Within Superior National Forest, McDougal Lake Campground provides walk-in access camping that operates year-round under US Forest Service management. The forested campground sits near McDougal Lake with water hookups available for RVs at $18 per night, though campers must walk to their sites from the parking area.
The campground has maintained a low profile since the late 1960s, with reviewer g M. noting "unless you know it is there, you might just pass it by." Sites are well-spaced among the trees, and the facility includes pit toilets and water spigots. Site four offers direct lake access via a short trail, making it convenient for launching kayaks or taking a swim. The lake's shallow beach area provides fishing opportunities, with one camper reporting "huge bluegills" during their stay.
Winter camping brings solitude and wildlife viewing opportunities. Adam reported seeing "moose everywhere" during a February visit with "not another soul in sight." The boat landing provides water access for those bringing watercraft, though recent visitors note the beach area has been less active in recent years. For additional camping options in the region, visitors can explore campgrounds near Superior National Forest.
Reservations are available for this pet-friendly campground, and the walk-in format means packing light for the short carry to campsites.
Description
Overview
McDougal Lake Campground provides easy access to a wide variety of recreational activities including hiking, boating, fishing, picnicking and swimming within the central part of Superior National Forest. Superior National Forest, located in northeastern Minnesota's arrowhead region, is comprised of three million acres. The forest spans 150 miles along the United States-Canada border. Visitors can find recreation opportunities year-round, including travel in the famous Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. The one-mile hiking trail and campsites 17 and 19 were closed in 2021 due to impacts from the Greenwood Fire and will be closed until further notice.
Recreation
Kids will love the sandy swimming beach within the facility. A boat ramp and shoreline access provide anglers the opportunity for a leisurely afternoon of fishing for walleye and northern pike.
Facilities
This comfortable facility provides 13 first come, first served and 8 reservable campsites that are either drive-in sites suitable for RVs and trailers or hike-in sites for tent campers. Campsites are private and separated by woods. The facilities include water from a solar powered pump station and vault toilets. Five of the first come, first served sites are available for long term rental by contacting the Tofte Ranger District Office at 218-663-8060. The one-mile hiking trail was closed in 2021 due to impacts from the Greenwood Fire and will be closed until further notice.
Natural Features
The 323-acre McDougal Lake is surrounded by a thick forest of birch, maple and pine and sits at an elevation of 1,800 ft. The area is peaceful, rustic and begs for relaxation. One unique feature of the lake is the wild rice growing within it. Birds and wildlife frequent its shores.
Nearby Attractions
Numerous outdoor recreation opportunities lie within Superior National Forest's 77 lake access areas, 13 fishing piers, 10 swimming beaches and 22 picnic areas. The forest is also home to three scenic byways.
Contact Info
For facility specific information, please call (218) 663-8060.
Fee Info
$18.00/night for one vehicle and one trailer. Additional vehicles or trailers on the site require an additional $9.00 fee to be paid. If you make a reservation online, you may pay the fee in advance with your reservation fee. Otherwise, the fee can be paid in the fee tube at the campground. All additional vehicles must be parked on the spur.
RV Road Trip Guides
Location
Public CampgroundSuperior National Forest McDougal Lake Campground is located in Minnesota
Directions
McDougal Lake Campground is located on Forest Road 106, 10 miles west of Isabella, Minnesota. From MN-61, turn onto MN-1 at Illgen City and follow to Isabella. Proceed 10 miles west of Isabella to Forest Road 106. Turn left and continue a half-mile to the campground entrance.
Address
McDougal Lake Road (Forest Road 106)
Isabella, MN 55607
Coordinates
47.6425 N
91.53278 W
Connectivity
T-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoors
T-MobileNo CoverageVerified by 3 usersLast on 4/30/26
VerizonLTESome Coverage- AT&TLTESome CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 4/30/26
Connectivity
T-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoors- T-MobileNo CoverageVerified by 3 usersLast on 4/30/26
- VerizonLTESome Coverage
- AT&TLTESome CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 4/30/26
Access
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
Features
For Campers
- Reservable
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Water Hookups
Drive Time
- 1 hr 22 min from Duluth, MN
- 3 hrs 28 min from Minneapolis, MN
- 3 hrs 38 min from Eau Claire, WI
- 3 hrs 42 min from St. Cloud, MN
