Agassa Lake
00 reviewAgassa Lake, County Road 116 / Echo Trail, MN
Agassa Lake
$20.00 - $35.00 / 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
Fees range from $20 to $35 depending on the type of permit and services required. Additional fees may apply for specialized permits.
About this campground
Hidden deep within Superior National Forest, Agassa Lake offers adventurous souls a pristine 72-acre wilderness escape accessible only by those willing to undertake a rewarding 240-rod portage. This secluded gem rewards paddlers with excellent walleye and perch fishing, intimate backcountry campsites equipped with fire rings and tent pads, and the kind of profound solitude that's becoming increasingly rare. Whether you're planning a peaceful day trip or an overnight wilderness adventure, Agassa Lake delivers an authentic taste of Minnesota's untamed north country.
Agassa Lake is a backcountry camping site with one campsite, catering to primitive camping enthusiasts. No additional camping types are available.
Historical SignificanceWhile the recorded history of Agassa Lake remains as quiet as its waters, this secluded wilderness has long served as a sanctuary for those seeking solitude and connection with Minnesota's wild heart.
Weather and SeasonsSummer transforms Agassa Lake into a paddler's paradise, with warm days perfect for fishing and comfortable nights around the campfire. Spring awakens the forest with vibrant greens, though early-season visitors should pack rain gear and warm layers for cool, damp conditions. Autumn paints the surrounding boreal forest in brilliant golds and crimsons, creating stunning reflections on the lake's surface despite crisp temperatures. Winter locks this wilderness jewel away beneath snow and ice, preserving its pristine beauty for the next season's adventurers.
ElevationNestled within the ancient landscape of Superior National Forest, Agassa Lake rests at an elevation characteristic of Minnesota's northern wilderness, where the terrain gently rolls through forests and wetlands shaped by glaciers millennia ago.
Natural Features and SceneryEncircled by towering pines, spruce, and fir of the northern boreal forest, Agassa Lake creates a natural amphitheater of wilderness serenity. The dense forest canopy provides a living wall of green that muffles the outside world, while the lake's crystal-clear waters reach depths of 9 feet, offering glimpses of underwater structure where walleye and perch patrol. Morning mists rise from the water's surface, eagles soar overhead, and the haunting call of loons echoes across this untouched sanctuary.
Geological RegionAgassa Lake exemplifies the raw beauty of Superior National Forest's boreal ecosystem, where ancient granite bedrock cradles a 72-acre liquid jewel carved by glacial forces. This intimate lake represents Minnesota's wilderness at its finest—dense coniferous forests stretching to the horizon, rocky shores polished smooth by centuries of waves, and waters that mirror the endless northern sky. The surrounding landscape tells the story of ice ages past while providing a living laboratory of northern forest ecology.
Campsite details
AccessibilityThis is a backcountry site accessible only by a 240-rod portage (approximately 0.75 miles) from the parking area. No additional accessibility features are described.
Sites SizeThe single campsite is a backcountry site, and specific size details are not provided.
Sites PrivacyAs there is only one campsite on the lake, visitors can expect complete privacy during their stay.
Total Campsites1 campsites
Recommended CampsitesArrive early to secure the single campsite and come prepared for the portage. Bring all necessary supplies including potable water and bear-resistant food containers.
Best CampsitesOnly one backcountry campsite is available.
Reserving a campsite
Stay Limit
Nine people per campsite limit with additional restrictions applicable for group camping.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Nine people per site limit.
Groups
Group camping is not available at this site.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutSingle backcountry campsite accessible via portage from the parking area.
Open and Closed SeasonOperational from April 28 to September 30. Weather conditions may make access challenging during shoulder seasons.
Reservation PlatformsReservations likely available through official forest service channels, but exact platforms are not specified.
Walk-in AvailabilityWalk-up availability is unclear; reservations are seemingly preferred due to limited campsite availability.
Cancellation PolicyNot explicitly stated in the authoritative sources.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Activities you can enjoy
Agassa Lake offers limited recreational opportunities, primarily focused on fishing, boating, and observing the natural surroundings. The lake contains walleye and perch, making it ideal for anglers. Non-motorized boating is possible via a rugged portage trail.
Hiking
Dogs are allowed on hiking trails if kept on a leash, but specific hiking trail details are not provided.Fishing
The lake contains walleye, yellow perch, and white sucker, with a depth of 9 feet at its deepest point. Anglers are encouraged to follow Minnesota Department of Natural Resources regulations.Boating
Non-motorized boating is supported, and access to the lake requires a 0.75-mile portage from Echo Trail. Motorized boating is not facilitated as there are no ramps or docks available.Wildlife viewing
The secluded nature of the lake and its surroundings provides opportunities to observe wildlife in their natural habitat.Winter Activities
Winter activities are not discussed in the available information.Water Sports
The lake supports non-motorized water sports such as canoeing and kayaking, accessible via a portage trail.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Fires are allowed only in designated fire rings.
- Quiet hours are No specific quiet hours are mentioned.
Hazards
General hazardsThe area is remote with potential wildlife encounters (bears), challenges due to the portage, and risks from variable weather conditions. Drinking lake water is unsafe.
Weather forecast
63
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 46%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 7.6 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Clear sky
7-Day Forecast
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Daily & Hourly Insights
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Temperature Trends
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Precipitation Trends
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Weather Summaries
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Emergency Services
Kawishiwi Ranger District (Address: 1393 Highway 169 Ely, MN 55731, Phone: (218) 365-7600) serves as the nearest emergency point during its operational hours of April 28 to September 30, Monday-Friday, from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. Closed weekends and federal holidays.
Good to know
Peak season datesLikely summer months, though explicit date ranges are not provided.
Trash and recyclingCampers are required to pack out all garbage since there are no trash or recycling facilities available on-site.
Proximity to water featuresSituated directly on Agassa Lake with opportunities for fishing and non-motorized boating. Big Lake is nearby.
Common complaintsLimited access due to the 240-rod portage and lack of facilities such as restrooms and potable water.
HostNo campground host is explicitly mentioned.
Campground Map
Agassa Lake, County Road 116 / Echo Trail, MN
Driving directionsAgassa Lake is located 17 miles northwest of Ely on County Road 116/Echo Trail. From Ely, take Highway 169 east 1 mile to County Road 88. Turn left, go 2 miles to County Road 116 (Echo Trail). Follow County Road 116 for 14 miles. Parking is available to the East in the Angleworm parking area. The portage to the lake is across County Road 116 from the parking lot.
Access via County Road 116/Echo Trail includes a 240-rod portage to the lake, limiting watercraft to canoes. The road itself is paved, but there may be challenges due to limited parking facilities and portage requirements.Nearby places
Ely - 17 miles northwest
Nearby supplies
Groceries, camping supplies, and fuel available in Ely, 17 miles away.
Camper Reviews
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0 reviews
Agassa Lake has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
No user reviews are provided in the source materials.
Review Summaries
What Campers Love
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Common Concerns
No complaints have been documented.
Pro Tips & Recommendations
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Seasonal Insights
Seasonal trends based on user reviews are not available.
Camper Quotes
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Site-Specific Reviews
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Accessibility Features
Accessibility reviews are not included in the source materials.
Pet-Friendly Features
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Last updated August 10, 2025