Baker Lake Rustic Campground

Closed — Closed for the season. The campground operates from May 15 through October 1. Forest roads are not plowed in winter.

About

Baker Lake Rustic Campground is a primitive 5-site campground located in a stand of red pine on the shore of Baker Lake in Superior National Forest. The campground is particularly popular with paddlers as it provides convenient access to Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness Entry Point 39. Four sites are clustered at the top of a hill, while one additional site sits separately down Forest Road 1272A away from the lake. Unlike most rustic campgrounds in the Superior National Forest, Baker Lake features a solar-powered drinking water faucet, eliminating the need to treat lake water for drinking. The campground offers vault toilets and each site includes a fire ring. There is no garbage service, so campers must pack out all waste. Sites are pull-in style and not specifically designed for RVs, though two sites have parking spurs exceeding 21 feet that may accommodate smaller campers or RVs. The access road dead-ends without a turnaround, so larger vehicles should scout the area before driving in. Most of Baker Lake extends into the BWCAW, and only non-motorized boats are permitted on the lake. A permit is required to enter the wilderness, though day-use permits are available at an information kiosk at the boat access. The lake offers fishing for northern pike, walleye, yellow perch, and white sucker. Maximum occupancy is nine people per site, with space for one vehicle and one towed vehicle such as a boat trailer.

Directions

From Highway 61 in Tofte, turn left at County Road 2 (Sawbill Trail) and drive approximately 16 miles to FR 170. Turn right on FR 170, drive 6 miles. Turn left on FR 1272 to Baker Lake Rustic Campground. A turn off 1272 slightly before the campground leads to an additional camping site away from the lake.

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