Home › Minnesota › Sawbill Lake Campground - Superior National Forest
Sawbill Lake Campground - Superior National Forest
FSU.S. Forest Service — Tofte · Minnesota · Superior National Forest
| Agency | FSU.S. Forest Service |
|---|---|
| Area | Superior National Forest |
| Location | Tofte · Minnesota · Superior National Forest · 47.86306, -90.88528 · Map |
| Sites | 50 public sites counted from the federal listing — 48 standard nonelectric; 2 picnic |
| 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 50 sites Water hookups at 0 of 50 sites Sewer hookups at 0 of 50 sites Full hookups (all three at one site) at 0 of 50 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 | Longest reported site fits 45 ft Sites that fit at least — 25 ft: 45 sites · 30 ft: 18 sites · 35 ft: 10 sites · 40 ft: 10 sites |
| 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 | Not reported — the federal listing carries no fee description for this campground. |
| Check-in / out | In 12:00 PM · Out 12:00 PM (most common in the listing) |
| Pets | Allowed at 53 sites, as reported |
| Accessible sites | 7 marked accessible in the listing |
| Accessibility | N |
| Amenities, as reported | Camp storeDrinking waterDump stationFirewood availableShowersVault toilets |
| Phone | 218-663-7150 |
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 2026-02-25.
From the official listing
Overview Sawbill Lake Campground has immediate access to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, a beautiful, peaceful and wild natural feature of Minnesota's Superior National Forest. The campground acts as a convenient base camp for exploring the nearby wilderness.
Superior National Forest, located in northeastern Minnesota's Arrowhead Region, is comprised of 3 million acres. The forest spans 150 miles along the United States-Canada border. Visitors can find recreation opportunities year-round, including travel in the famed Boundary Waters. Recreation This facility draws canoe enthusiasts who seek a quiet and convenient area from which to access the surrounding wilderness. Day and overnight use of the Boundary Waters requires a permit.
The campground concessionaire, Sawbill Canoe Outfitters, provides a one-stop shop for canoeists of all levels within walking distance of the campground. Canoe rentals, permits and guided canoe trips are available.
Campers who wish to spend time relaxing at the campground can fish for northern pike and bass; hike, bike, picnic and attend educational programs.
View recreation guides and maps of hiking trails and canoe routes in the national forest. Facilities Sawbill Lake is comprised of two loops with a total of 51 campsites, 27 of which can be reserved (others are first-come, first-served). Campsites can easily accommodate large motorhomes and RVs. Some of the sites offer a partial lake view through the forest.
The campground is equipped with picnic tables and campfire rings with grills, as well as vault toilets, a dump station, drinking water and trash and recycling bins. Natural Features Sawbill Lake is nestled in a thick pine forest that gives campsites excellent privacy. Birds and wildlife are abundant, from moose and bear to bald eagles and loons. Wildflowers add bright colors to the landscape in warmer months.
The campground sits on a hill above Sawbill Lake. The 765-acre lake is within the Boundary Waters. Nearby Attractions Sawbill Canoe Outfitters maintains a store with showers, laundry, fishing licenses, bait and tackle, ice, grocery and convenience items, canoe and camping gear, rentals and a pay telephone.
Over 1 million acres in size, the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness contains over 1,200 miles of canoe routes, 12 hiking trails and over 2,000 designated campsites.
Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness
Additional sites of interest
Directions, from the listing
The campground is located north of Tofte, Minnesota. Travel 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.
Nearest federal campgrounds
6 mi straight-line · Tofte MinnesotaFSU.S. Forest ServiceIron Lake
19 mi straight-line · Grand Marais MinnesotaFSU.S. Forest ServiceTwo Island Lake Campground
20 mi straight-line · MinnesotaFSU.S. Forest ServiceTrails End Campground
21 mi straight-line · Grand Marais MinnesotaFSU.S. Forest ServiceNinemile Lake Campground
22 mi straight-line · Finland Minnesota
Trip Card — Sawbill Lake Campground - Superior National Forest
Tofte · Minnesota · Superior National Forest
| Agency | FS · U.S. Forest Service |
|---|---|
| Location | Tofte · Minnesota · Superior National Forest |
| Fees | Not reported in the federal data |
| Getting a site | Reservable |
| Hookups | None reported |
| Max RV | Up to 45 ft |
| Months open | Not in federal data |
| Sites | 50 sites |
Book: recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/233147 · 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.