Sawbill Lake Campground - Superior National Forest
Closed for the season. The campground operates May 12 through October 21. During winter months, camping is available at no charge, though the road is not plowed.
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.
About
Sawbill Lake Campground sits on a hill above the 765-acre Sawbill Lake in Superior National Forest, providing immediate access to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. The campground features 51 campsites arranged in two loops, with 27 sites available for reservation through Recreation.gov and 24 first-come, first-served sites. Nestled in a mature stand of red and white pine with dispersed birch, the thick forest provides excellent privacy between sites. Some sites offer partial lake views through the trees. The campground serves as a base camp for canoe enthusiasts exploring the Boundary Waters, which requires a permit for both day and overnight use. Sawbill Canoe Outfitters, located within walking distance, provides canoe rentals, permits, guided trips, showers, laundry, and a store with groceries and camping gear. The campground includes vault toilets, solar-powered drinking water faucets, a dump station, and trash and recycling facilities. An accessible fishing pier is located near two ADA-accessible campsites. Wildlife is abundant in the area, including moose, bear, bald eagles, and loons. The lake offers fishing for northern pike and bass. During winter months after the seasonal closure, camping is available at no charge, though the road is not plowed and becomes a cross-country skiing route. The campground accommodates moderately sized RVs on back-in sites, with some suitable for vehicles up to 24 feet.
Directions
From Highway 61 in Tofte, turn north on County Road 2 (Sawbill Trail). Follow County Road 2 for 23 miles to its end at the campground. At the stop sign, parking for day use is on the right; the campground entrance and canoe access are to the left.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | Yes |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | No |
| Water Hookups | No |
| Sewer Hookups | No |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $20 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | 45ft |
| Max Trailer Length | 45ft |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| info@sawbill.com | |
| Phone | +1 (218) 663-7150 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Availability
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