Sawbill Lake Campground - Superior National Forest

Star4.70
370 reviews
Sawbill Lake Campground - Superior National Forest, 4620 Sawbill Trail, Tofte, MN 55615, USA
Scenic ViewsSummer Destination

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

Opens Sawbill Canoe Outfitters 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
Sawbill Lake Campground - Superior National Forest
$10.00 - $20.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Camping fees range from $10 for shelter non-electric sites to $20 for standard non-electric campsites during peak season. Fees do not include taxes...
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Standard Site Fee$20.00
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
218-663-7150info@sawbill.com
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What Campers Say

4.70

Top-Rated

Based on 370 reviews

81 Google reviews

Most mentioned

cleanshowersspaciouswater

"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."

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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

Driving directionsTravel to Tofte via Highway 61 along Lake Superior's north shore. In Tofte, turn north (away from Lake Superior) on Sawbill Trail (CCHS 2). Follow Sawbill Trail 24 miles until it ends at the entrance to the campground.
The campground is accessible via Sawbill Trail, a well-maintained dirt road that runs for 24 miles from Tofte. It is suitable for all vehicles, including large RVs and motorhomes.
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)
Nearby supplies
The adjacent Sawbill Canoe Outfitters provides camping gear, canoe rentals, groceries, fishing licenses, and other convenience items. More extensive supplies are available in Tofte, MN, 24 miles away.

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

Summer brings gentle warmth to this northern paradise, with refreshing lake breezes and the occasional afternoon shower that releases the intoxicating scent of pine. Pack your bug spray and sunscreen for these peak months of exploration. When winter transforms the landscape into a crystalline wonderland, the campground becomes a serene escape for the hardy few, offering complimentary camping to those brave enough to embrace the profound silence of a frozen forest.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Peak season: pleasant weather and lake use; expect mosquitoes and higher visitation.

Best
Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Quieter season with fall colors and good paddling/hiking opportunities.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.5 / 5

Opens mid-May; spring offers paddling/hiking but can be cool and buggy early.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground is primarily open May–Sep (limited first-come Oct); not a regular winter facility.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: May 12, 2025, to September 30, 2025.. 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

Perched at the gateway to the legendary Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, Sawbill Lake Campground beckons adventurers seeking an authentic northwoods experience. This thoughtfully designed retreat within Superior National Forest features two distinct camping loops, where sites are carefully positioned to ensure privacy among towering pines. Whether you're pitching a tent under the stars or settling in with a large RV, you'll find yourself perfectly positioned to launch unforgettable wilderness expeditions.
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.
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Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
12:00 PM
Check-out
12:00 PM
Stay Limit
You may stay up to 14 nights during a visit at this campground.

Amenities available

Showers
Potable water
WiFi
Dump station
Fire rings
Picnic tables

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.
HikingThe campground is near trails in the Superior National Forest and Boundary Waters area, suitable for day hikes and extended wilderness treks. Maps of trails are available at the Sawbill Canoe Outfitters store.
FishingNorthern pike and bass are common catches at Sawbill Lake. Fishing access includes designated docks and ample shoreline.
SwimmingThere are swimming opportunities in Sawbill Lake; however, no dedicated swimming areas or lifeguards are present.
BikingThe area around the campground offers biking paths, although they are not extensively detailed.
BoatingSawbill Canoe Outfitters provides canoe rentals and guided trips. The lake offers access to the Boundary Waters canoe routes.
Wildlife viewingWildlife such as moose, bears, bald eagles, and loons are commonly spotted. Birdwatching and wildlife photography are popular activities.
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include wilderness wildlife such as bears and moose. Mosquitos and other insects can be intense in summer. Water hazards are present on Sawbill Lake.

Weather at Sawbill Lake Campground - Superior National Forest

Reviews

4.7
370 reviews
Top-Rated
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

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...
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Based on 370 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site #7 was noted for privacy but suffered from noise disturbances. Site #5 received high praise for being spacious and offering lake views. Site #33 was appreciated for its length and tree cover,...
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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

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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