Baker Lake Rustic Campground

About

Baker Lake Rustic Campground sits in a scenic stand of red pine along the shore of Baker Lake in Minnesota's Superior National Forest. The campground consists of five sites: four positioned at the top of a hill near the lake and one separate site down Forest Road 1272A. Each site includes a fire ring and tent pad, and the campground features vault toilets. Uniquely for a rustic campground, solar-powered potable water is available. The location makes Baker Lake an ideal staging area for Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness trips via the Baker Lake Entry Point. Most of Baker Lake lies within the BWCAW, limiting watercraft to non-motorized vessels. Long-term parking is available for wilderness visitors. A day-use picnic area and boat launch complement the campground facilities. This is a true primitive camping experience: no fees, no reservations, and no trash service. Campers must pack out all waste including fish remains. Sites accommodate a maximum of nine people and two vehicles. The road dead-ends at the campground without a turnaround, making it best suited for tent camping rather than RVs, though two sites have spurs over 21 feet that may accommodate smaller units.

Directions

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