Crescent Lake Campground & Backcountry Sites
Crescent Lake is an undeveloped lake surrounded entirely by the remote Superior National Forest. This quiet campground has waterfront campsites with easy access to fishing, exploring the nearby wilderness and simply enjoying the beauty of the natural area.
Visitors can find recreation opportunities year-round, including travel in the famous Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness.
The campground has 32 sites situated on a peninsula that juts out into the lake, providing many sites with nice views of the water and some sites with access to the water.
A few sites are first-come, first-served, including one primitive backcountry camping site that campers can boat into; access is a boat ramp on the northwest side of the lake.
Picnic tables, campfire grates, water pumps and vault toilets are provided. A fishing pier is located within the campground.
Superior National Forest is known for its boreal forest ecosystem, numerous clean lakes and diversity of plants and animals. The entire campground is heavily wooded with white pines, red pines, spruce, balsam, birch and aspen. Birds and wildlife are abundant, from moose and bear to bald eagles and loons.
The fishing is good for walleye, northern pike and muskie. Crescent Lake allows motorized boat use without limit on horsepower, but is most appropriate for small fishing or similar type boats.
The surrounding national forest offers a wide variety of recreational opportunities, including hiking in secluded woodlands and canoeing in pristine lakes and rivers.
Photos of Crescent Lake Campground
Reservations
Some sites are reservable through Recreation.gov.
General Information
Campground Camping
A campground host is on site 33 during the peak season.
- 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
33
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.
Group Camping
Group site is located within the campground. This is not a wide open group site, it is instead a site with spaces for several small tents interconnected by paths. It is suitable for small groups of scouts or similar, not for large reunions or gatherings.
No. of Sites
1
Dispersed Camping
There is one backcountry campsite on Crescent Lake south of the campground, access is a the boat launch at the campground. Additional backcountry sites are located on connected lakes, see the Crescent Lake Canoe Route. Use a Forest Map to locate campsites and accesses.
May 12 - October 21
Quiet hours are 10:00 p.m. until 6:00 a.m.
When visiting, please remember
- Maximum of nine people per site, including the backcountry site.
- At the campground, 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.
Overnight Use:
Single Site with electric): $20 per night
Groups Site: $40 per night
- Single: $20/night
- Group: $40/night
Dogs are allowed at campsites and developed recreation areas; however, they should not be allowed to run loose in recreation areas where they will disturb other forest visitors. Be mindful of the impact a barking dog can have on other forest visitors.
- Keep dogs on a six-foot, or shorter, leash when they are not inside an enclosed vehicle or tent.
- Store dog food in bear-resistant containers and feed your pet away from the campsite.
- Pick up and bag your dog’s waste. Place it in a provided trash receptacle or pack it out.
- Do not leave your dog unattended at any time.
- Do not leave your dog in the vehicle on a hot day.
- Keep your dog in your tent or vehicle at night.
- Ensure that there is ample water available for your pet.
Address: 7355 West Hwy 61 Tofte, MN 55615
Phone: (218) 663-0012
Hours: October 1, 2025-April 30, 2026, Tuesday-Thursday, 9:00 am to 4:00 pm.
Office Email: SM.FS.Superior_NF@usda.gov
Getting There
Latitude / Longitude
Latitude: 47.82520417
Longitude: -90.77299267
Directions
Crescent Lake Campground is on Crescent Lake off of FR170 about 24 miles NNE of Tofte.
- From Tofte, turn north on County 2 (Sawbill Trail) off of MN 61 just east of Tofte.
- 16 miles up the Sawbill Trail, turn right on FR170 at the stop sign.
- Proceed 8 miles on FR170 to the Crescent Lake Campground entrance.
- From Lutsen, take Co. 4 (Caribou Trail) to FR170 and turn left to the entrance.
Facility and Amenity Information
Accessibility
One of the campsites is accessible. There is an accessible fishing pier.
Restrooms
Restrooms are not available at this site.
Outhouse (vault style) at campground, wilderness latrine at backcountry site
Water
Potable water is available at this site.
Solar powered faucet at campground, no potable water at backcountry site
Recreation Opportunities
Fishing - Lake & Pond Info
There is a accessible fishing pier at the campground.
Fish Species
Walleye, northern pike, panfish
Recreation Groups
Many lakes in the Tofte Ranger District have boat ramps and docks suitable for launching a trailered boat. These lakes are open for use by motorized