Jeanette Lake

Star4.02
25 reviews
LACROIX RANGER DISTRICT, JEANETTE LAKE CAMPGROUND, 320 N. HIGHWAY 53, COOK, MN 55723, USA
Jeanette Lake
$18.00 - $18.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Fees are $18 per night for both standard nonelectric and tent-only nonelectric sites. Additional vehicle fees are $6 per day for non-towed vehicles.
Standard Site Fee$18.00
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
Total Campsite Fees$18.00

Share this campground
Recreation Dot Gov
Provider
(218) 666-0020

About this campground

Nestled on a peaceful peninsula within Superior National Forest, Jeanette Lake Campground beckons nature lovers seeking an intimate escape. This charming single-loop campground combines the best of both worlds—easy access to crystal-clear waters perfect for paddling and fishing, alongside tranquil spots ideal for hammock naps and stargazing. With its roots stretching back to the Civilian Conservation Corps era, this hidden gem offers a glimpse into Minnesota's conservation heritage while providing modern campers with an authentic northwoods experience.
Jeanette Lake Campground caters to a mix of campers, from tent enthusiasts to small RV owners. It includes reservable, first-come-first-serve, and backcountry sites accessible only by boat.
Historical SignificanceStep back in time at this living monument to the Great Depression's greatest conservation success story. Built by the dedicated young men of the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s, Jeanette Lake Campground stands as a testament to their vision and hard work. These 'tree soldiers' transformed raw wilderness into the welcoming retreat you see today, leaving behind not just campsites and trails, but a legacy of environmental stewardship that continues to inspire visitors generations later.
Weather and SeasonsFrom May through September, Jeanette Lake transforms into a woodland paradise where crisp morning mist gives way to sun-dappled afternoons perfect for swimming and exploration. Summer days bring comfortable temperatures that invite outdoor adventures, while evenings cool down just enough for cozy campfires and s'mores. As autumn approaches, the campground takes on a quieter charm, with limited services allowing the most adventurous souls to experience the forest's spectacular fall transformation in near solitude.
Natural Features and SceneryImagine waking to sunlight filtering through a cathedral of towering pines, hardwoods, and spruce, their branches creating a natural canopy overhead. Throughout the campground, ancient glacial boulders wrapped in emerald moss tell the story of ice ages past, while the carefully maintained understory provides both beauty and comfortable camping. This harmonious blend of wild and manicured creates an enchanting atmosphere where nature's grandeur meets thoughtful design, offering campers both shade on hot days and stunning forest views year-round.
Geological RegionCarved by massive glaciers thousands of years ago, Jeanette Lake sits like a sapphire jewel in the heart of Minnesota's iconic Arrowhead region. This pristine water body, surrounded by the vast Superior National Forest, showcases the raw power of ancient ice sheets that sculpted the landscape into the dramatic terrain visitors marvel at today. The northeastern Minnesota setting places you at the edge of the great North Woods, where the echoes of geological time blend seamlessly with the vibrant ecosystem that thrives here now.
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Campsite details

AccessibilityThe campground includes walk-in tent sites with excellent privacy and backcountry latrines nearby, though accessibility features for disabled campers are not specifically detailed.
Sites SizeSites vary in size, accommodating tents to small RVs and trailers. No specific dimensions are provided.
Sites PrivacyPrivacy varies by site. Walk-in tent sites offer excellent privacy, while other sites are closer together, providing only fair privacy.
Total Campsites12 campsites
Recommended CampsitesOpt for walk-in tent sites for higher privacy. Reserve ahead to ensure availability, as first-come-first-served sites fill quickly.
Best CampsitesSite 6 is highly rated, featuring private stairs to the lake for kayak access. Sites 5 and 10 are also praised for their views and proximity to the lake.

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit
No specific limit mentioned for stay duration.
Groups
Group camping facilities are not specified for this campground.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed

Site layoutThe campground has a single loop layout with sites close together, except for the walk-in tent sites, which are more private. Six dispersed boat-accessible sites are available.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen May 9 to September 2 for reservations. Seasonally closed December 1 - May 1 with limited services in October-November.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Recreation.gov.
Walk-in AvailabilityFour standard nonelectric and two tent-only nonelectric sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Fill patterns suggest high demand, even mid-week in summer.
Cancellation PolicyScan and Pay reservations cannot be refunded, canceled, or modified. Late cancellations may incur a $10 fee and forfeit the first night’s fee.

