Harriet Lake Rustic Campground

Star4.40
28 reviews
Harriet Lake Rustic Campground, MN
Summer Destination

Quick Facts

1,781 ft

Price

Free

Booking

First-Come

Sites

6 campsites

Season

Open from May 10 to ...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens Tofte Ranger District Office site

Official Website
Get Directions
Harriet Lake Rustic Campground
$0.00 - $0.00 / night
Campsite Fees
No fees are required for camping at Harriet Lake Rustic Campground.
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

4.40

Recommended

Based on 28 reviews

22 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewscleanlakewell-maintained

Some mention

mosquitoes

"User reviews for Harriet Lake Rustic Campground are generally positive, emphasizing its spaciousness, privacy, and rustic charm. Common praises include the cleanliness of facilities, the beauty of the lake, and the large campsite sizes. Fishing success varies, and some highlight the lack of mosquitoes during cooler months. Complaints include occasional crowding during busy weekends and the absence of garbage services."

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Campground Map

Harriet Lake Rustic Campground, MN

Harriet Lake Rustic Campground

Harriet Lake Rustic Campground, MN

Driving directionsFrom Tofte, take MN 61 south to FR 343 (Temperance River Rd). Turn right on FR 343. Go left at the T with FR 166 (the '600' Road). Go right at the T with Co 7. Follow Co 7 through multiple turns, past the intersection with FR 172. Harriet Lake is on the right. From Isabella, take FR 172 off MN 1. Follow FR 172 to Co 7. Turn left on Co 7. Harriet Lake is on the right. From Finland, take Co 7 off MN 1 all the way to Harriet Lake on the right.
The campground is accessible via unpaved roads. Campground road is not plowed during winter, which restricts access during snowy months.
Nearby places
Tofte is approximately 20 miles away.
Nearby supplies
Tofte Ranger District Office may offer limited supplies during operational hours. Nearest grocery and camping supplies likely located in Tofte.

Best Time to Camp at Harriet Lake Rustic Campground

Experience the dramatic seasonal transformations of Minnesota's northwoods, from crystalline winter landscapes blanketed in snow to warm summer days perfect for swimming and fishing. Spring brings wildflower blooms across the old farm fields, while autumn paints the boreal forest in brilliant golds and crimsons.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
3.5 / 5

Open in summer with swimming, boating and fishing; busier and more mosquitoes on peak weekends.

Best
Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Cooler months bring fewer mosquitoes and good fishing; scenic fall colors expected in boreal forest.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.0 / 5

Open from May 10; late spring offers warming weather but limited open period and variable bugs.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground is closed outside May 10–Oct 1.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: Likely summer months given the open land and lake accessibility.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open from May 10 to October 1.

About Harriet Lake Rustic Campground

Discover the serene beauty of Harriet Lake Rustic Campground, where spacious campsites are thoughtfully scattered across what was once productive farmland. This peaceful retreat invites anglers to cast their lines for walleye, northern pike, and crappies in the pristine waters of Harriet Lake. As a rustic campground, visitors embrace a true wilderness experience, carrying out all waste including fish remains to preserve this natural sanctuary for future adventurers.
Harriet Lake Rustic Campground primarily caters to rustic campers and offers free camping for both tents and RVs. There are six campsites, four of which can accommodate RVs over 21 feet. Tent camping is widely supported, with tent pads available. Group camping is unofficially supported due to the large open areas of the sites.
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Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit
Maximum of nine people per site.

Amenities available

Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Harriet Lake Rustic Campground is best suited for outdoor enthusiasts interested in fishing, boating, group picnicking, and swimming. Official sources highlight the availability of a boat ramp and dock for lake access, supporting fishing opportunities for walleye, northern pike, crappies, and perch. User reviews corroborate this with mentions of catching walleye and northern pike, although fishing success varies by trip. Swimming is allowed but at campers' own risk due to the lack of a designated swimming area or lifeguards. Group picnicking is supported in the large open areas, and scenic views are frequently praised.
FishingOfficial sources state that Harriet Lake supports walleye, northern pike, and crappies for fishing. User reviews add experiences of catching perch and varying levels of success with walleye and northern pike.
SwimmingSwimming is frequently mentioned in user reviews and official sources, although there is no designated swimming area or lifeguard. Swimming is done at campers' own risk.
BoatingHarriet Lake provides a boat ramp and dock for motorized boating. User reviews highlight easy access to the lake via the boat launch.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsNo potable water available, lake water must be treated. Pack out all garbage; no garbage service.
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Weather at Harriet Lake Rustic Campground

Reviews

4.4
28 reviews
Recommended
Recommended
Harriet Lake Rustic Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews for Harriet Lake Rustic Campground are generally positive, emphasizing its spaciousness, privacy, and rustic charm. Common praises include the cleanliness of facilities, the beauty of the lake, and the large campsite sizes. Fishing success varies, and some highlight the lack of mosquitoes during cooler months. Complaints include occasional crowding during busy weekends and the absence of garbage services.
Review Summaries
Based on 28 reviews

What Campers Love

Reviews often commend the 'spread out and private' campsites, clean and well-maintained pit toilets, abundant wildlife, and easy lake access. The rustic nature of the campground and free camping are...
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Based on 28 reviews

Common Concerns

Negative feedback includes busy weekends leading to less privacy, bugs being 'unbearable at times,' and no garbage services or potable water available.
Based on 28 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Users recommend choosing site #5 for the best lake views, bringing mosquito repellents, and planning to pack out all garbage. Several suggest visiting during cooler months to avoid bugs and crowds.
Based on 28 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Users note fewer mosquitoes during cooler months like mid-September and November, while summer months may be busier and have more bugs. Fishing experiences vary by season, with some catching larger...
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Based on 28 reviews

Camper Quotes

"We camped here 4th of July weekend. We ended up picking this place because the sites at the top were very spread out and private. Site #5 was the best view in my opinion. Caught a couple of northern...
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Based on 28 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site #5 is highlighted as having the best lake views by multiple reviewers. Other users note that sites are large enough to accommodate multiple campers or vehicles.
Based on 28 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility features are not discussed in user reviews.
Based on 28 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Dogs are allowed but must be leashed at all times when not in a tent or vehicle. User reviews generally emphasize the spaciousness of the campsites, making them suitable for pets to roam within...
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Based on 28 reviews

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Last updated January 5, 2026
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