Visitor Guide 2026

Your Guide to Isle Royale National Park www.nps.gov/isro National Park Service U.S. Department of the Interior Keeping Wildlife Wild Wildlife consuming human food can lead to negative consequences for the animal and the ecosystem. Truly wild wildlife do not eat human food. As stewards of Isle Royale, we all need to manage our own actions in order to keep wildlife from becoming habituated. Accordingly, the 2026 Greenstone focuses on this topic. Recent research on Isle Royale has demonstrated that red fox can have a large portion of their diet consist of human derived foods--despite regulations in place to prevent the direct and indirect feeding of wildlife. Additionally, a small number of wolves have become habituated to humans and the human environment on the island. Starting in 2025, Isle Royale introduced new food storage regulations and began to install food storage lockers. Park staff have worked hard to implement and continuously improve these regulations, provide additional food storage alternatives, keep animals away from trash, and haze wildlife where warranted. During your visit, you will see our efforts from the past two years on the landscape in items such as food storage lockers and backpack storage areas. I ask that all who come to the island, staff and visitors alike, familiarize themselves with current regulations and best practices (updated in 2026). Please learn how to properly utilize the food storage alternatives that have proved effective at Isle Royale. Thank you for doing your part to keep wildlife wild! Denice Swanke Superintendent Updated Food Storage Regulations: Pages 2-3 Printing courtesy of Isle Royale and Keweenaw Parks Association. Printed by Christensen Printing & Publishing on recycled paper using agri-based inks. Please recycle. Food Storage...............................................2-3 Paddling, Diving, Fishing...............................9.. Your Safety Is Your Responsibility..................4 Visitor Centers, Programs, Lodging............10.. Protect Your Park.............................................5 Transportation Services, Fees.....................11.. Map, Campgrounds, Trails...........................6-7 Contacts, Support Your Park.......................12.. Camping, Boating...........................................8 2 Food Storage Backpack Storage Areas What is food storage? "Food storage" refers to proper storage of all: • Food • Trash • Scented items • Cooking supplies • Cooking utensils • Fish or fish parts Why food storage? A small number of wolves have taken an interest in human food and activities. To protect all wildlife and visitors, food storage regulations are now in effect. To learn more about food storage, visit: Store pack/gear/supplies in backpack storage areas located in Rock Harbor and Windigo/Ozaagaateng. Watch Your Belongings www.nps.gov/isro/planyourvisit/food-storage.htm Food Storage Lockers Food storage lockers are available at most campgrounds, but installation is ongoing. In some locations, food storage lockers are available for use, but they may not be in their final locations. Where food storage lockers are not yet installed, containers are required. For food storage locker locations, see pages 6-7. An arm's length away, you're okay. Otherwise, put it away! Do not leave food or pack unattended! How do I store my food if I am... Backpacking Camping Store all food, trash, and scented items in food storage locker. OR Store all food, trash, and scented items in approved, animal-resistant hard-sided containers. When space is available, store containers in food storage locker. Do not hang food in campground. Boating Store all food, trash, and scented items in food storage locker. OR Store all food, trash, and scented items in approved, animal-resistant hard-sided containers. When space is available, store containers in food storage locker. Canoeing