Chippewa Harbor Campground

Chippewa Harbor Campground is a seven-site backcountry campground on Isle Royale's south shore, known for its shoreline shelters and boat-or-trail access. It suits hikers and paddlers making an overnight stop, not anyone looking for a drive-up campground. The seven sites are four shelters, two individual tent sites, and one group site.

Walk in via Indian Portage Trail, or reach the harbor by canoe, kayak, or private boat. Boats may stay overnight at the dock; its listed depth is 7 feet in normal conditions, and actual water depth can vary. Individual tent sites and shelters are first come, first served; reserve the single group site in advance. Consecutive stays are limited to three nights from June 1 through Labor Day.

Bring all your food: there is no camp store. Water is available but not potable, so bring a filter or other treatment; food-storage lockers are provided year-round. There is no cell reception or trash collection, and no staff on site. Toilets are provided, but their type is inconsistently documented, so check current details if that matters. The rough, uneven ground has no wheelchair access, and pets are not allowed in the park. The campground follows Isle Royale's seasonal operating season, roughly mid-April through October; overnight permits are required.

A lichen-covered rock marks the entrance to Chippewa Harbor. Along the campground's rocky shoreline, shelters sit at the treeline beside picnic tables. From the harbor, a 1.2-mile portage leads toward Lake Richie, a useful link for people carrying on through the island by water and trail.