Baker Lake Rustic Campground
Closed for the season. The campground operates from May 15 through October 1. Forest roads are not plowed in winter.
Flood Advisory issued May 1 at 9:54AM CDT until May 2 at 7:00PM CDT by NWS Duluth MN
High water continues across portions of the far eastern Rainy River watershed due to the effects of runoff from heavy rains and snowmelt from earlier this week. Expect high, fast moving water on area rivers and elevated lake levels. Water levels are near or just surpassed those seen during flood events in Spring 2022 and June 2024. Further water level increases are possible through this weekend after which slow declines should begin. * WHAT...Flooding caused by runoff from rain and snowmelt continues. * WHERE...In Minnesota, Cook and Lake Counties. * WHEN...Until 700 PM CDT Saturday. * IMPACTS...Minor flooding in low-lying and poor drainage areas. Some low-water crossings may become impassable. River or stream flows are elevated. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS... - At 948 AM CDT Friday, automated river gages and the public reported flooding in the advisory area. Minor flooding is occurring. - Expect high, fast moving water on area rivers and elevated lake levels. Water levels are near or just surpassed those seen during flood events in Spring 2022 and June 2024. Further water level increases are possible through this weekend after which slow declines should begin. - Some locations that will experience flooding include... Gunflint Lake, Forest Center, Little Saganaga Lake, Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, Snowbank Lake, Alpine Lake, Sea Gull Lake, Isabella, Saganaga Lake, Basswood Lake, Fall Lake, White Iron Lake, Birch Lake, Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness North of the Gunflint Trail, Pine Lake, Alice Lake, Malberg Lake, Lake Polly and Thomas Lake. - Flood safety information can be found at www.weather.gov/safety/flood.
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.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | No |
| Water Hookups | No |
| Sewer Hookups | No |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $0 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| SM.FS.Superior_NF@usda.gov | |
| Phone | +1 (218) 663-0012 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
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