Johnson Lake

1 review

320 N. Highway 53 Cook, MN 55723

Peace & QuietSummer Destination

Quick Facts

1,188 ft

Price

Free

Booking

First-Come

Sites

7 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Opens LaCroix Ranger District site

Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

1,188 ft

Price

Free

Booking

First-Come

Sites

7 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Opens LaCroix Ranger District site

Official Website

Get Directions

Johnson Lake

$0.00 - $0.00 / night

Campsite Fees

No fees are required for this site.

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) 666-0020SM.FS.Superior_NF@usda.gov

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What Campers Say

N/A

Limited Reviews

Based on 1 reviews

1 Google reviews

"A single user review praises Johnson Lake as an excellent camping and canoe fishing destination."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

320 N. Highway 53 Cook, MN 55723

Johnson Lake

320 N. Highway 53 Cook, MN 55723

Driving directionsJohnson Lake is located 29 miles northeast of Orr, MN. From Orr, continue north on U.S. Hwy 53 to Cusson (4 miles). Turn right onto St. Louis County 180. At Elephant Lake (11 miles), County 180 becomes Forest Road 203 (slight right). From Elephant Lake, continue on Forest Road 203 for 15 miles to the trailhead at the end of the road.

The road to the campground is accessible via Forest Road 203, which is unpaved. Seasonal accessibility issues are not mentioned, but overnight parking is allowed at the trailhead.

Nearby places

Orr, MN (29 miles northeast), Cusson, MN (4 miles north), Elephant Lake, MN (11 miles southeast of the trailhead)

Nearby supplies

Supplies can be found in Orr, MN (29 miles southwest), which likely offers groceries, fuel, and other essentials.

Best Time to Camp at Johnson Lake

Johnson Lake transforms dramatically with each passing season, offering distinct adventures year-round. Summer brings warm, sun-drenched days perfect for casting lines and exploring the interconnected waterways. As autumn arrives, the forest explodes in a tapestry of gold and crimson, though visitors should pack layers for unpredictable temperature swings. Winter blankets the landscape in deep snow, creating a crystalline wonderland for the hardy few who venture here on snowshoes or skis. Spring awakens the forest with wildflowers and migrating birds, though muddy conditions and variable weather require flexible planning and waterproof gear.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Summer noted for casting lines and paddling; peak season activities center on water.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Boreal forest setting implies strong fall colors and still-good paddling/fishing opportunities.

Spring(Mar-May)

3.5 / 5

Spring paddling and fishing possible on interconnected waterways, though seasonal variability noted.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

2.0 / 5

Open year-round but no winter recreation details provided; likely limited winter services.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: Peak season information is not provided.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open year-round.
Current Alerts: No active alerts mentioned.

About Johnson Lake

Escape to the pristine wilderness of Johnson Lake, where seven secluded backcountry campsites await adventurous souls seeking an authentic Superior National Forest experience. This hidden gem draws anglers from across the region with its renowned fishing waters teeming with feisty smallmouth bass, prized walleye, and formidable northern pike. Each thoughtfully placed campsite features essential amenities including fire rings for evening gatherings under starlit skies, level tent pads for comfortable sleeping, and clean latrines—striking the perfect balance between wilderness immersion and basic comfort.

Johnson Lake offers dispersed camping with 7 backcountry sites. Facilities include fire rings, tent pads, and latrines. Primitive camping sites are available.

Historical SignificanceWhile the documented history of this specific area remains quietly tucked away in the forest's memory, Johnson Lake sits within the ancestral lands that have sustained indigenous peoples for thousands of years. Today, it continues to serve as a place where modern adventurers can disconnect from civilization and reconnect with the timeless rhythms of the natural world.

Weather and SeasonsJohnson Lake transforms dramatically with each passing season, offering distinct adventures year-round. Summer brings warm, sun-drenched days perfect for casting lines and exploring the interconnected waterways. As autumn arrives, the forest explodes in a tapestry of gold and crimson, though visitors should pack layers for unpredictable temperature swings. Winter blankets the landscape in deep snow, creating a crystalline wonderland for the hardy few who venture here on snowshoes or skis. Spring awakens the forest with wildflowers and migrating birds, though muddy conditions and variable weather require flexible planning and waterproof gear.