Kayaking Store all food, trash, and scented items in food storage locker. OR OR Store all food, trash, and scented items in approved, animal-resistant hard-sided containers. When space is available, store containers in food storage locker. Store all food, trash, and scented items inside enclosed, hard-sided, locked boat cabin or compartment. Do not store food, trash, or scented items inside kayak. Hatches are not animalresistant. Daytripping Keep food with you. Store pack/gear/supplies in backpack storage areas. Off-Trail Camping Store all food, trash, and scented items in approved, animal-resistant hard-sided containers and stash 200 feet away from campsite. OR Hang all food, trash, and scented items. Do not store food/trash/scented items in shelters or tents. 2 Your Guide To Isle Royale National Park – 2026 3 Food Storage If Using Containers... Food Storage Etiquette Food storage containers must be approved, animal-resistant, and hard-sided. See a list of approved containers: igbconline.org/programs/bearresistant-products/. Containers not on this list are not guaranteed to be in food storage compliance. Do not store packs in food storage lockers. Cooking Cooking/eating utensils must be stored in approved, animalresistant, hard-sided container or food storage locker. Clean, scrape, and burn off stoves and cooking utensils so they are free of all food remnants. Soft-sided containers, such as mesh or dry bags, are not an approved storage container and must be stored in a food storage locker. Do not store stoves or stove fuel in food storage lockers. Trash Trash must be stored in approved, animalresistant hard-sided container or food storage locker. Do not leave trash or abandon items in food storage locker when departing campground. Clean campsite... ...clear conscience! Chewed fish guts container. Gnawed kayak hatch. Store fish/fish parts in locked cooler or boat. Store all items in container or locker. Chewed mesh bag. Use only hardsided containers or lockers. Cooler broken into. Trash bag ripped open. Lock cooler with padlock or bolt. Store trash in container or locker. 2026 – Your Guide To Isle Royale National Park 3 Your Safety is Your Responsibility Lake Superior and the island’s wilderness present challenges and hazards to the inexperienced or ill-prepared. Always check current conditions prior to your trip. Play It Safe Know Before You Go Plan Ahead Practice Backcountry Hygiene Make a Conservative Trip Plan. Be flexible. Be First Aid Ready. Be equipped to deal with common injuries. Plan for Problems. How will you self-rescue? Prep Your Gear. Bring supplies needed to handle delays and weather. Assess Risk Watch the Weather. Conditions deteriorate quickly and unexpectedly. Huddle Up. Start each day discussing expected conditions and potential safety issues. Wash hands often with soap and water or use sanitizer. Use soap at least 50 steps away from water. Emergencies Basic emergency services are available on the island, but contacting rangers can be difficult. Emergency response and evacuation take time, requiring you to rely on your own skills and equipment. Most private boaters have radios and may be able to contact rangers in an emergency. To contact the park in an emergency: (440) 546-5945 Care for Your Companions. Monitor health and energy levels. Be Flexible. When issues arise, evaluate. Travel Smart Stick Together. Divide gear to lighten the load. Rest Often. Take frequent breaks: drink water, eat snacks, relax. Stay Hydrated. Drink upon waking, while traveling, and at your destination. Watch Your Step. Many trip hazards exist. Boardwalks and rocks are slippery when wet. When Things Go Wrong • Take a breath • Assess the situation • Make a plan Self-Rescue = Best Rescue. Self-reliance is the only immediate option in an emergency. Park response is limited. Help could be hours or days away. Are there others nearby who can assist or go