Visiting IR by private boat

[F14CRAZY]

Hi I'm new here. A friend and I were considering taking a weeklong trip to Isle Royale this upcoming summer. My dad was there back in '76 and still talks fondly of the park so it's definitely a place I'd like to go to.

I understand that Isle Royale has a marina but is it allowable for my friend and I to drop anchor off shore in a bay or inlet, take a dinghy to shore, explore an area of the island that day, then row back and sleep on the boat? I have a Bayliner cuddy cabin I restored myself so there's no problems with us actually staying on board but I haven't dug into it that deeply yet and didn't know if there were any rules against this. We would not be using the campgrounds on the island

[Tampico]

Yes, you're free to anchor almost anywhere.

[johnhens]

Welcome to the Forums!!!

Boating regs:
http://www.nps.gov/isro/planyourvisit/u ... 0Guide.pdf

You would be required to get a permit and pay the daily usage fee while in the park. Depending on the time of year, there are some areas closed to boat access for nesting loons.

From the Greestone (Park Paper):
Loons
Isle Royale National Park is the summer home
for over 100 nesting pairs of Common Loons,
supporting the only known population which
still breeds on Great Lakes waters. These birds
nest on land very close to the shoreline, making
them highly susceptible to human disturbance.
An adult loon who tremolos (the laughing call)
is sending a message that you are too close.
From mid-May through July 15 (loon nesting
season) visitors are to stay at least 150 feet away
from small islands. Additional areas may be
closed due to loon nesting, please check at the
visitor centers for updated information.

[Backpacker534]

F14CRAZY, welcome to the forums! I'm sure that once you visit the island you'll have many fond memories of you own for the years that follow. There's a wealth of information here and many very nice people here. Between the members and the information that's already been discussed in the various threads, there is probably no topic you can't get accurate information on. I hope you have a great time during your visit.

[Tampico]

Here's a good link for IRNP boating info.

http://www.isle.royale.national-park.com/boat.htm#

[F14CRAZY]

Thanks for the quick replies and the link. I've been reading through other previous posts and have learned quite a bit here.

My friend is a camper and I'm more of a boater so we're making a compromise .

From my reading at the link provided, there are docks at some of the campgrounds and it seems to say that its fine to dock there then anchor out at night. Do I need to be a registered camper at that site to dock there during the day?

[Tampico]

Yes, you need a permit to overnight anywhere in the park.

[johnhens]

From my reading at the link provided, there are docks at some of the campgrounds and it seems to say that its fine to dock there then anchor out at night. Do I need to be a registered camper at that site to dock there during the day?

Good question, not too sure on the answer. I would call the folks in Houghton and get clarification.
Onece you find out, let us know if you don't mind!!!

I would also talk to them about anchoring out, where the good spots are and toublesome spots. Lots of rocks, reefs around the Island. Defineitely get the Nautical Chart/NOAA for the Island.

[Tampico]

Boaters are required to pay the daily fee or obtain on of two passes offered. You can buy a pass that covers your boat and everyone on board, or an individual pass that covers just you.

This applies everywhere within the park boundaries, even when anchored-out.

The chart you will want is NOAA#14976. You can view an electronic copy of it here:

http://www.charts.noaa.gov/OnLineViewer/14976.shtml

If you don't already know how to read a nautical chart, learn. There are books available and resources online.

[johnhens]

From my reading at the link provided, there are docks at some of the campgrounds and it seems to say that its fine to dock there then anchor out at night. Do I need to be a registered camper at that site to dock there during the day?

So this is my understanding of how the permitting works if you are going to anchor.
You go on the Anchor Zone map:
http://www.nps.gov/isro/planyourvisit/u ... %20Map.pdf
and pick out what zone you wish to anchor in each night. That zone # is what goes down on your permit.
If you choose to tie up at a dock during the day, that need not be put on your permit.
Again, I would suggest calling the folks in Houghton (nice people) and talking to them.
Hope that helps!!!