ElevationNestled within the gently rolling terrain of the Superior National Forest, Johnson Lake's modest elevation creates an accessible wilderness experience without sacrificing the sense of remote adventure that defines this remarkable landscape.

Natural Features and SceneryJohnson Lake forms the centerpiece of an interconnected aquatic playground, where paddlers can explore the winding Johnson River and discover the intimate shores of Little Johnson Lake. Towering pines and dense boreal forest create a living cathedral around the water, their reflections painting abstract masterpieces on the lake's mirror-like surface during calm mornings. The surrounding Superior National Forest stretches endlessly in all directions, offering limitless opportunities for wildlife watching, photography, and soul-stirring solitude.

Geological RegionSet within the ancient landscape of the Superior National Forest, Johnson Lake occupies a fascinating geological tapestry carved by glaciers over millennia. This water-rich ecosystem showcases the region's signature feature—an intricate network of lakes and rivers that defines Minnesota's Northwoods. The dispersed camping sites take full advantage of this unique geography, positioning visitors at the intersection of forest and water where the area's most memorable adventures unfold. Whether you're casting for trophy fish or simply soaking in the pristine wilderness, Johnson Lake epitomizes the raw beauty of America's northern frontier.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

Open 24 hours/day.

Check-out

Open 24 hours/day.

Stay Limit

Stay limits are not specified

Guests Allowed Per Site

Not specified

Groups

Group camping site information is not mentioned.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutThe campground has 7 dispersed sites with backcountry facilities.

Reservation PlatformsReservations are not required.

Walk-in AvailabilityAll sites are first-come, first-served.

Cancellation PolicyNot applicable as reservations are not required.

AccessibilityAccessibility details are not provided for Johnson Lake.

Site SizeExact site size is not specified for Johnson Lake.

PrivacyPrivacy level of the sites is not explicitly mentioned.

Total Campsites7 campsites

Recommended SitesRecommendations for sites are not provided.

Amenities available

Fire rings

Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Johnson Lake offers activities such as fishing, OHV trail riding, boating, and hunting. Fishing is popular for smallmouth bass, walleye, and northern pike. Non-motorized boating is possible, and OHVs are permitted on the ½ mile portage at the southern end of the lake.

FishingFishing is considered good at Johnson Lake for smallmouth bass, walleye, and northern pike.

BoatingNon-motorized boating is allowed. There is a dock but no boat ramp.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include wildlife and the need for bear-resistant storage for pet food.

Active AlertsNo active alerts mentioned.

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

Fire PolicyFire rings are provided and should be used. Additional details on fire policies are not mentioned.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are Not specified.

Emergency ServicesLaCroix Ranger District Office (29 miles southwest), Address: 320 N. Highway 53 Cook, MN 55723, Phone: (218) 666-0020

Trash & RecyclingTrash and recycling facilities are not explicitly mentioned; campers are instructed to pack out garbage.

Water FeaturesJohnson Lake is directly connected to Johnson River and Little Johnson Lake. Water activities like fishing and boating are popular.

Camp HostHost information not provided.

Weather at Johnson Lake

Reviews

0.0

1 reviews

Limited Reviews

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

A single user review praises Johnson Lake as an excellent camping and canoe fishing destination.

Review Summaries

Based on 1 reviews

What Campers Love

The campsite has been noted for its excellent canoe fishing opportunities.

Based on 1 reviews

Common Concerns

No complaints are mentioned in user reviews.

Based on 1 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

No specific tips or recommendations are provided in user reviews.

Based on 1 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Seasonal variations are not explicitly discussed by users.

Based on 1 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Excellent camping and canoe fishing!!" - User review by Shain Vick

Based on 1 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Specific details about sites are not provided in user reviews.

Based on 1 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility feedback is not present in user reviews.

Based on 1 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pet-related reviews are not available.

Based on 1 reviews

0 review

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Last updated January 13, 2026

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