Is Lake Richie Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Lake Richie Campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Arrive early, especially on weekends and holidays, to secure a spot.

Can I see photos of campsites at Lake Richie Campground before I book?

Yes! Lake Richie Campground has 3 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Lake Richie Campground?

Lake Richie Campground is open Open seasonally from June 1 to Labor Day annually.. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Lake Richie Campground?

Lake Richie Campground does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

Are dogs allowed at Lake Richie Campground?

Pets are not allowed at Lake Richie Campground. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

Lake Richie Campground

3 reviews

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

Peace & QuietSummer Destination

Featured in:Boating Camping Michigan

Quick Facts

656 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

Varies

Season

Open seasonally from...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Book on National Park Service Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

656 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

Varies

Season

Open seasonally from...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Book on National Park Service Official Website

Get Directions

Lake Richie Campground

No fees available

Campsite Fees

No campsite fee categories listed.

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free to start · paid plans add 2-min scans

263,000+ sites monitored · Email alerts to start; SMS and in-app with an account

Learn more about alerts →

Share this campground

Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

(906) 482-0984isro_parkinfo@nps.gov

I manage this campground

Ask Camp Sage about Lake Richie Campground

Availability, what to pack, similar spots — ask anything and get an instant answer.

Campground Map

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

Lake Richie Campground

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

Nearby places

Houghton is the nearest city, but exact distances are not provided.

Weather at Lake Richie Campground

Best Time to Camp at Lake Richie Campground

Best season: summer. Summer (June 1 through Labor Day) offers the most reliable access and the mildest weather — expect daytime highs in the mid-50s to upper-60s °F (approximately 13–20 °C) and crisp nights in the 40s °F (4–10 °C). Hiking the island’s rugged ridges and paddling on mirror-like Lake Richie are at their peak, with long daylight, calmer afternoon water, and abundant wildlife and wildflowers. Crowds are light compared with mainland parks, but weekends and peak July/August days see more visitors arriving; Peak months: July, August, June Avoid: September, October, November, December

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Best season is summer; open June 1–Labor Day with mild daytime temps.

Planning Tips

Operating Season: Open seasonally from June 1 to Labor Day annually.

About Lake Richie Campground

Lake Richie Campground sits on the shore of an inland lake within Isle Royale National Park, a roadless wilderness island in Lake Superior accessible only by boat or seaplane. Operated by the National Park Service, this primitive tent-only site serves backpackers and paddlers exploring the island's ridgeline trails and backcountry waterways. Visitors hike in from the island's ferry landings or paddle across Lake Richie to reach the campground, where they can fish, swim in cold clear water, and watch for moose and loons.

Lake Richie Campground is a backcountry-style camping area emphasizing self-sufficiency. The focus is on tent camping and watercraft access, making it ideal for paddlers and hikers.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer (June 1 through Labor Day) offers the most reliable access and the mildest weather — expect daytime highs in the mid-50s to upper-60s °F (approximately 13–20 °C) and crisp nights in the 40s °F (4–10 °C). Hiking the island’s rugged ridges and paddling on mirror-like Lake Richie are at their peak, with long daylight, calmer afternoon water, and abundant wildlife and wildflowers. Crowds are light compared with mainland parks, but weekends and peak July/August days see more visitors arriving; Peak months: July, August, June Avoid: September, October, November, December

Elevation656 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryLake Richie sits at 656 feet elevation, surrounded by boreal forest. Spruce, fir, and pine frame the lakeshore. The forest floor grows thick with moss, ferns, and seasonal wildflowers. The lake reflects the tree line on calm mornings. Loons call across the water. Eagles pass overhead. This landscape sits at the southern edge of Canada's northern forest ecosystem, shaped by ancient volcanic ridges and glacial valleys that define Isle Royale's interior.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Stay limit of 2 nights from June 1 – Labor Day annually.

Amenities available

Lake Richie Campground provides a backcountry camping experience focused on canoe and kayak enthusiasts. The campground is situated along Lake Richie and is accessible by foot or watercraft. No private boat access is allowed, emphasizing its remote and rugged appeal.

I manage this campground

Things to do at Lake Richie Campground

Activities at Lake Richie Campground are centered on paddling and hiking. The serene environment provides opportunities for water-based activities and nature exploration.

Hiking4.0/5

Located off the Indian Portage Trail; ridgeline trails and portages cited.

Boating4.0/5

Access primarily via canoe/kayak; portages connect nearby lakes.

Wildlife viewing4.0/5

Loons call and eagles pass overhead; boreal forest habitat present.

Water Sports4.0/5

Access by kayak/canoe; paddling emphasized in activities.

Signature experiences

Stargazing4.0/5Remote, roadless island with very low light likely excellent for stargazing.

Photography4.0/5Reflections, wildlife and boreal flora provide strong photographic subjects.

Not sure what to pack?Our complete camping packing checklist

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

Rate Lake Richie Campground

Been here? Tap a star to start. Takes about a minute.

Sign-in required only if you want your name on it.

From Booking Sources

0.0

3 reviews

Limited Reviews

Lake Richie Campground has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews

No user reviews are available for Lake Richie Campground.

Review Summaries

No review summaries available for this campground yet.

Check back later as we continuously analyze new reviews.

Outdoorithm Community

Be the first to review this campground

Every adventure creates another. Share what you learned so the next camper feels a little more prepared heading out.

Lake Richie Campground

No fees available

Campsite Fees

No campsite fee categories listed.

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free to start · paid plans add 2-min scans

263,000+ sites monitored · Email alerts to start; SMS and in-app with an account

Learn more about alerts →

Share this campground

Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

(906) 482-0984isro_parkinfo@nps.gov

Go if

You want backcountry solitude on an inland lake and can handle a two-day stay limit and boat or backpacking access.

Skip if

You need vehicle access, RV hookups, or stays longer than two nights.

Nearby Campgrounds

Less Visited

0.0

(4)

Lake Richie Canoe Campground

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

Lake Richie Canoe Campground sits on Isle Royale National Park, accessible only by canoe or kayak from the island's interior waterways. The National Park Service operates this primitive backcountry site for wilderness paddlers exploring the archipelago's lakes and portage routes. Visitors come for multi-day paddling trips, fishing, and wildlife observation in one of the most remote settings in the Great Lakes.

Lake Richie Campground

Quick Facts

Quick Facts

Get Notified When Available

Ask Camp Sage about Lake Richie Campground

Campground Map

Weather at Lake Richie Campground

Best Time to Camp at Lake Richie Campground

Planning Tips

About Lake Richie Campground

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Amenities available

Things to do at Lake Richie Campground

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

Get Notified When Available

Go if

Skip if

Directions

Explore related camping guides

Ask Camp Sage about Lake Richie Campground

Best Time to Camp at Lake Richie Campground

Planning Tips

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Amenities available

Things to do at Lake Richie Campground

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews