Lake Whittlesey Campground
The Quick Take
Lake Whittlesey is one of Isle Royale's most isolated campgrounds, and that's saying something on an island that already filters out casual visitors. With just three tent sites and no trail access whatsoever, this spot is exclusively for paddlers willing to haul their canoe or kayak over a half-mile portage from either Wood Lake or Chippewa Harbor. There are no amenities here -- no potable water, no flush toilets, no nothing. You're on your own in the truest sense. The two-night consecutive stay limit keeps things moving, and the free price tag reflects both the remoteness and the effort required to reach it. The north shore setting on Lake Whittlesey offers genuine solitude that even most Isle Royale campers never experience. This is for experienced backcountry paddlers who consider a portage the price of admission to places most people will never see.
Booking
Reserve Your Campsite
3 sites, first-come first-served.
What You Get
Sites & Setup
RV Information
No RVs. No electrical hookups. Generators permitted during designated hours.
Accessibility
No wheelchair access. No Roads
Rules to Know
- Generators:Quiet hours are from 10:00 p.m.
Pro Tips
Plan your portage route carefully -- the carry from Chippewa Harbor and from Wood Lake are both about six-tenths of a mile, but terrain and water levels can make one significantly easier than the other depending on conditions. Check with rangers at Windigo or Rock Harbor before committing to a route.
Since there's no potable water, you'll need a reliable filtration system. Lake Whittlesey water is generally clean by backcountry standards, but always filter or treat -- Isle Royale's inland lakes can harbor giardia and other parasites that will ruin your trip faster than a headwind.
Bring barbless hooks and artificial lures if you want to fish the inland waters -- it's one of the few places in Michigan where you don't need a fishing license for lake and stream fishing, but the gear restrictions are strictly enforced. The lake sees very little fishing pressure, which tends to work in your favor.
Photos
NPS / Mike Ausema
NPS / Mike AusemaGetting There
Directions
Lake Whittlesey Campground is located on the north shore of Lake Whittlesey.
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