Established Camping
Little Isabella River Campground
About
National Forest
Superior National Forest
Overview
Little Isabella River Campground is a small, secluded campground in a grove of red and white pines in the central part of Superior National Forest, just 4.5 miles west of Isabella, Minnesota. This is a great campground for campers seeking a quiet spot in the woods and anglers interested in fishing the Little Isabella River.____ The 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.
Recreation
The Little Isabella River, a small stream with occasional riffles, is a popular fishing spot for brook trout. The surrounding national forest offers a wide variety of recreational opportunities, including hiking in secluded woodlands, canoeing and hunting.
Facilities
This is a small facility with six first come first served campsites, and five reservable campsites. All sites are private and close to the water. Trash collection and restrooms are provided.
Natural Features
The campground lies among towering red pine trees at an elevation of 1,900 ft. The area is scenic and secluded. The Superior National Forest is known for its boreal forest ecosystem, numerous clean lakes, diversity of plants and animals, and colorful cultural history.
Nearby Attractions
Numerous outdoor recreation opportunities lie within the 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.
Charges & Cancellations
Changes and cancellations are allowed up to 48 hours prior to date of arrival.
Fee Info
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
Stay Connected
- WiFiGood
- VerizonGood
- AT&TUnknown
- T-MobileUnknown
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
Our Favorite Campground on Superior NF
We have stayed at Little Isabella many times over the past 30 years (Photos are from a 2015 trip) and will be there a couple of times the upcoming summer. Normally quiet (west side is non-motorized and quieter) situated in the tall pines along the banks of the Little Isabella River, a Class 2 Trout Stream, (although access behind the campground is pretty overgrown) with 11 sites, so it doesn't get overcrowded. 5 sites are reservable on Recreation.gov, all on the west loop. Trails lead to better river access, Flathorn Lake Day Use Area and beach, and the Gegoka Lake Trail system. Solar water pump, so you don't have to pump, clean vault latrines. Great little hideaway midway between Ely and the North Shore.
Peaceful spot to rest
This campground is tucked into the Superior National Forest but off of a main road. Access is easy enough for most rigs other than maybe very large ones.
There are a little over a dozen campsites here with 4 on their own loop in an ATV camping area.
The sites vary in size and access due to trees and foliage so not every rig will fit in every site. And, depending on your rig size, some sites will require a bit more work to level. A handful of sites are reserveable but most are first come, first served.
Site 11 is a prime spot if you can grab it due to size, layout and location.
There are vault toilets and a well available.
Each site also has a fire pit and picnic table.
If you need it, the cell service was very good for T-Mobile and great for Verizon.
Be prepared for mosquitoes and deer flies (in mid-July anyway) but overall, we had a peaceful stay and got a great night's rest.
Location
Little Isabella River Campground is located in Minnesota
Directions
Little Isabella River Campground is located 4.5 miles west of Isabella, Minnesota. From MN-61, turn on MN-1 at Illgen City. Continue for 4.5 miles west of Isabella the campground entrance.
Address
9620 MN Hwy 1
Isabella, MN 55607
Coordinates
47.64833 N
91.42611 W