Three Mile Campground
4.2912 reviews800 E. Lakeshore Drive, Houghton, MI, 49931, USA
Three Mile Campground
$3.00 - $9.00 / 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
Fees vary based on reservation method: $8 if booked online, $9 via contact center, or $3 in-person. Additional $10 charge for reservation changes or cancellations, and $20 for no-shows.
About this campground
Nestled along the pristine waters of Rock Harbor Channel, Three Mile Campground beckons adventurers as a perfect waystation on the legendary trek between Rock Harbor and Windigo. This lakeside haven offers eight cozy shelters where weary travelers can rest under starlit skies, while its welcoming dock provides safe harbor for paddlers and boaters exploring Isle Royale's remote shores. Whether you arrive by foot, canoe, or motorboat, you'll find yourself immersed in the raw beauty of one of America's most isolated wilderness areas.
Three Mile Campground supports various camping styles, including shelters and primitive setups. Some user reviews suggest cabins near the lake, though cabins are not confirmed in authoritative content.
Historical SignificanceThree Mile Campground sits within Isle Royale's extraordinary living laboratory, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve where nature writes its own compelling stories. This pristine wilderness has captivated scientists and adventurers alike with its remarkable ecosystem—a place where the ancient dance between predator and prey continues undisturbed, and where every trail holds the promise of discovery in one of North America's most studied yet still mysterious natural sanctuaries.
Weather and SeasonsSummer transforms Three Mile into a gentle paradise where warm days invite exploration and cool evenings demand campfire stories. While occasional thunderstorms roll across Lake Superior's vast expanse, bringing dramatic skies and refreshing rain, the mid-summer weeks shine as the crown jewels of camping season—offering perfect temperatures and minimal precipitation. As autumn fades, winter's fierce grip closes the island to visitors, blanketing the landscape in deep snow and ice until spring's eventual return.
ElevationThe campground rests at lake level, where the gentle lapping of Superior's waves provides a constant, soothing soundtrack to your wilderness experience.
Natural Features and SceneryAncient boreal forests embrace Three Mile Campground, creating a verdant cathedral where sunlight filters through towering evergreens to dapple the forest floor. The lakefront location offers front-row seats to Superior's ever-changing moods, from mirror-calm mornings perfect for paddling to dramatic sunsets painting the sky in brilliant hues. Trail-side treasures await the observant hiker—wild blueberries ripe for picking, mysterious tracks in the soft earth, and if fortune smiles, a glimpse of Isle Royale's majestic moose browsing in the understory.
Geological RegionThree Mile Campground occupies a special place in Isle Royale National Park's rugged archipelago, where ancient volcanic bedrock meets the world's largest freshwater lake. This remote chain of islands rises from Lake Superior's depths like a lost world, harboring one of the planet's most fascinating predator-prey relationships between wolves and moose. The dramatic landscape tells a story written in stone and water—of glaciers that carved deep valleys, of forests that reclaimed barren rock, and of an isolated ecosystem that continues to captivate scientists and wilderness enthusiasts from around the globe.
Campsite details
AccessibilityAccess is explicitly indicated as feasible by foot, canoe, kayak, or private boat. Further accessibility details are missing.
Sites SizeSites generally reported as spacious and located near the water by user reviews.
Sites PrivacyUser reviews indicate shared campground spaces are common, suggesting lower privacy levels.
Total Campsites8 campsites
Recommended CampsitesConsider using Tobin Bay Trail for safer and more scenic access; arrive early for shelters during peak season.
Best CampsitesShelters 11 and 12 are highlighted for their location and convenience.
Reserving a campsite
Stay Limit
1night effective June 1–September 17 annually.
Groups
No explicit details about group camping setups are provided.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutShelters are dispersed around the dock and lakefront areas; first-come, first-served.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen from June 1 to September 17 annually; closed outside these dates.
Reservation PlatformsReservations are not applicable to Three Mile Campground as it is first-come, first-served.
