Merritt Lane Campground
01 review800 E. Lakeshore Drive, Houghton, MI, 49931, USA
Merritt Lane 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 location. Service fees include $8 for online/app reservations, $9 for contact center reservations, and $3 for in-person reservations. Cancellation fees apply based on the timing of the cancellation.
About this campground
Tucked into the serene northeast corner of Isle Royale National Park, Merritt Lane Campground offers adventurous souls a true wilderness escape. This remote sanctuary, accessible only by canoe, kayak, or private watercraft, rewards intrepid travelers with breathtaking views and the profound peace that comes from being truly off the grid. The campground's single shelter provides just enough comfort while maintaining the raw, authentic experience of island camping. Boaters will appreciate the 8-foot dock depth available under normal conditions, making arrival and departure smooth even for deeper-draft vessels.
Merritt Lane Campground is designed for primitive camping, with limited facilities and access primarily by watercraft. There is one shelter on-site.
Historical SignificanceAs part of Isle Royale National Park's prestigious designation as a biosphere reserve, Merritt Lane Campground stands as a testament to conservation success. This protected corner of the park plays a vital role in preserving the delicate balance of island ecosystems that have captivated scientists, naturalists, and adventurers for generations. Here, visitors become part of an ongoing story of wilderness preservation that ensures future generations can experience the same unspoiled beauty.
Weather and SeasonsSummer transforms Merritt Lane into a paddler's paradise, with the camping season running from June through Labor Day when moderate temperatures and dry conditions create ideal outdoor living. Morning mists often dance across the water before giving way to sun-drenched afternoons perfect for exploration. As autumn approaches, the island reveals its fierce side—winter brings a dramatic transformation with howling winds, heavy snowfall, and freezing temperatures that remind visitors why this pristine wilderness remains so wonderfully untamed.
ElevationThe campground rests at lake level, offering intimate connections with the rhythms of Lake Superior.
Natural Features and SceneryImmerse yourself in a landscape where ancient boreal forests meet the endless horizon of Lake Superior. Towering conifers create a natural cathedral around the campground, their branches whispering stories of centuries past. The rugged shoreline reveals nature's artistry in weathered rock formations and secluded coves. Wildlife thrives in this protected habitat—listen for the haunting call of loons at twilight, watch for moose wading through nearby wetlands, and perhaps catch a glimpse of the island's elusive wolves. Every sunrise paints the water in shades of copper and gold, while star-filled nights remind you just how far you've traveled from civilization.
Geological RegionPerched on the northeastern reaches of Isle Royale, Merritt Lane showcases the raw geological drama that defines this remarkable archipelago. Ancient volcanic activity and millennia of glacial sculpting have created a landscape of stunning contrasts—from smooth, water-worn shores to jagged ridgelines cloaked in dense forest. The campground's location offers front-row seats to Lake Superior's moods, where the world's largest freshwater lake by surface area demonstrates its power through everything from mirror-calm mornings to spectacular storm displays. This unique position allows visitors to experience firsthand the ecological richness that emerges where rugged terrain meets the great inland sea.
Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessibility details for visitors with disabilities have not been specified.
Sites SizeSites at Merritt Lane Campground are limited, with only one shelter described in the official source.
Sites PrivacyThe campground consists of minimal camping facilities, which likely affords a quiet and secluded experience. User reviews emphasize the tranquility of the location: "quiet and peaceful with nice views."
Total Campsites1 campsites
Recommended CampsitesDue to the limited availability (1 shelter), early arrival is recommended during peak season to secure the site.
Best CampsitesOnly 1 campsite available at Merritt Lane Campground, featuring a shelter for use.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
No specific check-in time stated.
Check-out
No specific check-out time stated.
Stay Limit
Stay Limit: 3 nights from June 1 – Labor Day annually.
Guests Allowed Per Site
1shelter, 1 campsite
Tents
Tents are not allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutSingle campsite with 1 shelter available.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen season: annually from June 1 to Labor Day.
Reservation PlatformsNo reservations allowed at Merritt Lane Campground.
Walk-in AvailabilityWalk-up availability only as no prior reservations are permitted. Sites may fill quickly during peak seasons.
Cancellation PolicyA $10 cancellation fee applies for individual campsites if cancelled the day before arrival. Late cancellations incur forfeiture of the first night’s fees and are subject to no-show fees if applicable.
Activities you can enjoy
Activities at Merritt Lane Campground are primarily centered around water-based recreation, given its access via canoe, kayak, or private boat. There are limited explicit mentions of available activities, but its location within Isle Royale National Park suggests opportunities for hiking, wildlife viewing, and exploring the surrounding area.
Boating
Access to Merritt Lane Campground is described as being via canoe, kayak, or private boat. Boats can also overnight at the dock, which has a depth of 8’ under normal conditions. This highlights the significance of boating as an integral activity at this location.Water Sports
Canoeing and kayaking are explicitly supported as access methods to the campground, aligning with the water-based sports available at Merritt Lane Campground.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- No specific fire policy mentioned.
Hazards
General hazardsPotential hazards include the remote location, limited access to emergency services, and wildlife encounters typical in Isle Royale National Park.
Weather forecast
62
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 50%
Moderately humid conditions
Wind: 5.4 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
Closest emergency services available in Houghton, MI, which serves as the gateway town. Additional emergency support may be accessible through Isle Royale National Park ranger stations.
Good to know
Peak season datesJune 1 to Labor Day annually.
Trash and recyclingNo information is provided about trash and recycling facilities at this campground.
Proximity to water featuresLocated near Lake Superior, with 8-foot dock depth under normal conditions.
Common complaintsNo specific complaints are highlighted, but limited accessibility and the remote nature may pose challenges for some visitors.
HostNo campground host information provided.
Campground Map
800 E. Lakeshore Drive, Houghton, MI, 49931, USA
Driving directionsMerritt Lane Campground is located in Merritt Lane on the northeast end of Isle Royale National Park.
Access is restricted to canoe, kayak, or private boat; no vehicular access is provided.Nearby places
Houghton, MI (approximately 0 miles as it serves as the main gateway city)
Isle Royale National Park area is remote with limited nearby cities.
Nearby supplies
Closest supplies are located in Houghton, MI, including groceries, camping gear, and fuel, as Isle Royale National Park has limited provisions available.
Camper Reviews
0.0
1 reviews
Merritt Lane Campground has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
The campground is described as "quiet and peaceful with nice views," with an overall 5.0 sentiment rating for the campground-specific experience.
Review Summaries
Based on 1 reviews
What Campers Love
"Quiet and peaceful" is a recurring theme in reviews, with users appreciating the natural beauty and seclusion of the site.
Based on 1 reviewsCommon Concerns
There are no complaints listed in the user reviews.
Based on 1 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Given the primitive nature of the campground, visitors should plan to bring all necessary supplies and be prepared for limited amenities.
Based on 1 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Reviews do not indicate notable seasonal differences, but the stay limit indicates higher demand and stricter regulations from June 1 to Labor Day.
Based on 1 reviewsCamper Quotes
"Quiet and peaceful with nice views" - Dave's Journey.
Based on 1 reviewsSite-Specific Reviews
The campground features only one shelter and one campsite, as noted in both the official source and by user reviews.
Based on 1 reviewsAccessibility Features
No information is provided about accessibility for users with disabilities.
Based on 1 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
There are no specific mentions of pet policies or pet-related experiences in the source materials.
Based on 1 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025