Sawbill Lake Campground - Superior National Forest campground
Tofte, Minnesota

Sawbill Lake Campground - Superior National Forest

Mostly first-come
53 campsites
Open in maps

53

Total Campsites

Campground

Reservable Sites

Mostly first-come

Accessible

ADA-compliant sites

Organization

Managing agency

Overview

About Sawbill Lake Campground - Superior National Forest

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 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. 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

  • 53 total campsites listed.
  • Primarily first-come camping based on current listing data.
  • Most common site type: unknown (53).
  • Map coordinates are available for trip planning.
Sawbill Lake Campground - Superior National Forest photo 2
Sawbill Lake Campground - Superior National Forest photo 3

Our Take

What makes Sawbill Lake Campground - Superior National Forest special

Sawbill Lake Campground is the kind of place that stays with you long after you leave. Nestled at the end of the Sawbill Trail in the Superior National Forest near Tofte, this campground serves as one of the most popular entry points into the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, a million-acre expanse of pristine lakes, ancient boreal forest, and unbroken silence that ranks among the most treasured wild places in the country. The campground itself sits on the shores of Sawbill Lake, surrounded by birch, spruce, and towering white pines. The natural beauty here is immediate and immersive. Paddlers launch directly from the campground into a vast network of interconnected waterways, making it an ideal base camp for both day trips and extended backcountry adventures. Fishing for walleye, northern pike, and smallmouth bass is excellent throughout the season. With approximately 50 sites, the campground offers a mix of tent pads and spaces suitable for small RVs. Amenities include vault toilets, water spigots, fire rings, and picnic tables. The nearby Sawbill Outfitters can help with canoe rentals, permits, and route planning. Reservations are highly recommended, especially from June through August when demand peaks. The best time to visit is midsummer for warm paddling conditions, though September brings spectacular fall color and fewer crowds. For anyone drawn to wild water and deep woods, Sawbill Lake Campground is an essential starting point.

Campsite Inventory

53 sites to choose from

Unknown

53total sites

0

Reservable

0

Accessible

Amenities & Details

Everything you need to know

ACCESSIBLE CAMPSITES

Accessible Campsites

Accessibility

Yes

BAIT SHOP

Bait Shop

CAMPFIRE PROGRAMS

Campfire Programs

CANOE RENTALS

Canoe Rentals

Campfire Allowed

Yes

Check-in time

0:00 AM, 12:00 PM

Check-out time

0:00 AM, 12:00 PM

DRINKING WATER

Drinking Water

DUMP STATION

Dump Station

Driveway entry

Back-In, Parallel

Driveway Grade

Moderate

Driveway length (ft)

20, 25, 30, 40

Driveway surface

Gravel

FIREWOOD

Firewood

FISHING LICENSES

Fishing Licenses

Fire Pit

Fire Pit, Yes

GENERAL STORE

General Store

Reservations & Contact

Plan your stay

Mostly first-come

Phone

218-663-7150

Email

info@sawbill.com

Getting There

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.

FAQ

Common questions

Everything you need to know before your trip to Sawbill Lake Campground - Superior National Forest.

How do reservations work for Sawbill Lake Campground - Superior National Forest?

Reservation availability for Sawbill Lake Campground - Superior National Forest can vary by season and campsite type. Check the contact and access section before booking.

What campsite types are available at Sawbill Lake Campground - Superior National Forest?

Sawbill Lake Campground - Superior National Forest currently lists Unknown (53).

Where is Sawbill Lake Campground - Superior National Forest located?

Sawbill Lake Campground - Superior National Forest is in Minnesota near Tofte. Coordinates: 47.8631, -90.8853.

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