for help? If you are not equipped to deal with your emergency: • Call on marine radio, or • Use a satellite phone, or • Activate an emergency device with texting capability Cellphones are unreliable. Any device may fail in adverse weather. Respond to Your Symptoms Dehydration is a factor in most medical problems. You tire quickly, do not think clearly, and are more prone to falling. Water is scarce between campgrounds, especially along ridges. Carry a minimum two quarts of water per person; drink and refill whenever near water sources. Watch for mild signs of dehydration: thirst, fatigue, headache, and dizziness. Hypothermia: Shivering, apathy, and coordination loss indicate mild hypothermia. Best defense: Stay warm and dry. Dress in layers and don raingear before you get wet. If someone shows these signs, warm and dry the person, add more layers, climb in a sleeping bag, and sip warm liquids. 4 Your Guide To Isle Royale National Park – 2026 Drinking Water Potable water is only available in Rock Harbor and Windigo/ Ozaagaateng. Early and late season visitors should plan for no potable water anywhere on-island. Lake Superior and interior waters are non-potable. Purify Water: Use one of these methods: • Physical Purifier: Use one that is rated to remove viruses • Water Filter (0.4 microns or finer) + Chemical Treatment Use tablets or bleach • Water Filter (0.4 microns or finer) + UV Treatment Use a UV purifier • Boil: At a rolling boil for at least one minute Water Alert Algal blooms have occurred in interior lakes and can be toxic. Purification does not remove toxins from the water. Avoid drinking, swimming, and fishing if water has a cloudy blue cast or looks like “pea soup.” 4 5 Protect Your Park Help Isle Royale Stay Wild To ensure a positive experience, you should be familiar with skills and habits that foster a Leave No Trace ethic. Visit www.lnt.org. Quiet, Please Be aware of your volume so others may enjoy peace and solitude. Quiet Hours: 10:00 pm to 6:00 am Eastern time. Audible use of electronic devices such as stereos, televisions, radios, cellphones, and tablets is not permitted except in the developed areas of Rock Harbor and Windigo/Ozaagaateng, and on Lake Superior waters outside of designated quiet/no wake zones. Portable Generators are prohibited in most areas of the park. Keep the Island Clean Food Storage: All food, trash, and scented items must be stored properly. Do not store food, trash, or scented items in shelters or tents. Do not hang food in campgrounds. Do not leave food or pack unattended. Trash: All trash and leftover food (including peels, cores, and nutshells) must be packed out. Trash must be stored in approved, animal-resistant, hard-sided container or food storage locker. Do not leave trash or abandon items in food storage locker when departing campground. Do not burn, bury, or place in outhouses. Cookware Storage: Cooking and eating utensils must be stored properly. Clean, scrape, and burn off stoves and cooking utensils so they are free of all food remnants. Do not store stoves or stove fuel in food storage lockers. See pages 2-3. Human Waste Disposal: Use outhouses. Never defecate within 100' (at least 50 steps) of lakes, streams, or campsites. In areas without outhouses, dig a cathole 6" to 8" deep; after use, cover with soil. Urinate on durable surfaces, like rocks or bare soil, away from water sources and campsites. Bathing: Get wet, then move at least 100' away from all water sources and campsites to lather and rinse. Use soap sparingly, if necessary. No Pets Dogs, cats, and other mammals are not allowed, including pets on boats within park boundaries, which extend 4.5 miles into Lake Superior from the outermost land areas of the park. Visitors bringing pets to the park will be required to leave immediately. Pets disturb wildlife and can transmit diseases. Special conditions apply to service dogs. Visit