Last updated: February 22, 2022
Thing to Do
Portage from Lake Richie to Chippewa Harbor
NPS / DERRICK JAEGER
About this Portage
- Mileage: About 1.2 miles
- Rocks and roots on trail
Portage Access
- McCargoe Cove
- Access at McCargoe Cove Dock via private boat, Voyageur II passenger ferry, or water taxi from Rock Harbor Lodge.
- Chippewa Harbor
- Access at Chippewa Harbor Dock via private boat, Voyageur II passenger ferry, or water taxi from Rock Harbor Lodge.
- Moskey Basin
- Access at Moskey Basin Dock via private boat or water taxi from Rock Harbor Lodge.
Paddle to the southern tip of Lake Richie to find the Indian Portage Trail that leads to Chippewa Harbor. This section of trail rolls over terrain and has boardwalks over swampy areas. Water access to Chippewa Harbor is at the northwestern end of the harbor.
Found Nearby
- Lake Richie Canoe Campground
- Chippewa Harbor Campground
- Indian Portage Trail
- Moskey Basin Campground
Details
Duration
1 Day
Activity
Canoe or Kayak Camping
Pets Allowed
No
Activity Fee
No
Entrance fees may apply, see Fees & Passes information.
Location
Lake Richie - Chippewa Harbor Portage at Isle Royale National Park
Reservations
No
Season
Spring, Summer, Fall
Accessibility Information
The trail is 18 inches wide and covered in rocks and roots.
Closed
Basic Information
Lake Richie Canoe Campground is located on the north shore of Lake Richie. Canoe/kayak access via the .6 mile portage from Intermediate Lake, the 1.2 mile portage from Chippewa Harbor, the 2.0 mile portage from Moskey Basin, and the .6 mile portage from Lake LeSage.
Stay Limit: 2 nights effective from June 1st – Labor Day annually.
Access: Canoe/kayak. No private boat access.
Stay Limit: 2 nights effective from June 1st – Labor Day annually.
Access: Canoe/kayak. No private boat access.
TOTAL SITES: 3
Electric Hookups: 0
RV Only: 0
Tent Only: 3
Walk to/Boat to: 3
Group: 0
Horse: 0
Other: 0
Amenities
- Cell Phone Reception
- No
- Internet Connectivity
- No
- Trash/Recycling Collection
- No
- Food Storage Lockers
- No
- Camp Store
- No
- Ice for Sale
- No
- Firewood for Sale
- No
- Staff On Site
- No
- Amphitheater
- No
- Laundry
- No
- Dump Station
- No
- Potable Water
- Non-Potable Water
Fire/Stove Policy
Self-contained stoves only.
Toilet Types
- Composting Toilets - seasonal
Shower Types
- None
Weather
Isle Royale National Park is a remote archipelago in the middle of Lake Superior. To make the most of your visit, it is necessary that you plan ahead and prepare. Be aware that many services and items that are available on the mainland are not available at Isle Royale. Due to the unpredictable waters of Lake Superior and its effect on island weather, be prepared for any and all weather conditions.
Small-party Camping (6 people or less)
No fee for small-party camping. A free overnight permit is required.
$0.00
Email Address
Phone number (Voice)
Mailing Address
800 E. Lakeshore DriveHoughton, MI 49931
Physical Address
800 E. Lakeshore DriveHoughton, MI 49931
Directions
Lake Richie Canoe Campground is located on the north shore of Lake Richie.Regulations
All park visitors pay an entrance fee. Self-contained stoves only. Dogs, cats, and other pets are not allowed. Quiet hours are from 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. EDT/ 9:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. CDT.
Fishing licenses are not required for inland lakes and streams on the island. However, Michigan size, season, and possession limits still apply. Only barbless hooks and artificial lures and flies may be used on inland lakes and streams. A State of Michigan fishing license is required to fish in the waters of Lake Superior.
Image Gallery
NPS / Mike Ausema
NPS / Mike Ausema
NPS / Mike Ausema
Accessibility Information
ADA Information - Uneven, rough terrain throughout campground. Facilities are not accessible.
Wheelchair Access - No wheelchair access.
RV & Trailer Information - No RV/Trailer access.
RV Allowed - No
Trailer Allowed - No
Classification - This campground is a primitive camping area.
Closed
Basic Information
Chippewa Harbor Campground is located in Chippewa Harbor, on the south shore of Isle Royale National Park. Trail access is via the Indian Portage Trail. Boats can stay overnight at dock.
Stay Limit: 3 nights from June 1 – Labor Day annually.
Shelters: 4
Depth at dock (normal conditions): 7’
Access: Foot/canoe/kayak/private boat
Stay Limit: 3 nights from June 1 – Labor Day annually.
Shelters: 4
Depth at dock (normal conditions): 7’
Access: Foot/canoe/kayak/private boat
TOTAL SITES: 7
Electric Hookups: 0
RV Only: 0
Tent Only: 2
Walk to/Boat to: 7
Group: 1
Horse: 0
Other: 4
Amenities
- Cell Phone Reception
- No
- Internet Connectivity
- No
- Trash/Recycling Collection
- No
- Food Storage Lockers
- No
- Camp Store
- No
- Ice for Sale
- No
- Firewood for Sale
- No
- Staff On Site
- No
- Amphitheater
- No
- Laundry
- No
- Dump Station
- No
- Potable Water
- Non-Potable Water
Fire/Stove Policy
Grills are available on site. Otherwise, self-contained stoves only.
Toilet Types
- Composting Toilets - seasonal
Shower Types
- None
Weather
Isle Royale National Park is a remote archipelago in the middle of Lake Superior. To make the most of your visit, it is necessary that you plan ahead and prepare. Be aware that many services and items that are available on the mainland are not available at Isle Royale. Due to the unpredictable waters of Lake Superior and its effect on island weather, be prepared for any and all weather conditions.
Small-party Camping (6 people or less)
No fee for small-party camping. A free overnight permit is required.
$0.00
Group Tent Site
1 Group Site by advanced reservation only. All parties of 7 or more must submit group permit requests through the park's online request system. The fee is a per permit cost for each party within a group of 7 or more.
$25.00
Email Address
Phone number (Voice)
Directions
Chippewa Harbor Campground is located in Chippewa Harbor on the south shore of Isle Royale National Park.Regulations
All park visitors pay an entrance fee. Campfire rings or standing grills provided. Dogs, cats, and other pets are not allowed. Quiet hours are from 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. EDT/ 9:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. CDT.
Fishing licenses are not required for inland lakes and streams on the island. However, Michigan size, season, and possession limits still apply. Only barbless hooks and artificial lures and flies may be used on inland lakes and streams. A State of Michigan fishing license is required to fish in the waters of Lake Superior.
Image Gallery
NPS / Paul Brown
NPS / Derrick Jaeger
Accessibility Information
ADA Information - Uneven, rough terrain throughout campground. Facilities are not accessible.
Wheelchair Access - No wheelchair access.
RV & Trailer Information - No RV/Trailer access.
RV Allowed - No
Trailer Allowed - No
Classification - This campground is a limited development campground.