How much does camping cost at Sawbill Lake Campground - Superior National Forest?

Camping fees at Sawbill Lake Campground - Superior National Forest range from $10-$20/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Sawbill Lake Campground - Superior National Forest first-come first-served or reservation?

Sawbill Lake Campground - Superior National Forest accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Sawbill Lake Campground - Superior National Forest before I book?

Yes! Sawbill Lake Campground - Superior National Forest has 3 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Sawbill Lake Campground - Superior National Forest?

Sawbill Lake Campground - Superior National Forest is open May 08 to October 20. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Sawbill Lake Campground - Superior National Forest?

Yes, Sawbill Lake Campground - Superior National Forest has shower facilities available for campers. Check the amenities section for details on hours and any fees.

How many campsites does Sawbill Lake Campground - Superior National Forest have?

Sawbill Lake Campground - Superior National Forest has 51 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Sawbill Lake Campground - Superior National Forest?

Yes, pets are allowed at Sawbill Lake Campground - Superior National Forest. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Sawbill Lake Campground - Superior National Forest?

Sawbill Lake Campground - Superior National Forest offers: Restrooms, Showers, Potable Water, Dump Station, Pets Allowed, Camp Store, Laundry. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Sawbill Lake Campground - Superior National Forest?

Popular activities at Sawbill Lake Campground - Superior National Forest include Hiking, Fishing, Biking, Boating, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Sawbill Lake Campground - Superior National Forest

Q: Can I have a campfire at Sawbill Lake Campground - Superior National Forest?

Fire policies at Sawbill Lake Campground - Superior National Forest: Don't move firewood: To limit the spread of invasive tree-killing pests, firewood from outside the area is not permitted. Some states have quarantines and may confiscate your firewood. Please help protect our forests from invasive species by obtaining your firewood at or near your camping destination and burning it on-site. Visit dontmovefirewood.org for more information.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

4.67

370 reviews

Sawbill Lake Campground - Superior National Forest, 4620 Sawbill Trail, Tofte, MN 55615, USA

Scenic ViewsSummer Destination

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

1,850 ft

Price

$10 - $20/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

51 campsites

Season

Open May 12, 2025, t...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyShowersWiFi

Book on Sawbill Canoe Outfitters Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

1,850 ft

Price

$10 - $20/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

51 campsites

Season

Open May 12, 2025, t...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyShowersWiFi

Book on Sawbill Canoe Outfitters Official Website

Get Directions

Sawbill Lake Campground - Superior National Forest

$10.00 - $20.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Day: $10.00; STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $20.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

No paid fee categories listed.

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

218-663-7150info@sawbill.com

I manage this campground

Plan a trip to Sawbill Lake Campground - Superior National Forest

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Campground Map

Sawbill Lake Campground - Superior National Forest, 4620 Sawbill Trail, Tofte, MN 55615, USA

Sawbill Lake Campground - Superior National Forest

Sawbill Lake Campground - Superior National Forest, 4620 Sawbill Trail, Tofte, MN 55615, USA

Nearby places

Tofte, MN (24 miles, approx. 30-min drive)

Grand Marais, MN (approx. 50 miles, 1-hour drive)

Duluth, MN (approx. 100 miles, 2-hour drive)

Weather at Sawbill Lake Campground - Superior National Forest

Current alerts(5)

Be bear aware; keep all food out of site in approved containers or locked inside a hard-sided vehicle and remove all food from area after eating
Check-in / Check-out time is 12:00pm (noon)
Limit of two vehicles per campsite, not including trailers; $10 fee for second vehicle. Extra vehicle can be paid online in advance or in person onsite. If paid onsite, you won't be charged the $2 add-on fee; free public parking lot is also available onsite near the campground
Superior National Forest website

Best Time to Camp at Sawbill Lake Campground - Superior National Forest

Best season: summer. Summer offers the warmest, most accessible window for lakeside recreation — expect daytime highs around 65–80°F and cool nights in the 40s–50s, with refreshing lake breezes and only occasional afternoon storms. This is peak paddling, swimming, boating, and shoreline fishing season (walleye and northern pike are active), and the campground is fully staffed and reservable, though weekends in July–August can be busy. Mosquitoes and blackflies are present early in the season, so bring insect repell� Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: November, December, January, February

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Open through Sept 30; quieter, good hiking/paddling and fall color potential.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 08 to October 20. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open May 12, 2025, to September 30, 2025 (reservable season). First-come, first-served between October 1 and October 20, 2025.

