Intermediate Lake Campground

0 review

800 E. Lakeshore Drive, Houghton, MI, USA, 49931

Peace & QuietSummer Destination

Quick Facts

673 ft

Price

$3 - $8/night

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

Varies

Season

Open season June 1 t...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Opens National Park Service, Isle Royale National Park site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Quick Facts

673 ft

Price

$3 - $8/night

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

Varies

Season

Open season June 1 t...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Opens National Park Service, Isle Royale National Park site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Intermediate Lake Campground

$3.00 - $8.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Recreation use fees vary by activity and location: $8 for online or app reservations, $9 through the contact center, $3 for in-person reservations....

Standard Site Fee$0.00

Hookup Site Fee$0.00

Premium Site Fee$0.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00

Group Site Fee$0.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Provider

(906) 482-0984isro_parkinfo@nps.gov

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Campground Map

800 E. Lakeshore Drive, Houghton, MI, USA, 49931

Intermediate Lake Campground

800 E. Lakeshore Drive, Houghton, MI, USA, 49931

Driving directionsIntermediate Lake Campground is located on the shoreline of Intermediate Lake. Intermediate Lake can be accessed via a .6 mile portage from Lake Richie or a .4 mile portage from Siskiwit Lake.

Access to Intermediate Lake Campground is via canoe/kayak only; private boat access is not permitted. The remote nature of this campground means there are no paved roads or parking areas directly leading to the site.

Nearby places

Houghton (approx. 0 miles as address is based there)

other distances unavailable.

Nearby supplies

Closest supplies, including groceries and camping essentials, would also be in Houghton, MI, as no supplies are available directly at Intermediate Lake Campground.

Best Time to Camp at Intermediate Lake Campground

Mother Nature paints Intermediate Lake with dramatic brushstrokes throughout the year. Expect skies draped in clouds for much of your stay, with coverage averaging 86% creating moody, atmospheric conditions perfect for photography. Be prepared for Isle Royale's notorious winds—steady breezes of 18 mph can suddenly surge to powerful 34 mph gusts that set the forest canopy dancing. Winter transforms this wilderness into a snow-globe scene, with approximately 3 inches of fresh powder blanketing the landscape each week during the colder months.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Open June 1–Labor Day; peak season and primary access window for the campground.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

Not recommended

Campground closes after Labor Day; fall season not available.

Spring(Mar-May)

Not recommended

Closed before June 1; spring season not available.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

Not recommended

Closed outside June 1–Labor Day; winter season not available.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: June 1 – Labor Day annually.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open season June 1 to Labor Day annually, closed at other times.
Current Alerts: No current alerts are provided for Intermediate Lake Campground.

About Intermediate Lake Campground

Deep in the heart of Isle Royale's wilderness, Intermediate Lake Campground awaits those willing to venture beyond the beaten path. This secluded sanctuary, reached only by portaging your gear along wooded trails—either 0.6 miles from Lake Richie or 0.4 miles from Siskiwit Lake—rewards adventurous souls with an authentic backcountry experience. Here, where dense forests meet the mirror-like waters of Intermediate Lake, you'll find yourself immersed in the raw beauty that makes Isle Royale one of America's most pristine national parks.

Intermediate Lake Campground is a primitive camping environment accessible only by canoe or kayak. It is not reservable, enhancing its appeal for remote wilderness enthusiasts.

Historical SignificanceAs part of Isle Royale National Park—a crown jewel in America's conservation story and UNESCO World Heritage site—Intermediate Lake embodies the enduring spirit of wilderness preservation. This pristine corner of the park remains much as it has for centuries, offering visitors a glimpse into the untamed Michigan wilderness that once stretched across the entire region. The campground stands as a testament to the vision of protecting these wild places for future generations to discover and cherish.

Weather and SeasonsMother Nature paints Intermediate Lake with dramatic brushstrokes throughout the year. Expect skies draped in clouds for much of your stay, with coverage averaging 86% creating moody, atmospheric conditions perfect for photography. Be prepared for Isle Royale's notorious winds—steady breezes of 18 mph can suddenly surge to powerful 34 mph gusts that set the forest canopy dancing. Winter transforms this wilderness into a snow-globe scene, with approximately 3 inches of fresh powder blanketing the landscape each week during the colder months.

ElevationWhile specific elevation data for Intermediate Lake Campground hasn't been documented, the site rests within Isle Royale's gently rolling interior landscape, where ancient geological forces have created a terrain of subtle rises and hidden valleys.

Natural Features and SceneryIntermediate Lake Campground is a masterpiece of northern wilderness artistry. Towering conifers and hardwoods create a living cathedral around your campsite, their branches filtering sunlight into dancing patterns on the forest floor. The lake itself serves as the campground's centerpiece—its calm waters reflecting the surrounding forest like nature's own mirror. This untouched ecosystem showcases Michigan's northern wilderness at its finest, where every sunrise brings new discoveries and the evening chorus of loons echoes across the water.

Geological RegionSet within Isle Royale's fascinating geological tapestry, Intermediate Lake Campground occupies land sculpted by ancient glaciers that carved out the park's characteristic landscape. The surrounding terrain tells a story written in stone and soil—rocky outcroppings peek through the forest floor, while the lake itself fills a basin carved by ice age giants. This rugged yet beautiful environment, dotted with countless inland lakes and blanketed in primeval forest, represents millions of years of natural forces at work.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

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Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

2nights effective June 1 – Labor Day annually.

Groups

Group camping details are not provided for this campground.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutCampground layout details unavailable. Likely consists of a small number of campsites scattered along Intermediate Lake's shoreline.

Reservation PlatformsReservations are not available for this campground as it operates on a non-reservable basis.

Walk-in AvailabilityIntermediate Lake Campground is non-reservable, meaning all sites are available on a walk-up basis. No data on walk-up site fill patterns.

Cancellation PolicyCancellations for individual campsites incur a $10 fee and forfeit the first night's fees if performed less than 24 hours before check-in. No refunds are issued for modifications or cancellations after check-in.

AccessibilityThere is no information provided regarding accessibility features for campers with disabilities.

Site SizeAs a primitive campground, the campsite sizes are not specifically detailed.

PrivacyPrivacy levels of campsites are not described, but the remote nature of the location suggests limited interaction with other groups.

Recommended SitesRecommendations for site selection are unavailable due to lack of user reviews and specific data.

Activities you can enjoy

The campground provides opportunities for canoeing and kayaking due to its access requiring portages from nearby lakes. Further recreational details are not specified.

BoatingBoating via canoe or kayak is an inherent activity due to the campground's access requirements. Portages of 0.6 miles from Lake Richie and 0.4 miles from Siskiwit Lake lead to Intermediate Lake.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include challenging portage access, wildlife such as bears, and harsh weather conditions especially during windy and snowy weeks.

Active AlertsNo current alerts are provided for Intermediate Lake Campground.

Fire PolicyNo specific fire policy details provided; likely follows Isle Royale National Park's wilderness fire policies.

Emergency ServicesClosest emergency services are likely in Houghton, MI, which is the park's administrative location and provides general services.

Trash & RecyclingNo information about trash or recycling facilities is available for this campground.

Water FeaturesThe campground is situated directly on the shoreline of Intermediate Lake, providing immediate access to water.

Camp HostNo information provided about campground host availability or services.