Lake Whittlesey Campground
00 review800 E. Lakeshore Drive, Houghton, MI, USA, 49931
Lake Whittlesey Campground
$0.00 - $0.00 / 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
No specific use fee or other details provided.
About this campground
Hidden deep within Isle Royale National Park, Lake Whittlesey Campground offers an authentic wilderness escape for paddlers willing to venture beyond the beaten path. This secluded sanctuary on the north shore of Lake Whittlesey rewards adventurous souls with three pristine tent sites, each promising solitude and immersion in nature's untamed beauty. Reaching this remote haven requires dedication—paddle across Wood Lake or Chippewa Harbor, then shoulder your canoe or kayak for a challenging 0.6-mile portage through the forest. Your efforts will be rewarded with a camping experience that few ever discover, where the only sounds are lapping waves and the whisper of wind through ancient trees.
Lake Whittlesey Campground caters to primitive tent camping with three individual sites. There are no options for RV camping, group camping, or cabin lodging.
Weather and SeasonsLake Whittlesey's weather tells a tale of dramatic seasonal contrasts. Summer brings gentle, rain-free days perfect for paddling and exploration, with warm sunshine filtering through the forest canopy. As autumn arrives, the landscape transforms into a tapestry of colors before winter's embrace brings snow and temperatures that hover around 24°F. The predominantly dry conditions throughout the year make this an ideal destination for those seeking predictable weather patterns, though winter adventurers should prepare for the park's legendary cold and moderate snowfall that blankets the wilderness in pristine white.
ElevationElevation details not provided.
Natural Features and SceneryLake Whittlesey Campground sits like a jewel in Isle Royale's crown of wilderness treasures. From your tent, watch morning mist rise from the lake's glassy surface as the sun paints the water in shades of gold and amber. Dense forests of spruce, fir, and birch create a living wall of green that shelters the campground, while the rugged shoreline offers endless opportunities for exploration. This is quintessential Isle Royale—raw, beautiful, and utterly removed from civilization's reach. Rocky outcroppings provide natural viewpoints for sunset watching, while the remote location virtually guarantees wildlife encounters with moose, wolves, and the island's diverse bird population.
Geological RegionPerched on Lake Whittlesey's north shore, this campground showcases Isle Royale's remarkable geological story. The landscape bears witness to ancient volcanic activity and glacial sculpting that created the island's characteristic ridges and valleys. The rugged terrain surrounding the campground features exposed bedrock formations and glacial deposits that tell a billion-year tale of fire and ice. Dense boreal forests have reclaimed the land, creating a green sanctuary where rocky shores meet crystal waters—a testament to nature's ability to transform even the harshest geological foundations into places of profound beauty and tranquility.
Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessibility features information is unavailable, but portage access may pose challenges for individuals with mobility issues.
Sites SizeSites are designated for individual tents only and are limited in number (three tent sites).
Sites PrivacyPrivacy levels are not explicitly described, but the small number of sites suggests a relatively secluded camping experience.
Total Campsites3 campsites
Recommended CampsitesRecommend selecting a site closest to the lake shore for optimal views.
Best CampsitesNo specific sites highlighted.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Not applicable.
Check-out
Not applicable.
Stay Limit
- Consecutive night stay limit is two nights
- stay limit extended to three nights effective June 1 through Labor Day annually.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Limited to tent sites.
Groups
Group camping is 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 comprises three individual tent sites, accessed via canoe/kayak portages.
Open and Closed SeasonJune 1 through Labor Day annual stay limit update; no explicit seasonal closure mentioned.
Reservation PlatformsSite is not reservable.
Walk-in AvailabilityAs reservations are not applicable, availability is presumably first-come, first-served.
Cancellation PolicyNot applicable as the site is not reservable.
Activities you can enjoy
Activities focus on canoeing/kayaking due to portage access and the proximity to Lake Whittlesey. Other activities are not explicitly mentioned.
Winter Activities
Winter activities are not addressed in the source material.Water Sports
Canoeing and kayaking are the primary water sports due to portage access.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- No specific fire policies mentioned.
- Quiet hours are Not mentioned.
Hazards
General hazardsPotential hazards include rugged terrain, unpredictable weather conditions typical of Isle Royale National Park, and wildlife encounters.
Weather forecast
66
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 34%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 10.9 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 available in Houghton, MI, approximately 48 miles away.
Good to know
Peak season datesJune 1 through Labor Day annually.
Trash and recyclingNo information provided about trash and recycling facilities.
Proximity to water featuresCampground is located directly along the shore of Lake Whittlesey.
Common complaintsNone mentioned.
HostNo host information provided.
Campground Map
800 E. Lakeshore Drive, Houghton, MI, USA, 49931
Driving directionsLake Whittlesey Campground is located on the north shore of Lake Whittlesey.
Accessibility is limited to canoe/kayak access only, via two separate .6-mile portages from Wood Lake and Chippewa Harbor. No private boat or trail access is available.Nearby supplies
Supplies are likely accessible in nearby Houghton, MI, approximately 48 miles away.
Camper Reviews
0.0
0 reviews
Lake Whittlesey Campground has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
No user reviews are available for Lake Whittlesey Campground.
Review Summaries
What Campers Love
Positive aspects of the campground cannot be summarized due to lack of user reviews.
Common Concerns
No complaints have been documented.
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Tips from previous campers are not available.
Seasonal Insights
Seasonal trends cannot be assessed due to the absence of user reviews.
Camper Quotes
No quotes from users are provided.
Site-Specific Reviews
Specific reviews for individual campsites are absent.
Accessibility Features
No accessibility reviews are available.
Pet-Friendly Features
No pet-related reviews are documented.
Last updated August 10, 2025