Little Todd Campground
00 review800 E. Lakeshore Drive, Houghton, MI 49931, USA
Little Todd Campground
$3.00 - $8.00 / night
Campsite Fees
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
General recreation use fees vary by activity and location, with additional reservation fees of $8-$9 online or through the app, and $3 in person for activities like camping.
About this campground
Tucked away on Isle Royale's untamed north shore, Little Todd Campground beckons to those seeking true wilderness solitude. This remote sanctuary, reachable only by paddle or trail, rewards adventurous spirits with an authentic backcountry experience far from the crowds. Here, where the boreal forest meets the endless horizon of Lake Superior, campers discover a rare pocket of pristine wilderness that feels worlds away from civilization.
Little Todd Campground caters to primitive campers and hikers, offering minimal facilities and a remote camping experience.
Historical SignificanceLittle Todd sits within Isle Royale National Park, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve that preserves not just pristine wilderness but layers of human history. These waters once echoed with the calls of Ojibwe paddlers, and later witnessed the boom years of commercial fishing and copper mining that shaped Lake Superior's heritage. Today, the campground offers a window into this storied past while protecting one of North America's most remarkable island ecosystems.
Weather and SeasonsThe north shore's maritime climate creates a refreshing escape from summer heat, with cool breezes sweeping in from Lake Superior even during July and August. Morning mists often blanket the campground, creating ethereal landscapes before burning off to reveal crystal-clear days. While summer offers the most hospitable conditions for camping, visitors should pack layers—temperatures can shift dramatically when storms roll across the great lake, and even August nights may call for a warm sleeping bag.
ElevationPerched along Isle Royale's rugged northern coastline, the campground occupies a natural shelf between the lake's edge and the island's forested interior, offering level tent sites despite the surrounding dramatic topography.
Natural Features and SceneryAt Little Todd, ancient boreal forests of spruce and fir create a natural cathedral that opens dramatically onto Lake Superior's vast expanse. The shoreline here tells a story written in weathered rock and driftwood, where waves have sculpted the coast for millennia. Early risers might spot moose wading through morning mist, while the haunting calls of loons echo across the water at dusk. The nearby Minong Ridge Trail winds through this pristine landscape, offering glimpses of the island's wild heart and spectacular vantage points over the world's largest freshwater lake.
Geological RegionLittle Todd Campground rests on ancient bedrock that tells a billion-year story of fire and ice. Isle Royale's distinctive ridges and valleys were carved by massive glaciers and shaped by prehistoric volcanic eruptions, creating the dramatic landscape visible today. The north shore's exposed rock faces reveal layers of geological history, from ancient lava flows to the scrape marks left by retreating ice sheets. This unique geology has created a series of parallel ridges running the length of the island, forming the backbone of one of Lake Superior's most fascinating wilderness areas.
Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessibility features are not specified for the campground.
Sites SizeSite sizes are not described for Little Todd Campground.
Sites PrivacyPrivacy levels of the sites are not mentioned.
Total Campsites1 campsites
Recommended CampsitesArrive early and plan ahead to secure the single site. Be prepared for a self-sufficient stay.
Best CampsitesThe campground only has one shared site, making it necessary to arrive early for availability.
Reserving a campsite
Stay Limit
2nights effective June 1 – Labor Day annually.
Groups
Group site details are not available.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutThe campground consists of one site, providing an intimate and solitary camping experience.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen season is not explicitly stated, but the stay limit applies from June 1 to Labor Day, suggesting seasonal accessibility.
Reservation PlatformsNot applicable as the campground does not accept reservations.
Walk-in AvailabilityThe campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis with no reservation system in place.
Cancellation PolicyNot applicable as reservations are not accepted for Little Todd Campground.
Activities you can enjoy
Little Todd Campground is located off the Minong Ridge Trail, suggesting that hiking is likely a popular activity, but specific mentions of other recreational activities are absent.
Hiking
The campground is accessible via the Minong Ridge Trail, which implies that it caters to hikers, although specific trail details such as length or difficulty are not provided.Winter Activities
Winter activities are not mentioned.Water Sports
No specific non-motorized water sports such as kayaking or paddleboarding are mentioned, though access by canoe and kayak is noted.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Campfires are prohibited. Campers must use portable stoves for cooking.
Hazards
General hazardsPotential hazards include challenging terrain, unpredictable weather, and encounters with wildlife, including moose and black bears.
Weather forecast
64
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 46%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 8.6 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
Clear sky
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Emergency services are limited on Isle Royale. The nearest staffed ranger station is located at Rock Harbor or Windigo. Visitors are advised to have a communication device and be prepared for self-reliance.
Good to know
Peak season datesPeak season likely corresponds to the June 1 to Labor Day timeframe.
Trash and recyclingTrash and recycling facilities are not mentioned for this campground.
Proximity to water featuresLocated directly on the north shore of Isle Royale with immediate access to Lake Superior.
HostNo campground hosts are available due to the remote nature of the site.
Campground Map
800 E. Lakeshore Drive, Houghton, MI 49931, USA
Driving directionsLittle Todd Campground is located in Little Todd, on the north shore of Isle Royale National Park, off of the Minong Ridge Trail.
Access to Little Todd Campground is limited to foot, canoe, or kayak travel. There is no boat access. Visitors must traverse the Minong Ridge Trail, which may be challenging for some.Nearby places
Houghton, MI is the nearest city but requires significant planning and travel as Isle Royale National Park is accessible by ferry, seaplane, or private boat.
Nearby supplies
Supplies can be purchased at Rock Harbor or Windigo, but options are limited. Visitors should plan to bring all essentials, including food and water.
Camper Reviews
0.0
0 reviews
Little Todd Campground has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
No user reviews are available for this campground.
Review Summaries
What Campers Love
Positive aspects are not documented due to the absence of user reviews.
Common Concerns
Common complaints cannot be summarized as no user reviews are available.
Pro Tips & Recommendations
No tips or recommendations are available from user sources.
Seasonal Insights
Seasonal trends based on user reviews are not available.
Camper Quotes
No direct quotes are available from users.
Site-Specific Reviews
There are no reviews specific to individual campsites at Little Todd Campground.
Accessibility Features
No accessibility-related reviews are available.
Pet-Friendly Features
No pet-related reviews are documented.
Last updated August 10, 2025