Isle Royale Closes Campsites Over Wolf Activity

If you're planning a backpacking trip to Isle Royale this fall, a new rule changes things. As of August 28, 2026, the park is closing some of its campsites because of continued wolf activity on the island. The restriction runs until the park's seasonal closure on October 31, 2026.

Four campgrounds are affected: Three Mile, Daisy Farm, Moskey Basin, and Caribou Island. At these sites, you can no longer pitch a tent, set up a group camp, or hang a hammock. Those are exactly the three uses the ban covers, at the spots named.

So why the closure? Wolves are moving through these areas regularly, and the park would rather keep campers away from the corridors the animals use. It's a safety measure, for you and for the wildlife, and a reminder that Isle Royale is still wild country where people are just passing through.

What if your route ran through one of these four campgrounds? You'll need to rework your nights. The closed sites are among the busiest on the island's east-side crossing, so plan ahead. Scout backup campgrounds before you leave, and keep some slack in your daily mileage. On an island with no roads and no easy resupply, a badly planned leg costs you.

Keep one thing in mind. The situation could still change before the park closes for the season. Wolf activity is the trigger, and the park adjusts its restrictions to how the animals behave. Before you board the ferry, check the status of the campgrounds and any new closures.

For everything else, access, seasons, backcountry permits, and crossing logistics, we've pulled the essentials together in the Isle Royale park guide. Isle Royale takes some effort, and a well-planned trip is still the best way to enjoy the quiet and the wolves, at a safe distance.