Why would anyone choose an inland campground on an island where Lake Superior is never more than a few miles away? Because that's precisely what makes Island Mine Campground unique among all the backcountry sites on Isle Royale. Located half a mile south of the Greenstone Ridge Trail junction, this is the only below-ridge camping option on the island's interior. You trade lake views for quiet woods, fewer people, and the chance to hear wolves howl in a way you never would on the exposed shoreline.
For more, see complete visitor guide, all campgrounds, hiking trails, lodging and accommodations, Campsites at Birch Island Campground (2026 Guide) (2026 guide), Campsites at Chippewa Harbor Campground (2026 Guide), Campsites at Duncan Bay Campground (2026 Guide) (2026 guide), Campsites at East Chickenbone Campground (2026 Guide), Campsites at Feldtmann Lake Campground (2026 Guide), and Campsites at Grace Island Campground (2026 Guide) (2026 guide).For a complete visitor guide to the park, including ferry schedules and permit details, see the complete visitor guide. Below is everything you need to know about reserving, reaching, and staying at Island Mine Campground in 2026.
The Campground Layout and Sites
Island Mine Campground has six sites total, and four of them are tent-only. That means no hammock-friendly trees or extra space for large shelters - these are small, distinct pads cut into the boreal forest. The remaining two sites are group tent sites, available only by advanced reservation and costing $25 per permit (not per person). Parties of seven or more must book through the park's online group request system.
First-come, first-served for the four individual sites. No reservations, no phone calls. You arrive, you claim an open site. The park opens April 16 and closes October 31 annually - within that window, the campground operates 24 hours a day. But note the stay limit: three consecutive nights between June 1 and Labor Day. Rangers enforce this strictly to give everyone a fair shot at occupancy.What the park website doesn't mention: the sites are not numbered in any logical order. Look for small posts near each pad. The tent pads are level but compact - expect gravel and packed duff. No picnic tables, no fire rings, no designated cooking areas. You cook on the ground or on a portable stove. Pack out all waste.
Getting There: Access and Trail Conditions
Foot access only. Island Mine Campground has no canoe or kayak access. You arrive via the Island Mine Trail, a connector that branches off the Greenstone Ridge Trail. The campground sits exactly 0.5 miles south of that junction. Most visitors approach from the Greenstone - either east from Rock Harbor or west from Windigo.The trail itself is typical Isle Royale terrain: roots, rocks, occasional mud, and grade that's manageable for a moderately fit backpacker. The half-mile spur to the campground is downhill from the Greenstone, which means on the way out you'll climb back up. Plan for that last push.
Water source. The Little Siskiwit River runs south of the campground. You can usually obtain water there for filtering - treat everything, as always. But here's the catch: the river can dry up. In late summer or drought years, that reliable stream becomes a string of isolated pools or nothing at all. Always check with a visitor center before heading in. If the river is low, you may need to carry extra water from the Greenstone Ridge or detour to a alternate source. Rangers will tell you: "Don't assume the creek is running."For a full list of backcountry options, check our guide to all campgrounds on Isle Royale.
Regulations and Food Storage
Isle Royale has always had bears, but 2026 brings a new set of food storage guidelines triggered by wolves accessing human food and garbage on the east end of the island. Island Mine Campground falls under the new rules. You must store all food, trash, and scented items in an approved bear canister - no hang bags, no ursacks, no exceptions. Rangers will check at the permit desk and on trail.
The free overnight permit is required for every party regardless of size. Small-party camping (six people or less) costs $0 - no fee beyond the permit. Group sites cost $25. All parties of seven or more must submit group requests through the online system. You cannot just show up with a dozen people and claim the group site; it requires advance booking.
Cell service? It drops out almost immediately once you leave Rock Harbor or Windigo. Island Mine has zero signal. No ranger station or phone at the campground. If something goes wrong, you hike back to the Greenstone and hope to meet other hikers.
Practical Takeaways
- Reserve group sites early - The $25 group permit fee is per party, not per person, but demand is high. Submit online well before your trip.
- Carry a bear canister - The new food storage rules are mandatory. Rangers at the visitor center have a list of approved models.
- Check water status - Call or stop at the visitor center before departing. If the Little Siskiwit River is dry, you'll need to haul water from the Greenstone Ridge or skip this campground.
- Three-night limit - Count your nights from June 1 through Labor Day. You cannot stay longer.
- Go during shoulder season - April 16 through May 31 and September through October 31 have no stay limit (beyond standard park regulations) and fewer people. Water tends to be more reliable in spring.
- Pack light but smart - No amenities at the site. No tables, no fire pits, no shelter. Bring everything you need, pack out everything you bring.
Final Thoughts
Island Mine Campground isn't for everyone. It lacks the shoreline views that most visitors want. But for experienced backpackers who value solitude, the chance to see moose browsing in the woods near the campsite, and the unique experience of camping in the interior of a wilderness island, it's the right call. The half-mile walk to the Greenstone Ridge Trail gives you quick access to the best ridge hiking on the island without the wind and exposure of a ridge-top camp.
If you want to feel what Isle Royale is like away from the water, this is your spot. Just bring enough water, follow the food storage rules, and don't expect a sign to point you to your pad. The forest will show you where to set up.