Little Isabella River Campground

Star3.70
31 reviews
9620 MN Hwy 1, Isabella, MN, 55607

Quick Facts

1,900 ft

Price

$7.5 - $18/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

11 campsites

Season

Open from May 8, 202...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens Tofte Ranger District site

Official Website
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Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
Little Isabella River Campground
$7.50 - $18.00 / night
Campsite Fees
$18 per night for one vehicle and one trailer. Additional vehicles or trailers cost $9 each. Fees can be paid online during reservation or at an...
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Standard Site Fee$15.00
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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Provider
218-663-8060
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What Campers Say

3.70

Mixed Reviews

Based on 31 reviews

21 Google reviews

Most mentioned

quietcleanspacioussites

Some mention

mosquitoes

"The campground is praised for its seclusion, quiet atmosphere, and clean vault toilets. However, some users note uneven sites and high mosquito activity, especially in summer. ATV trail access is an advantage for some campers, while others find limited recreational opportunities."

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Campground Map

9620 MN Hwy 1, Isabella, MN, 55607

Little Isabella River Campground

9620 MN Hwy 1, Isabella, MN, 55607

Driving directionsFrom MN-61, turn on MN-1 at Illgen City. Continue for 4.5 miles west of Isabella to the campground entrance.
The campground is accessible via MN-1, a paved road. However, user reviews mention gravel roads leading to individual sites, which may require some leveling work for RVs.
Nearby places
Isabella (4.5 miles, ~10 minutes), Ely (~60 miles, ~1 hour).
Nearby supplies
Ely (~1 hour away) offers grocery stores, camping supplies, and gas stations.

Best Time to Camp at Little Isabella River Campground

Summer days unfold with temperatures hovering around a pleasant 80°F, though the forest's humidity brings its own challenges. Come prepared for the local welcoming committee of mosquitoes and deer flies – they're as much a part of the authentic northwoods experience as the loon calls at dusk. When winter arrives, it transforms this landscape into a crystalline wonderland, though temperatures plummet and snow blankets the forest floor in deep, pristine layers that tell stories with every animal track.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
3.0 / 5

Open and pleasant temps but summer rated down by mosquitoes/black flies and site unevenness.

Best
Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Cooler weather and fewer bugs; quieter season likely enhances hiking, fishing, and stargazing.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.0 / 5

Open starting May 8; spring offers fewer visitors but variable temps and still some insect activity early season.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground closed outside May 8–Sep 30 per provided seasonal info.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: May 8, 2025 to September 30, 2025.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open from May 8, 2025 to September 30, 2025.

About Little Isabella River Campground

Tucked away in the heart of Superior National Forest, Little Isabella River Campground offers an intimate escape beneath a cathedral of towering red and white pines. This hidden gem draws anglers chasing the perfect catch and nature lovers seeking solitude far from the crowds. With its small footprint and remote location, you'll find the kind of peaceful wilderness experience that's becoming increasingly rare in today's connected world.
Little Isabella River Campground caters to a variety of campers with its mix of reservable and first-come, first-served sites. It features standard campsites suitable for tent camping and small RVs, but no cabins or advanced glamping options.
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Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit
  • Maximum of nine people per site
  • space for one vehicle and one trailer with additional charges for extra vehicles.

Amenities available

Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Campers at Little Isabella River Campground can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities, including fishing, hiking, ATV trails, and wildlife viewing. The campground provides access to the Little Isabella River, which is popular for brook trout fishing.
HikingThe campground offers access to hiking in the secluded woodlands of the Superior National Forest. Specific trail details, such as lengths and difficulty levels, are not provided.
FishingThe Little Isabella River is a popular spot for brook trout fishing, though one reviewer mentioned catching chubs instead. "The river behind the camps was more like a creek, no trout, only chubs" (User review by Tammy B).
BikingBiking opportunities exist within the Superior National Forest, but no specific trails or difficulty levels are mentioned.
Wildlife viewingThe secluded nature of the campground offers opportunities to observe wildlife. "Store your food so wildlife can't get to it. Bears and other animals will eat food that isn't stored securely" (Authoritative source).
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsMosquitoes and deer flies are common in summer. Bears may visit if food is not stored securely.

Weather at Little Isabella River Campground

Reviews

3.7
31 reviews
Mixed Reviews
Mixed Reviews
Little Isabella River Campground has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews
The campground is praised for its seclusion, quiet atmosphere, and clean vault toilets. However, some users note uneven sites and high mosquito activity, especially in summer. ATV trail access is an advantage for some campers, while others find limited recreational opportunities.
Review Summaries
Based on 31 reviews

What Campers Love

Secluded and quiet atmosphere, spacious and private campsites, clean vault toilets, opportunities for stargazing, and good cell phone service on T-Mobile and Verizon.
Based on 31 reviews

Common Concerns

Mosquitoes and black flies, uneven campsites (difficult for RVs), limited amenities, and overgrown sites needing maintenance.
Based on 31 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring insect repellent for mosquitoes and flies, consider visiting during cooler months to avoid bugs, and choose sites 8 or 11 for the best experience. If staying in an RV, be prepared to level your...
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Based on 31 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Mosquitoes and black flies are most active in summer (June-July). Cooler months offer fewer bugs but may have colder temperatures. The campground is described as quiet and less visited year-round.
Based on 31 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Best place ever if you want to see the night sky in all its glory without any ambient light" (User review by Karethra Bex). "Site 8 is the nicest camping spot here. Site 11 is nice" (User review by...
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Based on 31 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site 8 and Site 11 are highly praised by multiple users for their location and layout. Other sites are noted to be uneven, making them challenging for RVs. Long-term campers were observed occupying...
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Based on 31 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessible features include vault toilets and drinking water. No specific user feedback on accessibility for individuals with disabilities was provided.
Based on 31 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed, but no specific reviews addressed the experience of pet owners at the campground.
Based on 31 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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