Dumbell Lake Backcountry Campsites
3.8830 reviewsSummer Destination
Quick Facts
1,988 ftPrice
Free
Booking
Walk-in Only
Sites
Varies
Season
Year-round
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Check Policy
Quick Facts
1,988 ftPrice
Free
Booking
Walk-in Only
Sites
Varies
Season
Year-round
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Check Policy
Dumbell Lake Backcountry Campsites
$0.00 - $0.00 / night
Campsite Fees
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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What Campers Say
3.88
Mixed Reviews
Based on 30 reviews
22 Google reviews
Most mentioned
viewslocationwaterlake
"User reviews suggest the Dumbell Lake area offers a beautiful camping experience with good fishing opportunities. However, reviews also mention challenges such as proximity of campsites reducing privacy, bugs during summer, and lack of maintenance for shared facilities like trash bins and latrines."
Campground Map
Dumbell Lake Backcountry Campsites
47.6100, -91.2564
Best Time to Camp at Dumbell Lake Backcountry Campsites
Summer(Jun-Aug)
2.5 / 5
Summer reviews note heavy mosquitoes and overgrown trails, which harm experience.
Best
Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5
Fall cited as more comfortable with fewer bugs and cooler weather.
Spring(Mar-May)
3.0 / 5
Shoulder season plausible but trails/bugs vary; limited explicit spring info.
Winter(Dec-Feb)
2.0 / 5
No winter info; cold nights noted and primitive sites imply limited winter comforts.
Planning Tips
About Dumbell Lake Backcountry Campsites
<p>Escape to the pristine wilderness of Dumbell Lake, where two secluded backcountry campsites await adventurous souls seeking an authentic outdoor experience. These thoughtfully designed sites mirror the beloved camping traditions of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, complete with sturdy fire grates for evening campfires and eco-friendly wilderness latrines. As you settle into your lakeside retreat, you'll discover why generations of outdoor enthusiasts have cherished this special place. Each campsite invites you to disconnect from the modern world and reconnect with nature's rhythms. Remember, this treasured landscape thrives because visitors embrace Leave No Trace principles—pack out what you pack in, minimize your impact, and preserve this wilderness sanctuary for future adventurers to discover and enjoy.</p>
Dumbell Lake Backcountry Campsites are designed for primitive camping enthusiasts seeking minimal amenities and a wilderness experience. The sites are non-reservable and operate on a first-come, first-served basis.
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Best Campsites
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Reveal picks
Reserving a campsite
Amenities available
Fire rings
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
The Dumbell Lake Backcountry Campsites offer a serene environment ideal for fishing, hiking, and canoeing, closely associated with its proximity to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. Wildlife viewing may also be available due to the remote nature of the area.
HikingHiking opportunities are available, but specific trails are not described. The surrounding wilderness likely offers exploratory hiking options.
FishingFishing is among the popular activities in the surrounding waters of Dumbell Lake, providing opportunities for trout fishing. 'Hogback Lake' was noted as another excellent area for fishing nearby.
BoatingCanoeing and boating are possible on Dumbell Lake. The proximity to Boundary Waters suggests opportunities for paddle sports.
Wildlife viewingThe wilderness setting of Dumbell Lake provides chances for observing birds and other wildlife. Specific species are not mentioned.
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Policies & Safety
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.
Weather at Dumbell Lake Backcountry Campsites
Reviews
3.9
30 reviews
Dumbell Lake Backcountry Campsites has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews suggest the Dumbell Lake area offers a beautiful camping experience with good fishing opportunities. However, reviews also mention challenges such as proximity of campsites reducing privacy, bugs during summer, and lack of maintenance for shared facilities like trash bins and latrines.
Review Summaries
Based on 30 reviews
What Campers Love
Users appreciate the scenic lake views and tranquility of the backcountry setting. Specific mentions include campsite #1 being particularly favored due to its location near the water.
Based on 30 reviewsCommon Concerns
Common complaints include excessive bugs during summer, limited privacy between campsites, and neglected maintenance of shared facilities like trash bins and restrooms.
Based on 30 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Users recommend packing warm clothing due to chilly nights even in July, carrying mosquito repellants for summer stays, and considering other nearby lakes like Hogback Lake for fishing if campsites...
Based on 30 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
Summer reviews highlight heavy mosquito presence and overgrown trails, while fall visits are expected to be more comfortable due to cooler weather and fewer bugs. Night temperatures can be chilly,...
Based on 30 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
"Try to snag campsite #1 right by the water." - Brittni Dye
"The campsites are beautiful. Mosquitoes are unbearable at night and in the morning." - Mckenzie Tollefson
"Lake is nice, but bathrooms had...
Based on 30 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Campsite #1 is repeatedly mentioned as the best site due to its proximity to water. Other sites are considered less private, with some users describing shared facilities as poorly maintained.
Based on 30 reviewsAccessibility Features
There are no explicit reviews from individuals with disabilities, but the ruggedness of the terrain likely makes accessibility challenging.
Based on 30 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No explicit mentions of pet policies or experiences are present in the user reviews.
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Last updated January 5, 2026
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