Washington Creek Campground Availability

[u/wareagle4444]

Hi everyone. Me and my two boys are heading to the Windigow side for one night next weekend. We’re hoping to camp at the Washington Creek Campground but not sure if we should be concerned about availability since it’s first come first serve. Anyone have any experience camping on the island this time of year? Also, I’d love any general recommendations as far as an itinerary goes (my sons are 13 and 11). Our plans are pretty simple….one night on the island, arriving and leaving Windigow. Thanks in advance!!

[u/here4daratio]

This time of year should be fine. There is plenty of room between the shelters, the individual sites, and the group sites (which are always an option for individuals as overflow if not already used by a group). The Scouts are back in school so the groups are down.

Day hike the Hugginin loop, you’ll see the mining relics and the North Shore, not too long of a hike and good spot to rest is at Hugginin Cove campground.

Likely you’ll see moose in the creek in the evening.

Camp store will be closed so no pizza for you…

[u/wareagle4444 → u/here4daratio]

Okay! Great, thanks for the recommendation. We plan to dock, head over to the campsite and set up camp, then back to the visitor center to see about renting a canoe for an hour or two, then hike the trail you mentioned…our plans are flexible so we’ll see how it all turns out.

[u/here4daratio → u/wareagle4444]

Renting will be a no-go without the store, it closed September 6th, sorry. You’ll permit right away, prob under the pavilion at the base of the dock, then you can head to the campground. Enjoy!

[u/Zes]

Went a couple weeks ago and camped there. We didn't get there til about 4pm (took seaplane in). All the shelter sites were taken but we had a group site all to ourselves. Guessing there's way less ppl on the island now so probably not a concern, esp if you aren't getting there late like we did.

The group sites didn't have a great view of the creek. Try to snag a shelter site!

[u/wareagle4444 → u/Zes]

Thanks for the info. Quick question: is it appropriate for someone else to share the shelter with us if we get one? When I hiked the AT shelters were a free for all but since I’ll have my kids with me I’m hoping for some privacy. Thanks again.

[u/Zes → u/wareagle4444]

You should be good, groupsites/overflow and doubling up there would be first and I don't think it'll be that crowded in Sept from what I hear.

One other tip I have is that by the Windigo store, there's some nice Adirondack chairs and, it's a little hike back from the campsite, but it was very pleasant to hang out there in the evening. There were also no mosquitos there whereas it was pretty bad at the campsite but maybe youll have better luck now with them

[u/Cold_Chocolate3634 → u/wareagle4444]

The Isle Royale shelters are much smaller than the shelters that I stayed in the Smokies along the AT. I can’t imagine another group asking to stay in it with you. We stayed in shelters in at Three Mile & Daisy Farm last month & I’m pretty sure the signs at one said there was a 6 person limit even.

[u/FirstRunBuzzz → u/Cold_Chocolate3634]

We crammed 7 people in one when Washington Creek was stuffed full with people leaving on the Ranger III. I think it was the night before they killed the wolf that was terrorizing the campground. The rangers were cool with it. But yeah, if you have a family and you get a shelter, you are not expected to share it at all. If you get one, enjoy it, make yourself at home.

[u/Fine-Working-3244]

I'm at Windogo right now, nice the pavilion has wifi.

All the shelters filled up today so when you arrive it might be wise to go for the shelter first and drop your stuff and then check in with the rangers. A tent as backup is a must IMO

[u/wareagle4444 → u/Fine-Working-3244]

Ah, thanks for the info! We plan to bring a tent. Do you think we should just go and set up a tent and forgo the shelter? Also, how are the mosquitoes?

[u/Fine-Working-3244 → u/wareagle4444]

Next to no mosquitos but it's been cold and windy. The few I've run into are on the trails in sunny spots.

If you can't find a free shelter than yes, find a campsite. Early in the next morning I bet some shelters will free up as people move.

Mom, calf and bull moose came thru our camp at 2am so be prepared for some exciting nights. The mom and calf were still around grazing thru the camp in the morning.

[u/Infamous_Noise_6406]

We’ve camped at Washington creek the last three summers (June/July), luckily never had a problem getting a site. If you’re just there one night, your options are limited. You could do the 8 mile Huginin Cove Loop, you’ll see quite a bit!