There are only three tent sites at North Desor Campground, and none of them are accessible by boat, kayak, or canoe. This is a hike‑in backcountry campground on the Minong Ridge Trail, deep in Isle Royale National Park. The stay limit is two nights from June 1 through Labor Day, and you'll need a free overnight permit before you set out. As of 2026, new food storage guidelines are in effect after wolves accessed human food and garbage near Rock Harbor - rules you'll need to follow here as well.
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).If you're planning a trip to Isle Royale, read the complete visitor guide for an overview of getting there, what to pack, and seasonal conditions. For a broader look at lodging options, see the all campgrounds page.
Getting to North Desor Campground
North Desor Campground sits on the north side of Lake Desor, off the Minong Ridge Trail. The park service lists access as "foot" only - no water trail leads to it. That means every ounce of gear you bring must come in on your back.
Most visitors underestimate the distance and difficulty of reaching this site. The Minong Ridge Trail traverses one of the island's more demanding sections: rugged ridgeline, exposed bedrock, and stretches where the surface changes from packed soil to angled slabs of volcanic rock. Cell service drops out at the trailhead; don't expect a signal anywhere along the route.
The campground opens April 16 and closes October 31 each year, matching the park's operating season. Outside those dates, the park is entirely closed. Winter access is not an option - ferry service from Houghton and Grand Portage stops in late October.
Trail conditions and planning
- The trail to North Desor is not marked with blazes in the same way as the Greenstone Ridge. You'll follow cairns and occasional plastic markers. Pay close attention at junctions.
- Pack extra water for this stretch. Lake Desor water should be treated - boil, filter, or use chemical tablets. No potable water is provided at the campground.
- Early morning is your best bet for hitting the trail if you're starting from Windigo or Rock Harbor. The heat and humidity of July and August make afternoon hiking draining.
Campsite Details
Three tent‑only sites are available. They are first‑come, first‑served - no reservations are taken. The stay limit is two nights from June 1 through Labor Day; outside that window, you may stay longer if space permits, but rangers will advise checking current regulations.
Each site typically includes a cleared tent pad (gravel or dirt) and a nearby food storage cable or pole. Given the recent wolf‑food incidents, the park has reinforced its hard‑sided food container requirements and may require you to use the provided storage structures. Do not store food in your tent overnight.
There is no fee for small‑party camping (six people or fewer). A free overnight permit is required, which you can pick up at the visitor center in Windigo or Rock Harbor, or on the park's website before you arrive.
What you won't find
- No pit toilet or vault toilet is mentioned in the research data for North Desor. Assume you need to follow Leave No Trace principles - pack out all waste or use a backcountry toilet system. Confirm with the visitor center.
- No trash receptacles. Carry out every wrapper, food scrap, and used battery.
- No cell service or emergency phone. The only way to contact help is via a personal locator beacon or satellite messenger - rangers strongly recommend carrying one.
Food Storage and Wildlife Awareness
The current NPS alert reports that wolves have accessed human food and garbage in and around Rock Harbor and campgrounds on the east end of the island. While North Desor is on the west side of Isle Royale, the same guidelines apply park‑wide.
Rangers will tell you that wolves are attracted by food smells carried long distances. The new guidelines emphasize:
- Store all food, garbage, and scented items (toothpaste, sunscreen, insect repellent) in the provided food storage cables or poles. If those are missing or damaged, hang your food at least 10 feet off the ground and 4 feet from the trunk - but use the park's structures if available.
- Do not cook or eat inside your tent. Clean up immediately after meals.
- Report any wildlife that approaches camp or appears habituated to the nearest ranger station.
Keep an eye out for wolves, moose, and foxes - none of which should be fed or approached. The island's wolf population fluctuates, but encounters are rare if you follow proper food storage.
Fees and Permits (as of 2026)
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Small‑party camping (≤6 people) | $0.00 |
| Overnight permit (required) | Free |
| Annual park entrance fee | Included in camping permit (no separate fee for backcountry) |
The research data shows a single fee line: "Small‑party Camping (6 people or less) - $0.00." There is no charge for camping here. You only need a free overnight permit. Verify current rates on the official NPS website: nps.gov/isro/planyourvisit/camping.htm. As of 2026, no reservation system exists for this site; it is strictly first‑come, first‑served.
Practical Advice from Experienced Visitors
- Arrive at the Windigo or Rock Harbor visitor center early in the day to secure your permit and get the latest trail conditions. Permits are issued day‑of; you cannot reserve a backcountry site ahead of time.
- The trail narrows here - meaning there is no room to set up a tent off the designated pads. Do not expect to find a second spot if all three sites are taken. Have a backup plan (another campground, or divert to another trail).
- Pack extra water for this stretch. Lake Desor water can be treated, but it's a good idea to carry at least 2-3 liters from your last water source.
- The elevation gain is worth it - the ridgeline offers open views of Lake Desor and the surrounding boreal forest. But save your energy; the return trip is equally strenuous.
Practical Takeaways
- Permit first. Get your free overnight permit at a visitor center or online before you hike. No permit = no camping.
- Know the limit. Two nights maximum from June 1 to Labor Day. Outside that window, you may stay longer if space allows, but confirm with a ranger.
- Food storage is non‑negotiable. Use the provided cables or poles. If none exist, hang food properly. Wolves and other animals have learned to associate humans with food - don't be the reason they become dangerous.
- No reservation, no guarantee. Arrive early to snag a site. Mid‑afternoon arrivals may find all three occupied.
- Cell service? Don't count on it. Bring a satellite messaging device for emergencies.
- Zero trace. Pack out all trash and waste. There are no trash cans or toilets.
Final Thoughts
North Desor Campground is not for everyone. It requires a solid hike, self‑sufficiency, and comfort with remote backcountry conditions. The reward is one of the quietest spots on Isle Royale - fewer crowds than Rock Harbor, and a chance to hear wolves howl at night without the hum of generators.
If you go, treat the place like the wild it is. Stick to the food storage rules, share the trail, and leave the site cleaner than you found it. That's how these three sites stay available for the next backpacker.