Intermediate Lake Campground
00 review800 E. Lakeshore Drive, Houghton, MI, USA, 49931
Intermediate Lake Campground
$3.00 - $8.00 / night
Campsite 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
Recreation use fees vary by activity and location: $8 for online or app reservations, $9 through the contact center, $3 for in-person reservations. Additional service fees may apply for changes or cancellations.
About this 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.
Campsite details
AccessibilityThere is no information provided regarding accessibility features for campers with disabilities.
Sites SizeAs a primitive campground, the campsite sizes are not specifically detailed.
Sites PrivacyPrivacy levels of campsites are not described, but the remote nature of the location suggests limited interaction with other groups.
Total Campsites0 campsites
Recommended CampsitesRecommendations for site selection are unavailable due to lack of user reviews and specific data.
Best CampsitesSpecific campsite information is unavailable.
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 are 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.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen season June 1 to Labor Day annually, closed at other times.
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.
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.
Boating
Boating 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
No winter recreation activities are mentioned.Water Sports
Water sports may include canoeing and kayaking, given the access requirements, though explicit details are not provided.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- No specific fire policy details provided; likely follows Isle Royale National Park's wilderness fire policies.
Hazards
General hazardsPotential 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.
Weather forecast
65
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 34%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 10.2 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
Clear sky
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Closest emergency services are likely in Houghton, MI, which is the park's administrative location and provides general services.
Good to know
Peak season datesJune 1 – Labor Day annually.
Trash and recyclingNo information about trash or recycling facilities is available for this campground.
Proximity to water featuresThe campground is situated directly on the shoreline of Intermediate Lake, providing immediate access to water.
Common complaintsNo user reviews are available, hence no complaints have been recorded.
HostNo information provided about campground host availability or services.
Campground Map
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.
Camper Reviews
0.0
0 reviews
Intermediate Lake Campground has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
No user reviews are available for Intermediate Lake Campground.
Review Summaries
What Campers Love
Due to the lack of user reviews, there are no compiled positive highlights.
Common Concerns
No common complaints are documented as user reviews are unavailable.
Pro Tips & Recommendations
No user-provided tips or recommendations are available.
Seasonal Insights
Seasonal trends cannot be analyzed due to the absence of user reviews.
Camper Quotes
User quotes are not available as there are no reviews for this campground.
Site-Specific Reviews
No information is provided about site-specific reviews or recommendations.
Accessibility Features
Accessibility experiences are not documented due to no user reviews.
Pet-Friendly Features
There are no reviews addressing pet policies or experiences.
Last updated August 10, 2025