Eighteen Lake Rustic Campground
Closed for the season. The campground operates from May 10 through October 1. The campground road is not plowed during 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.
Flood Warning issued May 1 at 9:40AM CDT until May 6 at 1:00PM CDT by NWS Duluth MN
...The Flood Warning is extended for the following rivers in Minnesota... South Kawishiwi River near Ely affecting northwestern Lake County. .High water continues on the Kawishiwi River due to the effects of recent heavy rains and the last of ongoing snowmelt. Expect high, fast moving water through the Kawishiwi River, Isabella River, and Basswood River. Lake levels across the Boundary Waters Wilderness Area will be high. * WHAT...Minor flooding is occurring and remains forecast. * WHERE...South Kawishiwi River near Ely. * WHEN...Until early Wednesday afternoon. * IMPACTS...At 7.0 feet, Several BWCA camp sites may be submerged. Portages may have flowing water difficult to identify. Areas with swift currents may be hazardous to recreationalists. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS... - At 8:30 AM CDT Friday the stage was 6.9 feet. - Bankfull stage is 5.5 feet. - Recent Activity...The maximum river stage in the 24 hours ending at 8:30 AM CDT Friday was 6.9 feet. - Forecast...The river is expected to rise to a crest of 7.1 feet early Saturday afternoon. It will then fall below flood stage Wednesday morning. - Flood stage is 6.5 feet. - Flood History...This crest is higher than the crest of 6.9 feet on 05/17/2022. - Flood safety information can be found at www.weather.gov/safety/flood.
About
Eighteen Lake Rustic Campground provides three campsites and a picnic area under red pines on the shore of Eighteen Lake in Superior National Forest's Tofte Ranger District. A loop trail around the lake through beautiful old tall red pine and a carry-down boat access make this a wonderful spot to spend a weekend in the woods. The campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis with no fees. All three sites are pull-in style and longer than 21 feet, potentially accommodating RVs, though they are not specifically designed for them. Each site includes a fire ring and picnic table, with space for one vehicle and one towed vehicle such as a boat trailer. The lake offers fishing and non-motorized boating opportunities. This is a rustic campground with vault toilets but no potable water. Lake water must be treated, boiled, or filtered before use. There is no garbage pickup, so campers must pack out all waste, including fish remains. Dogs are permitted but must be kept on a six-foot or shorter leash. Quiet hours are enforced from 10:00 p.m. until 6:00 a.m., with a maximum of nine people per site.
Directions
From MN 61 at Illgen City, turn north on MN 1. Drive approximately 23 miles to Isabella. At Isabella, MN 1 takes a sharp left. Instead of following MN 1, turn right onto Forest Road 172 (Wanless Road). Drive 1 mile to FR 369 (Trappers Lake Rd). Turn left on FR 369. Drive two miles to Eighteen Lake Rd. Turn left on Eighteen Lake Rd. The campground is at the end of the road, about half a mile.
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 | 21ft |
| 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 | Yes |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | Yes |
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