Baker Lake Rustic Campground

4.17

21 reviews

7355 West Hwy 61 Tofte, MN 55615

Summer Destination

Quick Facts

1,742 ft

Price

Free

Booking

First-Come

Sites

5 campsites

Season

Open from May 15 to ...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens Tofte Ranger District site

Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

1,742 ft

Price

Free

Booking

First-Come

Sites

5 campsites

Season

Open from May 15 to ...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens Tofte Ranger District site

Official Website

Get Directions

Baker Lake Rustic Campground

$0.00 - $0.00 / night

Campsite Fees

No fees are required for this site, making it a cost-effective camping option.

Standard Site Fee$0.00

Hookup Site Fee$0.00

Premium Site Fee$0.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00

Group Site Fee$0.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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USFS

Provider

(218) 663-8060SM.FS.Superior_NF@usda.gov

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What Campers Say

4.17

Satisfactory

Based on 21 reviews

16 Google reviews

Most mentioned

peacefulwater

Some mention

mosquitoes

"The campground is widely appreciated for its quiet and beautiful setting, with visitors praising the solitude, proximity to Baker Lake, and natural surroundings. Many also highlight the lack of cell service as a positive feature for those seeking disconnection. However, some users have mentioned the abundance of bugs and the lack of amenities such as flush toilets or recreational facilities for children."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

7355 West Hwy 61 Tofte, MN 55615

Baker Lake Rustic Campground

7355 West Hwy 61 Tofte, MN 55615

Driving directionsFrom Highway 61 in Tofte: Turn left at Co 2 (Sawbill Trail), and drive approximately 16 miles to FR 170. Turn right on FR 170, drive 6 miles. Turn left on FR 1272 to Baker Lake Rustic Campground. A turn off of 1272 slightly before the campground leads to an additional camping site away from the lake.

Roads are not plowed in winter and the area dead ends without a turn around, which may be a challenge for larger vehicles or trailers.

Nearby places

Tofte, MN: approximately 22 miles

Nearby supplies

Supplies and groceries are available in Tofte, MN approximately 22 miles away.

Best Time to Camp at Baker Lake Rustic Campground

Each season paints Baker Lake in dramatically different strokes. Winter transforms the landscape into a crystalline wonderland where temperatures plunge and snow blankets the pine forest in serene silence. As spring awakens the wilderness, the campground comes alive with migrating birds and blooming wildflowers. Summer brings those coveted camping conditions—warm days perfect for swimming, cool nights ideal for campfires, and gentle breezes that keep the bugs at bay. The sweet spot for camping arrives during those magical weeks when rainfall is scarce, humidity drops, and temperatures hover in that perfect zone between refreshingly cool mornings and pleasantly warm afternoons.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

3.5 / 5

Summer is popular with lake access, but mosquitoes and bugs can be significant drawbacks.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Fall is quieter, scenic, and users report wildlife (moose) and pleasant conditions.

Spring(Mar-May)

3.0 / 5

Open starting May 15; spring conditions variable though lakeside setting is appealing.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

Not recommended

Campground is closed in winter; open season is May 15–Oct 1.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 15 to October 1.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open from May 15 to October 1.

About Baker Lake Rustic Campground

Nestled among towering red pines on the pristine shores of Baker Lake, this rustic campground beckons those seeking authentic wilderness experiences. The gentle whisper of wind through pine boughs and the rhythmic lapping of lake waters create nature's perfect soundtrack for your escape. What sets Baker Lake apart from other backcountry destinations is its thoughtful blend of rustic charm with modern convenience—a solar-powered water station ensures fresh drinking water is always available. As the gateway to the legendary Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, this tranquil retreat serves as the perfect basecamp for paddlers embarking on epic canoe adventures through America's most treasured waterways.

Baker Lake Rustic Campground is focused on providing a primitive and quiet camping experience. It caters to tent campers and can accommodate small RVs or trailers at some sites. The campground's proximity to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness also makes it a strategic starting or ending point for wilderness adventures.

Weather and SeasonsEach season paints Baker Lake in dramatically different strokes. Winter transforms the landscape into a crystalline wonderland where temperatures plunge and snow blankets the pine forest in serene silence. As spring awakens the wilderness, the campground comes alive with migrating birds and blooming wildflowers. Summer brings those coveted camping conditions—warm days perfect for swimming, cool nights ideal for campfires, and gentle breezes that keep the bugs at bay. The sweet spot for camping arrives during those magical weeks when rainfall is scarce, humidity drops, and temperatures hover in that perfect zone between refreshingly cool mornings and pleasantly warm afternoons.

ElevationElevation details are not provided.

Natural Features and SceneryStep into a living postcard where majestic red pines stand sentinel along Baker Lake's mirror-like waters. These ancient giants create a natural cathedral, their rust-colored bark glowing warm in the filtered sunlight. The campground's shoreline location offers front-row seats to spectacular sunrises that paint the lake in shades of gold and crimson. Dense forest surrounds the camping area, creating intimate sites that feel worlds away from civilization while maintaining stunning water views. Wildlife sightings are common—from eagles soaring overhead to deer tiptoeing through the underbrush at dawn.

