Food Storage

A food storage locker at West Chickenbone campground.

NPS

 

Some Isle Royale species, such as gray jay, red squirrel, fox, deer mice, and otter, have always been interested in human food. In recent years, a small number of wolves have taken an interest in human food and activities. To protect all wildlife and visitors, food storage regulations are in effect at Isle Royale National Park.

 

 

Watch Your Belongings: An arm's length away, you're okay. Otherwise, put it away!

Marsha Pike

What is food storage?

"Food storage" refers to the proper storage of all:

• Food
• Trash
• Scented items
• Cooking supplies
• Cooking utensils
• Fish or fish parts

 

How do I store my food if I am...

 

Backpacking or Camping

Boating

Canoeing or Kayaking

Daytripping

Off-Trail Camping

 

An example food storage locker.

NPS

Food Storage Lockers

Food storage lockers are available at most campgrounds, but installation is ongoing. In some locations, food storage lockers are available for use, but they may not be in their final locations. Where food storage lockers are not yet installed, containers are required.

Do not store full packs in food storage lockers.

 

Food Storage Locker Locations

A list of each campground and whether or not there is a food storage locker there.

Campground	Food Storage Lockers (As of 4/15/2026)	Notes

Download This Dataset

 

*Food storage lockers are slated for placement in these locations in spring 2026.

 

A backpack storage area.

NPS

Backpack Storage Areas

Store pack/gear/supplies in backpack storage areas located in Rock Harbor and Windigo/Ozaagaateng.

These fenced-in areas are open to all visitors, including daytrippers and lodge guests, who need a place to store their items while recreating in the island's developed areas. There are no reservations or fees required to use backpack storage areas.

Backpack storage areas are not animal-resistant and food, trash, and scented items should remain with you, or be stored in a food storage locker or an approved, animal-resistant, hard-sided container.

 

If Using Containers

Food storage containers must be approved, animal-resistant, and hard-sided.

Containers on this page, typically known as "bear-resistant containers," are approved. Containers not on this list are not guaranteed to be in food storage compliance.

Soft-sided containers, such as mesh or dry bags, are not an approved storage container on Isle Royale. Such containers must be stored in a food storage locker.

 

"Animal-Resistant"

“Animal-resistant” is defined as any container that meets bear-resistant standards as determined by the Interagency Grizzly Bear Committee.

 

Cooking

• Cooking and eating utensils must be stored in approved, animal-resistant, hard-sided containers or food storage lockers.
• Clean, scrape, and burn off stoves and cooking utensils so they are free of all food remnants.
• Do not store stoves or stove fuel in food storage lockers.

Trash

• Trash must be stored in approved, animal-resistant, hard-sided containers or food storage lockers.
• Do not leave trash or abandon items in food storage locker when departing campground.
• Do not burn, bury, or place garbage in outhouses or pit toilets. On-island trash disposal can only be found in Rock Harbor and Windigo/Ozaagaateng.

 

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  Fuels & Stoves

  Isle Royale requires certain fuels for boating and cooking in the wilderness.

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  For Your Safety

  As your trip gets near, use this guide to help prepare, learn what to expect, and consider how you will take responsibility for your safety.

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  Backpacking & Camping

  Prepare for your backpacking and camping trip using these resources.