Walk-in AvailabilityEntirely first-come, first-served policy applies to all sites during operational season.
Cancellation PolicyCancellations made before the day of reservation incur a $10 fee. No refunds are available for Scan & Pay transactions.
Activities you can enjoy
Activities at Three Mile Campground are focused on hiking, water-based activities like canoeing/kayaking, fishing, and general wildlife observation. The trails provide access to scenic views and destinations such as Mount Franklin.
Hiking
Numerous trails are accessible, including routes to Mount Franklin. User reviews suggest trails are well-loved for their beauty and connection to the island's features.Fishing
Fishing can be done near the dock, though no specifics about species or fishing quality are noted.Boating
Boating is supported, evident by the dock available for overnight boat stays. Depth at the dock is 9 feet.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife encounters include moose, as noted by user reviews, and a 'friendly' fox was mentioned by one user.Winter Activities
Winter activities are not discussed within the authoritative or user-generated content.Water Sports
Canoeing and kayaking seem to be supported based on the access details, but explicit mentions of other water sports are missing.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Campfires are prohibited.
Hazards
General hazardsWildlife encounters (e.g., moose and foxes) are possible; storms can occur during summer, and lakefront exposure could result in high winds.
Weather forecast
63
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 47%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 6.3 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
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
Visitor Center at Rock Harbor (approx. 2.7 miles by trail), Houghton emergency services accessible by boat/plane.
Good to know
Peak season datesJune 1–September 17 annually.
Trash and recyclingNo specific information about trash or recycling facilities was provided in the source materials.
Proximity to water featuresThe campground is directly situated on Rock Harbor Channel with dock access and lakefront shelter views.
Common complaintsBusy during peak times with shelters often filled; sharing sites is common.
Campground Map
800 E. Lakeshore Drive, Houghton, MI, 49931, USA
Driving directionsThree Mile Campground is located on Rock Harbor Channel off of the Rock Harbor and Mount Franklin Trails. GPS coordinates are 48° 7' 25.8672" N, 88° 31' 46.6284" W.
Access to the campground is by foot, canoe/kayak, or private boat. There is no direct road access.Nearby places
Houghton (approximately 50 miles by water or air)
no other population centers are close due to Isle Royale's remote nature.
Nearby supplies
Rock Harbor Visitor Center for essential supplies
larger supply stock available in Houghton accessible by ferry or plane.
Camper Reviews
4.3
12 reviews
Three Mile Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight Three Mile Campground's scenic lakeside location, accessibility via trails and boats, and challenges like shared spaces during busier seasons.
Review Summaries
Based on 12 reviews
What Campers Love
Shelters by the lakefront and access to Rock Harbor trails are praised. Wildlife sightings like moose and foxes are memorable experiences.
Based on 12 reviewsCommon Concerns
Shared campsites can reduce privacy, and obtaining a shelter can be competitive. Some reviewers highlight limited activity options directly at the campground.
Based on 12 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Users recommend using Tobin Bay Trail instead of Rock Harbor Trail for safer hiking with backpacks. Shelters 11 and 12 are suggested by one reviewer.
Based on 12 reviewsSeasonal Insights
The campground's popularity peaks during summer, leading to crowded conditions at shelters and shared spaces. Reviewers appreciated the abundance of blueberries along trails during the season.
Based on 12 reviewsCamper Quotes
User quotes include: 'Shelters by the lakefront are beautiful. Saw a moose!' (Chip LeVan), 'Great place to spend the night on way in or out of Rock Harbor' (Joe Engel), 'Ran into a friendly fox that...
Based on 12 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Shelters 11 and 12 recommended for their location (Carl Nerup).
Based on 12 reviewsAccessibility Features
No specific reviews discuss accessibility experiences beyond general comments about access via foot, canoe, kayak, or private boat.
Based on 12 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No reviews specifically discuss pet experiences or policies.
Based on 12 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025