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McDougal Lake Campground
FSU.S. Forest Service — Isabella · Minnesota · Superior National Forest
| Agency | FSU.S. Forest Service |
|---|---|
| Area | Superior National Forest |
| Location | Isabella · Minnesota · Superior National Forest · 47.64250, -91.53278 · Map |
| Sites | 21 public sites counted from the federal listing — 17 standard nonelectric; 4 walk to |
| Getting a site | Reservable — the federal listing marks this campground as taking reservations. Some sites or seasons may still be first-come; the listing’s own words are below. |
| Hookups | Electric at 0 of 21 sites Water hookups at 0 of 21 sites Sewer hookups at 0 of 21 sites Full hookups (all three at one site) at 0 of 21 sites Counted site by site from affirmative reports in the federal record. A site with no report is not counted either way. |
| Max RV length | Not reported in the federal data |
| Months open | Not in federal data — the federal listing does not publish a season for this campground. Check the official description below or Recreation.gov. |
| Fees | $18.00/night for one vehicle and one trailer. Additional vehicles or trailers on the site require an additional $9.00 fee to be paid. If you make a reservation online, you may pay the fee in advance with your reservation fee. Otherwise, the fee can be paid in the fee tube at the campground. All additional vehicles must be parked on the spur. |
| Check-in / out | In 2:00 PM · Out 12:00 PM (most common in the listing) |
| Pets | Allowed at 21 sites, as reported |
| Phone | 218-663-8063 |
Check availability & book on Recreation.gov →
This site takes no reservations and shows no live availability. Source: Recreation.gov (RIDB export pulled November 5, 2026); this listing was last updated in the federal record on 2026-04-28.
From the official listing
Overview McDougal Lake Campground provides easy access to a wide variety of recreational activities including hiking, boating, fishing, picnicking and swimming within the central part of Superior National Forest.
Superior National Forest, located in northeastern Minnesota's arrowhead region, is comprised of three million acres. The forest spans 150 miles along the United States-Canada border. Visitors can find recreation opportunities year-round, including travel in the famous Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness.
The one-mile hiking trail and campsites 17 and 19 were closed in 2021 due to impacts from the Greenwood Fire and will be closed until further notice.
Recreation Kids will love the sandy swimming beach within the facility. A boat ramp and shoreline access provide anglers the opportunity for a leisurely afternoon of fishing for walleye and northern pike.
Facilities This comfortable facility provides 13 first come, first served and 8 reservable campsites that are either drive-in sites suitable for RVs and trailers or hike-in sites for tent campers. Campsites are private and separated by woods. The facilities include water from a solar powered pump station and vault toilets. Five of the first come, first served sites are available for long term rental by contacting the Tofte Ranger District Office at 218-663-8060.
The one-mile hiking trail was closed in 2021 due to impacts from the Greenwood Fire and will be closed until further notice.
Natural Features The 323-acre McDougal Lake is surrounded by a thick forest of birch, maple and pine and sits at an elevation of 1,800 ft. The area is peaceful, rustic and begs for relaxation. One unique feature of the lake is the wild rice growing within it. Birds and wildlife frequent its shores.
Contact Info For facility specific information, please call (218) 663-8060. Nearby Attractions Numerous outdoor recreation opportunities lie within Superior National Forest's 77 lake access areas, 13 fishing piers, 10 swimming beaches and 22 picnic areas. The forest is also home to three scenic byways.
Directions, from the listing
McDougal Lake Campground is located on Forest Road 106, 10 miles west of Isabella, Minnesota. From MN-61, turn onto MN-1 at Illgen City and follow to Isabella. Proceed 10 miles west of Isabella to Forest Road 106. Turn left and continue a half-mile to the campground entrance.
Nearest federal campgrounds
5 mi straight-line · Isabella MinnesotaFSU.S. Forest ServiceBirch Lake Campground
14 mi straight-line · ELY MinnesotaFSU.S. Forest ServiceSouth Kawishiwi River
15 mi straight-line · ELY MinnesotaFSU.S. Forest ServiceNinemile Lake Campground
22 mi straight-line · Finland MinnesotaFSU.S. Forest ServiceFall Lake
23 mi straight-line · ELY Minnesota
Trip Card — McDougal Lake Campground
Isabella · Minnesota · Superior National Forest
| Agency | FS · U.S. Forest Service |
|---|---|
| Location | Isabella · Minnesota · Superior National Forest |
| Fees | $18.00/night for one vehicle and one trailer. Additional vehicles or trailers on the site require an additional $9.00 fee to be paid. If you make a reservation online, you may pay … |
| Getting a site | Reservable |
| Hookups | None reported |
| Max RV | Not reported |
| Months open | Not in federal data |
| Sites | 21 sites |
Book: recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/240957 · Source: Recreation.gov, pulled November 5, 2026. Facility details come from federal recreation data and may be out of date — this site takes no reservations and shows no live availability; confirm details and book through Recreation.gov or the managing agency.