East Chickenbone Campground
02 reviews800 E. Lakeshore Drive, Houghton, MI 49931, USA
East Chickenbone 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
Recreation use fees vary by activity and location within Isle Royale National Park. Reservation fees, where applicable, range from $3 (in-person) to $9 (contact center).
About this campground
Nestled on the eastern shores of Chickenbone Lake, East Chickenbone Campground beckons adventurous souls seeking true wilderness solitude. This remote backcountry gem, reachable only by foot trail or paddle, rewards those who make the journey with an authentic Isle Royale experience. While the exposed setting and distance to water may challenge some campers, these very features create an atmosphere of rugged isolation that makes this site a favorite among those who prefer their wilderness untamed and uncrowded.
East Chickenbone Campground offers a remote camping experience accessible by foot, canoe, or kayak. It is not reservable and has a two-night stay limit during the peak season (June 1 to Labor Day).
Historical SignificanceWhile East Chickenbone may not boast documented historical landmarks, its story is written in the unchanged wilderness that surrounds it. This pristine corner of Isle Royale offers visitors a chance to experience the island much as it has existed for centuries, untouched by development and preserved in its natural state.
Weather and SeasonsSummer brings the magic to East Chickenbone, with the campground welcoming visitors from June 1 through Labor Day when Isle Royale's wilderness is at its most hospitable. Outside this window, winter transforms the landscape into a frozen realm where snow blankets the ground in weekly dustings of 2.5 inches and winds howl across the exposed terrain at speeds reaching 34 mph. These seasonal restrictions ensure visitors experience the island at its best, when wildflowers bloom along the trails and the lake sparkles under long northern days.
ElevationThe campground's inland position places it within Isle Royale's gently rolling interior landscape, where the terrain rises and falls through ancient ridges carved by time and ice.
Natural Features and SceneryEast Chickenbone sits at the heart of Isle Royale's rugged interior, where dense boreal forests give way to glimpses of shimmering lake water. The exposed nature of the site, noted by seasoned backpacker Willy Graves in 2021 as having 'a long walk to water,' actually offers campers unobstructed views of the surrounding wilderness. Rocky outcroppings punctuate the landscape, while the pristine waters of Chickenbone Lake stretch westward, creating a backdrop of raw, untamed beauty that defines the Isle Royale experience.
Geological RegionPositioned on the eastern edge of Chickenbone Lake, this campground occupies a fascinating pocket of Isle Royale's interior wilderness. The surrounding landscape tells the ancient story of volcanic activity and glacial carving, with dense forests clinging to rocky ridges and hidden waterways threading through the terrain. This inland sanctuary showcases the island's characteristic blend of rugged geology and thriving ecosystem, where billion-year-old bedrock supports a vibrant tapestry of northern forest life.
Campsite details
AccessibilityNo accessibility features were explicitly stated. The only access mentioned is via foot, canoe, or kayak, which may not be suitable for individuals with mobility challenges.
Sites SizeNo specific sizes of campsites were provided.
Sites PrivacyCampground has been described as 'exposed,' suggesting a lack of privacy. One user review mentions it is suitable for solitude when the campground is not busy.
Total Campsites0 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSites are recommended for solitude rather than convenience. Visitors should plan for extended walks to water sources.
Reserving a campsite
Stay Limit
2nights from June 1 to Labor Day annually.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutThe campground is not on the shoreline and is inland, limiting access to water features. Layout information is otherwise unspecified.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen seasonally from June 1 to Labor Day.
Reservation PlatformsWalk-up only; no advance reservations allowed.
Walk-in AvailabilityAll sites are walk-up only; first-come, first-served.
Cancellation PolicyCancellations incur a $10 fee plus forfeiture of the first night's fees. Late cancellations (after 12:00 am local time the day before check-in) forfeit all fees. No refunds for same-day cancellations.
Activities you can enjoy
East Chickenbone Campground is a remote and less-visited site, ideal for hikers and paddlers seeking solitude. It lacks boater access and is not on the shoreline, which may limit water-based activities.
Hiking
Hiking access is available via the East Chickenbone Trail. The area is remote and described by visitors as less scenic and interesting compared to other campgrounds on the island.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
Hazards
General hazardsBackcountry hazards include exposure, long walks for water, and potentially challenging terrain. Wildlife and isolation may present additional risks.
Weather forecast
65
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 36%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 10.1 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
Closest emergency services are likely based out of Houghton. The National Park Service contact phone is (906) 482-0984.
Good to know
Peak season datesJune 1 through Labor Day.
Trash and recyclingNo details about trash and recycling facilities were provided.
Proximity to water featuresLocated inland approximately 0.2 miles from Lake Livermore and 1.2 miles from McCargoe Cove.
Common complaints"Pretty exposed site, long walk to water" (Willy Graves, 2021). "Not as scenic or interesting as other campgrounds on the island" (Michael Fink, 2019).
Campground Map
800 E. Lakeshore Drive, Houghton, MI 49931, USA
Driving directionsThe East Chickenbone Campground is located on the east end of Chickenbone Lake, off of the East Chickenbone Trail. No boater access; accessible via foot/canoe/kayak. Canoe/kayak access requires a 1.2 mile portage from McCargoe Cove or 0.2 mile portage from Lake Livermore.
Accessible via foot, canoe, or kayak; no boater access. Portages required from McCargoe Cove (1.2 miles) or Lake Livermore (0.2 miles). Not reachable by car.Nearby places
Houghton (~0 miles
campground is managed from Houghton headquarters).
Nearby supplies
Supplies are likely available in Houghton, MI (~0 miles, campground managed from here). Specific supply locations not indicated.
Camper Reviews
0.0
2 reviews
East Chickenbone Campground has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
East Chickenbone Campground has a mixed reputation, with an average user sentiment of 3.5 out of 5. It is valued for its solitude but criticized for its exposed setting and inconvenient water access.
Review Summaries
Based on 2 reviews
What Campers Love
Visitors appreciate the solitude the campground provides, particularly when the island is busy.
Based on 2 reviewsCommon Concerns
Users have noted the campground's 'exposed' nature and the 'long walk to the lake for water,' which some found inconvenient. Others described it as 'not as scenic or interesting as other campgrounds...
Based on 2 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Campers should be prepared for the exposed nature of the campsites and the long walk to the lake for water. Consider bringing sufficient water or equipment to manage water collection.
Based on 2 reviewsSeasonal Insights
The campground is busiest during the peak summer season (June 1 to Labor Day). Visitors seeking solitude may appreciate the less crowded atmosphere during this period.
Based on 2 reviewsCamper Quotes
'Pretty exposed site, long walk to water, but when it's busy and you were looking for solitude it works.' - Willy Graves, Aug 2021. 'Long walk to the lake for water, not as scenic or interesting as...
Based on 2 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
No specific site numbers or reviews focusing on individual campsites were provided.
Based on 2 reviewsAccessibility Features
No specific mentions of accessibility features or reviews from users with disabilities were included.
Based on 2 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No reviews or details regarding pet policies were provided.
Based on 2 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025