Minnesota / Cook County

Crescent Lake

Closed — Closed for the season. The campground operates from May 12 through October 21.

About

Crescent Lake Campground is located on an undeveloped lake surrounded entirely by the remote Superior National Forest in northeastern Minnesota. The campground sits on a peninsula jutting out into the lake, providing many of its 32 sites with excellent water views and direct lake access. The heavily wooded setting features white pines, red pines, spruce, balsam, birch, and aspen. Most campsites are available for reservation, with a few first-come, first-served sites. One accessible site is available, and there's a group site suitable for small scout groups. Additionally, one primitive backcountry site accessible by boat is located south of the campground, reached via the boat ramp on the northwest side of the lake. The campground provides picnic tables, campfire grates, solar-powered water faucets, vault toilets, and an accessible fishing pier. Crescent Lake offers excellent fishing for walleye, northern pike, and muskie. Motorized boats are allowed without horsepower limits, though the lake is most appropriate for small fishing boats. The surrounding Superior National Forest provides opportunities for hiking, canoeing in pristine lakes and rivers, and wildlife viewing. The nearby Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness extends nearly 150 miles along the International Boundary. Wildlife is abundant, including moose, bear, bald eagles, and loons.

Directions

From Tofte, turn north on County 2 (Sawbill Trail) off MN 61 just east of Tofte. Drive 16 miles up the Sawbill Trail, then turn right on FR170 at the stop sign. Proceed 8 miles on FR170 to the campground entrance on the right. From Lutsen, take County 4 (Caribou Trail) to FR170 and turn left to the entrance.

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