Wilson Lake Rustic Campground

Open — 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.

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.

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