Pfeiffer Lake

Within Superior National Forest, Pfeiffer Lake operates as a US Forest Service campground that accommodates RVs up to 45 feet alongside tent campers. The forested sites provide direct access to a small lake where multiple generations of families have established camping traditions. Camp hosts maintain the grounds and facilities, which include vault toilets, drinking water, and a boat landing.

The lake supports fishing and swimming activities, with reviewers noting catches during their stays. A shallow swimming beach extends into the water, making it accessible for families with children. The campground also features a small playground and fishing pier. "Excellent swimming areas and playground for kids, caught a few fish as well," reports one camper who stayed over Labor Day weekend. Sites offer privacy and spacing between neighbors.

Basic amenities define the camping experience here. About half the sites accept reservations through Recreation.gov, while others operate on a first-come basis. Cell service reaches the campground, and campers can purchase firewood on-site. The boat launch accommodates smaller watercraft, though the lake's size limits larger recreational boating. For additional camping options in the region, visitors can explore campgrounds near Superior National Forest.

The $18 nightly fee covers the May through mid-October season. Reserve ahead for holiday weekends when the campground fills despite maintaining a relatively quiet atmosphere.

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RV Road Trip Guides

Location

Public Campground

Pfeiffer Lake is located in Minnesota

Detail location of campground

Directions

From Virginia, Minnesota, take Highway 53 north for 21 miles to County Road 22. Turn onto County Road 22 and travel east for 10 miles. Turn south on Forest Road 256 and travel 1.2 miles to Pfeiffer Lake Campground.

Address

LAURENTIAN RANGER DISTRICT PFEIFEER LAKE CAMPGROUND 318 FORESTRY ROAD
Aurora, MN 55705

Coordinates

47.7530556 N
92.4722222 W

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Connectivity

  • signal strength bars
    T-MobileLTE
    Some Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
    Verified by 2 users
    Last on 4/22/26
  • signal strength bars
    AT&TLTE
    Some Coverage

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Presented byHershey's

Connectivity

  • signal strength bars
    T-MobileLTE
    Some Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
    Verified by 2 users
    Last on 4/22/26
  • signal strength bars
    AT&TLTE
    Some Coverage

Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site

Site Types

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

Features

For Campers

  • Trash
  • Firewood Available
  • Phone Service
  • Reservable
  • Drinking Water
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

For Vehicles

  • Big Rig Friendly

Contact

General Info

Reservations

Drive Time


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Reviews

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4.5

out of 5

5 Reviews

Many mentioned the spacious, private sites and clean facilities as key strengths. Guests commonly noted excellent family amenities including shallow swimming, playground, and fishing. Several reviews highlighted helpful camp hosts maintaining this rustic but well-kept campground.

Reviewed Aug. 29, 2025

Great place for rustic camping

I am no stranger to this campground as my family has been coming here for generations.  This place is wonderful for those who like a little bit more of a rustic campsite.  Vaulted toilets and drinking water, there is a small playground, swimming beach and fishing pier along with a boat landing. There is also sites at the beach for daytime use.  Its a small lake so recreational boating is a little hard but there are larger lakes nearby for that sort of fun.

New camp host  and excellent work on the grounds.  It looks fantastic.  A lot of care has been going into bringing this campground back to it's former glory.

Site11
Month of VisitAugust
Reviewed Oct. 13, 2022

Great little campground

Stayed 2 nights , would go back again.Camp hosts were great . Beautiful little lake. Awesome kayaking. Caught a few fish.

Sitewaterfront
Month of VisitSeptember
Reviewed Sep. 24, 2022

Great Campground even when full

Stayed over Labor Day weekend for 4 nights, said it was full for reservations still was pretty quiet, excellent swimming areas and playground for kids, caught a few fish as well

Siteright by playground 9?
Month of VisitSeptember
  • Review photo of Pfeiffer Lake by m , September 24, 2022
Reviewed Aug. 21, 2022

Pfeiffer's Recreation Area, USFS

This is a very basic campground with vault toilets and drinking water available. About half the sites can be reserved on Recreation.gov.

Site9
Month of VisitAugust
  • Review photo of Pfeiffer Lake by David H., August 21, 2022
Reviewed Jul. 11, 2018

True camping!!

This is my favorite family campground. No glamping here!! The outhouses are kept very clean, the beach is shallow for a good portion, and the hiking trails are great!!! The sites all offer lots of privacy and space. Highly recommend!!

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there photos available of Pfeiffer Lake Campground?

Yes, photos of Pfeiffer Lake Campground are available. You can find images by checking the campground's listing on Recreation.gov where approximately half the sites can be reserved. Additional photos might be available on the official Superior National Forest website or other camping directories. These images typically showcase the lake, campsites, swimming beach, fishing pier, and surrounding natural areas. For the most current visual representation of the campground, contact the Superior National Forest office managing this recreation area.

How do I get to Pfeiffer Lake Campground in Minnesota?

Pfeiffer Lake Campground is located near Cook, Minnesota in the Superior National Forest region. While specific directions aren't detailed in available information, the campground can be accessed via forest roads in the Cook area. Since this is a somewhat remote campground, it's advisable to use GPS coordinates or detailed forest maps to navigate to the location. Before traveling, contact the Superior National Forest office for the most accurate directions and road condition information, especially during winter or early spring when forest roads may be affected by seasonal conditions.

What amenities are available at Pfeiffer Lake Campground in Cook, MN?

Pfeiffer Lake Campground offers basic, rustic amenities that focus on a traditional camping experience. The campground features clean vault toilets and drinking water access points. Approximately half of the campsites can be reserved through Recreation.gov, while the remaining sites are first-come, first-served. Facilities include a small playground for children, a swimming beach with shallow water areas, a fishing pier, and a boat landing. The campsites provide good privacy and ample space between sites, making it ideal for those who prefer a more natural camping environment without modern conveniences.

What recreational activities can I enjoy at Pfeiffer Lake?

Pfeiffer Lake offers numerous recreational opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts. Water activities include swimming at the beach area (which features shallow sections perfect for children), fishing, kayaking, and boating via the boat landing. Visitors regularly catch fish from both the shore and the dedicated fishing pier. The campground also has hiking trails in the surrounding forest for exploration. For families, there's a playground to keep children entertained. The natural setting with spacious, private campsites provides an excellent backdrop for traditional camping activities like campfires, wildlife viewing, and stargazing in this quieter, more rustic camping environment.