Boater Permits

 

Rock Harbor Marina.

Nelson Decker

Overnight Boaters Permit in Advance

Isle Royale National Park requires a permit for all boaters who overnight in campgrounds, at dock, or at anchor.

To Obtain a Boater Permit in Advance

Permit in advance by calling the Houghton Visitor Center at [phone].

Ranger III Transportation Exception: If your party and boat is traveling to Isle Royale aboard Ranger III, you do not need to permit in advance. A boater permit will be issued aboard the ferry.

 

Boater Permit Requirements

 

Permits issued in advance are emailed to the requester.

• Permits need to be printed and signed.
• Digital permits are not accepted.
• If you are unable to print your permit prior to departure, proceed directly to Rock Harbor or Windigo to obtain a printed copy of your permit.

 

Display your permit while on the island.

• While at anchor or docking, have your permit displayed anywhere visible, inside or outside of your vessel.
• If camping, your permit should be displayed on the outside of your tent or shelter.

 

At the end of your trip, if your itinerary changed, return your permit to the park.

• On the permit, update any changes from your planned itinerary. Tracking use in this manner helps the park prioritize dock and campground maintenance.
  • Only permits with itinerary changes need to be returned to the park.
• Return it through one of these methods:
  • Drop it off at a visitor center.
  • Mail it back to the park at the address on the permit.
  • Take a photo and email it to [e-mail].

 

Fees & Passes

Private boaters must pay daily entrance fees.

• Isle Royale National Park accepts all Federal Recreation Passes, as well as the Isle Royale Season Pass.

• To waive daily entrance fees, private boaters will need to present their pass upon arrival to Isle Royale.

• Boaters are encouraged to purchase their entrance fees, the Isle Royale Season Pass, or the Federal Recreation pass in advance. Fees can be paid on-island, but expect long wait times.

• Isle Royale no longer accepts cash payment for entrance fees or passes. Checks are also not accepted on-island. Only credit card transactions will be accepted.

 

Day Boaters

Boaters visiting for the day must pay entrance fees and receive an orientation at Houghton, Windigo, or Rock Harbor upon arrival. Day boaters are recommended to permit, but are not required to have a permit.

 

Boaters

Boating at Isle Royale

Explore Isle Royale with your private boat.

Boating Guide

All the information you need to keep you safe and legal while visiting Isle Royale in your boat.

Boat-In Campgrounds & Docks

A table listing boat-in campgrounds and docks.

Read The Greenstone Park Newspaper

Your one-stop trip planning guide.

Fuel

Gasoline, diesel and pump-out services are available in Rock Harbor and Windigo during business hours.

Boating Safety

Be prepared for any Lake Superior challenge.

Fishing

Enjoy fishing the waters of Lake Superior and the island's numerous inland lakes and streams.

Fishing Regulations

Learn the fishing rules for Isle Royale waters.

Customs

Any vessel arriving from Canada must clear US Customs at the Rock Harbor Visitor Center using the self check-in station.