Crescent Lake (Mn)

Star4.57
122 reviews
CRESCENT LAKE, 3236 THE GRADE (FOREST ROAD 170), Tofte, MN, 55615, USA
Scenic ViewsPeace & QuietSummer Destination

Quick Facts

1,781 ft

Price

$20 - $40/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

32 campsites

Season

Open season begins M...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

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
Crescent Lake (Mn)
$20.00 - $40.00 / night
Campsite Fees
The campground charges $20 per night for standard nonelectric and tent sites during peak season, $40 per night for group sites during peak season....
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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$40.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Provider
218-663-7150info@sawbill.com
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What Campers Say

4.57

Top-Rated

Based on 122 reviews

21 Google reviews

Most mentioned

peacefulcleanlakewell-maintained

"Crescent Lake Campground has received mixed reviews from visitors. Most appreciate its peaceful wilderness setting, clean facilities, and helpful camp host, while some express concerns about road accessibility, bugs, and site conditions."

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Campground Map

CRESCENT LAKE, 3236 THE GRADE (FOREST ROAD 170), Tofte, MN, 55615, USA

Crescent Lake (Mn)

CRESCENT LAKE, 3236 THE GRADE (FOREST ROAD 170), Tofte, MN, 55615, USA

Driving directionsTravel Highway 61 along Lake Superior's north shore to Tofte, Minnesota. In Tofte, turn north (away from Lake Superior) on Sawbill Trail (CCHS 2). Follow the Sawbill Trail for 16 miles to The Grade (Forest Road 170). Turn right onto The Grade and proceed east for 7 miles. The campground is on your right and is marked by a large sign.
The roads to Crescent Lake are gravel, with reports of heavy washboarding and deep potholes. Forest Service roads may be challenging for RVs and trailers, with narrow roads and limited maneuvering room. Some users describe the road conditions as 'horrible' and recommend trimming brush and grading the road.
Nearby places
Tofte (approximately 23 miles, about a 30-minute drive), Grand Marais (approximately 50 miles, about 1 hour and 15 minutes driving time).
Nearby supplies
Sawbill Canoe Outfitters, located 13 miles from Crescent Lake, offers showers, laundry, fishing licenses, bait, tackle, groceries, camping gear rental, ice, convenience items, and a pay telephone.

Best Time to Camp at Crescent Lake (Mn)

Experience the dramatic seasonal tapestry of the North Woods, where each season paints Crescent Lake in stunning new colors. Winter transforms the landscape into a snow-covered wonderland perfect for cross-country skiing and ice fishing. Spring awakens the forest with wildflowers and migrating birds, while fall ignites the canopy in brilliant golds and crimsons. Summer brings warm days ideal for swimming and exploring, though savvy visitors come prepared for nature's tiny residents – the infamous Minnesota mosquitoes that thrive in the humid summer air.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Peak season for boating, fishing and paddling; popular but mosquitoes/black flies are heavy.

Best
Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Quieter with fewer bugs and colorful North Woods scenery; nights get colder.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.5 / 5

Open beginning May 12; late spring offers paddling/fishing but early spring conditions variable.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground seasonal open dates exclude winter; no winter programming detailed.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: May 12, 2025 - September 30, 2025.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open season begins May 12, 2025, and closes September 30, 2025, with a first-come-first-served season extending until October 20, 2025.

About Crescent Lake (Mn)

Escape to the pristine wilderness of Crescent Lake, where 32 rustic campsites await on a secluded peninsula deep within Superior National Forest. This hidden gem offers the perfect blend of adventure and tranquility, with many sites featuring stunning waterfront views or steps-away access to the crystal-clear lake. Whether you're casting a line at dawn, paddling through mirror-like waters, or simply breathing in the pure northern air, Crescent Lake delivers an authentic Minnesota wilderness experience that reconnects you with nature's rhythm.
Crescent Lake Campground caters to a variety of camping preferences with 32 campsites. Options include standard non-electric sites, tent-only sites, and a group site.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
12:00 PM
Check-out
12:00 PM
Stay Limit
Maximum stay limit at Crescent Lake is 14 consecutive nights.

Amenities available

Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Firewood available
Vault toilets
Group Sites

Activities you can enjoy

Crescent Lake provides a broad array of outdoor activities. Fishing for walleye, northern pike, and muskie is a popular draw, and the lake allows motorized boating. Other available activities include hiking in nearby forests, canoeing, and wildlife viewing.
HikingThe surrounding Superior National Forest offers a variety of trails, but some reviews mention that certain trails are "overgrown and not maintained." Hikers can explore the secluded woodlands and Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness.
FishingFishing is a major attraction, with walleye, northern pike, and muskie commonly caught. Visitors recommend bringing appropriate gear for fishing from the pier or boats.
BikingBiking is popular on the gravel roads around the campground. One visitor specifically recommended bringing a gravel bike for exploring.
BoatingMotorized boats are permitted on Crescent Lake with no horsepower limits. Canoeing and kayaking are also common, and the boat ramp facilitates lake access.
Wildlife viewingThe campground's boreal forest setting makes it ideal for wildlife viewing. Common sightings include moose, bears, bald eagles, and loons. One reviewer even noted spotting wolves and moose tracks.
Winter Activities
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsMosquitoes and black flies are a significant nuisance during the warmer months. Bears have been reported ripping open tents, and there are erosion issues on some campsites near the lake.

Weather at Crescent Lake (Mn)

Reviews

4.6
122 reviews
Top-Rated
Top-Rated
Crescent Lake (Mn) is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
Crescent Lake Campground has received mixed reviews from visitors. Most appreciate its peaceful wilderness setting, clean facilities, and helpful camp host, while some express concerns about road accessibility, bugs, and site conditions.
Review Summaries
Based on 122 reviews

What Campers Love

Visitors frequently praise the "peaceful and beautiful" setting, "clean and well-maintained" facilities, lake access for boating and fishing, and the helpful camp host, Jack. Many consider it a...
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Based on 122 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints include the "challenging road conditions" leading to the campground, poorly maintained trails, and issues with bugs, especially mosquitoes and black flies. Some RV campers report...
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Based on 122 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers suggest bringing mosquito and fly repellents, extra drinking water, and a rake to smooth out uneven ground. Many recommend lakeside sites for the best experience and advise visitors to be...
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Based on 122 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer is the most popular season, but it's also when mosquitoes and black flies are most prevalent. Fall offers a quieter experience with fewer bugs but colder nights. Winter activities are not...
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Based on 122 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Crescent Lake is the best of both worlds. You have the BWCAW right across the road." - Michael K. "Bring the gravel bike, great riding." - Ray F. "The remoteness and the sounds of wildlife were...
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Based on 122 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site 026 is noted for erosion and uneven terrain, while site 023 is valued for its privacy. Site 031 is described as peaceful, and walk-in sites are praised for their lakeside access and seclusion.
Based on 122 reviews

Accessibility Features

Visitors with disabilities have noted challenges with road conditions and narrow campsites, though the camp host has been praised for being helpful.
Based on 122 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed, and many visitors bring dogs. Some enjoy letting their pets splash in the lake, but others suggest keeping them leashed due to wildlife encounters.
Based on 122 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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