Amenities available

Potable water
Fire rings
Cell phone service
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Jeanette Lake offers a range of outdoor activities that allow campers to fully immerse themselves in its serene natural environment. Highlights include hiking, fishing, boating, and wildlife viewing. The campground connects to the Astrid Lake Hiking Trail, and the lake itself serves as an excellent venue for canoeing, kayaking, and fishing.
Hiking
The campground provides access to the Astrid Lake Hiking Trail, which offers opportunities for serene woodland exploration. No details on trail difficulty or length are provided.
Fishing
Fishing is a popular activity at Jeanette Lake, with anglers targeting species such as walleye, northern pike, and perch. The winding shoreline and islands provide ideal fishing spots.
Boating
The 638-acre Lake Jeanette is ideal for canoeing and kayaking. Reviewers noted spending hours kayaking around the lake.
Wildlife viewing
Wildlife viewing is a notable activity, with reviewers mentioning sightings of deer, moose, and bear in the surrounding forest.
Winter Activities
Winter activities are not mentioned, though the campground is closed from December 1 to May 1.
Water Sports
Canoeing and kayaking are popular water sports at Lake Jeanette.
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Campground rules

  • Pets are not allowed
  • Campfires permitted in designated rings. Use only locally sourced or on-site firewood.
  • Quiet hours are No specific quiet hours mentioned.

Hazards

General hazardsTypical wilderness hazards include possible encounters with wildlife such as bears and moose. Bring your own toilet paper as vault toilet supplies have been reported to run low.
Active alertsThe campground is seasonally closed from December to May, and services such as trash removal and drinking water are unavailable in October-November.

Weather forecast

29
°F
Nov 25
Tuesday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%

Strong wind, exercise caution

Humidity: 82%

High humidity, may feel muggy

Wind: 9.1 mph

Strong wind, exercise caution

Overcast

7 day forecast

Weather History
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo

Emergency Services

Closest emergency services are in Orr, approximately 36 miles away, with a hospital, police station, and other amenities.

Good to know

Peak season datesMay 9 - September 2
Trash and recyclingTrash and recycling facilities are not explicitly mentioned. However, during the off-season, no garbage services are available.
Proximity to water featuresPeninsula location with direct access to Lake Jeanette. Ideal for kayaking, canoeing, and fishing.
Common complaintsRecurring issues include lack of toilet paper in latrines, cleanliness concerns, and maintenance of grass and facilities.
HostNo specific details provided about campground hosts.

Campground Map

LACROIX RANGER DISTRICT, JEANETTE LAKE CAMPGROUND, 320 N. HIGHWAY 53, COOK, MN 55723, USA
Driving directionsFrom Orr, Minnesota, take St. Louis County Road 23 for 16 miles to Buyck. At Buyck, County Road 23 turns into County Road 24. Continue on County Road 24 for 8 miles to the Echo Trail. Turn right onto the Echo Trail and continue 12 miles to Jeannette Lake Campground.
Access involves paved roads transitioning into gravel roads along the Echo Trail. The roads may present challenges during rainy weather or winter closures, as the campground is seasonally closed between December 1 and May 1.
Nearby places
Orr (approximately 36 miles), Buyck (24 miles)
Nearby supplies
Camping and fuel supplies are available in Orr, which is 36 miles away. Additional resources may be found in Buyck, roughly 24 miles from the campground.

Camper Reviews

4.0
25 reviews
Satisfactory
Satisfactory
Jeanette Lake is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews for Jeanette Lake Campground are mixed. While many campers praise the beautiful lake views, peaceful atmosphere, and rustic charm, negative feedback highlights the poor maintenance of vault toilets and the lack of basic campground upkeep.
Review Summaries
Based on 25 reviews

What Campers Love

The picturesque location, excellent opportunities for kayaking and fishing, and serene atmosphere are frequently celebrated. One camper noted, 'Lake Jeanette is a wonderful campground if you like to...
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Based on 25 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints include poorly maintained vault toilets ('The bathrooms were never cleaned and toilet paper was never replenished'), noisy neighbors ('Had to listen to a generator running not 30...
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Based on 25 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring your own toilet paper and be prepared for rustic conditions. Arrive early for first-come-first-serve sites as they fill quickly, even mid-week.
Based on 25 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Reviews suggest that June can be particularly buggy, while off-peak seasons may have reduced amenities like drinking water and garbage services.
Based on 25 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Beautiful lake and campsite 6 had its own stairs down to the lake for easy kayak launch.' 2. 'The bathrooms were never cleaned and toilet paper was never replenished.' 3. 'Camping at Jeanette...
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Based on 25 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site #6 stands out for its lake access and private stairs for launching kayaks. Site #9 is notably close to Site #10, with one review stating, 'Site #9 is basically in the driveway of site #10.'
Based on 25 reviews

Accessibility Features

No specific reviews address accessibility features for campers with disabilities.
Based on 25 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

No reviews specifically address experiences with pets or pet policies.
Based on 25 reviews

Last updated November 24, 2025
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