Wilson Lake Rustic Campground
Open year-round on a first-come, first-served basis with no fees. As of October 1, 2025, the campground operates with no services and forest roads are not plowed during winter. Limited to 14 consecutive nights per 30-day period.
Flood Warning issued May 1 at 7:52PM CDT until May 6 at 1:00PM CDT by NWS Duluth MN
...The Flood Warning continues 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 7:30 PM 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 7:30 PM CDT Friday was 6.9 feet. - Forecast...The river is expected to rise to a crest of 7.0 feet just after midnight tonight. 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.
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
Wilson Lake Rustic Campground is located on the shore of Wilson Lake in the Tofte Ranger District of Superior National Forest. This free, primitive campground offers 4 drive-in sites available first-come, first-served, with no reservations or fees required. The campground features a drive-down boat ramp with dock providing access to 650-acre Wilson Lake, which contains northern pike, walleye, and yellow perch. Three of the four sites have pull-in parking longer than 21 feet that may accommodate RVs, though sites are not specifically designed for large rigs. In addition to the drive-in sites, there is one boat-accessible backcountry campsite on Wilson Lake and another on nearby Little Wilson Lake, both accessible from boat ramps in the area. A portage trail connects Wilson Lake to Sister Lake. The campground provides basic amenities including a vault toilet, fire rings, and picnic tables at each site, but there is no potable water or garbage service. Campers must treat lake water before use and pack out all trash, including fish remains. The remote location requires navigating several miles of forest roads, which are not plowed in winter.
Directions
From MN 61 northeast of Schroeder, between Schroeder and Temperance River State Park entrance, turn inland on FR 343 (Temperance River Rd). Drive 4 miles to T intersection with FR 166. Turn left, drive 1 mile to FR 346. Turn right on FR 346, drive 5.5 miles to FR 170 (The Grade). Turn left on FR 170, drive 3 miles to FR 355 (Wilson Lake Access). Turn right on FR 355, drive 0.5 miles to fork. Veer right to Wilson Lake Rustic 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 |
Community Posts
No posts yet. Be the first to share your experience!