Pros & cons
PROS
- Quiet three-site lakeshore camp
- Essential water access between dry Minong sections
CONS
- Reached only via tough Minong miles with beaver dam crossings
- No potable water, no fires, and very few amenities
Overview
A true backcountry stop, North Lake Desor Campground sits on the north shore of Lake Desor along the rugged Minong Ridge Trail. It’s tiny (three tent sites), primitive, and wonderfully quiet—perfect if you’re here for solitude, not amenities. Expect pit toilets, lake water you must treat, and no fires.
Setting & Access
This is hike-in only—no road, no dock, no boat/canoe/kayak access. The approach via the Minong is notorious for slow, strenuous travel with ups and downs, muddy stretches, and tricky navigation. West toward Windigo, the trail literally uses a series of beaver dams; you’ll walk along the dam crests. Even “short” mileage here can take a full day.
Why It’s Worth It
With just three sites tucked in the woods by a rocky inland lakeshore, this place delivers the quiet many people come to Isle Royale to find. It’s also a strategic staging point on the Minong: a logical place to rest, refill, and regroup between demanding segments.
Water Strategy (Critical Here)
There’s no accessible water along the adjacent Minong sections. Treat and carry all you need from Lake Desor at camp before heading out in either direction. Build that into your arrival and departure plans.
Wildlife
Beaver activity is obvious from the dam crossings west of camp. Moose frequent the area as well—watch for sign near wet trail sections and along the lakeshore.
Camping Setup & Amenities
Tent sites only; no shelters or picnic tables. Pit toilets are available, but there’s no running water and no store or services. Fires aren’t allowed—bring a stove and keep your kit simple and efficient.
Best Time to Visit
June through Labor Day has a two‑night limit here, which helps keep turnover steady. Start hiking early on Minong days; light and energy matter when the terrain is slow. Crowds aren’t the issue—capacity and daylight are.
Need-to-Know Tips
- The Minong can be tough to follow in spots; carry solid navigation.
- Expect wet, uneven footing, especially near beaver work.
- Pack light; every pound counts on this trail network.
Where it is
47.9810, -88.9936Tips for North Lake Desor Campground
- 01Treat and carry all water from Lake Desor before leaving camp.
- 02Start early; sub‑6 mile Minong segments can still take most of the day.
- 03Be ready to walk along beaver dam crests on the route toward Windigo.
- 04Bring a stove—no campfires allowed here.
- 05Keep your pack tight and light; the Minong punishes extra weight.
Amenities
Near North Lake Desor Campground
All places →All trails →
0.7 mi awayLake DesorRemote inland lake with quiet camps and knockout sunsetsRestroom · Campground
1.2 mi awaySouth Lake Desor CampgroundRemote Greenstone Ridge stop with moody sunsets over Lake DesorCampground · Restroom
2 mi awayMount DesorIsland high point on a viewless, quiet forested ridge
3.7 mi awayIshpeming PointRemote fire tower junction and the island’s second-highest point
8.4 mi awayGreenstone Ridge TrailRidge traverse crossing Isle Royale from Rock Harbor to WindigoChallenging · 40 mi · 120 hr
8.4 mi awayGrace Creek TrailShort, rocky walk to a sweeping perch above Grace Creek and HarborModerate · 3.6 mi · 3 hr
8.7 mi awayMalone Bay TrailRemote ridge to Lake Superior descent with big views and bigger effortChallenging · 13.1 mi · 9 hr
9 mi awayMinong Ridge TrailRemote, rugged ridge traverse with big Lake Superior views.Challenging · 32.1 mi · 48 hr
