Beaver Island Campground
800 E. Lakeshore Dr., Houghton, MI, 49931, USA
Beaver Island Campground
$3.00 - $8.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Fees are $8 for online or app reservations, $9 through the contact center, and $3 in-person reservations. Additional charges apply for late changes,...
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Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Total Campsite Fees$0.00
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Recreation Dot Gov
Provider(906) 482-0984isro_parkinfo@nps.gov
About this campground
Tucked away in the pristine waters of Washington Harbor, Beaver Island Campground beckons adventurers seeking an authentic wilderness escape. This exclusive retreat features just three waterfront shelters, each offering front-row seats to nature's grand theater. The journey here is part of the adventure—accessible only by canoe, kayak, or private boat, this hidden gem rewards those willing to paddle their way to serenity. With visitor numbers naturally limited by its remote location, you'll find the solitude and connection with nature that's increasingly rare in today's world.
Beaver Island Campground features three water-facing shelters and accommodates access via canoe, kayak, or private boat. It is not reservable and has a seasonal 3-night stay limit from June 1 to Labor Day.
Historical SignificanceBeaver Island sits within the storied waters of Isle Royale National Park, where centuries of Lake Superior's natural and human history converge. This protected wilderness has long served as a sanctuary for wildlife, from moose traversing ancient paths to wolves maintaining nature's delicate balance. The surrounding waters tell tales of shipwrecks and early explorers, while the land itself preserves one of North America's most pristine ecosystems—a living museum of the Great Lakes' wild heritage.
Weather and SeasonsSummer arrives late but spectacularly to this northern paradise, with the campground welcoming visitors from June 1st through Labor Day. The Lake Superior climate keeps temperatures refreshingly cool even on the warmest days, while typically dry conditions make for comfortable camping. Evening temperatures often dip, creating perfect conditions for campfire conversations and star-filled skies that seem to stretch forever over the dark waters.
ElevationRising gently from the crystalline waters of Lake Superior, the campground's modest elevation provides just enough height to capture cooling lake breezes and expansive water views while maintaining easy access to the shoreline for launching watercraft and exploring the harbor's hidden coves.
Natural Features and SceneryImagine waking to the gentle lapping of waves against ancient volcanic rock, surrounded by a tapestry of boreal forest that stretches to the water's edge. Washington Harbor's protected waters create a natural amphitheater where morning mist dances across the surface and evening light paints the sky in brilliant oranges and purples. Towering pines and paper birches frame your campsite, while the rugged shoreline invites exploration of tide pools and rocky outcrops that have been sculpted by centuries of Superior's powerful forces.
Geological RegionBeaver Island is a jewel in Isle Royale's crown—a rugged archipelago born from ancient volcanic activity and shaped by glaciers into today's dramatic landscape. The bedrock here tells a billion-year story, with exposed ridges and valleys creating a corrugated terrain unique to this corner of Lake Superior. Dense boreal forests blanket the interior, while the rocky shoreline reveals the ongoing dialogue between water and stone. This freshwater ecosystem, isolated in the world's largest lake, has evolved into one of North America's most remarkable natural laboratories.
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Campsite details
AccessibilityNo data specific to accessibility features for individuals with disabilities is provided.
Sites SizeThe campground includes 3 shelters, but their individual sizes are not specified.
Sites PrivacyNo data is provided about the level of privacy offered at the shelters.
Total Campsites3 campsites
Recommended CampsitesAll shelters are water-facing; choose based on personal preference for proximity to the dock.
Best CampsitesThe three water-facing shelters are equally desirable, offering scenic views and proximity to the dock.
Reserving a campsite
Stay Limit
3nights effective from June 1st through Labor Day annually.
Groups
No group camping facilities or details are provided.
Tents
Tents are not allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutThe campground consists of three individual shelters all facing the water, with access to the dock.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen seasonally between June 1st and Labor Day for the 3-night stay limit rule.
Reservation PlatformsNot reservable in advance; operated on a first-come, first-served basis.
Walk-in AvailabilityOperates on walk-up availability; no advance reservations allowed.
Cancellation PolicyCancellations may incur a $10 fee and forfeit the first night's charges if close to reservation start.
Activities you can enjoy
The campground is situated in a natural environment that might support activities like boating and wildlife viewing due to its proximity to water and its location in Washington Harbor. However, detailed activity offerings are not provided.
Boating
"Boats can stay at the dock overnight." This suggests that the area is suitable for boaters, although no additional details about boating facilities are provided.Winter Activities
No winter recreation activities are described.Water Sports
Boating is mentioned, but other non-motorized water sports like kayaking or canoeing are not explicitly detailed.Advertisement
Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- No specific fire policies mentioned.
Hazards
General hazardsPotential hazards include exposure to harsh weather, reliance on private boats for access, and possible wildlife encounters.
Active alertsNo active alerts provided.
Weather forecast
35
°F
Nov 25
Tuesday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 79%
High humidity, may feel muggy
Wind: 11.5 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
Overcast
7 day forecast
Weather History
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Emergency services can be accessed via the ranger station at Windigo, which is the nearest staffed facility.
Good to know
Peak season datesJune 1st to Labor Day.
Trash and recyclingNo information is provided about trash or recycling facilities at the campground.
Proximity to water featuresLocated directly within Washington Harbor; all shelters have waterfront views and access.
Common complaintsNone reported.
HostNo specific host information provided.
Campground Map
800 E. Lakeshore Dr., Houghton, MI, 49931, USA
Driving directionsLocated on the west end of Isle Royale National Park, in Washington Harbor, near Windigo.
Access is by canoe, kayak, or private boat. Located near Washington Harbor, accessibility challenges include reliance on private watercraft for access.Nearby supplies
Closest supplies, including groceries and camping essentials, can be found at Windigo, which is accessible by boat.
Camper Reviews
0.0
0 reviews
Beaver Island Campground has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
No user reviews are available for Beaver Island Campground.
Review Summaries
What Campers Love
As there are no reviews, no positive aspects are highlighted.
Common Concerns
No complaints are mentioned due to the lack of user reviews.
Pro Tips & Recommendations
In the absence of user reviews, no specific tips or recommendations are provided.
Seasonal Insights
No seasonal user reviews are available to analyze trends.
Camper Quotes
No user quotes are available.
Site-Specific Reviews
No reviews are available for specific sites within the campground.
Accessibility Features
No accessibility-specific reviews are available.
Pet-Friendly Features
No reviews or information related to pet policies or experiences are provided.
Last updated November 24, 2025
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