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McDougal Lake Campground
McDougal Lake Campground provides easy access to a wide variety of recreational activities including hiking, boating, fishing, picnicking and swimming within the central part of Superior National Forest.
The McDougal Lake Trail at the campground is currently closed due to the Greenwood Fire and is being rehabilitated. Opening date is unknown.
Natural Features: The McDougal Lake area, including the campground, was involved in the Greenwood Fire in 2021. The recovering forest is interesting as you pass through areas of different burn intensity and see which plants survived, which died, and which are even thriving in a post-fire environment. As some trees may be unstable due to damaged root systems, we recommend staying on roads and established trails in the area as trees may fall in other areas.
The 323-acre McDougal Lake was surrounded by a thick forest of birch, maple and pine which was burned to varying degrees in the 2021 Greenwood Fire. Many of the large pine within the campground survived the fire, which opened up the ground for forest regeneration. Although some other areas with the fire's footprint may have burned more heavily, the ecology at the campground itself benefited from the fire. The area is peaceful, rustic and begs for relaxation. One unique feature of the lake is the wild rice growing within it. Birds and wildlife frequent its shores.
Recreation: The campground offers a one-mile trail (cuirrently closed) that loops along the shore and through the forest, providing a great pastime for families. Kids will also love the sandy swimming beach within the facility. A boat ramp and shoreline access provide anglers the opportunity for a leisurely afternoon of fishing for walleye and northern pike.
At a Glance
| Current Conditions: | Campground water systems are shut off for winter and garbage service suspended. Please take your garbage home with you! Roads and access to outhouses are not plowed in winter. |
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| Reservations: | Some sites are reservable through Recreation.gov. |
| Fees: |
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| Restrictions: | Maximum of nine people per site. There is space for one vehicle and one towed vehicle (such as a boat trailer). Additional vehicles on the site require additional half fee and must park on the spur. No vehicles may park on the grass or where they impede traffic. |
| Closest Towns: | Isabella |
| Water: | Solar powered faucet |
| Restroom: | Outhouse (vault style) |
| Operated By: | Superior National Forest, Tofte Ranger District |
| Information Center: | Tofte Ranger District Email | Call | Address | Webpage |
General Information
General Notes:McDougal Lake Campground features a boat ramp with dock and parking for boat trailers. A mile long loop hiking trail starts from the trailer parking lot and has benches overlooking the water. Also at the boat landing area is a picnic ground and swimming beach. The swimming area is unguarded and is not roped off - swim at your own risk. Outhouses are located in the picnic area, but there are no changing rooms or bathhouses.
There are 5 long term sites at McDougal, allowing people to camp for longer than the 14 day maximum allowed on other sites. Call the information center, or visit the reservation site for further details.
Directions:
GPS Info. (Latitude, Longitude):
47.6425, -91.53278
47°38'33"N, 91°31'58"W
McDougal Lake Campground is located on Forest Road 106, 10 miles west of Isabella, Minnesota. From MN-61, turn onto MN-1 at Illgen City and follow to Isabella. Proceed 10 miles west of Isabella to Forest Road 106. Turn left and continue a half-mile to the campground entrance.
Accessibility:
Accessible pit toilets
Activities
Campground Camping
- Please use facilities provided such as fire rings, tent pads, and latrines.
- Dispose of waste in containers provided.
- Water faucets are for drinking water only, do not use as wash areas.
- Noise limits enforced, respect your fellow campers.
| No. of Sites |
21 5 long term sites. |
RV Camping
Sites are pull-in and not specifically designed for RVs. Most can accommodate a moderately sized vehicle, some may not be suitable for an RV.
Lake and Pond Fishing
Day Hiking
Due to tree damage during the Greenwood Fire, hiking on the McDougal Lake Trail or in the surrounding woods is not recommended. Root damage in a fire creates unstable trees which can fall and are very hazardous.
See the McDougal Lake Trail page for more information.
| Status: | Closed |
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| Status description: | The McDougal Lake Trail is closed for rehabilitation after the Greenwood Fire. |
Boating - Motorized
Swimming
Related Information
Location
