North Desor Campground
The Quick Take
North Desor is one of Isle Royale's most isolated backcountry camps, tucked against the north shore of Lake Desor along the notoriously rugged Minong Ridge Trail. With just a handful of individual sites and zero water access by canoe or kayak, the only people you'll see here earned their spot on foot. There's no potable water, no toilets beyond what you carry, and no amenities besides food lockers to keep the wolves and foxes out of your dinner. The trade-off is real solitude — this is the kind of place where you might be the only party camped for the night. The two-night stay limit during peak season barely matters because most through-hikers treat it as a single overnight. Choose North Desor if you're a confident backcountry traveler who wants the quietest stretch of the Minong Ridge and doesn't mind filtering every drop of water.
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
The Minong Ridge Trail is Isle Royale's most demanding route — expect slow going over exposed rock and thick brush. Budget more time per mile than you would on the Greenstone Ridge, and make sure North Desor fits realistically into your daily mileage plan before committing.
Lake Desor holds brook trout, and since no fishing license is required for inland waters on the island, it's worth packing a lightweight rod and some barbless flies. Just remember: artificial lures and barbless hooks only, no exceptions.
There is no potable water here, so bring a reliable filter or purification system and top off from Lake Desor. Pack a collapsible water container — the lakeshore access from the north side can be brushy, so you'll want to make fewer trips.
Photos
NPS / Katie Keller
NPSGetting There
Directions
North Lake Desor Campground is located on the north side of Lake Desor off of the Minong Ridge Trail.
Get directions
