Best Campsite for Sunrise

Questions about trails and campsites on the island.

Moderator: MikeT

Post Reply
Coolkat
NewbieCake
Posts: 18
Joined: Fri Apr 15, 2016 2:51 pm
Has thanked: 4 times

Best Campsite for Sunrise

Post by Coolkat »

In a couple of months I'll be on Isle Royale with my brother and his daughter. She really wants to camp at least one night where there will be a good of the sunrise in the morning (assuming no clouds of course). When I was there in 2014 I did Lanes Cove, Daisy Farm, Moskey Basin, and Chippewa Harbor. I think Chippewa Harbor may be sunrise compatible but after looking at the map it looks like Malone Bay is a better choice.

Any advice or thoughts on this?
User avatar
dcclark
May actually live on IR
Posts: 385
Joined: Fri Aug 11, 2017 1:39 pm
Isle Royale Visits: 4
Location: Grand Rapids, MI
Has thanked: 156 times
Been thanked: 133 times
Contact:

Re: Best Campsite for Sunrise

Post by dcclark »

Moskey Basin is the classic choice for sunrises. The sun rises right down the length of the basin for most of the summer. Of course, that's counting on the weather cooperating -- but somehow Moskey is a bit magical, and I've always had a good sunrise there!
Bobcat1
Bushwacker
Posts: 277
Joined: Tue Apr 23, 2019 10:01 pm
Isle Royale Visits: 8
Location: Pickerington, Ohio
Has thanked: 40 times
Been thanked: 90 times

Re: Best Campsite for Sunrise

Post by Bobcat1 »

If you have a boat, Merritt Lane is good. But it’s water-only access.
22 WC-HC-BCZ20-WC
19 RH-ML-TI-RH by kayak
16 RH-DF-MB-TI-RH-3M-RH by kayak
09 RH-DF-MC-TH-HL-SD-WC
00 WC-IM-WC
96 WC-FL-SB-SD-HL-CE-3M-RH
94 RH-DF-MB-3M-RH
92 RH-DF-LR-CW-HL-SD-IM-WC
User avatar
hooky
IR Expert
Posts: 791
Joined: Mon Mar 26, 2012 11:26 am
Isle Royale Visits: 2
Location: Central Indiana
Has thanked: 138 times
Been thanked: 54 times

Re: Best Campsite for Sunrise

Post by hooky »

Malone would have to be from the dock side of the campground.

Moskey is fantastic for sunrises. Three Mile and Daisy are great from the dock.
Coolkat
NewbieCake
Posts: 18
Joined: Fri Apr 15, 2016 2:51 pm
Has thanked: 4 times

Re: Best Campsite for Sunrise

Post by Coolkat »

Thanks guys... I already liked Moskey Basin so that will be on the agenda.
treeplanter
May actually live on IR
Posts: 498
Joined: Wed Jun 20, 2012 6:57 pm
Isle Royale Visits: 12
Has thanked: 1 time
Been thanked: 69 times
Contact:

Re: Best Campsite for Sunrise

Post by treeplanter »

Chippewa Harbor is nice around Labor Day, when the sun is rising father south in the eastern sky.

Duncan Bay Narrows (boat access only) is very good too, especially in June, when the sun is rising about as far north as it can.
MrSniffles
NewbieCake
Posts: 10
Joined: Fri Jan 31, 2014 7:36 pm
Isle Royale Visits: 6
Been thanked: 7 times

Re: Best Campsite for Sunrise

Post by MrSniffles »

Nominating Todd Harbor as best campsite where the sun rises behind you
DSC_0564.JPG
User avatar
thesneakymonkey
May actually live on IR
Posts: 357
Joined: Sat Jan 14, 2017 5:43 pm
Isle Royale Visits: 3
Has thanked: 23 times
Been thanked: 36 times
Contact:

Re: Best Campsite for Sunrise

Post by thesneakymonkey »

Gotta go with Moskey on this one. Some of the best there.
User avatar
Kelly
Trailblazer
Posts: 178
Joined: Thu Jan 05, 2012 7:36 pm
Isle Royale Visits: 9
Has thanked: 138 times
Been thanked: 71 times
Contact:

Re: Best Campsite for Sunrise

Post by Kelly »

Belle Isle is nice, and not on most itineraries.
2012 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2026 A Minong thorough hike
Coolkat
NewbieCake
Posts: 18
Joined: Fri Apr 15, 2016 2:51 pm
Has thanked: 4 times

Re: Best Campsite for Sunrise

Post by Coolkat »

Thanks guys... on our trip next month we will be spending our first evening and last evening in Moskey so my niece has a double chance at getting a decent sun rise. Now I just hope that we get to see a moose for her sake also. I've discovered in planning this trip that 5 days (2 half days and 3 full days) is not enough.

I was there in 2014 for 7 days we were able to cover much more ground. I think my next time will start at the south end in Windigo but that means a much longer drive time and if I'm gonna go into MN then I might change my mind and do the Border Route Trail and Kekekabic Trail. Too many trails too little time.
Post Reply