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Map showing campground location near Grand Portage, Minnesota
Camper submitted image from McFarland Lake CampgroundView 24 Photos
NatureMap showing campground location near Grand Portage, Minnesota

McFarland Lake Campground

3 ReviewsAdd Review
SUMMARY PRESENTED BYT-Mobile

This free campground provides five primitive sites spaced well apart, accessible by drive-in access with an outhouse but no running water. Campers can launch motorized boats on McFarland Lake, while portages connect to Little John Lake and the Boundary Waters, where only canoes and kayaks are permitted on the clean waters.

The boat launch makes this a practical base for anglers targeting northern pike, with recent catches reaching two feet in length. A self-issuing permit station at the Little John Lake portage serves those heading into the Boundary Waters. For additional camping options in the region, consider campgrounds near Grand Portage.

Fee Info

If you are entering the Boundary Waters from here or hiking the Border Route Trail, permits are required.

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Map & DirectionsMcFarland Lake Campground is located in Minnesota near Grand Portage

Detail location of campground
Public Campground

Directions

From Hovland take Arrowhead Trail 17 mi to McFarland Lake. Access to BWCA and Border Route hiking trail.

Coordinates

48.053603216415205 N
90.05538753300665 W

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Connectivity

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Connectivity

Presented byT-MobileT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    Verizon
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T
    No Coverage

Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.
  • Hike-In
    Backcountry sites.

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)
  • Group

Features

For Campers

  • ADA Access
  • Picnic Table
  • Toilets
  • Pets
  • Fires

Drive Time

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Reviews3 Camper Reviews - McFarland Lake Campground

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5 Stars

4 Stars

3 Stars

2 Stars

1 Star

34%
33%
0%
0%
33%

3.5

out of 5

3 Reviews

Reviewed Jul. 2, 2026

Adore this campground - prior to 2026

There's nothing wrong with the campground, not the lack of potable water, lack of garbage service, not lack of toilet paper in the vault toilet.

Well, there is, it's that the MN DNR is now charging $17/PER NIGHT for this space. This and all the other primitive campgrounds in the area. I don't get why - they aren't providing the services listed on their website for the $17/night. The rangers don't visit the campsite (they are stationed at Cascade State Park 48 miles away) so ... what does that get us? Aside from giving back for the space we're using... $5/day? I can get behind that. Not $17. In the Superior National Forest $22/day gets you water, trash/recycling, and clean vault toilets stocked with excess amounts of sand-toilet-paper. 

Now that's the only (really only) negative about this campground.

It's quiet. I've been here... let's just say a while... and the most noise you get is load in/load out for people going in to the BWCAW and neighbors on their four-wheelers. I had an extended stay here in 2025 and the same thing. 

As a homeless, unemployed person $17/day is astronomically overpriced and feels more like a "fuck you" price from the DNR (through Yodel) for a campsite with nothing to offer beyond an unstocked vault toilet. But it does have a toilet. Which is more than you get for the dozens and dozens of places along Arrowhead Trail, Otter Lake Road, Jackson Lake Road, and countless other spurs in the area to set up camp in.

$5/day would be reasonable. Despite the required payment this year (which I look forward to getting a ticket over) this campsite is still a five-star site for me. Hopefully the DNR comes to their senses and revises that.

Site1, the big one
Month of VisitJune
  • Review photo of McFarland Lake Campground by Ryan C., July 2, 2026
  • Review photo of McFarland Lake Campground by Ryan C., July 2, 2026
  • Review photo of McFarland Lake Campground by Ryan C., July 2, 2026
  • (20) View All
Reviewed Jun. 27, 2026

NOT good!!

Do you like loud noise and people?? if you do come here locals are partying and have loud music here from cabins around teenagers come here to party! NOT good!!

Site2
Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of McFarland Lake Campground by 1350Fun , June 27, 2026
Reviewed Aug. 5, 2019

McFarland lake campgrounds

There are 5 primitive campsites at this campground.  They are all free.  There all nicely spaced apart.  There is one outhouse and no running water.  There is a Portage for both mcfarland lake and little john lake.  Nice clean lakes. McFarland has a boat launch and motorized boats allowed on the lake.  All the other lakes are in the boundary waters and boats are not allowed.  Canoes and kayaks are.  There is a self issuing permit station located at little john lake portage.  Caught some northern about 2 feet in length but skinny.

SiteLast one near little john lake
Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of McFarland Lake Campground by Josh M., August 5, 2019
  • Review photo of McFarland Lake Campground by Josh M., August 5, 2019
  • Review photo of McFarland Lake Campground by Josh M., August 5, 2019
Showing results 1-3 of 3 reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

What amenities are available at McFarland Lake Campground?

McFarland Lake Campground offers 5 primitive campsites that are free to use. The campsites are nicely spaced apart to provide privacy. Amenities are minimal, with just one outhouse available and no running water. The campground maintains a rustic, natural setting typical of wilderness camping. Visitors should come prepared with their own water supply and essential camping gear for a self-sufficient stay.

Where is McFarland Lake Campground located in Minnesota?

McFarland Lake Campground is located in northeastern Minnesota and provides access to both McFarland Lake and Little John Lake. The campground sits in a natural setting that offers a true wilderness experience. It's positioned to provide convenient access to a boat launch on McFarland Lake, making it an ideal starting point for exploring the surrounding waterways and wilderness areas.

What recreational activities can visitors enjoy at McFarland Lake?

McFarland Lake offers excellent recreational opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts. The lake features a boat launch with motorized boats permitted on the water. Fishing is popular in the clean waters of McFarland Lake. Visitors can also access Little John Lake via a portage trail from the campground. Canoeing, kayaking, and paddleboarding are ideal activities on these pristine waters. The surrounding wilderness area provides opportunities for hiking, wildlife viewing, and photography in a peaceful natural setting.

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