How much does camping cost at Crescent Lake?

Camping fees at Crescent Lake are $20 - $40/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Crescent Lake first-come first-served or reservation?

Crescent Lake 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 Crescent Lake before I book?

Yes! Crescent Lake 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 Crescent Lake?

Crescent Lake 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 Crescent Lake?

Crescent Lake does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

How many campsites does Crescent Lake have?

Crescent Lake has 32 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Crescent Lake?

Yes, pets are allowed at Crescent Lake. 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 Crescent Lake?

Crescent Lake offers: Restrooms, Potable Water, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Crescent Lake?

Popular activities at Crescent Lake include Fishing, Boating. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Crescent Lake (Mn)

Q: Can I have a campfire at Crescent Lake?

Fire policies at Crescent Lake: Fires in campfire pits only and must be completely extinguished; cutting of live vegetation is not allowed. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

4.57

122 reviews

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

A-Report Card

Peace & QuietSummer Destination

Featured in:Primitive Camping Minnesota Pet-Friendly Campgrounds Minnesota Fishing Camping Minnesota +6 more

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

Book on Sawbill Canoe Outfitters Official Website

Get Directions

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

Book on Sawbill Canoe Outfitters Official Website

Get Directions

Crescent Lake (Mn)

$20.00 - $40.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Group Standard Nonelectric: $40.00; STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $20.00; Standard Nonelectric: $20.00; TENT ONLY NONELECTRIC: $20.00. Plus Recreation.gov...

Group Site Fee$40.00

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Provider

218-663-7150info@sawbill.com

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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

Nearby places

Tofte (approximately 23 miles, about a 30-minute drive), Grand Marais (approximately 50 miles, about 1 hour and 15 minutes driving time).

Weather at Crescent Lake (Mn)

Current alerts(6)

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)
Click here for more information on Superior National Forest
Dogs are allowed but must be leashed

Best Time to Camp at Crescent Lake (Mn)

Best season: summer. Summer offers the warmest, most reliably pleasant weather (daytime highs typically in the mid-60s to mid-70s°F, nights in the mid-40s to low-50s) and the full suite of water-based activities — paddling, boating, swimming, and fishing — when Crescent Lake is at its calmest and clearest. Campsites on the peninsula are most accessible and scenic in July and August, when wildflower meadows and full canopy cover make for excellent hiking and wildlife viewing; expect moderate crowds on summer weekends Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: November, December, January, February

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Fall offers quieter visits with fewer bugs, though nights are colder.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 08 to October 20. 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)

Crescent Lake sits in the Superior National Forest near Tofte, operated by Sawbill Canoe Outfitters. This mid-sized campground offers tent, RV, primitive, and group sites with vault toilets, potable water, and fire rings. Visitors come for fishing and boating on the lake, and reviewers consistently praise the peaceful setting, clean facilities, and helpful camp host.

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.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer offers the warmest, most reliably pleasant weather (daytime highs typically in the mid-60s to mid-70s°F, nights in the mid-40s to low-50s) and the full suite of water-based activities — paddling, boating, swimming, and fishing — when Crescent Lake is at its calmest and clearest. Campsites on the peninsula are most accessible and scenic in July and August, when wildflower meadows and full canopy cover make for excellent hiking and wildlife viewing; expect moderate crowds on summer weekends Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: November, December, January, February

Elevation1781 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground sits at 1,781 feet in the boreal forest, where white pine, red pine, spruce, fir, birch, and aspen create a thick canopy over most sites. Crescent Lake itself is clean and clear, fed by streams and surrounded by rock outcroppings left by glaciers. Moose browse the shoreline. Black bears forage for berries. Bald eagles pass overhead, and loons call across the water at dusk. Lakeside sites offer direct water access for paddling and fishing.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo hotel-style accommodations are available within the campground. Visitors can find cabins and other options in nearby areas.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are mentioned.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Maximum stay limit at Crescent Lake is 14 consecutive nights.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Limit of up to two vehicles per campsite
$10 fee for second vehicle.

Groups

The group site costs $40 per night during peak season and can accommodate larger groups, though specific capacity numbers are not provided.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Recreation.gov.

AccessibilitySpecific accessibility features were not detailed, though the presence of well-maintained vault toilets and accessible water points suggest basic accessibility.

Site SizeCampsites vary in size. Some are narrow or sloped, such as site 026, which is noted for being uneven due to erosion. Others are spacious like site 023, which provides more privacy.

PrivacyMany campsites are described as secluded due to dense woodland coverage, offering significant privacy. Lakeside sites are especially favored for their tranquility.

Total Campsites32 campsites

Recommended SitesCampsites near the lake are highly recommended for privacy and views. Site 026 is picturesque but has erosion issues.

Best CampsitesSite 006 has lake access and good views. Site 023 is spacious with better privacy. Avoid site 026, which slopes and has eroded into an uneven surface.

Need help booking Crescent Lake (Mn)?

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

Crescent Lake offers a range of facilities including 32 campsites, many of which have waterfront access or views. "Picnic tables, campfire grates, water pumps and vault toilets are provided." A fishing pier, boat ramp, and water access enhance recreational opportunities. While many sites are reservable, a few are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Notable nearby amenities include the Sawbill Canoe Outfitters store, "13 miles from the campground," which offers showers, laundry, and a variety of camping necessities.

Potable water

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Firewood available

Vault toilets

Group Sites

I manage this campground

RV details

Things to do at Crescent Lake (Mn)

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.

Fishing4.0/5

Boating4.0/5

Motorized boats permitted with no hp limits; canoeing/kayaking widely praised.

Water Sports4.0/5

Winter Activities

Signature experiences

Stargazing4.0/5Remote Superior NF setting and secluded sites imply dark skies and good stargazing.

Photography4.0/5Clear lake, rock outcrops, boreal trees and wildlife (moose) provide strong photo opportunities.

Not sure what to pack?Our complete camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not available. Only vault toilets are provided within the campground.

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.

No Dump StationThere is no dump station at this campground. Plan to use a dump station along your route or at a nearby facility before or after your stay.

Fire PolicyFires in campfire pits only and must be completely extinguished; cutting of live vegetation is not allowed

Trash & RecyclingTrash collection is available, but recycling facilities are not specifically mentioned.

Cell Coverage"Do not expect good cellular range with T-Mobile. If you get lucky, you will get AT&T rarely." Cell service is inconsistent, and some visitors suggest using nearby facilities for connectivity.

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

Rate Crescent Lake (Mn)

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From Booking Sources

4.6

122 reviews

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

Best sites at a glance

Pulled from per-site mentions in 122 reviews.

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

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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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Crescent Lake (Mn)

$20.00 - $40.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Group Standard Nonelectric: $40.00; STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $20.00; Standard Nonelectric: $20.00; TENT ONLY NONELECTRIC: $20.00. Plus Recreation.gov...

Group Site Fee$40.00

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free to start · paid plans add 2-min scans

263,000+ sites monitored · Email alerts to start; SMS and in-app with an account

Learn more about alerts →

Share this campground

Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

218-663-7150info@sawbill.com

Go if

You want a quiet, well-maintained lake retreat with helpful hosts and don't mind mosquitoes or limited cell service.

Skip if

You need reliable cell coverage or smooth road access to your campsite.

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.

Crescent Lake (Mn)

Quick Facts

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Current alerts(6)

Best Time to Camp at Crescent Lake (Mn)

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About Crescent Lake (Mn)

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Featured in these camping guides

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Current alerts(6)

Best Time to Camp at Crescent Lake (Mn)

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Need help booking Crescent Lake (Mn)?

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Things to do at Crescent Lake (Mn)

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