Little Isabella River Campground
4.039 reviews9620 MN Hwy 1, Isabella, MN, 55607
Little Isabella River Campground
$7.50 - $18.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$15.00
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
$18 per night for one vehicle and one trailer. Additional vehicles or trailers cost $9 each. Fees can be paid online during reservation or at an on-site fee tube.
About this campground
Tucked away in the heart of Superior National Forest, Little Isabella River Campground offers an intimate escape beneath a cathedral of towering red and white pines. This hidden gem draws anglers chasing the perfect catch and nature lovers seeking solitude far from the crowds. With its small footprint and remote location, you'll find the kind of peaceful wilderness experience that's becoming increasingly rare in today's connected world.
Little Isabella River Campground caters to a variety of campers with its mix of reservable and first-come, first-served sites. It features standard campsites suitable for tent camping and small RVs, but no cabins or advanced glamping options.
Historical SignificanceThis campground sits within the storied Superior National Forest, a landscape steeped in centuries of human connection to the wilderness. Just a stone's throw from the legendary Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, you're camping in the same forests that have inspired generations of paddlers, adventurers, and indigenous peoples who first called these woods home. The cultural tapestry here runs as deep as the forest roots themselves.
Weather and SeasonsSummer days unfold with temperatures hovering around a pleasant 80°F, though the forest's humidity brings its own challenges. Come prepared for the local welcoming committee of mosquitoes and deer flies – they're as much a part of the authentic northwoods experience as the loon calls at dusk. When winter arrives, it transforms this landscape into a crystalline wonderland, though temperatures plummet and snow blankets the forest floor in deep, pristine layers that tell stories with every animal track.
ElevationPerched at 1,900 feet above sea level, the campground enjoys naturally cooler temperatures that provide sweet relief from summer heat. This elevated position offers glimpses through the pine boughs to scenic vistas beyond, where morning mists rise from hidden valleys and evening light paints the forest canopy in shades of gold and amber.
Natural Features and SceneryStep into a living postcard of Minnesota's iconic boreal forest, where ancient red and white pines stretch skyward like nature's own skyscrapers. The pristine Little Isabella River whispers past your campsite, its clear waters reflecting the forest canopy above. Crystal-clean lakes dot the landscape, each one a mirror to the sky and a haven for wildlife. This is the northwoods at its finest – unspoiled, authentic, and breathtakingly beautiful in every season.
Geological RegionWelcome to the Superior National Forest, where the boreal ecosystem creates a tapestry of life found nowhere else in the lower 48. This is a land sculpted by ancient glaciers, leaving behind a maze of pristine lakes interconnected by babbling streams. The signature red and white pines stand as sentinels over a landscape that tells the story of ice ages, logging heritage, and the enduring relationship between humans and wilderness. It's more than just a forest – it's a living museum of North American natural history.
Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessible vault toilets and drinking water are available. Additionally, some campsites and parking areas are described as accessible.
Sites SizeAverage site sizes, sufficient for an SUV and a tent (User review by Karethra Bex). Other reviews note that some sites are narrow and uneven.
Sites PrivacyHigh level of privacy, with sites spaced apart. "Sites are a good distance from each other. Very private" (User review by Arian H).
Total Campsites11 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSite #7 is noted for proximity to the river and privacy, while sites #8 and #11 offer easier setups.
Best CampsitesSites #7, #8, and #11 were consistently highlighted as top choices for privacy and location.
Reserving a campsite
Stay Limit
- Maximum of nine people per site
- space for one vehicle and one trailer with additional charges for extra vehicles.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Maximum of nine people per site.
Groups
No group sites are mentioned for this campground.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutThe campground features both reservable and first-come, first-served sites. Sites are private and close to the creek.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen from May 8, 2025 to September 30, 2025.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made online via Recreation.gov or in-person using Scan and Pay.
Walk-in AvailabilitySix sites are first-come, first-served. Reservations are required for the remaining five sites.
Cancellation PolicyChanges and cancellations are allowed up to 48 hours prior to the date of arrival. No refunds for Scan and Pay reservations.
