Harriet Lake Rustic Campground
Closed for the season. Operating season is May 10 through October 1. After October 1, the campground goes into No Services status with no maintained facilities. The campground road is not plowed during winter.
Flood Warning issued May 2 at 7:44PM CDT until May 7 at 1:00AM 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 Thursday morning. * 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 7:30 PM CDT Saturday the stage was 6.9 feet. - Bankfull stage is 5.5 feet. - Recent Activity...The maximum river stage in the 24 hours ending at 7:30 PM CDT Saturday was 6.9 feet. - Forecast...The river is expected to fall below flood stage early Thursday morning and continue falling and remain below flood stage. - Flood stage is 6.5 feet. - Flood History...This crest compares to a previous crest of 6.9 feet on 05/17/2022. - Flood safety information can be found at www.weather.gov/safety/flood.
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
Harriet Lake Rustic Campground is located at the site of an abandoned farm in Superior National Forest's Tofte Ranger District. The open land now hosts a variety of coneflowers and other plants not common in a boreal forest, creating a unique camping environment. The campground features 6 first-come, first-served campsites that can accommodate tents and some RVs, with four sites longer than 21 feet. The lake is accessed by a boat ramp and dock and supports walleye, northern pike, and crappies, making this a popular spot for anglers. The large open area provides opportunities for group picnicking and activities. Each campsite has a fire ring and picnic table, with vault toilets available. There is no potable water, so campers must bring their own or treat lake water. As a rustic campground, there is no garbage service, and all trash must be packed out, including fish cleaning remains. The campground road is not plowed during winter. Group size is limited to nine people per site, and quiet hours are enforced from 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. The remote location can be accessed via multiple routes from Tofte, Isabella, or Finland.
Directions
From Tofte, take MN 61 south to FR 343 (Temperance River Rd) just south of the Temperance River. Turn right on FR 343. Go left at the T with FR 166 (the 600 Road). Go right at the T with Co 7. Follow Co 7 through multiple turns, past the intersection with FR 172. Harriet Lake is on the right. From Isabella, take FR 172 off of MN 1. Follow FR 172 to Co 7. Turn left on Co 7. Harriet Lake is on the right. From Finland, take Co 7 off of MN 1 all the way to Harriet Lake on the right.
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
| 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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