Washington Creek Campground
4.718 reviews800 E. Lakeshore Drive, Houghton, MI, 49931, USA
Washington Creek Campground
$8.00 - $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
Individual Recreation Use fees range from $8 to $9 depending on the reservation platform used. Additional fees apply for modifications or cancellations.
About this campground
Tucked into the wild southwest corner of Isle Royale, Washington Creek Campground offers an authentic wilderness escape where ten rustic Adirondack shelters await beneath a canopy of northern forest. This first-come, first-served haven sits perfectly positioned between the tranquil waters of Washington Creek and the conveniences of nearby Windigo, where the visitor center, dock, and camp store provide a lifeline to civilization. Here, adventurers find the ideal launching point for Isle Royale explorations, with scenic creekside paths beckoning just beyond your shelter door.
Washington Creek Campground offers Adirondack-style shelters and provides opportunities for primitive camping. The campground is accessible to hikers, paddlers, and private boaters, making it suitable for a range of camping styles.
Historical SignificanceFor centuries, these waters and forests have drawn people to their shores—from indigenous peoples who first navigated these waterways to European explorers who marveled at the island's untamed beauty. Today, Isle Royale stands protected as a National Park, preserving not just its remarkable ecosystem but also the stories of those who came before. The island serves as a living museum where natural and human history intertwine, offering visitors a glimpse into both ancient traditions and conservation triumphs.
Weather and SeasonsSummer brings gentle warmth to this northern sanctuary, with comfortable temperatures perfect for hiking and wildlife watching. As autumn progresses, the island transforms into a tapestry of colors while crisp air and increased rainfall signal the changing season. Winter blankets the landscape in snow, creating a pristine wonderland accessible only to the most intrepid visitors. Each season paints Washington Creek in different hues, from the vibrant greens of summer to the stark beauty of winter's embrace.
ElevationNestled near the gentle shores of Lake Superior, Washington Creek Campground rests at the island's modest elevation, where the land meets water in a harmonious embrace. This lake-level setting creates an intimate connection with Isle Royale's aquatic heart, allowing the rhythmic sounds of Superior's waves to serve as nature's lullaby.
Natural Features and SceneryWashington Creek meanders through a pristine tapestry of boreal forest, where towering evergreens shelter a world teeming with life. The crystalline waters of the creek reflect the surrounding wilderness while providing a vital corridor for the island's legendary moose population—majestic visitors who frequently browse along the waterway and might even wander through camp at dawn or dusk. Dense forests give way to intimate clearings where wildflowers bloom in season, creating a constantly changing canvas of natural beauty.
Geological RegionRising from the vast expanse of Lake Superior, Isle Royale National Park showcases the raw beauty of the Great Lakes wilderness. This rugged island sanctuary features ancient volcanic bedrock sculpted by glaciers, creating a landscape of ridges and valleys cloaked in dense boreal forest. Freshwater ecosystems flourish throughout, from the surrounding Superior waters to the island's interior lakes and streams, forming a unique geological treasure where land and water create endless opportunities for discovery.
Campsite details
AccessibilityNo specific information about accessibility features was provided in the source material.
Sites SizeThe campground includes Adirondack-style shelters, which can accommodate small groups. Specific size information for sites is not available.
Sites PrivacyCampsites are described as having a social atmosphere, with interior sites experiencing high foot traffic from visitors. Privacy may be limited in these areas.
Total Campsites10 campsites
Recommended CampsitesArrive early for best shelter selection and moose sightings. "Have to be quick off the boat to get yourself one of the Adirondacks."
Best CampsitesShelters 1 and 2 are noted for frequent moose activity.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
No check-in time specified.
Check-out
No check-out time specified.
Stay Limit
3nights from June 1 to September 17 annually.
Guests Allowed Per Site
No specific limits on guest count mentioned.
Groups
There is no specific information about designated group sites.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layout10 shelters arranged along Washington Creek.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen from June 1 through September 17 annually.
Reservation PlatformsRecreation.gov charges $8 for online/app reservations, $9 for contact center reservations, and $3 for in-person reservations.
Walk-in AvailabilityCampground operates on a first-come, first-served basis with no reservations allowed; shelters tend to fill quickly during peak season.
Cancellation PolicyNo reservations allowed at Washington Creek Campground; campers must adhere to the 3-night stay limit during open season.
