Cascade River Campground
Open year-round on a first-come, first-served basis with no fees. Winter camping is allowed, but roads are not plowed and vault toilets may be locked or inaccessible due to snow.
Flood Advisory issued May 2 at 5:42PM CDT until May 6 at 3:45PM CDT by NWS Duluth MN
High water continues across portions of the far eastern Rainy River watershed due to the effects of recent heavy rains and snowmelt. * WHAT...Flooding caused by rain and snowmelt is occurring. * WHERE...In Minnesota, Cook, Lake and St. Louis Counties. * WHEN...Until 345 PM CDT Wednesday. * IMPACTS...Minor flooding in low-lying and poor drainage areas. Some low water crossings may become impassable. River or stream flows are very elevated. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS... - At 533 PM CDT Saturday, the public and automated river gauges reported flooding in the advisory area. Rapid river rises have already caused minor flooding in the advisory area. - This includes the following streams and drainages... Isabella River, Moose River, Jeanette Creek, Horse River, Kawishiwi River, and Hustler River. Additional rainfall amounts up to 0.2 inches are expected over the area in the next couple of days. - Expect high, fast moving water on area rivers and elevated lake levels. Water levels are near or above those seen during flood events in Spring 2022 and June 2024. - Far eastern and southern areas of the advisory near the end of the Gunflint Trail and Ely are likely reaching peak levels this weekend, with decreases expected through the coming week. For areas near and on Basswood Lake and Lac La Croix, expect rises to continue into and through much of the week of May 4. The advisory may need to be extended. - Those venturing into the Boundary Waters should prepare for high water and possible inundation of portages and campsites, as well as dangerous rapids and very cold water. - Some locations that will experience flooding include... Gunflint Lake, Snowbank Lake, Basswood Lake, Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, Fall Lake, White Iron Lake, Sea Gull Lake, Saganaga Lake, Ensign Lake, Disappointment Lake and Lac La Croix. - Flood safety information can be found at www.weather.gov/safety/flood.
About
Cascade River Rustic Campground is a small, primitive camping area operated by the Superior National Forest, featuring just 4 first-come, first-served campsites situated along the Cascade River. This remote location is particularly popular with anglers seeking to fish the Cascade River for trout and other species. The campground provides basic amenities including vault toilets and fire rings, but lacks many typical campground facilities. Unlike developed campgrounds, there are no picnic tables at the campsites, so visitors should come prepared to set up and eat meals as they would while backpacking. No potable water is available on-site, so campers must bring their own drinking water. The campground also has no garbage service, so visitors must pack out all trash. Fishing in the Cascade River requires a valid Minnesota Department of Natural Resources fishing license, with an additional stamp required for trout fishing. The campground is located in Cook County, accessed via the Gunflint Trail and a series of county and forest roads. Winter camping is permitted, though roads are not plowed and vault toilets may be locked or inaccessible due to snow conditions. No fees are charged for camping at this rustic site, making it an affordable option for self-sufficient campers seeking a remote wilderness experience in the Superior National Forest.
Directions
From Grand Marais, drive County Road 12 (Gunflint Trail) north to County Road 8. Turn left on County Road 8 and drive approximately 4.5 miles to a fork with County Road 57. Bear left at the fork onto County Road 57 and drive approximately 5 miles to a T-intersection with Forest Road 158. Turn right on Forest Road 158 and Cascade River Rustic Campground is on the left almost immediately.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $0 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (218) 387-1750 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
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