Mccargoe Cove Campground
04 reviews800 E. Lakeshore Drive, Houghton, MI, 49931, USA
Mccargoe Cove 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
Recreation Use Fee and Reservation Fees vary by location and activity: $8 for online app, $9 through contact center, $3 in-person. Other fees include $10 change/cancellation fees for reservations.
About this campground
Nestled along the pristine north shore of Isle Royale National Park, McCargoe Cove Campground beckons adventurers seeking an authentic wilderness escape. This remote sanctuary, reachable only by foot, paddle, or private boat, features six rustic shelters and a welcoming dock that extends into waters seven feet deep. Here, far from the crowds that frequent the park's more accessible areas, you'll discover the raw beauty of Lake Superior's largest island in peaceful solitude.
McCargoe Cove Campground features shelters and open tent sites. The area is accessible via hiking trails, as well as by boat or kayak.
Historical SignificanceBeneath the tranquil waters and forested shores of McCargoe Cove lies an ancient story written in copper. This remarkable landscape was once the heart of prehistoric mining operations that stretched back thousands of years, where Native peoples extracted the pure copper that would eventually find its way across vast trade networks to fuel Europe's Bronze Age. Today, visitors walk in the footsteps of these early miners, connecting with a heritage that shaped civilizations across continents.
Weather and SeasonsThe rhythm of the seasons transforms McCargoe Cove into distinctly different worlds throughout the year. Summer unfolds from June through Labor Day with gentle warmth and clear skies, creating perfect conditions for wilderness exploration. As autumn arrives, the boreal forest erupts in golden hues before winter's dramatic entrance brings deep snows and Arctic temperatures, cloaking the landscape in crystalline silence.
ElevationThe campground rests at the gentle interface where Isle Royale's rugged interior meets the vast expanse of Lake Superior.
Natural Features and SceneryMcCargoe Cove enchants visitors with its dramatic meeting of land and water, where ancient boreal forests cascade down to meet weathered rocky shorelines. The protected cove creates a natural amphitheater of wilderness, offering spectacular views across Lake Superior's endless horizon. Well-maintained trails wind through towering evergreens and past hidden inland lakes, connecting this peaceful haven to the greater tapestry of Isle Royale's 850-square-mile wilderness.
Geological RegionSet within the remarkable geological wonderland of Isle Royale National Park, McCargoe Cove showcases the powerful forces that shaped Lake Superior's wilderness crown jewel. This rugged archipelago rises from the world's largest freshwater lake, its ancient volcanic bedrock carved by glaciers and time into a landscape of dramatic ridges, secluded coves, and crystal-clear inland lakes. The exposed copper deposits that made this region famous tell the story of billion-year-old lava flows, creating a geological treasure trove that continues to fascinate scientists and visitors alike.
Campsite details
AccessibilityNo details about accessibility options are provided.
Sites SizeThe campground offers open tent sites and shelters; specific dimensions are not provided.
Sites PrivacyPrivacy levels at the campsites are not described, though one review suggests proximity between sites may affect solitude.
Total Campsites6 campsites
Recommended CampsitesBackpackers are advised to arrive early to secure shelter sites during peak season.
Best CampsitesShelter number 4 is praised for its proximity to the outhouse and good views.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Walk-up only
Check-out
Walk-up only
Stay Limit
3nights effective from June 1 – Labor Day annually.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Maximum number of guests per site not specified.
Groups
Auser review mentions a large group site on the hillside, but no details about group size limits or vehicles are provided.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutThe campground features six shelters distributed along the cove with tent sites and group sites available.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen season: June 1 to Labor Day annually. No data on closed season.
Reservation PlatformsNo reservations available for McCargoe Cove Campground.
Walk-in AvailabilityWalk-up only; no reservation system in place for this campground.
Cancellation PolicyReservations cannot be made for this campground. General cancellation policy applies for other locations: $10 fee and forfeiture of first-night fees for late cancellations.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
The campground offers opportunities for boating, wildlife viewing, and enjoying the surrounding cove. Hiking trails such as the Indian Portage and East Chickenbone Trails provide access.
Hiking
Hiking options include nearby Indian Portage and East Chickenbone Trails, though specific details on trail length and difficulty are not provided.Swimming
One user review highlights easy water access for 'dips in the cove,' suggesting informal swimming opportunities.Boating
The campground's 7-foot deep dock accommodates overnight stays for boats, and it is accessible by canoe and kayak from Lake Superior or via a 1.2-mile portage from Chickenbone Lake.Wildlife viewing
The park's natural setting makes wildlife viewing possible, though specific species or viewing areas are not detailed.Winter Activities
Winter-specific recreational opportunities are not mentioned.Water Sports
Opportunities for canoeing and kayaking are available due to the campground's direct access to Lake Superior and Chickenbone Lake.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Campfires are permitted only in designated fire rings.
- Quiet hours are Not specified.
Hazards
General hazardsChallenges include remote access, potential encounters with wildlife, and unpredictable weather conditions. Boaters should note the 7-foot dock depth.
Weather forecast
64
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 40%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 9.2 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 in Houghton, MI, including hospitals and police stations.
Good to know
Peak season datesJune 1 – Labor Day annually.
Trash and recyclingNo details about trash and recycling facilities are provided.
Proximity to water featuresThe campground is located directly on McCargoe Cove, providing easy access for canoeing, kayaking, and swimming.
Common complaintsUser reviews mention crowding due to ferry access, particularly during peak season.
HostNo campground hosts explicitly mentioned.
Campground Map
800 E. Lakeshore Drive, Houghton, MI, 49931, USA
Driving directionsMcCargoe Cove Campground is located in McCargoe Cove, on the north shore of Isle Royale National Park, off of the Indian Portage and East Chickenbone Trails.
Access to McCargoe Cove Campground requires foot, canoe/kayak, or private boat transport. There is no direct vehicular road access as it is part of Isle Royale National Park.Nearby places
Houghton, MI - approximately 56 miles by ferry and road.
Nearby supplies
Groceries, camping supplies, and fuel are available in Houghton, MI, which serves as the primary access point to Isle Royale National Park.
Camper Reviews
0.0
4 reviews
Mccargoe Cove Campground has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight the campground's accessibility, sheltered sites, and scenic cove views. Some users appreciated the group site and dock facilities.
Review Summaries
Based on 4 reviews
What Campers Love
- 'Great campground with good shelter from the wind.' - 'Easily one of my favorite campgrounds we visited.' - 'Good jumping-off place with a beautiful cove.'
Based on 4 reviewsCommon Concerns
- Crowding during peak times due to ferry access.
Based on 4 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
- Arrive early to secure a shelter site if you are backpacking. - Consider Site #4 for its proximity to the outhouse and good views.
Based on 4 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Crowding increases during the peak season (June 1 – Labor Day). Backpackers should prepare for competition with ferry visitors.
Based on 4 reviewsCamper Quotes
- 'Great campground with good shelter from the wind, a dock for ferry access and a fire ring.' - 'We stayed at number 4, view pictured here, was a good spot with a short walk to the outhouse.' -...
Based on 4 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Site #4 is noted for its good views and proximity to the outhouse. The large group site on the hillside is also positively reviewed.
Based on 4 reviewsAccessibility Features
No specific information provided regarding accessibility experiences.
Based on 4 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pet policies or experiences with pets are not mentioned in the reviews.
Based on 4 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025