Whitefish Lake Rustic Campground
Closed for the season. Opens May 10 and operates through October 1. No services available from October through early May. First-come, first-served, no reservations.
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
Located in Superior National Forest near Lake County, Whitefish Lake Rustic Campground offers 3 primitive campsites on Whitefish Lake. The campground serves as the starting point for the Timber-Frear Canoe Route, which includes 11 backcountry campsites distributed across 5 lakes (Whitefish, Timber, Frear, Elbow, and Finger) that are interconnected by portages, creating an excellent paddling and camping experience outside the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. The campground provides basic amenities including fire rings, tent pads, and a vault toilet. No potable water is available; lake water must be treated, boiled, or filtered. There is no garbage service, so campers must pack out all waste. The site offers carry-down boat access only with no launch ramp for trailered boats. Two of the three sites are longer than 21 feet and may accommodate smaller RVs, though the access road can be difficult for oversized vehicles. The campground is also located on the Timber-Frear Grant-In-Aid OHV route, providing ride-in and ride-out opportunities for OHV riders. Four additional rustic campgrounds on Toohey, Fourmile, Wilson, and Windy Lakes are nearby, offering more remote camping options in the area.
Directions
From MN 61 northeast of Schroeder, between Schroeder and Temperance River State Park, turn inland on FR 343 (Temperance River Rd.). Drive 4 miles to a T intersection with FR 166 (The "600" Road). Turn left, drive 1 mile to FR 346. Turn right on FR 346 and drive 5.5 miles to FR 170 (The Grade). Turn left on FR 170 and drive 2 miles to FR 348 (Whitefish Lake Access). Turn right on FR 348 and drive 4.5 miles to the campground.
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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