Lake Richie Canoe Campground

4 reviews

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

Peace & QuietSummer Destination

Quick Facts

673 ft

Price

$3 - $8/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

Varies

Season

Open season is June ...

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

673 ft

Price

$3 - $8/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

Varies

Season

Open season is June ...

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 Canoe Campground

$3.00 - $8.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Recreation Use fees vary by activity and location. Reservation Service fees are $8 online or via app, $9 via contact center, and $3 in person. Fees...

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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What Campers Say

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Limited Reviews

Based on 4 reviews

2 Google reviews

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Campground Map

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

Lake Richie Canoe Campground

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

Driving directionsLake Richie Canoe Campground is located on the north shore of Lake Richie.

Access to Lake Richie Canoe Campground is canoe and kayak only. No private boat access is allowed. Access is via portage: .6 miles from Intermediate Lake, 1.2 miles from Chippewa Harbor, 2.0 miles from Moskey Basin, and .6 miles from Lake LeSage.

Nearby places

Houghton is the nearest city, distance unspecified.

Nearby supplies

Closest locations for groceries, camping supplies, and fuel are null.

Best Time to Camp at Lake Richie Canoe Campground

Lake Richie transforms dramatically with the seasons, from winter's fierce embrace to summer's gentle warmth. Winter arrives with authority, bringing heavy snowfall, biting cold, and winds that howl across the frozen lake. The landscape becomes a crystalline wonderland, though few witness this spectacular transformation due to the park's seasonal closure. Spring and fall offer crisp air and changing colors, while summer provides the ideal window for paddlers, with warmer temperatures perfect for exploring the interconnected waterways that lead to this hidden gem.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.5 / 5

Open June 1–Labor Day; peak season and best access/conditions for paddling.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

2.0 / 5

Site is open only through Labor Day; limited fall access after early Sept.

Spring(Mar-May)

Not recommended

Open beginning June 1; closed during spring melt/shoulder season.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

Not recommended

Closed in winter; heavy snow and harsh conditions noted.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: June 1 through Labor Day annually.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open season is June 1 through Labor Day annually.
Current Alerts: No active alerts available.

About Lake Richie Canoe Campground

Tucked away on the pristine north shore of Lake Richie, this secluded canoe campground offers an authentic wilderness escape within Isle Royale National Park. The journey here is part of the adventure—accessible only by paddle and portage, this remote sanctuary rewards intrepid travelers with unparalleled solitude and the raw beauty of Michigan's island wilderness. Far from the crowds, Lake Richie stands as one of the park's best-kept secrets, where the only sounds are lapping waves and the haunting calls of loons echoing across the water.

Lake Richie Canoe Campground is a primitive site catering to wilderness campers accessing the area by canoe or kayak. It is not suitable for RVs, group camping, or luxurious accommodations.

Historical SignificanceThis campground sits within Isle Royale National Park, a living laboratory that has captivated scientists and adventurers for generations. The island's legendary isolation has made it the stage for one of the world's longest-running wildlife studies—the fascinating predator-prey relationship between wolves and moose that has unfolded here since 1958. Paddling to Lake Richie, you're following routes used by Native Americans for centuries, and later by copper miners and fishermen who sought fortune in these remote waters. Today, the campground serves as a gateway to understanding the delicate balance of nature that makes Isle Royale an ecological treasure.

Weather and SeasonsLake Richie transforms dramatically with the seasons, from winter's fierce embrace to summer's gentle warmth. Winter arrives with authority, bringing heavy snowfall, biting cold, and winds that howl across the frozen lake. The landscape becomes a crystalline wonderland, though few witness this spectacular transformation due to the park's seasonal closure. Spring and fall offer crisp air and changing colors, while summer provides the ideal window for paddlers, with warmer temperatures perfect for exploring the interconnected waterways that lead to this hidden gem.

ElevationNestled at lake level, the campground offers easy access to the water's edge while providing level tent sites among the surrounding forest.

Natural Features and SceneryLake Richie reveals Isle Royale at its most intimate and untamed. Ancient boreal forests crowd the shoreline, their towering spruces and firs reflected in the lake's mirror-like surface during calm mornings. The campground offers front-row seats to nature's daily theater—moose wading through the shallows at dawn, beavers slapping their tails at dusk, and the northern lights occasionally dancing across star-filled skies. The surrounding wilderness showcases the island's rugged beauty, where weathered ridges rise above a tapestry of lakes connected by winding streams and challenging portages.

Geological RegionPerched within Isle Royale's ancient landscape, Lake Richie Canoe Campground occupies a remarkable geological setting shaped by volcanic activity and glacial forces over billions of years. The campground rests in the heart of this remote archipelago wilderness, where exposed billion-year-old lava flows tell the story of Earth's violent past. Dense boreal forests now cloak the rugged ridges and valleys carved by glaciers, while countless lakes—including Lake Richie itself—fill the depressions left behind by retreating ice. This isolated outpost offers campers a chance to sleep atop some of the oldest exposed rock formations in North America.

Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Check-in

Not applicable.

Check-out

Not applicable.

Stay Limit

2nights effective from June 1st to Labor Day annually.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Guests per site are not specified.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutSite layout information is null.

Reservation PlatformsNo reservations available for Lake Richie Canoe Campground.

Walk-in AvailabilityLake Richie Canoe Campground operates on a non-reservable, first-come-first-served basis.

Cancellation PolicyCancellations made prior to the reservation check-in date may incur a $10 fee. Specific rules for late cancellations and no-show fees apply, but reservations are not applicable for this campground.

AccessibilityThe campground is accessible only by canoe or kayak via portage routes; no accessibility features for individuals with physical disabilities are mentioned.

Site SizeCampsites are designed to accommodate small groups with minimal equipment.

PrivacyThe sites offer a reasonable level of privacy due to their wilderness location and low visitation rates.

Recommended SitesSite recommendations are null.

Activities you can enjoy

As a remote wilderness campground, Lake Richie Canoe Campground is tailored to outdoor enthusiasts seeking activities like canoeing, kayaking, and wildlife observation. The isolation and natural beauty make it a haven for those looking to disconnect.

HikingHiking is possible via the portage routes leading to the campground from surrounding areas. Trails vary in length from 0.6 to 2 miles and are suitable for experienced hikers.

FishingLake Richie is known for its fishing opportunities, though specific fish species or regulations are not detailed in the source materials.

BoatingThe campground is accessible by canoe or kayak, making boating integral to the camping experience. Portages connect nearby lakes.

Wildlife viewingThe secluded setting offers excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing, though specific animals are not mentioned.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential dangers include remote wilderness conditions, variable weather, and wildlife encounters characteristic of Isle Royale.

Active AlertsNo active alerts available.

No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Fire PolicyFire policies are unspecified.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are unspecified.

Emergency ServicesClosest emergency services are null.

Trash & RecyclingThe campground does not provide trash or recycling facilities. Campers are expected to adhere to Leave No Trace principles and pack out all waste.

Water FeaturesLocated directly on the shore of Lake Richie.

Camp HostNo information available about hosts on-site.