Summer adventures await at the Superior National Forest

While many people seek out the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness to explore northern Minnesota, the Superior National Forest (SNF) reminds visitors that recreation opportunities exist across the SNF outside of Wilderness for adventurers – many under the radar. There are three sites – multiple lake canoe routes to small campgrounds - in each of the five districts across the SNF for visitors to explore and enjoy. 

Remember to practice Leave No Trace principles. All backcountry and rustic campsites are first-come, first-serve, with no fee for camping. The following SNF recreational opportunities are listed by nearest town, then ranger district, with a brief description and links to the website listing. Make sure to check area fire restrictions, alerts, closures, and office hours prior to your visit on the website (see below and Flickr album for more photos).

Grand Marais Area-Gunflint Ranger District  

Twin Lakes Canoe Route – 

There are six lakes linked by four portages making up the Twin Lakes Canoe Route. A great introduction trip prior to a BWCAW trip. There are five backcountry campsites along the way, several dispersed camp locations and lots of opportunities for fishing and wildlife viewing. There is limited parking.  

Ball Club Lake –

Two backcountry sites are available on this lake one located adjacent the parking lot and one available on the lake by canoe or motorboat.  There is a cement slab boat ramp suitable for most boats with a gravel parking lot.  Each campsite has a fire grate, a latrine, and it may have a picnic table. The parking lot fits three vehicles with trailer space and a turnaround. There is no public restroom available at the boat launch. 

Cascade River Rustic Campground - 

This small campground is particularly suited to people who are planning to fish in the Cascade River or are looking for a remote place to camp. There are tables at the campsites and a new outhouse last year constructed with funds from the Great American Outdoors Act. 

For more information on recreating around the Grand Marais area

Tofte (Tofte area) 

Crescent Lake to Rice Lake Canoe Route - 

This four-mile-long canoe route from Crescent Lake to Rice Lake involves seven short portages and provides a quiet paddling experience for those looking for a day trip or overnight paddling opportunity outside the BWCAW or testing their skills to ensure they are ready for a BWCAW trip. Fishing Crescent Lake for walleye, muskie, and northern is easy with a boat ramp and trailer storage area, a barrier-free fishing pier, and several boat storage areas for canoes. From Crescent Lake, it is possible to portage into several other lakes, and it can make a nice canoe route to paddle down to Rice Lake where there are three campsites and a portage to a small parking area. 

Divide Lake Campground & Backcountry Sites - 

A Northwoods camping experience in a small (3 sites) secluded campground located near many recreational opportunities. This fee campground has a walk-down canoe launch to Divide Lake that is stocked with trout. There’s also a 2-mile hike around the lake with benches and scenic overlooks along with one first-come-first served, boat-in backcountry campsite on the south side of Divide Lake.

Hogback Recreation Area – 

This recreation area has a rustic campground with three free, first come-first served, campsites, a five-mile hiking trail system passing six lakes with several different loops, and five first come-first served, backcountry campsites along the trail. There is also a boat launch and an accessible fishing pier. 

Section 29 and Wilson Lake Rustic Campgrounds

Section 29 Rustic Campground has four small sites on the shore of Section 29 Lake. 

Wilson Lake Rustic Campground - 

This campground has four sites accessible by car on the lakeshore with a drive down boat ramp and dock.  There is one first-come, first-served, boat-in backcountry campsite located on Wilson Lake.  Nearby Little Wilson Lake also has a boat ramp, and there is a portage trail from Wilson to Sister Lake. 

For more information on recreating around the Tofte area

Laurentian (Aurora-Hoyt Lakes area)

St. Louis River-Seven Beavers Lake-Round Lake Canoe Route - 

The St. Louis River site offers one first come-first served, canoe-in campsite. From the river you can portage into Seven Beavers and Round Lakes that have three canoe accessible sites on remote, quiet lakes with a good chance of seeing wildlife.

Camp Four Lake –

This small lake has a short trail to access it from the parking area. Fill in your camping bucket list with one of the two backcountry campsites. Nearby lakes for day trip options include Dark Lake, Knuckey Lake, and Clear Lake. The area has two firepits and a backcountry latrine.

Salo Lake – 

Another small lake with a picnic area, dock, and concrete boat landing. Fishing opportunities include catching panfish, bass, walleye, and northern pike. Access has an outhouse restroom. 

For more information on recreating around the Laurentian area

Note: some of these recreation areas were within the Brimson Complex Fire Closure Area. Read more about recreating in post-fire areas.

LaCroix (Cook area) 

Hunting Shack River Route - 

The area has seven miles of hiking trail, six first come-first served, backcountry campsites and a canoe route with four interconnected lakes, including Astrid Lake, Maude Lake, Pauline Lake and Nigh Lake. The area provides an opportunity to experience wilderness-style camping without portaging or wilderness permits and regulations. 

Picket Lake - 

Picket Lake is a remote 316-acre lake with 5.7 miles of shoreline, quiet lake with three first come-first served, backcountry campsites Launch at the beaver pond next to the parking lot. After crossing the beaver pond there is a short portage into Picket Lake.

Franklin Lake – 

This is a large, 156-acre lake with 2.5 miles of shoreline and two backcountry campsites (first come-first serve). There is a short portage that is open to ATVs.

For more information on recreating around the LaCroix area

Kawishiwi (Ely area) 

Circle Route (Twin Lakes-Fenske Lake-Grassy Lake-Bass Lake Canoe Route) - 

This route offers 10 lakes and two rivers with first come-first served, backcountry campsites like those in the wilderness. With 10 portages visitors can test their portaging savvy and the 18 campsites along the route will ensure everyone gets experience with fire rings, tent pads and LNT principles, specifically packing out all garbage.

Nels Lake - 

This lake is 182 acres and has two first come-first served, backcountry sites that resemble near- wilderness campsites. Since you are just outside the BWCAW, you won’t need a permit to visit, but you will need one to fish.  The sites are accessible on foot or by boat.

Tofte Lake - 

This lake at 155 acres with depths of 70 feet, offers four first come-first served, backcountry campsites and a boat ramp. This is a designated trout lake. Four other nearby lakes make fun day trips.

For more information on recreating around the Kawishiwi area

Outdoor safety and ethics considerations

Backcountry, rustic, and dispersed camping and boating routes offer a great way to enjoy the Superior National Forest without the fees of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. Please use only the facilities for fires, tents, and human waste, if provided, and follow Leave No Trace ethics. If you pack it in, pack it out for garbage and gear. Camping is limited to 14 days within any continuous 30-day period at any location within the same 20-mile radius.  Campfire restrictions can occur any time of year so always have a small stove with you. Check for fire restrictions and if you build a campfire, properly put it out by drowning it water, and stirring the ashes until cold to the touch. A fire pan is encouraged for dispersed camping if there is not a campfire restriction in effect. More safety and ethics can be found below. 

The Superior National Forest is a recreation and water lovers’ destination for all ages and abilities! 

Learn more

Hiking on the Superior National Forest

Camping on the Superior National Forest 

Safety and Ethics on the Superior National Forest 

Photos on Flickr