Harriet Lake Rustic Campground
4.3213 reviewsHarriet Lake Rustic Campground, MN
Harriet Lake Rustic Campground
$0.00 - $0.00 / 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 camping at Harriet Lake Rustic Campground.
About this campground
Discover the serene beauty of Harriet Lake Rustic Campground, where spacious campsites are thoughtfully scattered across what was once productive farmland. This peaceful retreat invites anglers to cast their lines for walleye, northern pike, and crappies in the pristine waters of Harriet Lake. As a rustic campground, visitors embrace a true wilderness experience, carrying out all waste including fish remains to preserve this natural sanctuary for future adventurers.
Harriet Lake Rustic Campground primarily caters to rustic campers and offers free camping for both tents and RVs. There are six campsites, four of which can accommodate RVs over 21 feet. Tent camping is widely supported, with tent pads available. Group camping is unofficially supported due to the large open areas of the sites.
Historical SignificanceStep back in time at this fascinating campground, where nature has reclaimed an abandoned homestead. Once home to hardy farmers who carved out a living from the northern wilderness, these grounds now offer campers a unique glimpse into the region's agricultural past while enjoying the forest's gradual return to its wild state.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the dramatic seasonal transformations of Minnesota's northwoods, from crystalline winter landscapes blanketed in snow to warm summer days perfect for swimming and fishing. Spring brings wildflower blooms across the old farm fields, while autumn paints the boreal forest in brilliant golds and crimsons.
ElevationNestled within the vast expanse of Superior National Forest, the campground rests among the gentle rolling terrain characteristic of Minnesota's Arrowhead region, where ancient glaciers sculpted the landscape into a tapestry of forests, lakes, and meadows.
Natural Features and SceneryWander through a captivating blend of old and new as wildflowers, including vibrant purple coneflowers, dance in meadows where crops once grew. The surrounding boreal forest creates a stunning backdrop of towering pines, paper birch, and aspen, while the abandoned farm's open spaces provide spectacular stargazing opportunities and wildlife viewing corridors where deer, fox, and countless bird species make their homes.
Geological RegionSet within the magnificent Superior National Forest, this campground showcases the unique ecology of the North American boreal forest. Here, the ancient Canadian Shield geology creates ideal conditions for diverse plant communities, including prairie remnants where coneflowers bloom alongside native grasses, all framed by the iconic northern conifers that define this wilderness landscape.
Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessibility features are not detailed in authoritative sources or user reviews.
Sites SizeUser reviews praise the sites as "large and spacious," suitable for accommodating multiple campers. One user noted fitting three large campers in one site with room to spare.
Sites PrivacyThe campground is described as providing "spread out and private" sites in user reviews. However, others mention that campers may end up sharing spots due to the large size of the sites.
Total Campsites6 campsites
Recommended CampsitesChoose Site #5 for views. Sites are generally spacious, suitable for group camping.
Best CampsitesSite #5 for views, per user feedback.
Reserving a campsite
Stay Limit
Maximum of nine people per site.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Maximum of nine people per site.
Groups
Group camping is not officially designated, but several user reviews mention large open areas accommodating multiple campers.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutSix spacious sites, four of which can accommodate RVs longer than 21 feet.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen from May 10 to October 1.
Reservation PlatformsNot applicable; no reservations needed.
Walk-in AvailabilityAll sites are first-come, first-served.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Harriet Lake Rustic Campground is best suited for outdoor enthusiasts interested in fishing, boating, group picnicking, and swimming. Official sources highlight the availability of a boat ramp and dock for lake access, supporting fishing opportunities for walleye, northern pike, crappies, and perch. User reviews corroborate this with mentions of catching walleye and northern pike, although fishing success varies by trip. Swimming is allowed but at campers' own risk due to the lack of a designated swimming area or lifeguards. Group picnicking is supported in the large open areas, and scenic views are frequently praised.
