Three Mile Campground
The Quick Take
Three Mile is the first backcountry campground you'll hit heading southwest from Rock Harbor, and that one-night stay limit tells you everything about its role: this is a launching pad, not a destination. Perched along Rock Harbor Channel with a small dock for boat access, it serves as the decompression zone where day-one hikers shake off the ferry legs and get their first taste of Isle Royale's particular brand of isolation. The shelters -- eight of them scattered among the sites -- are a godsend when Lake Superior decides to remind you who's in charge. Don't expect potable water or any creature comforts beyond food lockers to keep the moose out of your granola. Three Mile is best for hikers heading deeper into the island who want an easy first-night stop rather than pushing all the way to Daisy Farm in fading light.
Booking
Reserve Your Campsite
All 15 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
The one-night limit from June through mid-September means you cannot use Three Mile as a base camp during peak season. Plan your itinerary so this is strictly a pass-through stop, ideally your first or last night on the island.
The dock has about nine feet of depth under normal conditions, making it viable for private boats and canoes. If you're paddling Rock Harbor Channel, claim a dock spot early in the afternoon -- late arrivals sometimes find it full and have to beach their boats.
There is no potable water here, so fill up at Rock Harbor before you set out. Bring a reliable water filter for channel water, and pack your first night's dinner ready to eat with minimal cooking since you'll be using a camp stove only -- no fires allowed anywhere on the island.
Photos
NPS / Mike Ausema
NPS / Alan West
NPS / Alan WestGetting There
Directions
Three Mile Campground is located on Rock Harbor Channel off of the Rock Harbor and Mount Franklin Trails.
Get directions
