Malone Bay Campground

Overview

Remote and peaceful, Malone Bay Campground sits on the south shore at the end of the Ishpeming Trail. It’s a sweet spot for boaters and paddlers thanks to its dock, and a quieter choice for backpackers willing to tackle the long drop from (and climb back to) Greenstone Ridge.

Facilities and Layout

• Five first‑come, first‑served wooden shelters line the lakeshore.
• Two group sites (with fire rings) handle tent camping; there are no individual tent sites.
• Multiple pit toilets (including one near the dock). No potable water, no showers, no hookups, and no picnic tables or store.
• A ranger station is nearby and only occasionally staffed.
• Summer stay limit: 3 nights between June 1 and Labor Day.

Getting There

• By water: Arrive via canoe, kayak, or private boat; the dock allows overnight mooring.
• By foot: Descend via the Ishpeming Trail from the Greenstone Ridge. The return climb is long and steep, and the trail can be faint or overgrown in places with blowdowns and beaver‑dam detours. The nearest next campgrounds (like Hatchet Lake or South Lake Desor) make for a big day, so plan conservatively.

What You’ll See

• Big‑water vistas of Lake Superior right from camp; on clear days you can spot the Menagerie Lighthouse—binoculars help.
• Rugged shoreline with distinctive conglomerate rock glazed in lichen and moss.
• A small waterfall between the ranger quarters and campground—great for a sit and a cool splash.
• Seasonal berries (raspberries and thimbleberries) and good fishing opportunities, with easy access to both Lake Superior and nearby inland waters.

Atmosphere

Malone Bay tends to be quieter than the busier corridor campgrounds. Boaters love it; backpackers who make the trek are rewarded with space, scenery, and the sense you’ve truly reached the edge of the island.

Best Time to Visit

• Midweek is your best bet for an open shelter; they’re limited and popular with boaters.
• Early and late in the day bring softer light for photos and, often, calmer water.
• Wind can whip the lakeshore; if Superior is rough, nearby inland water often feels more sheltered.

Need‑to‑Know

Bring a reliable water treatment method and everything you need—there’s no potable water or services here. Have a firm backup plan if shelters are full, and build extra time for the hike out if you’re returning to the ridge.