Operating Hours
Open Apr.16-Oct. 31; reduced transportation in spring and fall.

Visitation
Highest mid-July through third week of Aug.; lowest spring and fall.

Permits
All individual camping parties must obtain a free camping permit at Rock Harbor or Windigo, or upon arrival on the island. This includes backpackers, kayakers, canoeists, boaters, and fishermen.

Visitors Center and Programs
Visitor Center: Visitor centers are located at Rock Harbor and Windigo. Exhibits at the visitor centers and at the Rock Harbor Lighthouse explore local natural and cultural history topics.

Programs: Interpretive programs and guided walks are offered from mid-June to Labor Day at Rock Harbor, Windigo, and Daisy Farm. Activities include nature and historical walks, evening slide programs and campfire talks, and scenic boat cruises to different parts of the island, including the historic lighthouse and commercial fishery.

Food Supplies and Concessions
Food/Supplies: A grocery store at Rock Harbor offers camping and fishing supplies, laundry facilities, and showers; there is also a gift shop and a dining room. At Windigo there are showers and a camp store with basic supplies and fishing licenses.

Concessions: The marina at Rock Harbor Lodge (open mid-May to mid-September) has diesel fuel, gas, oil, docking slips for boats up to 65 feet long, 110V A.C. power, water, and pumpout service. Motor boat and canoe rentals are available. At Windigo there are canoe rentals (mid-June to Labor Day) and gas and oil (mid-May to mid-October).

Visitor Impact
Emphasis is placed on low impact camping and following leave-no-trace principles, to preserve the fragile environment of Isle Royale and not disturb the abundance of wildlife. Fires are prohibited in most areas, making self-contained stoves a necessity. Trash should be carried out in all areas of the park, not buried, burned, or put into pit toilets. Quiet hours (10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.) are enforced. Feeding or disturbing wildlife is prohibited. Dogs, cats, and other pets are not allowed within park boundaries; neither are firearms and fireworks.

Additional Information
Small, open vessels are strongly discouraged from entering the open waters of Lake Superior, where waves up to 10 feet high and short-wavelength swells make boating treacherous.