sense of freedom. And the people you meet on the island are all friendly, helpful, and generally very interesting. Absolutely worth it!
How do I get more information about Isle Royale National Park?
The National Park website is the best place. Every year they put out a digital magazine called The Greenstone with all the information you need to plan a trip to Isle Royale. Keep in mind that any information I have here may become outdated. The National Park Service is the best place for up-to-date, reliable information.
National Park Service: Isle Royale National Park