The single shelter at Merritt Lane Campground is first-come, first-served, and during peak season it fills well before noon. If you're paddling the northeast end of Isle Royale and need a reliable place to land for the night, this is one of the most straightforward options on that side of the island - but only if you understand how it works. For a broader overview of the area, check the complete visitor guide before you launch.
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).Location and Access: What You Need to Know
Merritt Lane Campground sits on the northeast end of Isle Royale National Park, in a narrow cove called Merritt Lane. This is not a campground you hike to. There are no trails connecting it to the island's interior. Access is strictly by water - canoe, kayak, or private boat only.
The dock runs 8 feet deep under normal conditions, which is enough for most recreational powerboats and sailboats. Kayakers and canoeists will find the dock usable but should be prepared for Lake Superior's shifting water levels, which can vary by a foot or more depending on wind direction and recent weather. The dock is shared between campers and boaters passing through, so tie up considerably and don't leave gear spread across the boarding area.
Getting there takes planning. The nearest ferry drop-off points are Rock Harbor (about 6 nautical miles southwest) and Belle Isle (closer but also water-access only). Most visitors who camp here are doing multi-day paddling trips along the north shore or crossing from the Canadian side. If you're coming from Rock Harbor, expect a paddle of roughly two to three hours depending on wind and your pace. East winds can make the approach choppy - early morning is your best bet for calm water.
Campground Layout and Sites
As of 2026, Merritt Lane Campground has 2 sites total, with 1 designated tent-only shelter and space for additional tent camping. The shelter is the main draw - a three-sided Adirondack-style structure with a wooden floor and roof, positioned to face the water. It sleeps up to four people comfortably if you're not hauling oversized packs.
The shelter is water-facing. You will wake up looking directly at Lake Superior. That sounds like a luxury until you remember this is Lake Superior, which means fog, wind, and the occasional overnight temperature drop into the 40s even in July. Pack a warm sleep system.
The second site is a tent pad, less protected than the shelter. It works fine in calm weather but gets exposed when the wind swings north. Most experienced paddlers target the shelter first and treat the tent site as backup.
No reservations. Everything is first-come, first-served. There is no fee for small-party camping of six people or less, though you do need a free overnight permit. You can pick that up at the Rock Harbor Visitor Center or Windigo when you arrive on the island.The stay limit is 3 nights from June 1 through Labor Day annually. Rangers will tell you that most people stay one night and move on, which is about right for this location - it's a stopping point, not a basecamp.
What the Park Website Doesn't Mention
The official materials tell you Merritt Lane exists and has a dock. Here is what they leave out.
Water. There is no potable water at Merritt Lane. You need to bring all your drinking water or be prepared to treat lake water. The water off the dock is Lake Superior water - cold, clear, and generally clean - but you should filter or boil it. Giardia is present in the Isle Royale backcountry. Pack extra water for this stretch if you're paddling between water sources. Cooking. There are no fire rings at Merritt Lane. Camp stoves only. The park requires a backcountry stove permit for any cooking, and open fires are not allowed at this campground. Bring your own stove and fuel. Food storage. The new food storage guidelines that went into effect in recent years apply here. All food, garbage, and scented items must be stored in a hard-sided bear canister or approved Ursack. Hang lines are not sufficient. This is in response to wolves accessing human food and garbage on the east end of the island, and rangers do check. A bear canister is not optional - it is required. Cell service. It drops out completely once you leave Rock Harbor. Do not plan on making calls or checking weather on your phone. The ranger at Rock Harbor will give you a weather briefing before you depart, and you should pay close attention to it because you will not get updates once you are on the water. The dock is shared. You may arrive to find a powerboat tied up for the night. That is allowed. Boaters can stay overnight at the dock under the same 3-night limit. If the shelter is taken and the tent pad is wet, you might need to continue to the next campground. Have a backup plan.
Nearby Routes and Trip Planning
Merritt Lane sits along the northeast shore, which means it works well as part of a longer paddle route. Common itineraries include:
- Rock Harbor to Merritt Lane (one day, roughly 6 nautical miles)
- Merritt Lane to Belle Isle (continue northeast along the shore)
- Merritt Lane to Duncan Bay (short hop west, about 3 miles)
Paddlers coming from the Canadian side often use Merritt Lane as their first night on the US side of the border. The customs requirements for crossing Lake Superior by kayak are straightforward but real - you need to clear US Customs by phone or in person at a designated reporting location before you are legally allowed to camp. Rock Harbor has a reporting station. Merritt Lane does not.
For those interested in hiking, the campground has no direct trail access. The nearest trailheads are back at Rock Harbor, which means this is a pure water-access stop. If you want to combine paddling with hiking on the Greenstone Ridge or Minong Ridge trails, you will need to base out of a different campground - Daisy Farm or Three Mile are better suited for that.
See the full list of all campgrounds at Isle Royale to compare your options.
Who Should Stay Here
Merritt Lane Campground is for:
- Paddlers on multi-day trips who need a logical overnight between Rock Harbor and the northeastern islands
- Private boaters who want a quiet anchorage away from the busier Rock Harbor area
- Solo paddlers or small groups who can fit in one shelter or one tent
It is not for:
- Hikers - there are no trails here
- Large groups - two sites max, no group camping capacity
- People who want amenities - no water, no fire pits, no ranger station, no trash service (pack everything out)
- Last-minute planners - the shelter fills early in the day during July and August, and if you arrive after 2 PM you are gambling on availability
Practical Takeaways
- Arrive early. The shelter is single occupancy. Aim to be there by 11 AM if you want first pick.
- Carry a bear canister. Food storage rules are enforced. Rangers check.
- Bring a stove. No fires allowed. No exceptions.
- Filter or carry all water. The lake is drinkable with treatment, but you need the gear to do it.
- Have a backup plan. If the campground is full, Duncan Bay Campground (3 sites, about 3 miles west) or Belle Isle Campground (7 sites, about 5 miles northeast) are your closest alternatives.
- Check the weather. Lake Superior can shift from glass to whitecaps in under an hour. Do not paddle the northeast shore in a northeast wind - it pushes directly into the exposed coves.
Final Thoughts
Merritt Lane Campground is a clean, functional, no-frills stop on the northeast edge of Isle Royale. It does not offer much beyond a place to sleep and a dock to tie your boat to, but that is exactly what it needs to offer. For paddlers working their way along the island's north shore, it fills a gap in the campground chain that would otherwise mean a long day on the water between Rock Harbor and Belle Isle.
The food storage rules and the first-come system require a bit of advance thought, but the campground itself is straightforward. Arrive early. Pack smart. Watch the wind. That is about all there is to it - and on Isle Royale, that simplicity is the point.