Geological RegionSituated within the vast Superior National Forest, Baker Lake Campground rests in a landscape sculpted by ancient glaciers and time. This region, dominated by distinctive red pine ecosystems, represents one of North America's last great wilderness frontiers. The surrounding forest showcases the rugged beauty of the Canadian Shield, where billion-year-old bedrock meets pristine waterways. Baker Lake itself exemplifies the countless glacier-carved lakes that define this remarkable landscape, creating a water-rich environment that has sustained both wildlife and human visitors for millennia.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Maximum of nine people per site.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Maximum of nine people per site.

Groups

No specific group camping facilities are mentioned.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutFive pull-in campsites in a red pine forest setting, with two sites accommodating RVs with spurs over 21 feet.

Reservation PlatformsNot applicable as reservations are not required.

Walk-in AvailabilityAll sites are available on a first-come-first-served basis.

Cancellation PolicyNot applicable due to first-come-first-served policy.

AccessibilityNo information on accessibility features is provided in the source material.

Site SizeThe campground consists of five sites. Two of these sites have spurs over 21 feet long, which may accommodate RVs. The sites are pull-in and not specifically designed for RVs.

PrivacyNo specific information on site privacy is available. However, the small number of sites and the quiet, rustic nature of the campground suggest a good level of privacy.

Total Campsites5 campsites

Recommended SitesSites are all pull-in and may accommodate small RVs, though larger vehicles should assess the area due to the road dead-ending.

Amenities available

Potable water

Fire rings

Activities you can enjoy

Baker Lake Rustic Campground offers a variety of outdoor recreational activities, including fishing, non-motorized boating, and scenic viewing. Hunting is also permitted in the broader area. The campground is ideal for those seeking a quiet and nature-focused experience.

FishingFishing is available at Baker Lake, which spans 20.15 acres with a maximum depth of 10 feet. The lake is home to fish species such as northern pike, walleye, yellow perch, and white sucker.

BoatingThe campground offers access to Baker Lake for non-motorized boating. There is a boat landing for convenient access to the water.

Wildlife viewingThe area is noted for its wildlife. One user review mentions hearing moose in the fall of 2018 and enjoying the general sounds of birds and other wildlife.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsThe campground is remote, with no garbage pickup, requiring campers to pack out all waste. Bugs, such as mosquitoes, are reported to be abundant during certain times.

No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

Fire PolicyCampers must use provided fire rings and follow regulations.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.

Emergency ServicesTofte Ranger District (7355 West Hwy 61 Tofte, MN 55615) provides services Wednesday-Sunday, April 28–September 30, 8:00 am to 4:30 pm, excluding certain federal holidays. Contact: (218) 663-8060.

Trash & RecyclingThere is no garbage pickup at the site. Campers are required to pack out all waste to preserve the natural environment.

Water FeaturesLocated directly on Baker Lake, which is a non-motorized boating lake extending into the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness.

Camp HostNo host information available.

Weather at Baker Lake Rustic Campground

Reviews

4.2

21 reviews

Satisfactory

Baker Lake Rustic Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

The campground is widely appreciated for its quiet and beautiful setting, with visitors praising the solitude, proximity to Baker Lake, and natural surroundings. Many also highlight the lack of cell service as a positive feature for those seeking disconnection. However, some users have mentioned the abundance of bugs and the lack of amenities such as flush toilets or recreational facilities for children.

Review Summaries

Based on 21 reviews

What Campers Love

Users highlight the campground's natural beauty, peaceful atmosphere, and free access. The solar-powered faucet for potable water is also noted as a unique and appreciated feature. Additionally, its...

Based on 21 reviews

Common Concerns

Complaints include the presence of bugs, particularly mosquitoes, as well as the lack of flush toilets and other traditional amenities. One review mentions an issue with a campsite neighbor using a...

Based on 21 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers recommend bringing bug spray to deal with mosquitoes and being prepared for rustic conditions, including no garbage pickup and limited amenities. They also suggest leaving behind noisy...

Based on 21 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer months are popular for camping due to warmer weather and access to the Boundary Waters, but bugs can be a significant issue during this time. Fall offers quieter experiences and opportunities...

Based on 21 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. "Quiet and beautiful." - Nicole Mellin 2. "Not a spot for the casual camper. There are bugs. There is NOT a flush toilet. This is a place for those who want solitude and no cell phone service." -...

Based on 21 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

No specific site reviews are provided beyond the general description of the campground. Two of the five sites are noted for being able to accommodate small RVs due to longer spurs.

Based on 21 reviews

Accessibility Features

No reviews specifically addressing accessibility features are available.

Based on 21 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Dogs are allowed but must be kept on a leash no longer than six feet. Owners are advised to store food in bear-proof containers, clean up after their pets, and avoid leaving them unattended.

Based on 21 reviews

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