About Sawbill Lake Campground - Superior National Forest

Sawbill Lake Campground sits in the Superior National Forest foothills near Tofte, Minnesota, serving as a gateway to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. Operated by Sawbill Canoe Outfitters, the mid-sized campground offers tent, RV, and primitive sites with showers, a dump station, and an on-site outfitter store. Campers use it as a staging point for paddling trips, fishing for walleye and northern pike, and exploring forest trails by foot or bike.

Sawbill Lake Campground caters to tent campers, RV enthusiasts, and those seeking primitive camping near the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. Group camping is limited but possible in certain areas.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer offers the warmest, most accessible window for lakeside recreation — expect daytime highs around 65–80°F and cool nights in the 40s–50s, with refreshing lake breezes and only occasional afternoon storms. This is peak paddling, swimming, boating, and shoreline fishing season (walleye and northern pike are active), and the campground is fully staffed and reservable, though weekends in July–August can be busy. Mosquitoes and blackflies are present early in the season, so bring insect repell� Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: November, December, January, February

Elevation1850 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground sits at 1,850 feet elevation on the shore of 765-acre Sawbill Lake, surrounded by dense stands of white and red pine. Loons call across the water at dawn, and moose browse the shoreline. Black bears move through the forest, bald eagles fish the lake. Wildflowers appear along trails in summer. The landscape here reflects its glacial origins: countless interconnected lakes and waterways stretching north into the boreal wilderness. The water is clear, the forest thick, the horizon unbroken by development.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo traditional cabins or hotel-style accommodations are available on-site. The campground primarily caters to tent and RV campers.

Programs & ActivitiesEducational programs are occasionally available, covering topics related to the wilderness and local wildlife.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

You may stay up to 14 nights during a visit at this campground.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Exact limits vary by site type, generally accommodating groups of up to 6 people.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov online or through the mobile app.

AccessibilityHandicapped-accessible fishing docks are available. Some campsites are accessible for campers with disabilities.

Site SizeCampsites are generally spacious, with ample room for multiple tents or large RVs.

PrivacyCampsites are well-spaced, shaded by tall pines, and offer visual privacy. Reviews frequently mention that most sites feel secluded.

Total Campsites51 campsites

Recommended SitesFor privacy, select campsites in heavily wooded areas like Site 33. For lake access, opt for Site 5 or Site 41.

Best CampsitesSite 5 gets mentioned frequently for its size and partial lake views. Site 41 offers good privacy and sits close to the water. Reviews note that most sites feel secluded thanks to pine screening, but be aware that noise from neighbors can travel, especially when quiet hours aren't enforced consistently.

Need help booking Sawbill Lake Campground - Superior National Forest?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

Sawbill Lake Campground offers a variety of amenities catering to campers, canoeists, and outdoor enthusiasts. The facilities are well-maintained and designed to provide convenience while preserving the wilderness experience. Highlights include vault toilets that are described as clean and well-maintained, drinking water via faucets spread across the campground, picnic tables at campsites, campfire rings with grills, and a dump station for RVs. The nearby Sawbill Canoe Outfitters store offers additional amenities such as showers, laundry facilities, and a wide range of supplies, including fishing licenses, bait, grocery items, and canoe rentals. Trash and recycling bins are available on-site.

Showers

Potable water

WiFi

Dump station

Fire rings

Picnic tables

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

Sawbill Lake Campground is a gateway to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, offering canoeing, fishing, hiking, and wildlife viewing opportunities. Campers can also participate in educational programs and enjoy picnicking near the lake. The area is known for its serene atmosphere and rich wildlife.

Hiking

Fishing

Biking

Boating

Wildlife viewing

Cultural and Educational Programs

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not provided; vault toilets are the primary restroom facilities.

