Malone Bay

Overview

Malone Bay Campground is a remote south-shore hideout: a pebble beach, waves on Lake Superior, and shelters tucked among striking conglomerate rock outcrops. It’s less visited by backpackers and more popular with boaters and paddlers, which keeps the vibe quiet and the scenery front and center.

Why Go

If you’re after solitude and a true lakeshore basecamp, this is your spot. The shelters sit close to Superior with wide water views, and the unique rock along the shoreline gives the area a different feel from the park’s denser forests. It’s an underrated place to settle in for a couple nights and explore by paddle or cast a line.

Getting There

• By trail: Hike roughly 8 miles from the Greenstone Ridge down the Ishpeming Trail to the bay. The return climb is long and strenuous—plan conservatively.
• By water: Arrive by canoe, kayak, or private boat. There’s an overnight dock (depth about 3–6 feet) that makes access straightforward for boaters.

Campground Details

• Shelters: Five first-come, first-served wooden shelters.
• Group sites: Two, with fire rings.
• Tent pads: None—there are no individual tent sites here.
• Water and toilets: No potable water; treat from the lake or nearby stream. Toilets are available; no showers.
• Other: A ranger station is present but not always staffed; no store, electricity, or picnic tables.

What You’ll See

Expect big-lake horizons, Wright Island just offshore, and, on clear days, a distant glimpse of the Menagerie Lighthouse if you bring binoculars or a zoom lens. Around camp, open grassy patches mix with scrub and shoreline rock. In season, thimbleberries and raspberries pop up nearby. Wildlife is typical of the island—moose, foxes, beavers, and plenty of birds—with better-than-average chances for quiet sightings thanks to the low traffic.

On-the-Ground Feel

Malone Bay is peaceful, breezy, and a touch wild. Boaters like the easy access and often aim for the shelters, which can make competition a thing during peak periods. Hikers love the seclusion but respect the price of admission: that stout climb back to the ridge.

Best Time to Visit

Arrive early in the day to improve your odds of snagging a shelter, especially if you’re coming by boat. Weekdays are typically quieter. Sunset and dawn tend to be the calmest, most atmospheric times to enjoy the shoreline.

Tips

• Plan on the three-night stay limit—perfect for basecamping and day paddles.
• There’s a small stream and a scenic little waterfall near the ranger area.
• The Ishpeming Trail can be tricky to follow in grassy/burned sections—carry a good map and compass or GPS.
• Shelter space is limited; have a fallback plan if everything’s taken.
• Bring a water filter and all your provisions—there are no services here.