www.nps.gov/isro/planyourvisit/service-dogs.htm. Leave What You Find Removing, possessing, or disturbing park resources is prohibited. Antlers, plants, driftwood, cultural or archeological objects, rocks/minerals including those in Lake Superior, must be left where found. Fishing and picking small quantities of berries/mushrooms is allowed. Graffiti and the building of cairns (rock piles) mar the park for other visitors. Navigational cairns are present. Leave the park as you find it. Minimize Use of Fires Campfires are permitted at a handful of campgrounds (see page 6). A backpacking stove is highly recommended. A metal fire ring or grate is provided where campfires are allowed; never build your own ring. Use Dead and Down Wood no bigger around than your wrist. Do not break branches or strip bark from standing trees, live or dead. Do not burn trash. Do not import firewood. Be Safe With Fire: Keep your fire small and burn down to ash; be sure the fire is completely out before leaving it. Park Regulations The regulations of Isle Royale National Park are intended to protect park resources and appropriate visitor experiences. Regulations place strong emphasis on preserving wilderness character and values. Visitors are responsible for adhering to park regulations. www.nps.gov/isro/learn/management/lawsandpolicies.htm. Wheeled vehicles, bicycles, portaging devices, or other mechanical transportation are not allowed outside developed areas at Rock Harbor and Windigo/Ozaagaateng (except for non-motorized wheelchairs). No Drone Zone: Launching, landing, or operating unmanned aircraft on lands and waters of the park is prohibited. Weapons, Traps, & Nets: The use or possession of weapons, traps, and nets is prohibited. Weapons include any implements designed to discharge a projectile or missile in the air or water and include slingshots, blowguns, and bows and arrows. Fireworks are prohibited. Exception: Possession of firearms within the park is regulated by Michigan law. The discharge of firearms within the park is prohibited. Marijuana Prohibited: While recreational and medical marijuana are now legal in many states, marijuana remains illegal on federal lands including Isle Royale National Park. Share the Space Moose are large and potentially dangerous animals. Always give them a wide berth because they may kick in any direction or charge. If you encounter a moose, step behind a tree, and wait for the moose to move on. Throughout the spring and summer, female moose are rearing young and are very protective. Never get between a cow and her calf. During fall rut, bull moose are often aggressive. Wolves If you see a wolf: Do not approach. If the wolf comes closer, encourage it to leave by clapping and yelling. If a wolf does not leave: Maintain eye contact and slowly back away until you are out of sight, continuing to clap and yell. Do not run or turn your back to the wolf. If you cannot safely leave: Make yourself big. Aggressively use hiking poles or branches to discourage the wolf from approaching. If a wolf attacks: Wolf attacks are extremely rare and unlikely to happen. But if it does, fight using any means necessary. Report all wolf sightings to park staff. Show Respect. Observe, photograph, and enjoy park wildlife from a safe and respectful distance. If an animal changes its behavior, you are too close. It is illegal to feed, touch, tease, or intentionally disturb wildlife, their homes, nests, or activities. Loons may abandon their nests when approached too closely. From May through mid-July (loon nesting season) you must stay at least 150' away from small islands and from shoreline nests. If a loon cries out, you are too close. Mosquitos & Black Flies peak in June or July. Bring repellent, netting, or other skin barriers. Wasps: Dry summers often result in an abundance of wasps. Bring an epinephrine kit if allergic to stings. 