Birch Island Campground
01 review800 E. Lakeshore Drive, Houghton, MN, 49931, USA
Birch Island 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
Fees vary by reservation method: $8 if made online or through the app, $9 via contact center, and $3 in-person.
About this campground
Tucked away at the mouth of McCargoe Cove on Isle Royale's windswept northern shore, Birch Island Campground offers an intimate escape into true wilderness solitude. This hidden gem welcomes adventurous paddlers and boaters with just one individual tent site and a rustic shelter, creating an exclusive backcountry experience. Your vessel can rest safely in the protected waters, with overnight docking available at a comfortable 5-foot depth under normal conditions—perfect for those arriving by canoe, kayak, or private boat after a day exploring Lake Superior's crystalline waters.
Birch Island Campground is a basic and primitive site catering to small groups or individuals seeking a remote wilderness experience.
Historical SignificanceIsle Royale National Park stands as America's best-kept secret—a pristine wilderness that rewards the few who make the journey with unparalleled solitude and natural beauty. This remote archipelago has earned its reputation as one of the least visited yet most cherished national parks in the system, where isolation isn't a barrier but rather the main attraction. Here, the absence of crowds transforms every sunrise into a private showing and every wildlife encounter into an intimate moment with nature.
Weather and SeasonsIsle Royale's weather tells its own dramatic story, with nature's moods shifting from gentle summer breezes to fierce winter gales. Visitors should prepare for the island's temperamental personality—moderate snowfall can dust the landscape while powerful winds sweep across the exposed northern shores. The region's characteristic low precipitation creates crisp, clear days perfect for photography, though freezing conditions during shoulder seasons remind adventurers that this is truly a northern wilderness where preparation meets paradise.
ElevationWhile Isle Royale's gentle topography rarely challenges with dramatic peaks, its subtle elevation changes create an ever-shifting landscape of ridges, valleys, and shoreline terraces. The island's modest heights offer something more precious than altitude—unobstructed views across Lake Superior's endless horizon and intimate forest paths where ancient trees tower overhead, creating natural cathedrals in the wilderness.
Natural Features and SceneryBirch Island Campground serves as your gateway to Isle Royale's untamed beauty, where ancient boreal forests meet the endless expanse of Lake Superior. From your campsite, watch morning mist rise from McCargoe Cove while the haunting call of loons echoes across the water. The surrounding wilderness pulses with life—majestic moose browse along the shoreline at dawn, while red foxes dart through the underbrush at dusk. Rugged ridgelines frame pristine coves, creating a landscape that feels untouched by time, where every rocky outcrop and forest trail tells the story of nature's patient artistry.
Geological RegionPerched on Isle Royale's dramatic northern coastline near McCargoe Cove, this campground occupies a front-row seat to Lake Superior's geological theater. The island itself rises from Superior's depths as an ancient volcanic ridge, its rugged terrain sculpted by billions of years of geological forces and polished by glacial ice. Today, weathered basalt cliffs plunge into the world's largest freshwater lake, while inland ridges and valleys create a corrugated landscape that channels wildlife movements and captures pockets of pristine wilderness between its protective arms.
Campsite details
AccessibilityAccess to the campground is limited to canoe, kayak, or private boat. It may not be suitable for individuals with mobility challenges.
Sites SizeThe campground features one individual tent site and a shelter. Sizes of these sites are not explicitly mentioned.
Sites PrivacyThe campground is small and remote, likely providing good privacy due to its seclusion and low visitation rates.
Total Campsites2 campsites
Recommended CampsitesUsers recommend visiting for fishing, as pike fishing in Brady Cove is reportedly excellent—'pretty much guaranteed!' according to a user review.
Best CampsitesThe campground consists of a single tent site and one shelter, ideal for solitude.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
N/A
Check-out
N/A
Stay Limit
3nights June 1 - Labor Day annually.
Guests Allowed Per Site
1shelter, 1 tent site.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutThe campground features one tent site and one shelter, with docking facilities available for boats.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen seasonally from June 1 through Labor Day.
Reservation PlatformsReservations cannot be made for this campground, as it is first-come, first-served.
Walk-in AvailabilityBirch Island Campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis, as reservations are unavailable.
Cancellation PolicyA $10 cancellation fee may apply if the reservation is canceled before the check-in date. No late cancellations or modifications are available for first-come, first-served sites.
Activities you can enjoy
Birch Island Campground is primarily suited for paddling and water-based activities, thanks to its location near McCargoe Cove. Fishing is a highlight here, with user reviews explicitly mentioning the area's excellent pike fishing.
Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Campfire policies are not explicitly stated.
- Quiet hours are Not specified.
Hazards
General hazardsPotential hazards include rugged terrain and possible encounters with wildlife such as moose or bears. Weather conditions may also pose challenges.
Active alertsNo current active alerts specific to Birch Island Campground.
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
Nearest emergency services are located in Houghton. Specific details about emergency services access not provided.
Good to know
Peak season datesJune 1 through Labor Day.
Trash and recyclingNo specific information about trash and recycling facilities is provided.
Proximity to water featuresThe campground is adjacent to McCargoe Cove and Lake Superior, providing direct water access via canoe/kayak/private boat.
Common complaintsUser reviews mention that boaters tend to visit more frequently than canoes or kayaks.
HostNo information about campground hosts is provided.
Campground Map
800 E. Lakeshore Drive, Houghton, MN, 49931, USA
Driving directionsDetailed directions for Birch Island Campground can be accessed at https://www.nps.gov/isro/planyourvisit/boating-guide.htm.
Access is only available via canoe, kayak, or private boat. There are no major road connections.Nearby places
Houghton: Closest city, but specific distance not provided.
Nearby supplies
Specific information about the closest locations for groceries, camping supplies, and fuel is not provided.
Camper Reviews
0.0
1 reviews
Birch Island Campground has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
Birch Island Campground receives positive feedback for its solitude and fishing opportunities. It is described as remote and less frequently visited, making it ideal for those seeking quiet and seclusion.
Review Summaries
Based on 1 reviews
What Campers Love
The campground's remote location and the shelter availability are appreciated. User reviews highlight excellent fishing opportunities, particularly for pike.
Based on 1 reviewsCommon Concerns
No specific complaints are documented, but the lack of detailed amenities and facilities may be a drawback for some users.
Based on 1 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Bring your fishing gear, as pike fishing in nearby Brady Cove is highly recommended by users.
Based on 1 reviewsSeasonal Insights
The stay limit of 3 nights is enforced from June 1 through Labor Day, making this period the peak season. Weather conditions and accessibility may vary outside this window.
Based on 1 reviewsCamper Quotes
1. 'Usually get this site to yourself but more boaters than canoes/yaks will visit.' 2. 'The pike fishing in Brady Cove is unreal and pretty much guaranteed!'
Based on 1 reviewsSite-Specific Reviews
The campground has only one tent site and one shelter. Users appreciate the privacy and typically have the site to themselves.
Based on 1 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025