Campsites at Washington Creek Campground (2026 Guide)

The three-night stay limit runs from June 1 through September 17 each year, and no reservations are accepted. That means the only way to secure a spot at Washington Creek Campground is to arrive early and hope for an open shelter or tent pad. This guide covers everything you need to know to plan your stay - fees, layout, food storage rules, and the logistics of getting there by boat or trail.

Located on the southwest end of Isle Royale along Washington Creek, this is the main campground for the Windigo area. It sits within walking distance of the Windigo Visitor Center, Windigo Store, and the Windigo Comfort Station, making it a practical base for either a short stay or the start of a longer backcountry trip. The campground connects directly to the Feldtmann Lake, Minong, and Greenstone Ridge Trails - three of the island's primary hiking routes.

If you are coming by water, boats can tie up at Windigo Dock, where water depths range from 4 to 20 feet depending on the slip. From the dock, it's a 0.3-mile walk to the campground. Canoe and kayak access is also straightforward. For a more complete overview of the area, see the complete visitor guide.

Getting to the Campground

There is no road to Windigo. You either walk in, paddle in, or come by private boat. The National Park Service ferry runs from Houghton, Michigan, and Grand Portage, Minnesota, during the operating season (April 16 to October 31). Most visitors arrive at Windigo via that ferry or by seaplane.

Once you step off the boat at Windigo Dock, you will see a short trail heading inland. That path leads directly to the campground. The walk is flat and takes about 5-10 minutes with gear. The campground is open 24 hours a day during the park season, but the visitor center has set hours, and the store is seasonal - plan to arrive during daylight if possible.

If you are arriving by canoe or kayak, you can land at the dock or beach near Windigo. The same.3-mile walk applies. Keep an eye out for the campground sign near the creek.

Fees and Permits (2026)

Washington Creek Campground uses the park's standard fee structure. Small-party camping - groups of six people or fewer - costs $0 per night, though a free overnight permit is required. You pick that up at the Windigo Visitor Center or at the park headquarters in Houghton before departure.

Group tent sites cost $25.00 per permit. All parties of seven or more must submit a group permit request through the park's online system. The fee covers the entire group for the permit, not per person. Those group sites require advance reservation - you cannot show up with a group of ten and expect to find space on a first-come basis.

The park's operating season runs April 16 through October 31. The campground is closed from November 1 to April 15. During the open months, the 24-hour access means you can arrive late, but the visitor center will be closed, so you would need to get your permit ahead of time.

The three-night stay limit applies only from June 1 to September 17. Outside that window, the limit may be more flexible, but check current rules at the visitor center.

Campsite Layout: Shelters and Tent Pads

Washington Creek Campground has a total of 19 sites, including 10 shelters and 5 tent-only sites. The remaining sites are likely tent pads suitable for one or two tents. The shelters are three-walled Adirondack-style structures with a roof and wood floor. They are first-come, first-served - no reservations for individual shelter sites.

Most visitors prefer the shelters because they offer wind and rain protection. On a busy summer afternoon, they fill quickly. The tent-only sites are located nearby, tucked among the spruce and fir trees along Washington Creek. The stream itself is narrow but audible - you can hear it running from most sites.

The campground is compact. Facilities include the Windigo Comfort Station, which has flush toilets and sinks (a rarity on Isle Royale, where most backcountry sites have pit toilets). The Windigo Store sells basic supplies and snacks during the summer.

Food Storage and Wildlife Precautions

New food storage guidelines are now in effect across Isle Royale - including at Washington Creek Campground - in response to wolves accessing human food and garbage in the Rock Harbor area. The park expects all visitors to store food, trash, and scented items properly.

What that means for you: use the provided food lockers (bear-proof boxes) at your shelter or site. If you are tent camping, you may need to bring a bear canister - check with the ranger at the visitor center about current requirements. Do not leave food unattended, even for a short time. Wolves on the island have learned that human camps can be a food source, and that is dangerous for everyone.

Rangers will tell you that the best defense is a clean camp. Cook away from your sleeping area, pack out all trash, and store everything - toothpaste, sunscreen, cooking gear - in the lockers. The park website mentions these guidelines, but the reality is that many first-time visitors underestimate how quickly a wolf or fox can snatch an unattended pack.

What the Official Website Doesn't Mention

A few details worth knowing:

• The water pump. There is a hand-pump well near the campground, but its reliability varies. The park treats the water, but it is always wise to bring your own filtration or purification tablets. Do not assume the pump will be working when you arrive.
• Windigo Dock's depth. The dock can accommodate boats with drafts up to 20 feet, but low water levels in late summer occasionally make the shallower slips unusable. Call ahead or check at the visitor center.
• The.3-mile walk feels longer with gear. From the dock to the campground is flat but unpaved. If you have a heavy pack or a cart for kayak gear, the walk takes closer to 15 minutes. Plan accordingly.
• Cell service drops out long before you reach Isle Royale. Once you leave Houghton or Grand Portage, you are off the grid. Washington Creek Campground has no cell signal, no Wi-Fi, and no landline phones at the campground itself. The visitor center has a pay phone, but that is it.

Practical Takeaways

• Get your free overnight permit at the Windigo Visitor Center before setting up camp. If you arrive when the center is closed, you may have a problem - plan your arrival accordingly.
• For groups of seven or more, apply for a group site well in advance via the park's online permit system. The $25 fee covers the whole group.
• Bring a food storage canister or plan to use the lockers at each shelter. Follow the new food storage guidelines strictly - rangers are enforcing them.
• Arrive early in the day to secure a shelter, especially from June through August. Shelters are first-come, first-served and go fast.
• Pack light but smart. The walk from the dock is short, but you will be carrying everything. No vehicle access means you are on foot from the moment you land.
• Check the park's official website for current dock conditions and water pump status before you leave.

For a complete list of camping options on Isle Royale, see the all campgrounds guide.

Final Thoughts

Washington Creek Campground is one of the few developed campgrounds on Isle Royale, and it serves as a logical start or end point for any trip to the island's southwest side. The proximity to Windigo's visitor services makes it a practical choice for first-time visitors, while the trail connections to the Feldtmann Lake Loop and Greenstone Ridge make it equally useful for experienced backpackers.

The campground is not remote in the backcountry sense - you can hear the ferry horn and see other campers - but it is still deep enough into the island that you need to take food storage seriously and prepare for isolation. No cell service, no vehicle traffic, no last-minute supply runs. Once you are there, you are committed.

Plan ahead, follow the rules, and respect the wildlife. That is how you keep a place like this open and safe for everyone.