Noma Lake Campground
05 reviews52681 County Road 31 Wirt, MN
Noma Lake Campground
$14.00 - $14.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
No fees are required for the site as it has been reclassified as a backcountry camping site. Previously, fees of $14 per day were applied.
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About this campground
Escape to the pristine wilderness at Noma Lake Campground, where true backcountry camping awaits those seeking solitude and simplicity. This remote retreat strips away modern distractions, offering only the essentials - a vault toilet and carry-in access that ensures your adventure begins the moment you shoulder your pack. Here, the absence of traditional amenities becomes the greatest luxury, inviting you to reconnect with nature in its purest form.
Noma Lake Campground is a backcountry site with dispersed camping. It caters primarily to tent campers and individuals seeking a rustic, minimal-amenity experience. There are no RV or glamping options.
Historical SignificanceWhile the recorded history of this secluded spot remains quietly tucked away in the forest's memory, Noma Lake holds the timeless stories that only wilderness can tell - of seasons cycling endlessly, of wildlife paths worn through generations, and of the enduring presence of Minnesota's northwoods heritage.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the dramatic personality of Minnesota's seasons at Noma Lake. Winter transforms the landscape into a crystalline wonderland, where snow blankets the forest in hushed silence and temperatures demand respect and preparation. As spring melts into summer, the campground reveals its gentler side - warm days perfect for swimming, cool nights ideal for campfire stories, and weather that seems custom-made for outdoor adventures. Each season paints the lake and forest with its own palette, creating an ever-changing backdrop for your wilderness escape.
ElevationPerched at 1,180 feet above sea level, Noma Lake Campground offers the perfect vantage point where northern forest meets sky. This modest elevation creates an ideal microclimate that moderates summer heat while providing crisp, clear air that makes every sunrise and sunset a memorable spectacle across the lake's mirror-like surface.
Natural Features and SceneryStep into a living postcard where towering white pines stand sentinel alongside graceful paper birch trees, their bark glowing like parchment in the filtered sunlight. The campground hugs the western shore of Noma Lake, where morning mist dances across the water and evening brings a symphony of loons. This carefully preserved pocket of wilderness showcases the raw beauty of Minnesota's northwoods, offering campers front-row seats to nature's daily performances.
Geological RegionNestled within the vast embrace of Chippewa National Forest, Noma Lake Campground sits at the heart of one of Minnesota's most treasured landscapes. The surrounding forest of paper birch and white pine tells the geological story of glacial retreat and forest succession, where ancient ice carved the lake basin that now reflects the endless northern sky. This corner of the Chippewa represents the enduring wildness of the North Woods, preserved for those who seek authentic wilderness experiences.
Campsite details
AccessibilityThe 2-stall vault toilet is wheelchair-friendly, and the area appears navigable for individuals with some mobility challenges.
Sites SizeThe sites are described as dispersed but specific measurements are not provided.
Sites PrivacySites are described as rustic and dispersed. Some sites maintain natural barriers that provide privacy.
Total Campsites14 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSites near the fishing platform or with shade from the paper birch may be preferred.
Reserving a campsite
Stay Limit
Maximum stay is 14 days.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Information not detailed explicitly.
Groups
Group camping is not supported.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutThe campground has numbered wooden siteposts at all 14 sites, and stretches along the western shore of the lake.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen May 25 through September 4
Reservation PlatformsReservations are not applicable.
Walk-in AvailabilityCamping is first-come, first-served, as reservations are not required and all sites are reclassified as backcountry camping.
Cancellation PolicyReservations are not required, so cancellation policies do not apply.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
The campground offers opportunities for fishing, picnicking, and boating (motorized). Hiking is also possible on old roads in the surrounding area.
