How much does camping cost at Dragon Lake?

Camping fees at Dragon Lake range from $9/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Dragon Lake first-come first-served or reservation?

Dragon Lake accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Are there showers at Dragon Lake?

Dragon Lake does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

How many campsites does Dragon Lake have?

Dragon Lake has 2 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Dragon Lake?

Yes, pets are allowed at Dragon Lake. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Dragon Lake?

Dragon Lake offers: Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Dragon Lake?

Popular activities at Dragon Lake include Fishing, Boating. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Dragon Lake

1 review

Dragon Lake, Ely, MN

Peace & QuietSummer Destination

Featured in:Primitive Camping Minnesota

Quick Facts

1,709 ft

Price

$9/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

2 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Check Availability Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

1,709 ft

Price

$9/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

2 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Check Availability Official Website

Get Directions

Dragon Lake

$9.00 - $9.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Only one fee type, $9 per site

Standard Site Fee$9.00

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USFS

Provider

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

Dragon Lake, Ely, MN

Dragon Lake

Dragon Lake, Ely, MN

Weather at Dragon Lake

Best Time to Camp at Dragon Lake

Summer works best here. Mid-June through August brings highs in the 65-80°F range and long daylight for fishing and paddling. Water activities peak during these months when primitive access roads and trails are reliably passable. Evenings cool down enough for campfires when restrictions allow. Weekends see the most use, though the remote location keeps crowds minimal. Winter activities are possible but require serious preparation for sub-zero temperatures and snow.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Overview: 'Summer works best'; warm temps, long daylight, peak water activities.

Planning Tips

About Dragon Lake

Dragon Lake's two primitive campsites sit at 1,709 feet in Superior National Forest near Ely. Sites cost $9 per night and include fire rings and picnic tables. Reviewers note the main site is excellent, the secondary one less so.

Dragon Lake is exclusively suited for backcountry and dispersed camping. The two campsites are accessible by foot and feature minimal infrastructure.

Weather and SeasonsSummer works best here. Mid-June through August brings highs in the 65-80°F range and long daylight for fishing and paddling. Water activities peak during these months when primitive access roads and trails are reliably passable. Evenings cool down enough for campfires when restrictions allow. Weekends see the most use, though the remote location keeps crowds minimal. Winter activities are possible but require serious preparation for sub-zero temperatures and snow.

Natural Features and SceneryPine forest surrounds the campsites, with Dragon Lake close enough for water access. The lake sits in the ancient glacially-carved landscape of northern Minnesota's wilderness, where granite bedrock and dense woodlands dominate. Mornings bring mist across the water. Expect the thick forest cover typical of this region. Good for shade, not for panoramic views.

Geological RegionNestled within the vast expanse of Superior National Forest, these campsites sit in one of America's most treasured wilderness areas. This legendary northern Minnesota forest spans millions of acres of pristine lakes, ancient rock formations, and dense woodlands that have remained largely unchanged since the last ice age carved this spectacular landscape.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo lodging or accommodations, such as hotel-style lodges, are available at this campground.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are mentioned.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

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Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Maximum 14 Days

Guests Allowed Per Site

Maximum of 9

Groups

Group campsites are not available at Dragon Lake.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

AccessibilityAccessibility features are not specifically mentioned for Dragon Lake. The campsites are accessible by foot, which may limit usability for those with mobility challenges.

Site SizeThe two campsites are backcountry sites designed for minimal camper impact.

PrivacyPrivacy is likely high due to the dispersed and remote nature of the campsites.

Total Campsites2 campsites

Need help booking Dragon Lake?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

Potable water is not available at this site. Public can filter or purify lake water.

Fire rings

Picnic tables

I manage this campground

Activities you can enjoy

Dragon Lake provides opportunities for quiet recreation, including fishing, non-motorized boating, and motorized boating. Hunters might also find interest in the location, and fishing enthusiasts can target species such as northern pike and panfish.

Fishing

Boating

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

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From Booking Sources

0.0

1 reviews

Limited Reviews

Dragon Lake has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews suggest that Dragon Lake offers a quiet camping experience, with one reviewer stating, "Excellent main campsite. Second one... eh. Very quiet!"

Review Summaries

Based on 1 reviews

What Campers Love

The main campsite is positively reviewed, and the quiet nature of the site is appreciated.

Based on 1 reviews

Common Concerns

One user mentioned a disparity in the quality of the two campsites, stating that the second one was less favorable.

Based on 1 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

The main campsite is well-regarded, while the second site received less favorable feedback.

Based on 1 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers should bring sufficient water and prepare for self-sufficient camping, including packing out garbage and ensuring they have all necessary supplies.

Based on 1 reviews

Seasonal Insights

No specific seasonal trends are highlighted in the user reviews.

Based on 1 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Excellent main campsite. Second one... eh. Very quiet!" - Nick Magness (2018)

Based on 1 reviews

Accessibility Features

No reviews specifically addressing accessibility features are mentioned.

Based on 1 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

General pet guidelines are emphasized in the authoritative sources, suggesting that Dragon Lake is pet-friendly as long as regulations are followed.

Based on 1 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

Be the first to review this campground

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Go if

Anglers targeting walleye, northern pike, or crappie will do well here, with carry-down boat access and motorized boating allowed. Reserve the main site, not the secondary one. Bring all your water, since there's no potable source on site.

Skip if

No potable water, no RV access, and likely no cell signal. If you're not comfortable filtering lake water and packing in everything you need for a fully self-sufficient trip, this isn't the right two-site primitive spot for you.

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Mcdougal Lake Campground

McDougal Lake Road (Forest Road 106), Isabella, MN 55607

McDougal Lake Campground sits in the Superior National Forest foothills near Isabella, Minnesota, operated by the Tofte Ranger District. This small lakefront campground offers spacious, private sites with direct access to paddling, fishing, and swimming. Reviewers praise the clean vault toilets, fresh water, and frequent wildlife sightings, though some note fire damage scars and occasional mucky swim conditions.