South Lake Desor Campground
The Quick Take
South Lake Desor sits in the deep interior of Isle Royale, the kind of place you earn through miles of ridge walking rather than a quick paddle from a water taxi. Perched on the quieter south shore of Lake Desor along the Greenstone Ridge Trail, this is one of the park's most secluded inland camps -- a handful of sites tucked into the boreal forest with nothing but food lockers between you and genuine wilderness. There's no water access by canoe or kayak, which keeps the foot traffic honest and the site competition low. No potable water, no toilets worth mentioning, no anything really -- just a lake, a trail, and whatever you carried on your back. This is a campground for experienced backpackers who treat amenities as unnecessary weight and consider a loon call at dusk the only entertainment they need.
Booking
Reserve Your Campsite
All 10 sites are reservable.
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
Lake Desor sits roughly at the midpoint of the Greenstone Ridge Trail, making this a natural second or third night stop on a full east-to-west traverse. Plan your itinerary so you arrive by early afternoon -- the final approach involves enough elevation change that you'll want daylight and energy to spare.
The inland lakes on Isle Royale don't require a fishing license, and Lake Desor holds northern pike. Bring a compact rod, barbless hooks, and artificial lures (regulations are strict on this) -- fresh pike over a camp stove after a long ridge walk is one of the park's underrated pleasures.
There is no potable water here, so you'll need a reliable filter or purification system for lake water. Pack extra capacity -- the Greenstone Ridge between water sources can be dry and exposed on hot July days, and dehydration on this trail is no joke.
Photos
NPS / Paul Brown
NPS / Katie Keller
NPS / Katie KellerGetting There
Directions
South Lake Desor Campground is located on the south side of Lake Desor off of the Greenstone Ridge Trail.
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