Malone Bay Campground
01 review800 E. Lakeshore Drive, Houghton, MI 49931, USA
Malone Bay 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 by site type and reservation method: $8 online/app, $9 contact center, $3 in-person. Additional fees apply for modifications, cancellations, and no-shows.
About this campground
Tucked away on the pristine south shore of Isle Royale National Park, Malone Bay Campground offers an authentic wilderness escape accessible only by foot, paddle, or private watercraft. This secluded haven features five rustic shelters where adventurers can rest after a day of exploration. While a dock provides convenient water access and a nearby ranger station offers occasional support, the true allure lies in the campground's remote tranquility—a place where the rhythms of nature replace the noise of modern life.
Malone Bay Campground caters to campers seeking a rustic and primitive experience. It is suitable for hikers, paddlers, and boaters accessing the area.
Historical SignificanceFor centuries before becoming a national park, these shores witnessed the passage of Ojibwe peoples who navigated Superior's waters with remarkable skill. Later, hardy settlers and copper miners left their mark on the island, their abandoned structures now reclaimed by forest. Today, Isle Royale stands as one of America's most studied ecosystems, where the legendary dance between wolves and moose continues to captivate scientists and visitors alike—a living laboratory of predator-prey relationships found nowhere else on Earth.
Weather and SeasonsMalone Bay transforms with the seasons, each offering its own dramatic beauty. Winter brings fierce winds that whip across the bay, occasionally dusting the landscape with light snow—a reminder of Superior's raw power. As spring melts into summer, the campground awakens with warmer temperatures perfect for paddling and hiking, though wise visitors always pack layers for Superior's notorious mood swings. The island's weather can shift from sunshine to storm in moments, adding an element of adventure to every stay.
ElevationWhile Isle Royale rises gently from Superior's depths, Malone Bay sits at a modest elevation that perfectly balances accessibility with scenic vistas. The campground's position near water level means easy beach access for launching kayaks at dawn, while short climbs to nearby ridges reward hikers with sweeping views across the bay and into the island's forested interior.
Natural Features and SceneryMalone Bay captivates with its untamed beauty—ancient boreal forests press against rocky shores where Superior's crystal-clear waters lap endlessly. Eagles soar overhead while moose wade through shallow coves at dusk. The campground serves as your front-row seat to nature's theater: mornings arrive with loon calls echoing across mirror-still water, afternoons bring the rustle of wind through towering pines, and evenings paint the sky in shades of amber and rose that photographers dream about.
Geological RegionMalone Bay Campground rests within Isle Royale's remarkable geological tapestry—an archipelago born from ancient volcanic activity and sculpted by glaciers over millennia. The rugged shorelines tell stories written in billion-year-old basalt, while inland lakes nestle in valleys carved by ice. Dense coniferous forests blanket the ridges and valleys between, creating a maze of green that harbors some of North America's most pristine wilderness. This isolated wonderland, surrounded by the world's largest freshwater lake, remains one of the least visited yet most rewarding destinations in the national park system.
Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessibility features were not mentioned in the provided information.
Sites SizeThere are 5 shelters available at this campground, but specific dimensions of the shelters or campsite sizes are not provided.
Sites PrivacyNo information is available about the privacy level of the campsites.
Total Campsites5 campsites
Reserving a campsite
Stay Limit
3nights effective June 1 – Labor Day annually.
Groups
No group campsites or details about group camping were mentioned.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutFeatures five shelters; further layout details not provided.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen season generally aligns with Isle Royale National Park operating dates; specific closure not detailed.
Reservation PlatformsNot reservable. Other broader site reservations can be made via Recreation.gov or mobile app.
Walk-in AvailabilityThis campground is first-come, first-served; specific site availability patterns not provided.
Cancellation PolicyReservations are not applicable, but broader cancellation policies for other facilities in the recreation area include $10 fees for late cancellations and forfeiture of first-night fees.
Activities you can enjoy
The activities within the campground were not explicitly stated, but being located on Isle Royale National Park and accessible by canoe, kayak, or private boat suggests potential recreational opportunities such as paddling and hiking.
Boating
The campground is accessible via private boat, canoe, and kayak, suggesting that boating activities are a significant attraction.Winter Activities
This campground's usability during winter is not discussed, and no specific winter recreation activities are mentioned.Water Sports
The campground's accessibility via canoe and kayak suggests potential for non-motorized water sports, but no explicit details are given.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Campfires may be restricted; specific policies not detailed.
Hazards
General hazardsPotential hazards include wildlife encounters, rugged terrain, challenging weather conditions, and remote access requiring careful planning.
Weather forecast
66
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 35%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 10 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
Nearest emergency services are located in Houghton, MI, accessible by water or air.
Good to know
Peak season datesJune 1 – Labor Day annually is the peak season for this campground.
Trash and recyclingNo details regarding trash and recycling facilities were mentioned.
Proximity to water featuresThe campground is adjacent to Lake Superior and features a dock with 3’-6’ depth during normal conditions.
Common complaintsUser review mentions 'Group site #1 has a tree down by fire ring. Group site #2 has the largest ant mounds I have EVER seen. UNUSEABLE.'
HostRanger station nearby but not always staffed.
Campground Map
800 E. Lakeshore Drive, Houghton, MI 49931, USA
Driving directionsMalone Bay Campground is located in Malone Bay, on the south shore of Isle Royale National Park, off of the Ishpeming Trail.
Access is limited to foot, canoe, kayak, or private boat.Nearby places
Houghton, MI (approximately 50 miles by water, no direct road access).
Nearby supplies
Supplies can be obtained in Houghton, MI before accessing Isle Royale National Park.
Camper Reviews
0.0
1 reviews
Malone Bay Campground has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
The user reviews highlight significant issues with some campsites, such as Group Site #2 being unusable due to large ant mounds. This suggests mixed experiences among visitors.
Review Summaries
Based on 1 reviews
What Campers Love
Specific positive highlights were not provided in the reviews.
Based on 1 reviewsCommon Concerns
One reviewer noted that 'Group site #2 has the largest ant mounds I have EVER seen. UNUSEABLE.'
Based on 1 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
No user-provided tips or recommendations were included in the reviews.
Based on 1 reviewsSeasonal Insights
No seasonal trends in user reviews have been provided.
Based on 1 reviewsCamper Quotes
"Group site #2 has the largest ant mounds I have EVER seen. UNUSEABLE."
Based on 1 reviewsSite-Specific Reviews
Review by Dennis S: Group site #1 has a tree down by fire ring. Group site #2 has the largest ant mounds I have EVER seen. UNUSEABLE.
Based on 1 reviewsAccessibility Features
Reviews specifically addressing accessibility features or experiences from users with disabilities are not available.
Based on 1 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No information about pets or user reviews regarding pet policies are provided.
Based on 1 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025