Lake Richie Campground

3 reviews

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

Summer Destination

Quick Facts

656 ft

Price

$3 - $8/night

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

Varies

Season

Open seasonally from...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Opens National Park Service site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Quick Facts

656 ft

Price

$3 - $8/night

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

Varies

Season

Open seasonally from...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Opens National Park Service site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Lake Richie Campground

$3.00 - $8.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Campground fees vary based on reservation method: $8 online, $9 via contact center, $3 in person. Reservation fees are non-refundable.

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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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

(906) 482-0984isro_parkinfo@nps.gov

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What Campers Say

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Limited Reviews

Based on 3 reviews

3 Google reviews

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Campground Map

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

Lake Richie Campground

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

Driving directionsLake Richie Campground is located on the north shore of Lake Richie, off of the Indian Portage Trail.

Accessible only via foot, canoe, or kayak. No private boat access. Portage distances include .6 miles from Intermediate Lake, 2.0 miles from Moskey Basin, 1.2 miles from Chippewa Harbor, and .6 miles from Lake LeSage.

Nearby places

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

Nearby supplies

Closest supplies are located in Houghton, MI, which is also the administrative hub for Isle Royale National Park.

Best Time to Camp at Lake Richie Campground

Summer transforms this northern paradise from June through Labor Day, bringing a delightful mix of sunny days and dramatic skies. While mornings might greet you with misty fog rolling off the lake, afternoons often bloom into perfect camping weather. Be prepared for nature's full spectrum—from crisp nights that dip toward freezing (perfect for campfire gatherings) to warm days ideal for swimming. Lake Superior's influence means weather can shift quickly, with occasional snow flurries reminding visitors of the region's wild character even in summer months. Strong winds sometimes sweep across the lake, adding their voice to the wilderness symphony.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Open June 1–Labor Day; summer brings sunny days, dramatic skies and paddling season.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

Not recommended

Closed after Labor Day; fall season not available.

Spring(Mar-May)

Not recommended

Opens June 1; spring season not available.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

Not recommended

Campground is seasonal and closed in winter.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: June 1 – Labor Day annually.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open seasonally from June 1 to Labor Day annually.

About Lake Richie Campground

Tucked away on the pristine north shore of Lake Richie, this secluded campground rewards adventurous souls who venture deep into Isle Royale National Park's wilderness. Your journey here—whether by foot through winding forest trails, or paddling across crystal waters by canoe or kayak—becomes part of the adventure itself. This hidden gem sees fewer visitors than other Isle Royale destinations, offering an authentic backcountry experience where the loudest sounds are often just the gentle lapping of waves and the whisper of wind through ancient trees.

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.

Historical SignificanceThis remarkable landscape holds stories stretching back millennia, where Native American peoples first navigated these waters and walked these shores. Today, Lake Richie Campground sits within a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, a testament to its global importance for conservation. Every footstep here follows ancient paths, and every paddle stroke crosses waters that have witnessed centuries of human connection with this extraordinary wilderness. Isle Royale's designation recognizes not just its natural beauty, but its role as a living laboratory for understanding how humans and nature can coexist.

Weather and SeasonsSummer transforms this northern paradise from June through Labor Day, bringing a delightful mix of sunny days and dramatic skies. While mornings might greet you with misty fog rolling off the lake, afternoons often bloom into perfect camping weather. Be prepared for nature's full spectrum—from crisp nights that dip toward freezing (perfect for campfire gatherings) to warm days ideal for swimming. Lake Superior's influence means weather can shift quickly, with occasional snow flurries reminding visitors of the region's wild character even in summer months. Strong winds sometimes sweep across the lake, adding their voice to the wilderness symphony.

ElevationThe campground rests at lake level, where the rhythms of water and shore create a constantly changing tableau of natural beauty.

Natural Features and SceneryImagine waking to mirror-like reflections on Lake Richie's surface, where morning mist dances between towering conifers. The boreal forest embraces the campground with its cathedral of spruce, fir, and pine, their evergreen boughs creating natural shelters and windbreaks. Beneath this protective canopy, a rich tapestry of moss, ferns, and wildflowers carpets the forest floor. From your campsite, watch eagles soar overhead, listen for the haunting call of loons, and lose yourself in sunsets that paint the lake in shades of gold and crimson. This is nature's amphitheater, where every view frames a masterpiece.

Geological RegionPerched on an island within the vast expanse of Lake Superior, this campground occupies one of North America's most fascinating geological landscapes. Isle Royale's rugged terrain tells the story of ancient volcanic activity and glacial sculpting, creating the dramatic ridges and valleys that define the island today. The boreal forest ecosystem here represents the southern edge of Canada's great northern forests, creating a unique meeting place of ecosystems. Surrounded by the world's largest freshwater lake by surface area, campers experience the raw power and beauty of Superior's influence on every aspect of the landscape.

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Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

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

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Reservation PlatformsNo reservations required; walk-up or first-come-first-served policy applies.

Walk-in AvailabilityWalk-up availability only. Limited use due to access constraints and less popularity.

Cancellation PolicyReservations are not available for Lake Richie Campground; hence, no cancellation policy applies.

Activities you can enjoy

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

HikingThe campground is located off the Indian Portage Trail, a well-known path in the area. Portages range from 0.6 to 2 miles, connecting the campground to various lakes, offering both challenge and scenic views for hikers.

BoatingAccess to Lake Richie is primarily through canoeing and kayaking, with portages connecting nearby lakes such as Intermediate Lake and Moskey Basin. Paddlers have noted the remoteness and tranquility of the area.

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential wildlife encounters, including moose and wolves. Remote location makes emergency access challenging. Weather conditions can be extreme outside the summer season.