2026 – Your Guide To Isle Royale National Park 5 6 Voyageur II During its clockwise circumnavigation, Voyageur II provides drop-off and pick-up services at several locations. See page 11. Voyageur II Grand Portage, MN, to Windigo/Ozaagaateng 22mi/35km 2 hours one-way Sea Hunter III Todd Harbor agaateng Windigo/Oza Grand Portage, MN, to Windigo/Ozaagaateng 22mi/35km 1.5 hours one-way bor 5 hours to Rock Har Huginnin Cove North Desor Little Todd Harbor Hatchet Lake South Desor Washington Creek Windigo/Ozaagaateng Visitor Center M B Island Mine Hay Bay Feldtmann Lake Siskiwit Bay Rock Harbor to Windigo/Ozaagaateng 4½ hours Seaplane Hubbell, MI, to Windigo/Ozaagaateng 61mi/98km 35-45 minutes one-way Beaver Island 3 0 3 0 S 2' – 5' Belle Isle 5 1 6 0 F 13' Birch Island 3 1 1 0 S 5' Caribou Island 3 1 2 0 CR 10' Chickenbone E 2 3 0 1 S – Chickenbone W 2 6 0 3 S – Chippewa Harbor 3 2 4 1 F 7' Daisy Farm 3 6 16 3 S 9' Desor N 2 3 0 0 S – Desor S 2 7 0 3 S – Duncan Bay 3 1 2 0 F 6' F Duncan Narrows 3 1 2 0 6' Feldtmann Lake 2 5 0 2 S – Grace Island 3 0 2 0 S 2' – 4' Hatchet Lake 2 5 0 3 S – Hay Bay 3 1 0 0 S 3' – 7' Huginnin Cove 3 5 0 0 S – Intermediate Lake 2 3 0 0 S – Island Mine 3 4 0 2 F – Lake Richie 2 4 0 2 S – Lake Richie/Canoe 2 3 0 0 S – Lake Whittlesey 2 3 0 0 S – Lane Cove 1* 5 0 0 S – Little Todd 2 4 0 0 F – Malone Bay 3 0 5 2 F 3' – 6' McCargoe Cove 3 3 6 3 CR 7' Merritt Lane 3 1 1 0 S 8' Moskey Basin 3 2 6 2 S 8' Pickerel Cove 2 1 0 0 S – 11 9 3 S-W – Rock Harbor 1* Rock Harbor Marina 14 0 0 0 F-W 3' – 12' Siskiwit Bay 3 4 2 3 CR 2' – 6' Three Mile 1* 4 8 3 S 9' Tobin Harbor Dock 5 0 0 0 S 3' – 8' Todd Harbor 3 2' 5 1 3 CR Tookers Island 3 0 2 0 S 7' Washington Creek (Windigo/Ozaagaateng) 3* 5 10 4 S-W – Windigo/Ozaagaateng Dock 3 0 0 0 S 4' – 20' Wood Lake 2 3 0 0 S – *Rock Harbor, Three Mile, Lane Cove, & Washington Creek stay limit in effect 6/1 - 9/21. **Food storage lockers are slated for placement in these locations spring 2026. 6 Your Guide To Isle Royale National Park – 2026 yes yes no yes – – no no – – no no – yes – yes – – – – – – – – yes no no no – – yes no no yes no no – yes – ) e 26 /20 Distance•Elevation Change•Details f4 /15 Fo Lo od ck Sto s o ers ra g (A Sp Inf ecia orm l ati on s G Te roup nt Sit es er elt Sh D No epth rm at al Do Co ck nd itio ns On Ge -bo Al ner ard low at ed or U se ) In Te divid nt u Sit al es ns CR - Fires in community ring only S - Self-contained stoves only W - Treated water supply F - Campfire rings or standing grills provided Portages C N ons 6/1 ights ecut S ive (*n – ot Lab tay ee L o xc r D imit ep tio ay Campgrounds 0** 1 1 1 1 2 1 3 1 2 1 1 0** 0** 2 1 1 1 1 2 1 1 1 0** 1 2 1 2 0** 4 0 2 2 0 2 0** 3 0 1 Malone Bay - Siskiwit Lake 0.3 mile, 40’ Gradual Slope Siskiwit Lake - Intermediate Lake 0.4 mile, 40’ Gradual ups and downs Intermediate Lake - Lake Richie 0.6 mile, 120’ Hilly and wooded Wood Lake - Lake Whittlesey 0.6 mile, 80’ Rolling Lake Whittlesey - Chippewa Harbor 0.6 mile, 140’ Steep grades and rocky Chippewa Harbor - Lake Richie 1.2 miles, 160’ Hilly Moskey Basin - Lake Richie 2.0 miles, 120’ Gradual but long Lake Richie - Lake LeSage 0.6 mile, 100’ Steep grades, wet Lake LeSage - Lake Livermore 0.4 mile, 80’ Steep grades, wet Lake Livermore - Chickenbone Lake 0.2 mile, 40’ Steep but short Chickenbone Lake -McCargoe Cove 1.2 miles, 80’ Hilly Pickerel Cove 0.1 mile, 10’ Short and sweet Lane Cove - Stockly Bay 0.1 mile, 8’ Short and sweet Five Finger Bay - Duncan Bay 0.2 mile, 8’ Short and sweet Duncan Bay - Tobin Harbor 0.8 mile, 175’ Extremely steep Tobin Harbor - Rock Harbor 0.2 mile, 40’ Gradual up and down Amygdaloid Island Blake Point Pickerel Cove Merritt Lane Lane Cove Duncan Bay McCargoe Cove Rock Harbor Three Mile East Chickenbone West Chickenbone Rock Harbor Visitor Center Rock Harbor Lodge Water Taxi Lake Richie Provides drop-off and pick-up services between Rock Harbor and McCargoe Cove on the north shore and Rock Harbor and Malone Bay on the south shore. See page 10. Moskey Basin Lake Intermediate Richie Canoe Lake Lake Whittlesey Wood Lake Isle Royale Queen IV Copper Harbor, MI, to Rock Harbor 56mi/90km 3.75 hours one-way Chippewa Harbor Ranger III Houghton, MI, to Rock Harbor 73mi/118km 6 hours one-way Seaplane Hubbell, MI, to Rock Harbor 71mi/114km 35-45 minutes one-way Trail Mileages Chickenbone W Chippewa Harbor Daisy Farm Desor N Desor S Feldtmann Lake Hatchet Lake Huginnin Cove Island Mine Lake Richie Lane Cove Little Todd Malone Bay McCargoe Cove Moskey Basin Rock Harbor Siskiwit Bay Three Mile Todd Harbor Washington Creek Trail Mileage Between Campgrounds - 1.8 9.3 6.1 19.6 16.4 35.8 9.3 30.3 21.3 5.0 10.9 15.6 19.6 2.3 7.3 13.3 25.7 10.5 8.7 27.1 Chickenbone E 1.8 - 7.9 7.9 19.8 15.0 34.4 7.9 29.1 19.9 3.6 12.7 16.2 18.2 2.7 5.9 14.8 24.3 12.5 9.3 25.7 Chickenbone W 9.3 7.9 - 9.7 27.3 22.5 42.0 15.2 36.4 27.2 4.3 16.6 22.6 25.7 10.6 6.2 16.8 31.6 14.1 17.3 33.0 Chippewa Harbor 6.1 7.9 9.7 - 26.0 22.5 41.9 15.4 37.3 27.4 5.8 6.9 21.5 27.2 8.2 3.9 7.1 31.8 4.4 14.9 33.2 Daisy Farm 19.6 19.8 27.3 26.0 - 20.0 21.4 12.3 14.4 18.6 23.0 30.8 5.7 23.2 18.0 25.3 33.1 23.0 30.4 11.4 12.6 Desor N 16.4 15.0 22.5 22.5 20.0 - 20.1 8.1 14.7 5.5 18.2 27.3 15.5 10.8 17.7 20.5 29.4 9.9 26.7 11.8 11.3 Desor S 35.8 34.4 42.0 41.9 21.4 20.1 - 27.6 12.8 14.6 37.8 46.7 26.1 30.3 37.1 40.1 49.0 10.3 46.3 31.8 8.8 Feldtmann Lake 9.3 7.9 15.2 15.4 12.3 8.1 27.6 - 25.7 13.0 11.1 20.2 7.8 11.3 10.7 13.4 22.3 17.4 19.8 4.1 18.8 Hatchet Lake 30.3 29.1 36.4 37.3 14.4 14.7 12.8 25.7 - 10.0 32.3 41.2 19.1 24.9 31.8 34.6 44.4 14.4 41.7 24.8 4.0 Huginnin Cove 21.3 19.9 27.2 27.4 18.6 5.5 14.6 13.0 10.0 - 23.1 32.2 20.4 15.7 22.6 25.4 34.3 4.4 31.6 16.7 6.6 Island Mine 5.0 3.6 4.3 5.8 23.0 18.2 37.8 11.1 32.3 23.1 - 12.7 18.5 21.4 6.3 2.3 12.9 27.5 10.2 13.0 28.9 Lake Richie 10.9 12.7 16.6 6.9 30.8 27.3 46.7 20.2 41.2 32.2 12.7 - 26.5 30.5 13.0 10.8 6.9 36.6 4.6 19.5 38.3 Lane Cove 15.6 16.2 22.6 21.5 5.7 15.5 26.1 7.8 19.1 20.4 18.5 26.5 - 18.7 13.5 22.1 28.6 24.8 25.9 7.0 17.3 Little Todd 19.6 18.2 25.7 27.2 23.2 10.8 30.3 11.3 24.9 15.7 21.4 30.5 18.7 - 20.9 23.7 34.3 20.1 31.6 15.0 21.5 Malone Bay 2.3 2.7 10.6 8.2 18.0 17.7 37.1 10.7 31.8 22.6 6.3 13.0 13.5 20.9 - 8.4 15.3 27.0 12.6 6.7 28.4 McCargoe Cove 7.3 5.9 6.2 3.9 25.3 20.5 40.1 13.4 34.6 25.4 2.3 10.8 22.1 23.7 8.4 - 11.0 29.8 8.3 15.1 31.0 Moskey Basin 13.3 14.8 16.8 7.1 33.1 29.4 49.0 22.3 44.4 34.3 12.9 6.9 28.6 34.3 15.3 11.0 - 38.7 2.7 22.2 40.1 Rock Harbor 25.7 24.3 31.6 31.8 23.0 9.9 10.3 17.4 14.4 4.4 27.5 36.6 24.8 20.1 27.0 29.8 38.7 - 36.0 21.1 11.0 Siskiwit Bay 10.5 12.5 14.1 4.4 30.4 26.7 46.3 19.8 41.7 31.6 10.2 4.6 25.9 31.6 12.6 8.3 2.7 36.0 - 19.5 37.8 Three Mile 8.7 9.3 17.3 14.9 11.4 11.8 31.8 4.1 24.8 16.7 13.0 19.5 7.0 15.0 6.7 15.1 22.2 21.1 19.5 - 23.0 Todd Harbor 27.1 25.7 33.0 33.2 12.6 11.3 8.8 18.8 4.0 6.6 28.9 38.3 17.3 21.5 28.4 31.0 40.1 11.0 37.8 23.0 - Washington Creek Chickenbone E Malone Bay 7 2026 – Your Guide To Isle Royale National Park 7 8 Things to Do Backpacking/Camping Boating Camping Permits are required for all overnight stays at campgrounds, cross-country sites, docks, or at anchor. Small-Party Camping (six or fewer people) No reservations. All small-party campsites contain either tent sites or a three-sided shelter. Sites for individual small parties are available firstcome, first-served. Expect crowded campsites from mid-July through mid-September. Expect to have conversations about sharing sites. Food Storage: Store all food, trash, and scented items in food storage locker or approved, animal-resistant, hardsided container. Do not store food, trash, or scented items in shelters or tents. Do not hang food in campgrounds. Do not leave food or pack unattended. See pages 2-3. Campground Overcrowding 1. When all sites are occupied, use the identified overflow group campsite (if present). 