Fishing
Official sources state that Harriet Lake supports walleye, northern pike, and crappies for fishing. User reviews add experiences of catching perch and varying levels of success with walleye and northern pike.Swimming
Swimming is frequently mentioned in user reviews and official sources, although there is no designated swimming area or lifeguard. Swimming is done at campers' own risk.Boating
Harriet Lake provides a boat ramp and dock for motorized boating. User reviews highlight easy access to the lake via the boat launch.Winter Activities
Winter activities are not supported due to the campground road not being plowed during the winter.Water Sports
Motorized boating is available, but non-motorized water sports are not mentioned.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires must be kept within fire rings.
- Quiet hours are 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.
Hazards
General hazardsNo potable water available, lake water must be treated. Pack out all garbage; no garbage service.
Weather forecast
53
°F
Aug 26
Tuesday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 54%
Moderately humid conditions
Wind: 6.5 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Clear sky
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
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
Tofte Ranger District Office, 7355 West Hwy 61 Tofte, MN 55615, approximately 20 miles away.
Good to know
Peak season datesLikely summer months given the open land and lake accessibility.
Trash and recyclingTrash and recycling facilities are not available. Campers are required to pack out all garbage, including fish remains, as stated in authoritative sources and multiple user reviews.
Proximity to water featuresLocated near Harriet Lake with fishing and swimming opportunities.
Common complaintsPresence of mosquitoes in warmer months. Lack of lake visibility from certain sites.
HostNo campground host mentioned.
Campground Map
Harriet Lake Rustic Campground, MN
Driving directionsFrom Tofte, take MN 61 south to FR 343 (Temperance River Rd). Turn right on FR 343. Go left at the T with FR 166 (the '600' Road). Go right at the T with Co 7. Follow Co 7 through multiple turns, past the intersection with FR 172. Harriet Lake is on the right. From Isabella, take FR 172 off MN 1. Follow FR 172 to Co 7. Turn left on Co 7. Harriet Lake is on the right. From Finland, take Co 7 off MN 1 all the way to Harriet Lake on the right.
The campground is accessible via unpaved roads. Campground road is not plowed during winter, which restricts access during snowy months.Nearby places
Tofte is approximately 20 miles away.
Nearby supplies
Tofte Ranger District Office may offer limited supplies during operational hours. Nearest grocery and camping supplies likely located in Tofte.
Camper Reviews
4.3
13 reviews
Harriet Lake Rustic Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews for Harriet Lake Rustic Campground are generally positive, emphasizing its spaciousness, privacy, and rustic charm. Common praises include the cleanliness of facilities, the beauty of the lake, and the large campsite sizes. Fishing success varies, and some highlight the lack of mosquitoes during cooler months. Complaints include occasional crowding during busy weekends and the absence of garbage services.
Review Summaries
Based on 13 reviews
What Campers Love
Reviews often commend the 'spread out and private' campsites, clean and well-maintained pit toilets, abundant wildlife, and easy lake access. The rustic nature of the campground and free camping are...
Based on 13 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Negative feedback includes busy weekends leading to less privacy, bugs being 'unbearable at times,' and no garbage services or potable water available.
Based on 13 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Users recommend choosing site #5 for the best lake views, bringing mosquito repellents, and planning to pack out all garbage. Several suggest visiting during cooler months to avoid bugs and crowds.
Based on 13 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Users note fewer mosquitoes during cooler months like mid-September and November, while summer months may be busier and have more bugs. Fishing experiences vary by season, with some catching larger...
Based on 13 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
"We camped here 4th of July weekend. We ended up picking this place because the sites at the top were very spread out and private. Site #5 was the best view in my opinion. Caught a couple of northern...
Based on 13 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Site #5 is highlighted as having the best lake views by multiple reviewers. Other users note that sites are large enough to accommodate multiple campers or vehicles.
Based on 13 reviewsAccessibility Features
Accessibility features are not discussed in user reviews.
Based on 13 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Dogs are allowed but must be leashed at all times when not in a tent or vehicle. User reviews generally emphasize the spaciousness of the campsites, making them suitable for pets to roam within...
Based on 13 reviewsShow more
Last updated August 10, 2025