Johnson Lake
01 review320 N. Highway 53 Cook, MN 55723
Johnson Lake
$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 this site.
About this campground
Escape to the pristine wilderness of Johnson Lake, where seven secluded backcountry campsites await adventurous souls seeking an authentic Superior National Forest experience. This hidden gem draws anglers from across the region with its renowned fishing waters teeming with feisty smallmouth bass, prized walleye, and formidable northern pike. Each thoughtfully placed campsite features essential amenities including fire rings for evening gatherings under starlit skies, level tent pads for comfortable sleeping, and clean latrines—striking the perfect balance between wilderness immersion and basic comfort.
Johnson Lake offers dispersed camping with 7 backcountry sites. Facilities include fire rings, tent pads, and latrines. Primitive camping sites are available.
Historical SignificanceWhile the documented history of this specific area remains quietly tucked away in the forest's memory, Johnson Lake sits within the ancestral lands that have sustained indigenous peoples for thousands of years. Today, it continues to serve as a place where modern adventurers can disconnect from civilization and reconnect with the timeless rhythms of the natural world.
Weather and SeasonsJohnson Lake transforms dramatically with each passing season, offering distinct adventures year-round. Summer brings warm, sun-drenched days perfect for casting lines and exploring the interconnected waterways. As autumn arrives, the forest explodes in a tapestry of gold and crimson, though visitors should pack layers for unpredictable temperature swings. Winter blankets the landscape in deep snow, creating a crystalline wonderland for the hardy few who venture here on snowshoes or skis. Spring awakens the forest with wildflowers and migrating birds, though muddy conditions and variable weather require flexible planning and waterproof gear.
ElevationNestled within the gently rolling terrain of the Superior National Forest, Johnson Lake's modest elevation creates an accessible wilderness experience without sacrificing the sense of remote adventure that defines this remarkable landscape.
Natural Features and SceneryJohnson Lake forms the centerpiece of an interconnected aquatic playground, where paddlers can explore the winding Johnson River and discover the intimate shores of Little Johnson Lake. Towering pines and dense boreal forest create a living cathedral around the water, their reflections painting abstract masterpieces on the lake's mirror-like surface during calm mornings. The surrounding Superior National Forest stretches endlessly in all directions, offering limitless opportunities for wildlife watching, photography, and soul-stirring solitude.
Geological RegionSet within the ancient landscape of the Superior National Forest, Johnson Lake occupies a fascinating geological tapestry carved by glaciers over millennia. This water-rich ecosystem showcases the region's signature feature—an intricate network of lakes and rivers that defines Minnesota's Northwoods. The dispersed camping sites take full advantage of this unique geography, positioning visitors at the intersection of forest and water where the area's most memorable adventures unfold. Whether you're casting for trophy fish or simply soaking in the pristine wilderness, Johnson Lake epitomizes the raw beauty of America's northern frontier.
Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessibility details are not provided for Johnson Lake.
Sites SizeExact site size is not specified for Johnson Lake.
Sites PrivacyPrivacy level of the sites is not explicitly mentioned.
Total Campsites7 campsites
Recommended CampsitesRecommendations for sites are not provided.
Best CampsitesSpecific site numbers are not mentioned.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Open 24 hours/day.
Check-out
Open 24 hours/day.
Stay Limit
Stay limits are not specified
Guests Allowed Per Site
Not specified
Groups
Group camping site information is not mentioned.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutThe campground has 7 dispersed sites with backcountry facilities.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen year-round.
Reservation PlatformsReservations are not required.
Walk-in AvailabilityAll sites are first-come, first-served.
Cancellation PolicyNot applicable as reservations are not required.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Johnson Lake offers activities such as fishing, OHV trail riding, boating, and hunting. Fishing is popular for smallmouth bass, walleye, and northern pike. Non-motorized boating is possible, and OHVs are permitted on the ½ mile portage at the southern end of the lake.
Fishing
Fishing is considered good at Johnson Lake for smallmouth bass, walleye, and northern pike.Boating
Non-motorized boating is allowed. There is a dock but no boat ramp.Winter Activities
Winter activities are not described for Johnson Lake.Water Sports
Non-motorized boating is available at Johnson Lake.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Fire rings are provided and should be used. Additional details on fire policies are not mentioned.
- Quiet hours are Not specified.
Hazards
General hazardsPotential hazards include wildlife and the need for bear-resistant storage for pet food.
Active alertsNo active alerts mentioned.
Weather forecast
65
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 42%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 8.7 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
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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Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
LaCroix Ranger District Office (29 miles southwest), Address: 320 N. Highway 53 Cook, MN 55723, Phone: (218) 666-0020
Good to know
Peak season datesPeak season information is not provided.
Trash and recyclingTrash and recycling facilities are not explicitly mentioned; campers are instructed to pack out garbage.
Proximity to water featuresJohnson Lake is directly connected to Johnson River and Little Johnson Lake. Water activities like fishing and boating are popular.
Common complaintsComplaints are not documented in the source materials.
HostHost information not provided.
Campground Map
320 N. Highway 53 Cook, MN 55723
Driving directionsJohnson Lake is located 29 miles northeast of Orr, MN. From Orr, continue north on U.S. Hwy 53 to Cusson (4 miles). Turn right onto St. Louis County 180. At Elephant Lake (11 miles), County 180 becomes Forest Road 203 (slight right). From Elephant Lake, continue on Forest Road 203 for 15 miles to the trailhead at the end of the road.
The road to the campground is accessible via Forest Road 203, which is unpaved. Seasonal accessibility issues are not mentioned, but overnight parking is allowed at the trailhead.Nearby places
Orr, MN (29 miles northeast), Cusson, MN (4 miles north), Elephant Lake, MN (11 miles southeast of the trailhead)
Nearby supplies
Supplies can be found in Orr, MN (29 miles southwest), which likely offers groceries, fuel, and other essentials.
Camper Reviews
0.0
1 reviews
Johnson Lake has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
A single user review praises Johnson Lake as an excellent camping and canoe fishing destination.
Review Summaries
Based on 1 reviews
What Campers Love
The campsite has been noted for its excellent canoe fishing opportunities.
Based on 1 reviewsCommon Concerns
No complaints are mentioned in user reviews.
Based on 1 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
No specific tips or recommendations are provided in user reviews.
Based on 1 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Seasonal variations are not explicitly discussed by users.
Based on 1 reviewsCamper Quotes
"Excellent camping and canoe fishing!!" - User review by Shain Vick
Based on 1 reviewsSite-Specific Reviews
Specific details about sites are not provided in user reviews.
Based on 1 reviewsAccessibility Features
Accessibility feedback is not present in user reviews.
Based on 1 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pet-related reviews are not available.
Based on 1 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025