2. When all sites are occupied, ask to share a tent site. Lake Superior offers challenging and often dangerous weather: fog, high winds, waves, and thunderstorms, combined with rocky reefs and limited safe harbors. Overnight Stays: Boaters staying overnight at anchor, at docks, or in campgrounds must obtain a permit ahead of time. To obtain a permit, call (906) 482-0984. Boating Guide: All boaters should become familiar with information in the Isle Royale Boating Guide. Visit www.nps.gov/isro/planyourvisit/boating-guide.htm. Day Use: Boaters visiting the park or park waters for the day are required to pay entrance fees (see page 11) and are encouraged to fill out a day permit. Call (906) 482-0984. Food Storage: Store all food, trash, and scented items in food storage locker or approved, animal-resistant, hardsided container, or inside enclosed, hard-sided, locked boat cabin or compartment. Do not store food, trash, or scented items in shelters or tents. Do not leave food or supplies unattended. 3. When all sites are occupied and there are no viable tent sites to share, ask to pitch your tent or hammock outside a shelter. • Coolers must be approved, animal-resistant, hard-sided, and lockable. Shelters: Shelters may not be reserved and may not be used solely for cooking or gear storage. Tents may be used inside shelters. Using nails, staples, tacks, and/or tape to attach items is prohibited. • Cooking/eating utensils must be stored in approved, animalresistant, hard-sided container, food storage locker, inside enclosed, hard-sided, locked boat cabin or compartment. Hammocks: In campgrounds, hammocks may only be used within the existing impacted area of designated sites and not in the surrounding trees. Hammocks may not be hung inside shelters. Permissible hammock locations may not be available; bring a tent. Choose trees with care; many cannot support a hammock. Hammock use must not damage trees. • If grill is mounted to boat or too large to store, scrape and burn off all food remnants and close/lock lid. • Live wells must be closed and locked. Off-Trail Camping Terrain and vegetation make off-trail hiking and camping difficult. Visit www.nps.gov/isro/planyourvisit/off-trail-camping.htm. Prevent the Spread of Invasive Species: Vessel owners are legally responsible for invasive species decontamination prior to entering park waters (extending 4.5 miles into Lake Superior from the outermost land areas of the park). Learn how to decontaminate your vessel at www.cleandraindry.org. Food Storage: Store all food, trash, and scented items in approved, animal-resistant, hard-sided containers and stash 200 feet from campsite, or hang all food, trash, and scented items. Do not hang food in campgrounds. See pages 2-3. Group Camping Restricted Water Activities • Water skiing and personal watercraft including vessels referred to as Jet Skis, Waverunners, or Sea-Doos are prohibited in all park waters. • Vessels with motors (even if not in use) are prohibited on interior lakes and streams. Quiet/No Wake Zones: Within these zones, vessels must not exceed 5 mph or create a wake in excess of surrounding seas (see pages 6- 7). Visit www.nps.gov/isro/planyourvisit/quiet-no-wake.htm. On-Board Generators: The operation or use of permanently installed (by the boat manufacturer) on-board vessel generators is limited to specific times and locations. Visit www.nps.gov/isro/planyourvisit/boating-guide.htm. Portable Generators are prohibited in most areas of the park. Advance reservations are required for any group or organization, including families and friends traveling together, bringing seven or more people to the island. If your group exceeds ten people, you must split into two parties, each independent and traveling on separate itineraries. Parties with separate overnight permits, but sharing the same affiliation may not camp in the same campground at the same time. Organizations may need a Commercial Use Authorization (see page 11). Organizations may not have more than twenty people camping on the island at any one time and are limited to eighty people a year. Group Camping Reservation Requests 1. All group camping reservations must be made in advance. 