Section 29 Lake Rustic Campground

4.00

9 reviews

Section 29 Lake Rustic Campground, Section 29 Township, Superior National Forest, MN

Peace & QuietSummer Destination

Quick Facts

1,624 ft

Price

Free

Booking

First-Come

Sites

4 campsites

Season

Open from May 10 to ...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens Superior National Forest site

Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

1,624 ft

Price

Free

Booking

First-Come

Sites

4 campsites

Season

Open from May 10 to ...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens Superior National Forest site

Official Website

Get Directions

Section 29 Lake Rustic Campground

$0.00 - $0.00 / night

Campsite Fees

No fees are charged at this 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

4.00

Satisfactory

Based on 9 reviews

5 Google reviews

Most mentioned

spacioussites

"User reviews highlight Section 29 Lake Rustic Campground as a remote, peaceful, and wildlife-rich destination. The campground’s minimal facilities and quiet atmosphere are consistently appreciated. However, some recent visitors noted concerns about fish availability in the lake."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Section 29 Lake Rustic Campground, Section 29 Township, Superior National Forest, MN

Section 29 Lake Rustic Campground

Section 29 Lake Rustic Campground, Section 29 Township, Superior National Forest, MN

Driving directionsFrom Isabella on MN 1: Turn right onto FR 172 (Wanless Rd). Drive 1 mile. Turn left onto FR 369 (Trappers Lake Rd.) Drive 6 miles. Stay on FR 369 by veering right at the fork with FR 373. Continue 4 miles further on FR 369. Turn left on FR 366. Drive 1.5 miles. There is a fork partway down FR 366, stay to the right on the better traveled main road. The campground is on the left up a short access road.

Access is via a series of forest roads including FR172, FR369, and FR366. While these roads are accessible, caution is recommended especially during wet or winter conditions.

Nearby places

Isabella (approximately 10 miles), Finland (~25 miles), Tofte (~35 miles)

Nearby supplies

Closest supplies can be found at general stores or gas stations in nearby towns such as Isabella or Finland, offering basic camping necessities.

Best Time to Camp at Section 29 Lake Rustic Campground

Experience the dramatic seasonal transformations of the North Woods, where each season paints the landscape in distinctive hues. Late spring through early fall reveals the campground at its finest, with warm days perfect for paddling and cool nights ideal for campfire conversations. Summer brings refreshing breezes across the lake, while autumn transforms the forest into a tapestry of gold and crimson. Though recent winterkill has affected fish populations, the lake continues to offer peaceful paddling and wildlife viewing opportunities. Winter visitors should prepare for true northern conditions, with deep snow and freezing temperatures creating a crystalline wonderland.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Open mid-May–Oct; peak mid-May–Sept. Best early/late season to avoid bugs.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Open through Oct 1; fall colors and quieter conditions make fall attractive.

Spring(Mar-May)

3.0 / 5

Open May 10; late spring can be good but is short and may coincide with bugs or variable fishing after winterkill.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

Not recommended

Campground closed Oct 1–May 10; winter camping not available.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: Mid-May to late September, corresponding to the open season.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open from May 10 to October 1.
Current Alerts: Exercise caution when exploring the northeast shore due to remnants of the 2011 Pagami Creek Fire. Standing burnt trees may pose safety risks.

About Section 29 Lake Rustic Campground

Escape to the untouched wilderness at Section 29 Lake Rustic Campground, where just four intimate campsites await along the pristine shoreline. This hidden gem offers the rare opportunity to experience true solitude in nature, with each site providing direct access to the tranquil waters of Section 29 Lake. Far from the crowds and noise of modern life, this remote sanctuary promises an authentic backcountry experience for those seeking genuine connection with the natural world.

This is a rustic campground offering a back-to-basics experience with minimal amenities. It is suitable for tent campers, RV users, and small groups.

Historical SignificanceThe landscape here tells a powerful story of nature's resilience. In 2011, the Pagami Creek Fire swept through portions of this wilderness, leaving its mark on the surrounding forest. Today, visitors witness an extraordinary natural renewal as young growth emerges among the weathered remains of fire-touched trees, creating a unique mosaic of life and regeneration that serves as a living testament to the forest's enduring spirit.

Weather and SeasonsExperience the dramatic seasonal transformations of the North Woods, where each season paints the landscape in distinctive hues. Late spring through early fall reveals the campground at its finest, with warm days perfect for paddling and cool nights ideal for campfire conversations. Summer brings refreshing breezes across the lake, while autumn transforms the forest into a tapestry of gold and crimson. Though recent winterkill has affected fish populations, the lake continues to offer peaceful paddling and wildlife viewing opportunities. Winter visitors should prepare for true northern conditions, with deep snow and freezing temperatures creating a crystalline wonderland.

ElevationNestled within the rolling terrain of the Superior National Forest, the campground rests at the characteristic elevation of Minnesota's North Woods, where the ancient bedrock meets the sky in gentle undulations shaped by millennia of glacial activity.