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Cell phone service
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Campers at Little Isabella River Campground can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities, including fishing, hiking, ATV trails, and wildlife viewing. The campground provides access to the Little Isabella River, which is popular for brook trout fishing.
Hiking
The campground offers access to hiking in the secluded woodlands of the Superior National Forest. Specific trail details, such as lengths and difficulty levels, are not provided.Fishing
The Little Isabella River is a popular spot for brook trout fishing, though one reviewer mentioned catching chubs instead. "The river behind the camps was more like a creek, no trout, only chubs" (User review by Tammy B).Biking
Biking opportunities exist within the Superior National Forest, but no specific trails or difficulty levels are mentioned.Wildlife viewing
The secluded nature of the campground offers opportunities to observe wildlife. "Store your food so wildlife can't get to it. Bears and other animals will eat food that isn't stored securely" (Authoritative source).Winter Activities
No specific winter activities like skiing or snowshoeing were mentioned.Water Sports
No non-motorized water sports such as kayaking or paddleboarding were noted.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires are permitted only within designated fire rings.
- Quiet hours are Enforced noise limits during evening hours.
Hazards
General hazardsMosquitoes and deer flies are common in summer. Bears may visit if food is not stored securely.
Weather forecast
62
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 39%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 10.4 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
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 (phone: 218-663-8060) for immediate concerns; nearest hospital located in Ely (~1 hour away).
Good to know
Peak season datesMay 8, 2025 to September 30, 2025.
Trash and recyclingTrash collection is available on-site. No recycling facilities were specifically mentioned.
Proximity to water featuresAdjacent to Little Isabella River, a creek popular for brook trout fishing.
Common complaintsNumerous user reviews mention mosquitoes, deer flies, and uneven campsite terrain.
HostNo campground host on site.
Campground Map
9620 MN Hwy 1, Isabella, MN, 55607
Driving directionsFrom MN-61, turn on MN-1 at Illgen City. Continue for 4.5 miles west of Isabella to the campground entrance.
The campground is accessible via MN-1, a paved road. However, user reviews mention gravel roads leading to individual sites, which may require some leveling work for RVs.Nearby places
Isabella (4.5 miles, ~10 minutes), Ely (~60 miles, ~1 hour).
Nearby supplies
Ely (~1 hour away) offers grocery stores, camping supplies, and gas stations.
Camper Reviews
4.0
9 reviews
Little Isabella River Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
The campground is praised for its seclusion, quiet atmosphere, and clean vault toilets. However, some users note uneven sites and high mosquito activity, especially in summer. ATV trail access is an advantage for some campers, while others find limited recreational opportunities.
Review Summaries
Based on 9 reviews
What Campers Love
Secluded and quiet atmosphere, spacious and private campsites, clean vault toilets, opportunities for stargazing, and good cell phone service on T-Mobile and Verizon.
Based on 9 reviewsCommon Concerns
Mosquitoes and black flies, uneven campsites (difficult for RVs), limited amenities, and overgrown sites needing maintenance.
Based on 9 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Bring insect repellent for mosquitoes and flies, consider visiting during cooler months to avoid bugs, and choose sites 8 or 11 for the best experience. If staying in an RV, be prepared to level your...
Based on 9 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
Mosquitoes and black flies are most active in summer (June-July). Cooler months offer fewer bugs but may have colder temperatures. The campground is described as quiet and less visited year-round.
Based on 9 reviewsCamper Quotes
"Best place ever if you want to see the night sky in all its glory without any ambient light" (User review by Karethra Bex). "Site 8 is the nicest camping spot here. Site 11 is nice" (User review by...
Based on 9 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Site 8 and Site 11 are highly praised by multiple users for their location and layout. Other sites are noted to be uneven, making them challenging for RVs. Long-term campers were observed occupying...
Based on 9 reviewsShow more
Accessibility Features
Accessible features include vault toilets and drinking water. No specific user feedback on accessibility for individuals with disabilities was provided.
Based on 9 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed, but no specific reviews addressed the experience of pet owners at the campground.
Based on 9 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025