Amenities available
Showers
Potable water
Picnic tables
Flush toilets
Vault toilets
Camp Store
Activities you can enjoy
Washington Creek Campground provides wildlife viewing opportunities, especially for moose, which are frequently sighted near campsites and the creek. The location is ideal for hiking with connections to Feldtmann Lake Trail, Minong Trail, and Greenstone Ridge Trail. Scenic sunsets and opportunities for creekside relaxation are additional highlights.
Hiking
The campground is located off of the Feldtmann Lake, Minong, and Greenstone Ridge Trails, providing access to various hiking experiences. No detailed descriptions of trail difficulty or length are available.Boating
Access to the campground is available by canoe, kayak, or private boat. Boats can dock at Windigo Dock, which features water depths of 4-20 feet, and the campground is a short 0.3-mile walk from the dock.Wildlife viewing
Moose are frequently observed in the area, particularly near campsites 1 and 2. Campers report frequent sightings, especially in the evening and early morning. Foxes are also present but noted for their opportunistic behavior in stealing items.Winter Activities
Winter activities are not mentioned in the source materials.Water Sports
Water activities such as kayaking and canoeing are facilitated by the campground's proximity to Washington Creek and the Windigo Dock, allowing easy access for paddlers.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- No campfires allowed at the campground.
- Quiet hours are enforced; specific times not mentioned.
Hazards
General hazardsVisitors should watch out for opportunistic foxes stealing items and ensure proper food storage to avoid wildlife interactions.
Weather forecast
67
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 35%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 10.1 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
Emergency services are available at Windigo Visitor Center, which is 0.5 miles away.
Good to know
Peak season datesJune 1 to September 17 annually.
Trash and recyclingNo specific information about trash and recycling facilities was provided. Campers should follow Leave No Trace principles.
Proximity to water featuresSituated along Washington Creek; nearby visitor dock has water access.
Common complaints"Busy campground in August with all shelters taken" and issues with foxes stealing items mentioned in user reviews.
HostNo specific host information provided.
Campground Map
800 E. Lakeshore Drive, Houghton, MI, 49931, USA
Driving directionsWashington Creek Campground is located along Washington Creek near Windigo on the southwest end of Isle Royale, off Feldtmann Lake, Minong, and Greenstone Ridge Trails. Access is via foot, canoe, kayak, or private boat.
Access is remote and requires travel by private boat, canoe/kayak, or foot. There are no paved roads leading to the campground. Seasonal closures may occur due to weather conditions and limited access from June to September.Nearby places
Windigo (0.3 miles, 10-minute walk)
Nearby supplies
Closest supplies are at Windigo Store, which is 0.5 miles away and offers camping essentials and hot food.
Camper Reviews
4.7
8 reviews
Washington Creek Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
Reviews of Washington Creek Campground highlight frequent wildlife sightings, particularly moose, as a key attraction. Visitors appreciate the convenience of the nearby Windigo facilities and the beauty of the creekside setting. Shelters are described as comfortable and desirable, but competition for them is high due to the lack of reservations.
Review Summaries
Based on 8 reviews
What Campers Love
Positive reviews emphasize the scenic beauty, frequent moose sightings, the convenience of Windigo facilities, and the availability of Adirondack-style shelters. Specific highlights include comments...
Based on 8 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Common complaints include the lack of toilet paper in composting toilets, opportunistic foxes stealing items, and the high competition for Adirondack shelters since they cannot be reserved. One...
Based on 8 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Campers recommend arriving early to secure a shelter, especially if arriving by boat. Bringing toilet paper is advised due to the lack of supplies in composting toilets. Additionally, vigilance is...
Based on 8 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
Reviews indicate heavy use during the summer months, particularly in August, when shelters are reported as consistently full. Wildlife sightings, especially moose, are a prominent feature during this...
Based on 8 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
1. 'Definitely a welcome respite after backpacking the length of the island.' - Marshall Sims
2. 'Good chance of seeing a moose on the river in the morning!' - GladGomical Gaming
3. 'In 3 days we saw...
Based on 8 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Campsites 1 and 2 are identified as hotspots for moose activity, making them particularly desirable for wildlife enthusiasts. Interior sites are noted for their social nature and high foot traffic.
Based on 8 reviewsAccessibility Features
No reviews specifically addressing accessibility features were provided.
Based on 8 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No reviews specifically addressing pet policies or experiences with pets were provided.
Based on 8 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025