Hatchet Lake Campground — Isle Royale National Park

Hatchet Lake Campground offers very primitive amenities, staying true to its backcountry nature. The campground features basic tent sites and a latrine (though toilet paper and hand sanitizer are not provided). There are no shelters or fire rings, and campfires are not permitted, though personal camp stoves are allowed. The campground sits on a lake that's suitable for swimming during warmer months. No potable water is available, so you'll need to filter or treat lake water. Pack in everything you need and pack out all waste as part of Isle Royale's leave-no-trace practices.

Hatchet Lake Campground is an interior campground on Isle Royale National Park, accessible only by hiking. You'll first need to take a ferry or seaplane to the island. Once on Isle Royale, you must hike in to reach Hatchet Lake. The trail to the campground is quite steep, so be prepared for a challenging trek with proper hiking gear. There are no roads on Isle Royale, making this a true backcountry experience. Check with the National Park Service for current ferry schedules and to secure necessary backcountry permits before your trip.

Hatchet Lake Campground connects to Isle Royale's extensive trail network. The main trail that passes through Hatchet Lake links to the Greenstone Ridge Trail, which runs the length of the island and offers spectacular views. Trails connect to other interior lakes and campgrounds including Chickenbone Lake and Lake Richie. The paths around Hatchet Lake provide access to the island's unique wilderness and opportunities to spot wildlife. Be prepared for challenging terrain with elevation changes, as the trails in this area can be quite steep. For day hikes from the campground, you can explore the surrounding forest and lakeshore.