Isle Royale Forums

First timer visiting this fall and am in the process of creating our itinerary for a 5 night backpacking trip (arriving via Ranger III Friday, returning via Ranger III Wednesday) arriving at Rock Harbor. Would love to see your list of favorite campsites to aid in my planning!

Thanks!

Since you will be on the east end of the Island I would recommend the following campsites as among my favorites on the Island:

Moskey Basin
Chippewah Harbor
Lane Cove

McCargoe Cove is also a pretty spot but can be fairly busy. West Chickenbone is a fine camp with sites right on the lake. East Chickenbone is a camp to avoid as it is sparse with water a fair way off and down a steep hill. Three Mile is a lovely spot as well with excellent shelters and campsites near the shore. Daisey Farm is a nice spot to hear loons but has more of a state park rather than wilderness feel to it at times. Lake Ritchie is a beautiful body of water but the campground is somewhat drab and buggy in the summer. At any rate, I would rate Moskey Basin as among my favorite spots in the park and would recommend staying there for sure. Greg M. Romaneck

Greg said it all perfectly!

Bob

Thanks for the quick/helpful feedback!

But if you paddle... Belle Isle, Wood Lake, Caribou Island, Duncan Narrows.
Add Chippewa Harbor and Moskey Basin for hoofing it or paddling.

Thanks Ingo, not paddling this trip but that will come in handy as I'm already thinking about kayaking trip for next year!

Without any preference to east or west end of the island, my favorite campsites are:
Huginnin Cove
Lane Cove
Siskiwit Bay

Even though I have hiked all the trails on the island with the exception of the trail that leads down to Malone Bay (I am drawing a blank on the trail name), I have still not stayed at Moskey Basin and have heard that is an excellent site as well.

I was thinking, it's probably easier to list the "not quite as good" ones. This is a summary from reading years of posts as much as personal experience...
East Chickenbone
Island Mine
Daisy Farm (just cause it's big)
Three Mile (just cause it's busy)
Tookers Island (only water site I haven't cared for)
Intermediate Lake

If there is a cold wind blowing from the south, Caribou Island is the pits. Plus it's a small island. I developed claustrophobia there. Got back in the canoe and paddled over to Daisy Farm.

For nice campsites I would add Todd Harbor. It's a bit far for only a 5 night round trip from Rock Harbor and it only has one shelter, but I really like it.

Like Ingo said, it's probably easiest to list the ones we DON'T like..

That being said, here's my list:

Favorite Campsite East: Probably McCargoe Cove. Love the hillside and access to the Minong, and nice dayhikes. However, Moskey and Chippewa would both be very close seconds.
Favorite Campsite West (and overall): Feldtman Tent Site #2. Just something about that little site that you just fall in love with..

Most Despised Campsite West: Island Mine - Although undoubtedly very redeeming during fall color, provided the water is flowing.
Most Despised Campsite East (and overall): East Chickenbone. I've fortunately never stayed there, but I took pictures of the sites just because people would ask about it. Here's a start: http://outdoors.webshots.com/photo/2838 ... 1115kLauoO
The open nature plus distance from water, when you think how close it is to West Chickenbone and McCargoe, make passing this one a no-brainer.

That doesn't look so bad, Tom; it's rustic.

Tom wrote:Most Despised Campsite West: Island Mine

I'll second this.
For favorite I'll list Malone Bay because it was raining cats and dogs when we dragged butt into the shelter and no room at the Ritz was ever any more welcoming. Washington Creek may be second. It's quiet with a nice view of the marsh but the "bright lights" of the big city of Windigo are just around the corner. Hot showers, flush toilets and ice cream. Ahhh... luxury.