Pickerel Cove Campground
01 review800 E. Lakeshore Drive, Houghton, MI 49931, USA
Pickerel Cove Campground
$0.00 - $2.00 / 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 range between $0-$2 based on activity. Reservation service fees are not applicable as Pickerel Cove Campground is non-reservable.
About this campground
Tucked away on Isle Royale's pristine north shore, Pickerel Cove Campground beckons adventurous souls seeking true wilderness solitude. This paddle-in paradise rewards those who arrive by canoe or kayak with an intimate camping experience where the only sounds are lapping waves and whispering pines. Here, far from any road or trail, you'll discover what it means to truly disconnect and immerse yourself in nature's raw beauty.
Pickerel Cove Campground is a primitive camping site accessible only by canoe or kayak.
Historical SignificanceIsle Royale stands as one of America's last true wilderness frontiers, where the ancient dance between predator and prey continues uninterrupted. This isolated archipelago has long captivated those seeking escape from civilization, becoming a living laboratory where the legendary relationship between wolves and moose unfolds across generations. The island's remoteness has preserved not just its ecology, but also its spirit of wild independence that draws modern adventurers to its shores.
Weather and SeasonsThe northern exposure of Pickerel Cove creates its own microclimate, where summer days bring gentle warmth perfect for paddling and exploring, while crisp mornings remind you of your latitude. Winter transforms this landscape into a frozen wonderland, with average temperatures hovering between 16.7°F and 24.2°F, and snow blanketing the forest in pristine white. Spring and fall offer their own magic, with migrating birds filling the air and autumn colors reflecting off the water's surface.
ElevationWhile specific elevations remain nature's secret here, Isle Royale's terrain offers a constantly changing canvas of ridges, valleys, and rocky outcrops. The landscape rises and falls like frozen waves, creating intimate coves and dramatic viewpoints that reward exploration with ever-changing perspectives of Lake Superior's vast expanse.
Natural Features and SceneryPickerel Cove cradles visitors in a natural amphitheater where ancient forests meet crystal-clear waters. Towering conifers stand sentinel along rocky shores sculpted by centuries of Superior's powerful waves. The cove's protected waters mirror the sky by day and stars by night, while the surrounding wilderness pulses with life – from the haunting call of loons to the splash of beaver tails at dusk. This is raw, untamed beauty at its finest.
Geological RegionPerched on the edge of Lake Superior, Earth's largest freshwater lake by surface area, Pickerel Cove showcases Isle Royale's dramatic geological story. Ancient volcanic activity and glacial sculpting created this rugged wonderland of basalt cliffs, hidden coves, and dense boreal forests. The rocky shoreline tells a billion-year tale of fire and ice, while the surrounding wilderness represents one of the most pristine ecosystems in North America.
Campsite details
Sites SizeThe size of the sites is described as small according to one user review.
Sites PrivacySites are reportedly small and quiet, though one side is exposed to the northwest wind.
Total Campsites1 campsites
Recommended CampsitesRecommended for visitors who seek solitude and are prepared for remote canoe/kayak access. Not recommended for large groups or traditional campers.
Best CampsitesPickerel Cove has only one campsite available, offering a uniquely secluded experience.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Open arrival on first-come basis.
Check-out
Open departure within 2-night limit.
Stay Limit
2nights from June 1 – Labor Day annually.
Groups
There is no mention of group camping facilities.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutSingle campsite with no dock or additional facilities.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen season is June 1 through Labor Day annually; closed outside of these dates.
Reservation PlatformsNot applicable as Pickerel Cove Campground is non-reservable.
Walk-in AvailabilityPickerel Cove Campground operates entirely on a first-come, first-served basis.
Cancellation PolicyPickerel Cove Campground is non-reservable, cancellation rules are thus not applicable.
Activities you can enjoy
Pickerel Cove Campground offers opportunities for water-based activities due to its location. Canoeing and kayaking are the primary means of access and are likely popular activities.
Winter Activities
No details about winter activities are provided.Water Sports
Canoeing and kayaking are the only water-based activities mentioned.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Fire policies are not explicitly mentioned, though Isle Royale generally restricts campfires in certain areas.
- Quiet hours are Quiet atmosphere expected due to isolation, no explicit quiet hours provided.
Hazards
General hazardsPotential hazards include exposure to inclement weather, isolation due to lack of road access, and wildlife encounters typical of Isle Royale.
Weather forecast
64
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 41%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 8.6 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
Ranger station at Windigo or Rock Harbor within Isle Royale National Park. Mainland access to emergency services in Houghton, MI.
Good to know
Peak season datesJune 1 – Labor Day annually.
Trash and recyclingNo information is available about trash and recycling facilities.
Proximity to water featuresLocated directly on Pickerel Cove with access to Lake Superior.
Common complaintsUser review highlights the campground as 'small and quiet' but notes exposure to the NW winds.
Campground Map
800 E. Lakeshore Drive, Houghton, MI 49931, USA
Driving directionsPickerel Cove Campground is located in Pickerel Cove on the north shore of Isle Royale National Park. Canoe/kayak access from Pickerel Cove or via 0.1 mile portage from Lake Superior.
Accessible only by canoe/kayak. No dock for boats. Not reachable by road.Nearby places
Houghton (base location
nearest city
approximately 61 miles to mainland visitor center via ferry)
Nearby supplies
Limited supplies at Windigo or Rock Harbor within Isle Royale National Park. For comprehensive provisions, Houghton, MI is the primary mainland hub.
Camper Reviews
0.0
1 reviews
Pickerel Cove Campground has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
Reviews describe Pickerel Cove Campground as a remote, small, and less-visited site primarily suited for primitive camping.
Review Summaries
Based on 1 reviews
What Campers Love
Campers appreciate the campground's quiet and remote nature.
Based on 1 reviewsCommon Concerns
Some users noted that one side of the campsite is exposed to northwest winds.
Based on 1 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Visitors should prepare for limited amenities and exposure to the elements due to the remote and primitive setup.
Based on 1 reviewsSeasonal Insights
No user reviews provide specific feedback about seasonal variations at this campground.
Based on 1 reviewsCamper Quotes
"Small and quiet with an exposed side to the NW" is one reviewer's description.
Based on 1 reviewsSite-Specific Reviews
The single campsite has been described as small but quiet, with exposure to northwest winds.
Based on 1 reviewsAccessibility Features
There is no information about accessibility features at the campground.
Based on 1 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No user reviews address pet-related policies or features.
Based on 1 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025