Established Camping
Big Rice Lake
Big Rice Lake is located near Virginia, MN, within the Superior National Forest. The area features flat terrain with dense forest and numerous lakes. Temperatures range from lows of 10°F in winter to highs of 80°F in summer. Nearby attractions include the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness and the Mesabi Trail, offering opportunities for outdoor activities.
Description
This is rustic/primitive camping - not dispersed.
Big Rice Lake is a large, shallow lake- 1870 acres, maximum depth 5 feet. For 2000 years and continuing today, wild rice has been harvested from the lake. The area offers a drive-in rustic campground with 3 campsites, duck hunting, a boat launch for small boats and some fishing. Downloadable map and information.
Location
Big Rice Lake is located in Minnesota
Directions
Big Rice Lake is located 14 miles north of Virginia, MN. * From Virginia, take Highway 53 north for 8 miles to County Road 131. * Turn right on County Road 131 for 1 mile. * Turn left on County Road 68 for 0.3 mile. * Go straight on Pelton Road County 405 (County 405 becomes UT8116) for 2 miles. * Turn right on F.R. 256. This is a one-lane gravel road. Continue on for 6 miles. * Turn right on F.R. 247. One mile to Big Rice Lake.
Coordinates
47.70500087 N
92.49900067 W
Detours Nearby
Sherwood Forest Campground
37 min away
Fisherman's Point City Campground
59 min away
Drive Time
- 1 hr 32 min from Duluth
- 3 hrs 16 min from Minneapolis
- 3 hrs 30 min from St. Cloud
- 3 hrs 45 min from Eau Claire
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
Connectivity
T-MobileNo Coverage
VerizonLTESome CoverageLast on 8/31/25
AT&T5GExcellent Coverage
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
Features
For Campers
- Picnic Table
- Phone Service
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
