Pfeiffer Lake Campground & Backcountry Sites

Pfeiffer Lake Campground, located adjacent to it's namesake lake, is a small, peaceful and scenic facility in the Superior National Forest of Minnesota. The lake's healthy population of fish make it a favorite spot for anglers, and the swim beach, playground and picnic area provide fun for the whole family.

The campground is located on the north shore of Pfeiffer Lake. It sites on sandy, rolling hills found north of the Laurentian Divide. Many sites offer scenic views of Pfeiffer Lake. The two backcountry sites on the lake are open year-round, and only accessible by water.

The campground sits in a forest of mixed hardwoods and pine and new pine and cedar have been planted.

The lake is 57 acres and has an irregular shoreline great for exploring by canoe or kayak. The lake area is also a nesting place for loons and a habitat for other birds and wildlife.

The road is not plowed during the winter.

Reservations

Some sites are reservable through Reservation.gov's Pfieffer Lake Campground page.

General Information

Campground Camping

The campground provides fire rings, tables, drinking water, vault toilets and a centrally located playground that offers children a great place to run off the day's energy.

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

16 campsites

RV Camping

Sites are pull-in and not specifically designed for RVs. Most can accommodate a moderately sized vehicle.

Dispersed Camping

There are 2 dispersed sites on Pfeiffer Lake. Sites are accessible by boat or by foot. Use the boat launch or the hiking trail in the campground.

Please use facilities provided such as fire rings, tent pads, and latrines.

May 9 - September 30

Check in: 2:00 p.m.; Check-out: 12:00 p.m.; Quiet hours are 10:00 p.m. until 6:00 a.m.

When visiting, please remember

Maximum of 9 people per site.
There is space for 1 vehicle and 1 towed vehicle (such as a boat trailer).
Additional vehicles at the site require additional half fee and must park on the spur.
No vehicles may park on the grass or where they impede traffic.
ATVs are not allowed.

Overnight Use:
Single Site: $18/night.
Interagency Senior/Access Recreation Passes provide a 50% discount to Single Campsites ONLY.
*The discount applies only to the fee for the campsite physically occupied by the pass holder, not to any additional fee or campsite(s) occupied by members of the pass holder's party.*
https://store.usgs.gov/recreational-passes
Please be prepared to pay with CASH or CHECK.
*Sites may be reservable and reservation fees apply.*

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: 318 Forestry Road Aurora, MN 55705
Phone: (218) 453-8650
Hours: April 28 – September 30, Monday - Friday, 8:00 am - 4:30 pm, closed weekends, providing full services. (Closed on federal holidays)
Office Email: SM.FS.Superior_NF@usda.gov

Getting There

Latitude / Longitude

Latitude: 47.75192432

Longitude: -92.47256856

Directions

From Virginia

Go north on Highway 53/169 for 4 miles.
Take Highway 169 north for 16 miles to the junction of 169 and Highway 1.
Go west (left) on Highway 1 for 5 miles and then south (left) on Forest Road 256 for 2 miles.