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

Fire PolicyDon't move firewood: To limit the spread of invasive tree-killing pests, firewood from outside the area is not permitted. Some states have quarantines and may confiscate your firewood. Please help protect our forests from invasive species by obtaining your firewood at or near your camping destination and burning it on-site. Visit dontmovefirewood.org for more information.

Trash & RecyclingTrash and recycling bins are available throughout the campground, ensuring convenience for waste disposal.

Cell CoverageCell service is reportedly available near the Sawbill Canoe Outfitters building, but coverage throughout the campground is limited.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.7

370 reviews

Top-Rated

Sawbill Lake Campground - Superior National Forest is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews

Reviews commonly highlight the campground's proximity to the Boundary Waters, clean facilities, helpful staff, and serene environment. However, some negative experiences involve noise issues and inconsistent rule enforcement by a campground host.

Review Summaries

Based on 370 reviews

Best sites at a glance

Pulled from per-site mentions in 370 reviews.

Site #5Loved
Site #5 received high praise for being spacious and offering lake views.
Site #33Loved
Site #33 was appreciated for its length and tree cover, making it ideal for truck campers and tents.
Site #7Mentioned
Site #7 was noted for privacy but suffered from noise disturbances.

What Campers Love

Clean and spacious campsites; close access to the Boundary Waters; friendly staff; well-maintained vault toilets and showers; convenient access to the Sawbill Canoe Outfitters store.

Based on 370 reviews

Common Concerns

Noise disturbances during quiet hours; inconsistent enforcement of rules, particularly regarding pets; occasional issues with site reservations and equipment maintenance.

Based on 370 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring bug spray and sunscreen as mosquitoes are prevalent; check maps for accurate water spigot locations; utilize the Sawbill Canoe Outfitters store for gear rentals and supplies.

Based on 370 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer is the most popular season for camping, with reviews mentioning mosquitoes as a potential concern. Winter provides a quieter experience with opportunities for snow activities.

Based on 370 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'The peace and quiet of Sawbill Lake Campgrounds is the reason I camp there every year.' - Richy K 2. 'Vault toilets are the cleanest we’ve encountered at a campground.' - Jennifer S 3. 'Sawbill...

Based on 370 reviews

Accessibility Features

Reviews note the availability of handicapped-accessible fishing docks and generally accessible campsites.

Based on 370 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Mixed experiences regarding pets. While some campers praised the campground’s pet-friendly policies, others complained about inconsistent rule enforcement regarding leashed and unleashed dogs.

Based on 370 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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Go if

You want a full-service base camp for Boundary Waters trips with on-site outfitter support and modern amenities.

Skip if

You need guaranteed quiet hours enforcement or prefer campgrounds without outfitter foot traffic.

Nearby Campgrounds

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3.8

(21)

Baker Lake Rustic Campground

7355 West Hwy 61 Tofte, MN 55615

Baker Lake Rustic Campground sits on the shore of a glacier-carved lake in Superior National Forest, five miles from Tofte. The campground has five pull-in sites surrounded by red pines, potable water from a solar-powered faucet, and no cell service. It's a common staging point for Boundary Waters trips and attracts campers who want quiet and disconnection. The sites are free, rustic, and suit paddlers, anglers, and anyone comfortable with minimal amenities.

Sawbill Lake Campground - Superior National Forest

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Real-Time Availability

Quick Facts

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Plan a trip to Sawbill Lake Campground - Superior National Forest

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Weather at Sawbill Lake Campground - Superior National Forest

Current alerts(5)

Best Time to Camp at Sawbill Lake Campground - Superior National Forest

Planning Tips

About Sawbill Lake Campground - Superior National Forest

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Need help booking Sawbill Lake Campground - Superior National Forest?

Amenities available

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Activities you can enjoy

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What Campers Love

Common Concerns

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Overview

About the campground

Seasons & access

Facilities

Water activities

RV information

Directions

Plan a trip to Sawbill Lake Campground - Superior National Forest

Current alerts(5)

Best Time to Camp at Sawbill Lake Campground - Superior National Forest

Planning Tips

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Need help booking Sawbill Lake Campground - Superior National Forest?

Amenities available

Activities you can enjoy

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns