Lake Richie Canoe Campground
00 review800 E. Lakeshore Drive, Houghton, MI, 49931, USA
Lake Richie Canoe 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. Reservation Service fees are $8 online or via app, $9 via contact center, and $3 in person. Fees may include additional charges for modifications and cancellations.
About this 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.
Campsite details
AccessibilityThe campground is accessible only by canoe or kayak via portage routes; no accessibility features for individuals with physical disabilities are mentioned.
Sites SizeCampsites are designed to accommodate small groups with minimal equipment.
Sites PrivacyThe sites offer a reasonable level of privacy due to their wilderness location and low visitation rates.
Total Campsites0 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSite recommendations are null.
Best CampsitesNo information on individual campsites within Lake Richie Canoe Campground.
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 are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutSite layout information is null.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen season is June 1 through Labor Day annually.
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.
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.
Hiking
Hiking 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.Fishing
Lake Richie is known for its fishing opportunities, though specific fish species or regulations are not detailed in the source materials.Boating
The campground is accessible by canoe or kayak, making boating integral to the camping experience. Portages connect nearby lakes.Wildlife viewing
The secluded setting offers excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing, though specific animals are not mentioned.Winter Activities
Winter activities are not applicable as the stay limit applies only during the summer season.Water Sports
Canoeing and kayaking are the primary water sports available.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Fire policies are unspecified.
- Quiet hours are unspecified.
Hazards
General hazardsPotential dangers include remote wilderness conditions, variable weather, and wildlife encounters characteristic of Isle Royale.
Active alertsNo active alerts available.
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 null.
Good to know
Peak season datesJune 1 through Labor Day annually.
Trash and recyclingThe campground does not provide trash or recycling facilities. Campers are expected to adhere to Leave No Trace principles and pack out all waste.
Proximity to water featuresLocated directly on the shore of Lake Richie.
Common complaintsNo user reviews are available to determine common complaints.
HostNo information available about hosts on-site.
Campground Map
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.
Camper Reviews
0.0
0 reviews
Lake Richie Canoe Campground has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
No user reviews are available for Lake Richie Canoe Campground.
Review Summaries
What Campers Love
Campground's remote location and pristine natural environment are ideal for wilderness enthusiasts. Canoe/kayak access enhances the adventure.
Common Concerns
No specific complaints are available due to the absence of user reviews.
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Campers should prepare for self-sufficiency, including bringing water filtration systems and packing out all waste.
Seasonal Insights
No seasonal trends can be identified as there are no user reviews available.
Site-Specific Reviews
No site-specific reviews are available.
Accessibility Features
No accessibility-related reviews are available.
Pet-Friendly Features
No user feedback on pet policies or pet-friendly features.
Last updated August 10, 2025