Pros & cons
PROS
- Secluded, paddle-in wilderness vibe on a quiet inland lake
- Basic outhouse provided
CONS
- No potable water or campfires
- Access requires portaging; no road or motorboat access
Overview
Intermediate Lake Campground is a tiny, primitive backcountry spot tucked between Lake Richie and Siskiwit Lake. It’s all about solitude and silence—just you, calm water, and boreal forest.
Getting There
This is paddle-in territory. Reach it via short portages: roughly 0.6 miles from Lake Richie or 0.4 miles from Siskiwit Lake. There’s no road access and no private motorboats, which keeps it quiet and crowd-free.
Campsites & Amenities
Expect simplicity: three small tent sites, first-come, first-served. There’s an outhouse, but no potable water, no picnic tables, no showers, and no fires—bring a stove. Pets aren’t allowed. From June 1 through Labor Day, stays are limited to two nights.
What Makes It Special
With only three sites and paddle-only access, this is one of the park’s most serene overnights. The lake setting is lovely at dawn and dusk, and on clear nights the stars can be excellent.
Wildlife & Scenery
You’re camping on the shore of a quiet inland lake rimmed by forest. Keep an eye out for loons, beavers, otters, waterfowl, and the occasional moose passing through. It’s also a peaceful base for anglers who like remote water.
Who It’s For
Experienced paddlers and self-reliant backpackers who prefer minimal amenities and maximum quiet. If you want comforts or campfires, pick a different campground.
Best Time to Visit
Late spring through early fall is the window. Midweek is typically even quieter, but this one sees light use overall. Aim to arrive by early afternoon to secure a site. Sunrise and sunset offer the best light for photos; expect cool nights even in summer, and come prepared for biting insects in peak summer.
Essentials to Bring
A reliable water filter, camp stove, bug protection, warm layers, and a solid plan—this is true backcountry. Store food securely and practice strict Leave No Trace.
Where it is
48.0341, -88.7186Tips for Intermediate Lake Campground
- 01Bring a robust water filter—there’s no potable water on site.
- 02Cook on a stove; open campfires aren’t allowed here.
- 03Plan your portages from Lake Richie or Siskiwit and pack light.
- 04Arrive early in the day to snag one of the three sites.
- 05Peak summer bugs can be fierce—carry repellent and a head net.
Amenities
Near Intermediate Lake Campground
All places →All trails →
1.1 mi awayLake RichieQuiet inland lake for paddling, pike, and true backcountry calmRestroom · Campground
1.9 mi awayLake Richie CampgroundQuiet inland-lake camp for paddlers and moose watchersCampground · Restroom
2.1 mi awayWest Chickenbone CampgroundBackcountry lakefront stop on the Greenstone with frequent mooseCampground · Restroom
2.3 mi awayChickenbone LakeQuiet inland lake with two backcountry campgrounds and moose sightingsCampground
2.8 mi awayChippewa Harbor TrailQuiet south-shore connector to a historic harbor and ridge viewsModerate · 4 mi · 0 min
3.7 mi awayIndian Portage TrailHistoric island traverse linking McCargoe Cove to Chippewa HarborModerate · 11.2 mi · 8 hr
3.7 mi awayMinong Mine TrailShort spur to Isle Royale’s best mine ruins near McCargoe CoveEasy · 0.5 mi · 30 min
3.7 mi awayEast Chickenbone TrailQuiet, forested shortcut from McCargoe Cove toward Greenstone RidgeModerate · 3.6 mi · 2 hr