2. Check out the group camping website: www.nps.gov/isro/planyourvisit/group-camping-introduction.htm. 3. Reservation requests for 2027 open November 1, 2026. If staffing limitations continue, group camping reservations for next year will not be processed until April 2027. 8 Your Guide To Isle Royale National Park – 2026 Fuel: Vessels carrying spare fuel in portable containers must use legally approved containers. Fuel may not be stored on docks. Gasoline and diesel fuel are sold at Rock Harbor and Windigo/ Ozaagaateng when Isle Royale Resort stores are open (page 10). 9 Things to Do Paddling Route Considerations: Lake Superior is well-known for its cold waters, fog, and sudden, wave-generating squalls. Small, open vessels are encouraged to use interior lake waterways instead. Fishing Lake Superior Waters • A Michigan fishing license is required for fishing in Lake Superior, including bays and harbors, and when transporting fish from island to mainland. Youth ages 16 years or younger may fish without a license. • Transporting fish or fish parts (cut bait) for use as bait to the park is prohibited. Possession or use of bait for fishing within Lake Superior park waters is limited to fish and/or fish parts caught within park waters. Requirements: Every paddler must have a U.S. Coast Guard-approved personal flotation device (PFD). Wear it; your life may depend on it. Weather: Consult the marine forecast at visitor centers before embarking. Be prepared to adjust your schedule. A portable marine radio is recommended for overnight trips. Interior Lake Canoe Routes and Portages are marked with a letter “P” on a post (see page 6). Portaging Devices are not allowed in wilderness. Food Storage: Store all food, trash, and scented items in food storage locker or approved, animal-resistant, hardsided container. Do not store food, trash, or scented items in shelters or tents. Do not hang food in campgrounds. Do not leave food or pack unattended. Do not store food, trash, or scented items inside kayak; hatches are not animal-resistant. See pages 2-3. Boat Rentals are available at Windigo/Ozaagaateng and Rock Harbor. Contact Isle Royale Resorts for more information (see page 10). Interior Lakes and Streams • Licenses are not required to fish Isle Royale's interior waters. • Barbless hooks and artificial lures only in all interior lakes and streams. Possession Limits are usually the same as those set by the State of Michigan. Refer to Michigan fishing regulations for possession limits and detailed license requirements for Lake Superior. Fishing Licenses: 24-hour licenses may not be available on island. Purchase a Michigan fishing license in advance, and download a copy of the Michigan Fishing Guide at www.michigan.gov/dnr. Prevent the Spread of Invasive Species • Vessel owners are legally responsible for invasive species decontamination prior to entering park waters. Learn how to decontaminate your vessel at www.cleandraindry.org. • Before moving from Lake Superior to interior waters, wipe down your boat and gear. Diving Experienced divers can explore the National Park Service's most intact collection of shipwrecks. Dive Permits are required. Each diver must obtain a permit at Houghton, Rock Harbor, or Windigo/Ozaagaateng before diving. Prevent the Spread of Invasive Species: Wash all gear in warm, chlorinated tap water. Dry for seven days before entering park waters. To learn more visit: www.nps.gov/isro/planyourvisit/scuba-diving.htm. Customs For updates on current requirements visit www.cbp.gov or contact Grand Portage Cust