Hiking
According to the official description, the campground is convenient to old roads that are suitable for hiking and mountain biking. Specific trail lengths or difficulties are not listed.Fishing
Noma Lake is noted for good fishing opportunities, particularly for bass, northern pike, and panfish. A fishing platform is available. One review stated, 'Noma Lake is weedy and better suited for fishing than swimming or watersports.'Biking
Old roads near the campground are suitable for mountain biking, but no specific trails are detailed.Boating
Motorized boating is supported via a county-owned boat ramp located at the south end of Noma Lake.Wildlife viewing
The area provides opportunities for viewing wildlife, especially around the fishing platform and picnic areas. A user review mentioned, 'The fishing platform at the shoreline makes for a nice place to view the night sky and watch wildlife.'Water Sports
Water skiing and swimming are specifically noted as unavailable. The campground is better suited for fishing and motorized boating.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- User reviews and official sources don't specify fire policies, but fire rings are present at some sites.
- Quiet hours are 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.
Hazards
General hazardsUser reviews note the campground is no longer maintained, which may pose risks such as uneven roads or missing amenities like pump handles.
Weather forecast
49
°F
Aug 26
Tuesday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Humidity: 82%
High humidity, may feel muggy
Wind: 3.8 mph
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Clear sky
7-Day Forecast
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Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
The nearest emergency services are not specified in authoritative sources or user reviews.
Good to know
Peak season datesMay 25 through September 4
Trash and recyclingTrash and recycling facilities are not available on-site as noted in several user reviews.
Proximity to water featuresThe campground is located along the western shore of Noma Lake, a 55-acre body of water.
Common complaintsUser reviews frequently cite lack of maintenance, removed amenities like picnic tables and fire rings, and absence of drinking water.
HostNo host services are mentioned.
Campground Map
52681 County Road 31 Wirt, MN
Driving directionsIn Bigfork, MN, take State Rt. 38 north 0.9 miles to County Rt. 14. Turn left onto Rt. 14 and go 5.8 miles to State Rt. 6 (County Rt. 14). Turn left onto Rt. 6 and go 1 mile, again to County Rt. 14. Turn right onto Rt. 14 and go 9.7 miles to County Rt. 29. Turn right onto Rt. 29 and go 1 mile to County Rt. 31 (in Wirt). Turn right onto Rt. 31 and go 1.7 miles to campground.
The campground is accessible via County Road 31, which appears to be paved. Some user reviews note that the entrance and exit can be easy to miss.Nearby supplies
The campground does not provide water onsite, but user reviews suggest that drinking water may be available nearby, such as at a town hall or park down the road.
Camper Reviews
0.0
5 reviews
Noma Lake Campground has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews consistently highlight the rustic nature of the campground, with some appreciating the natural beauty and others lamenting the lack of maintenance. The campground is described as quiet, scenic, and well-suited for fishing rather than swimming.
Review Summaries
Based on 5 reviews
What Campers Love
The natural surroundings, including the paper birch and white pine forest, received praise. The fishing opportunities and the peaceful atmosphere were commonly appreciated.
Based on 5 reviewsCommon Concerns
Maintenance issues were a recurring concern among users. Many noted the lack of a functional water hand pump, no trash or recycling services, and the removal of some picnic tables and fire rings. The...
Based on 5 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Campers are advised to bring their own drinking water due to the non-functional hand pump. For swimming, Clear Lake is recommended over Noma Lake.
Based on 5 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Summer reviews commonly highlight the fishing opportunities and the generally quiet atmosphere. However, maintenance concerns and the lack of water services were also mentioned during this time.
Based on 5 reviewsCamper Quotes
"Noma Lake is weedy and better suited for fishing than swimming or watersports." - Greg Krueger. "The fishing platform at the shoreline makes for a nice place to view the night sky and watch...
Based on 5 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
A user noted that specific numbered site posts remain, but the number of accessible sites has reduced over time. No specific sites were highlighted as better or worse.
Based on 5 reviewsAccessibility Features
The vault toilets are wheelchair accessible. No further details about accessibility were provided by users.
Based on 5 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pet policies were not discussed in the reviews.
Based on 5 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025