Isle Royale Forums

In a recent Trip Report I noticed that Wash. Creek had a lot of visitors/campers. My question is, now that we're at the end of June, are the campgrounds still having a lot of campers? I'm interested especially in Washington Creek, Belle Island and Rock Harbor CGs. Are they having a lot of folks and are there any spots that one can put up a tent?

Can't imagine things lessening up as the summer goes on. A lot is just luck of the day--our 1st night at Moskey it was overflowing, the next night no tent sights were used. As for tent sites, I remember a couple along the trail into the Washington Creek CG. Belle Isle, the last time I was there I couldn't find the tent sites they were so overgrown--maybe never used. With the 6 shelters, doubt it's ever full (or very rarely). RH has lots of tent sites. The new Covid rules this year allow for backcountry camping without a permit if the campgrounds are full, since they recommending not sharing shelters. And apparently some group sites are designated as overflow--not sure if they're limiting group permits or what.

For Washington Creek specifically, it seems that there's more first timers going for just a couple days, so I wonder if it's getting more pressure from basecamping without backing than in the past--just speculating.

Kind of think this year is atypical regarding camping. Last year saw virtually no visitors. This year seems to be a catch-up year. But to your point, time of year has a lot to do how busy the campgrounds are. Back in 2014, I stayed at Washington Creek right after Labor Day. I was expecting scads of people and it turned out that I had the campground almost to myself. There are ten shelters at Washington Creek, and only two were occupied.

I think a number of people started “let’s visit all the national parks” during shutdown, and are getting around to IsRo. Typically not backpackers, but a couple days of camping is possible at Windigo/Washington Creek. That’s what I would do under the circumstances. RH is much more expensive and difficult to visit because of the longer ferry rides and the campground’s 1-night limit. WashCreek is 3 nights, which allows a reasonable trip with day hiking,
Also Windigo from Grand Portage is a good fit for visiting several other NPS sites in the region.
As a backpacker, if Washington Creek Seems full, try all the other options and if necessary head 3 miles to Huginin Cove.

Thanks folks! I've never been to Belle Island. I want to do it. I'm ready to get back to "normal". Maybe that's next year. Hoped I could do a trip around the Island this year. I'm the old Jerry, not the other guy. I might have to do the Hug. CG again.

jerry wrote: Tue Jun 29, 2021 1:50 pm Thanks folks! I've never been to Belle Island. I want to do it. I'm ready to get back to "normal". Maybe that's next year. Hoped I could do a trip around the Island this year. I'm the old Jerry, not the other guy. I might have to do the Hug. CG again.

The “other guy” says hi, Jerry!

JerryB (the other guy): I hope you, your son and any other family member(s) are all healthy. Maybe someday, I'll get to see you again at ISRO NP. Take care, jerry (the old guy).

I will be there 8/18-25! Nice to hear from you!