Eighteen Lake Rustic Campground

Star4.31
41 reviews
7355 West Hwy 61, Tofte, MN 55615
Scenic ViewsPeace & QuietSummer Destination

Quick Facts

1,883 ft

Price

Free

Booking

First-Come

Sites

3 campsites

Season

Open season: May 10 ...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens Tofte Ranger District site

Official Website
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Eighteen Lake Rustic Campground
$0.00 - $0.00 / night
Campsite Fees
No fees are required for this site. There is no fee at rustic campgrounds.
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

4.31

Recommended

Based on 41 reviews

32 Google reviews

Most mentioned

quietcleanlakesites

Some mention

mosquitoessmall

"User reviews consistently praise the quiet, private, and scenic nature of the campground while highlighting its simplicity and rustic appeal. The presence of cell service is noted, with contrasting opinions depending on campers' preferences. Mosquitoes are a common complaint, and the vault toilet receives mixed reviews on airflow despite being clean."

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Campground Map

7355 West Hwy 61, Tofte, MN 55615

Eighteen Lake Rustic Campground

7355 West Hwy 61, Tofte, MN 55615

Driving directionsFrom MN 61 at Illgen City, turn north on MN 1. Drive approximately 23 miles to Isabella. At Isabella, MN 1 takes a sharp left. Instead of following MN 1, turn right onto Forest Road 172 (Wanless Road). Drive 1 mile to FR 369 (Trappers Lake Rd). Turn left on FR 369 and drive two miles to Eighteen Lake Rd. Turn left on Eighteen Lake Rd. The campground is at the end of the road, about 1/2 mile.
The campground road is not plowed during the winter. User reviews mention potholes but suggest a regular car without 4WD can access the site.
Nearby places
Isabella (3 miles, approximately 5 minutes drive)
Nearby supplies
Closest camping essentials are likely available in Isabella, approximately 3 miles away.

Best Time to Camp at Eighteen Lake Rustic Campground

Experience the dynamic beauty of four distinct seasons at Eighteen Lake. Summer brings perfect camping weather with comfortable temperatures hovering between 20°C to 24°C, ideal for swimming, hiking, and evening campfires. As autumn arrives, the forest transforms into a tapestry of colors. Winter enthusiasts will find a wonderland of snow-covered pines and frozen lake vistas, though temperatures can plunge to a bracing -15°C. Spring awakens the forest with wildflowers and migrating birds, making each season a unique adventure.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
3.5 / 5

Ideal temps (20–24°C) and open season, but summer mosquitoes are a frequent complaint.

Best
Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Fall reviews emphasize quiet, beautiful foliage and serene scenery; lower bug issues.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.0 / 5

Open beginning May 10; late-spring months usable but limited operational window.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground closed outside May 10–Oct 1; winter use not supported.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: Summer months from May to August likely constitute peak season.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open season: May 10 - October 1.

About Eighteen Lake Rustic Campground

Nestled beneath a canopy of towering red pines, Eighteen Lake Rustic Campground is a hidden gem where tranquility meets adventure. This intimate retreat features three secluded campsites, each thoughtfully positioned near the pristine shoreline and equipped with picnic tables for memorable outdoor dining. Visitors consistently praise the campground's "absolutely beautiful" setting and "private quiet sites" that offer a true escape from the everyday. A scenic loop trail winds around the lake, inviting exploration on foot, while the carry-down boat access opens up opportunities for paddling adventures on the crystal-clear waters.
Eighteen Lake Rustic Campground features three rustic campsites suitable for tents and RVs, as well as a picnic area. The campground offers a quiet, secluded setting surrounded by red pines.
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Check-in
Not specified.
Check-out
Not specified.
Stay Limit
None explicitly stated.

Amenities available

Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Eighteen Lake Rustic Campground offers a limited but serene range of activities. Campers can enjoy a loop hiking trail around Eighteen Lake, fishing opportunities, and non-motorized boating. A picnic area adds to the recreational experience.
HikingThere is a loop trail around Eighteen Lake through old tall red pines. User reviews describe the trail as 'thicker than expected' but enjoyable.
FishingFishing is permitted in Eighteen Lake, with one user noting they caught perch from shore. Campers are reminded to pack out fish remains.
BoatingThe campground provides carry-down boat access for non-motorized boating on Eighteen Lake.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsMosquitoes are reported to be a significant nuisance, with some reviews describing them as 'the size of fingertips.' Campers are advised to carry bug spray.
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Weather at Eighteen Lake Rustic Campground

Reviews

4.3
41 reviews
Recommended
Recommended
Eighteen Lake Rustic Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews consistently praise the quiet, private, and scenic nature of the campground while highlighting its simplicity and rustic appeal. The presence of cell service is noted, with contrasting opinions depending on campers' preferences. Mosquitoes are a common complaint, and the vault toilet receives mixed reviews on airflow despite being clean.
Review Summaries
Based on 41 reviews

What Campers Love

- '3 private quiet sites tucked off to the side near Isabella, MN. Absolutely beautiful.' - 'Nice trail that goes all the way around the lake.' - 'Nice and clean rustic camping.'
Based on 41 reviews

Common Concerns

- 'Mosquitoes were thick.' - 'Very buggy—mosquitoes the size of my fingertips.' - 'Pot toilet in clean shape, but not great air flow.'
Based on 41 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

- Bring bug spray to combat mosquitoes. - Arrive early in the week to secure a site, as the campground is first-come, first-served. - Plan to pack out all trash, as no garbage pickup is available. -...
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Based on 41 reviews

Seasonal Insights

During the summer months, mosquitoes are a significant issue, but the campground remains popular for its serene environment and rustic appeal. Fall reviews emphasize the quiet and beautiful scenery.
Based on 41 reviews

Camper Quotes

- 'Can you believe it? For some odd reason this campsite has connections!' - 'Very rustic, which we loved. Lake access just steps away.' - 'Mosquitoes were thick. Free.'
Based on 41 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

The three campsites are frequently described as private and quiet with ample space. One user notes, '3 roomy campsites.'
Based on 41 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility features are not mentioned in user reviews.
Based on 41 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Dogs are allowed but must be kept on a leash and attended to. No specific issues or highlights regarding pets are noted in user reviews.
Based on 41 reviews

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Last updated January 5, 2026
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