Isle Royale Forums

Long time listener, first time caller. (Been trying to get to IR for a few years, finally doing it)

So myself and my three backpacking buddies will be hitting Grand Portage around 20:30 on Aug 3rd and have reservations on the Sea Hunter for Aug 4th @ 08:30. I know we can park our car for 4$ a day at the dock, but where can we camp for the night of 8.3? I heard there is a campground near the dock, but would like someone with experience to tell me where the prime location is to rest up for a night.

thanks for all the info you can share

There's a marina straight across from where the Sea Hunter leaves, I'm pretty sure I saw camp sites there.

Yes, the campground is at the marina near the lodge and casino. It's a couple miles from the boat dock on the other side of the bay. No other campground close, but if you search the threads there's plenty of opinions on where to stay. Mine is a room at Ryden's--$50 for 3, nothing special (understatement), but clean and large and easy to spread out gear.

Unless there is another one I'm not aware of, the "campground" adjacent to the marina is an RV park (with hookups). I'm sure you could pitch a tent there, it just isn't very "camp" like. Nothing wrong with it, it's just designed for RV's.

When I visit the island and spend the first night at G.P. I sleep (on the boat) right in the marina parking lot. I always offer to pay, and incredibly, the marina kid turns me down. Of course, he get's a nice tip (from me) for that, so that might have something to do with it.

When I visit the island and spend the first night at G.P. I sleep (on the boat) right in the marina parking lot.

How deep is the boat launch slip? Would it launch a full keel sailboat or should I bring the boat with the centerboard? I just bought a second boat so I have the choice of a 26ft centerboard PY26 Paceship or Her little sister a full keel 23ft P23 Paceship.

Tampico what kind of boat do you use?

Richard

I've used the campground at the marina 3 times. It isn't much, but you get to use the showers and can wash clothes in their facilities. It isn't very expensive.

Thanks for the advice, I'll toss the options at my backpacking group and see what the ideas and concerns are from them. I have to say that camping around a bunch of RVs doesn't sound that great, or even good.

backpackingZombie wrote:Thanks for the advice, I'll toss the options at my backpacking group and see what the ideas and concerns are from them. I have to say that camping around a bunch of RVs doesn't sound that great, or even good.

Every time I've been there, there were never more than four or five RV's there.

If being removed from RV and car campground style is your goal, the Superior Hiking Trail following the North
Shore would be an option. From my maps, i belieive the closest available foot accessable camp sitea on the trail
are just a few milea south of Judge Magney State Park being three campsites : Lake Walk North, Mule Kicker, and
Lake Walk South.

There are a few further north, but i they are on the North Shore Water Trail (Not sure if easy foot access).

Tampico wrote:

backpackingZombie wrote:Thanks for the advice, I'll toss the options at my backpacking group and see what the ideas and concerns are from them. I have to say that camping around a bunch of RVs doesn't sound that great, or even good.

Every time I've been there, there were never more than four or five RV's there.

Good to know. I just don't want to be a statistic with some damn RV running their generator too close to me or my camping buddies. If I go out I want it to be fighting a werewolf or zombie, or something equally awesome, not being taken out by someone running the genny on their mobile home

Richard1961 wrote:How deep is the boat launch slip? Would it launch a full keel sailboat or should I bring the boat with the centerboard? I just bought a second boat so I have the choice of a 26ft centerboard PY26 Paceship or Her little sister a full keel 23ft P23 Paceship.

Tampico what kind of boat do you use?

Richard

I don't recall exactly, at least five feet, but I doubt you could launch with a full keel. You could call them and have them check.

I have a 23' Boston Whaler, Tampico.