Minnesota / Cook County

Sawbill Lake Campground - Superior National Forest

Closed — 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.

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.

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