Natural Features and SceneryImmerse yourself in the quintessential beauty of the boreal forest, where towering pines and paper birches frame your lakeside retreat. The interplay of water and woodland creates endless vistas of natural splendor, from mirror-like morning reflections to the haunting silhouettes of fire-sculpted trees against sunset skies. The northeast shores bear witness to nature's regenerative power, where new growth mingles with the artistic remains of the 2011 fire, creating a landscape both humbling and inspiring.

Geological RegionSet within the vast Superior National Forest, Section 29 Lake exemplifies the region's glacial heritage. This pristine water body, carved by ancient ice sheets thousands of years ago, sits cradled in the Canadian Shield's ancient granite. The surrounding boreal ecosystem represents one of North America's last great wildernesses, where the geological story of the continent unfolds in layers of rock, forest, and crystal-clear waters.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

Not explicitly stated
likely flexible given the walk-up nature.

Check-out

Not explicitly stated
likely flexible given the walk-up nature.

Stay Limit

Maximum of nine people per site and one vehicle with one towed vehicle.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Maximum of nine people per site.

Groups

No group-specific sites or details about capacity are provided.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutFour sites are dispersed near the lake; sites 1 and 2 are lakeside.

Reservation PlatformsNot applicable, reservations are not required.

Walk-in AvailabilityAll four sites are walk-up only and operate on a first-come, first-served basis.

Cancellation PolicyNot applicable as reservations are not required.

AccessibilityNo specific accessibility features are outlined or described.

Site SizeThe campground has four campsites. Reviewers note that three of the sites are large enough to accommodate travel trailers. For example, a 28-foot trailer fit into site #3, while a 26-foot trailer fit into site #2.

PrivacySites are noted to be spaced out, offering a quiet and peaceful atmosphere. Two of the four campsites are situated directly on the lake.

Total Campsites4 campsites

Recommended SitesChoose sites 1 or 2 for lakeside views and tranquility.

Amenities available

Fire rings

Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Section 29 Lake Rustic Campground offers a variety of recreational opportunities centered around its natural setting. Fishing and non-motorized boating are particularly popular activities at the campground, and wildlife viewing is frequently mentioned by campers.

FishingFishing is a key activity at the lake, with species such as northern pike, walleye, and yellow perch available. Some recent reports suggest winterkill may have impacted fish populations as of 2024.

BoatingThe campground provides a boat ramp, facilitating non-motorized boating activities. Campers are advised to exercise caution when boating near areas impacted by the Pagami Creek Fire, as standing burnt trees present safety hazards.

Wildlife viewingWildlife viewing is a significant draw, with species such as moose, bears, wolves, and Canadian lynx spotted by visitors.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include wildlife encounters (moose, bears, wolves), deadfalls in the fire-affected area, and impacts to recovering soil.

Active AlertsExercise caution when exploring the northeast shore due to remnants of the 2011 Pagami Creek Fire. Standing burnt trees may pose safety risks.

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

Fire PolicyCampfires permitted within provided fire rings only.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.

Emergency ServicesNearest emergency services are located in Tofte Ranger District at 7355 West Hwy 61, Tofte, MN 55615 (Phone: (218) 663-8060). For medical emergencies, clinics or hospitals can be found in larger towns like Ely or Two Harbors.

Trash & RecyclingThere is no garbage pick-up at the site. Campers are required to pack out all waste they bring in. Trash receptacles are not provided.

Water FeaturesDirectly located on Section 29 Lake shore. Additional small lakes are near the campground.

Camp HostNo formal campground hosts are available.

Weather at Section 29 Lake Rustic Campground

Reviews

4.0

9 reviews

Satisfactory

Section 29 Lake Rustic Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews highlight Section 29 Lake Rustic Campground as a remote, peaceful, and wildlife-rich destination. The campground’s minimal facilities and quiet atmosphere are consistently appreciated. However, some recent visitors noted concerns about fish availability in the lake.

Review Summaries

Based on 9 reviews

What Campers Love

Users appreciate the tranquil setting, spacious campsites, and abundant wildlife. "Remote small campground northwest of Finland Minnesota...lots of wildlife. Moose, bear, wolves, Canadian lynx are...

Based on 9 reviews

Common Concerns

Some complaints were noted about the lake's fish population, with a recent review mentioning, "The lake appeared to not have any fish in it...articles from 2023 claimed winterkill (turnover)."

Based on 9 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers recommend visiting outside peak bug seasons for the most enjoyable experience. "Before the bugs start and after they're gone, you won't find too many USFS campgrounds that have the same quiet...

Based on 9 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The best experiences seem to occur during the early and late camping seasons (before and after bug season). Fishing conditions may vary based on winterkill events.

Based on 9 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Remote small campground northwest of Finland Minnesota. 4 campsites, an outhouse. No facilities. Access to the small lake, lots of wildlife." – Pamela Gordon-Evens "Before the bugs start and after...

Based on 9 reviews