Ninemile Lake Campground

For Minnesota residents seeking a perfect balance between accessible camping comfort and deep Northwoods wilderness, Ninemile Lake Campground in the Superior National Forest is a genuine hidden gem. Located near the quaint community of Finland, this campground offers a quintessential Lake County experience, combining the recreational opportunities of a beautiful, substantial lake with the solitude of a dense boreal forest. Unlike the heavily trafficked state parks directly on Lake Superior, Ninemile Lake provides a quieter, more intimate atmosphere, yet it remains conveniently close to popular North Shore attractions and hiking trails.

The campground is highly praised for its natural setting, with many sites situated right next to the lake. Visitors note that the sites, though moderately sized, feel semi-private thanks to the abundance of trees and good tree coverage—a crucial feature that helps maintain a secluded environment. With 26 sites in total, split between reservable and first-come, first-served options, it offers flexibility for both spontaneous weekenders and meticulous planners. It is the perfect setting for anglers hoping to cast a line for walleye and northern pike, for paddlers looking to explore the lake's islands and hidden bays by kayak or canoe, or for families simply wishing to reconnect with the tranquil beauty of the northern Minnesota woods.

Ninemile Lake Campground is situated in a beautifully remote area of the Superior National Forest, northwest of Schroeder and northeast of Finland, Minnesota. The official address is: County Road 7, Finland, MN 55603, USA.

This location is readily accessible via well-maintained roads from the North Shore Scenic Drive (Highway 61).

• From Schroeder: Take County Road 1 (Cramer Rd), which turns into County Road 8, for about 10 miles, then turn right onto County Road 7 for 4 miles.
• From Finland: Take County Road 7 directly to the lake.

Its placement makes it a strategic basecamp: it’s close to several state parks, including Tettegouche and George H. Crosby Manitou State Park, as well as the Superior Hiking Trail. Though remote, the accessibility of County Road 7 makes it suitable for standard vehicles and moderately sized RVs/trailers. The distance from the Twin Cities (about a 4.5-hour drive) makes it an excellent destination for a week-long stay, while its proximity to the North Shore's small towns ensures that resupply stops are manageable.

Ninemile Lake Campground is managed by the U.S. Forest Service and is considered a moderate-sized facility that successfully blends essential comforts with a rustic environment.

Services and facilities available include:

• Campsites: 26 sites total, with 13 available for reservation (via Recreation.gov) and 13 available on a first-come, first-served basis.
• Restrooms: Clean, well-maintained vault toilet facilities (outhouses).
• Water Source: A solar-powered water pump provides drinking water (always check current conditions).
• Trash Collection: Designated trash receptacles are provided, a convenience not found at most primitive rustic sites.
• Boat Launch: A designated boat ramp and parking area are available for launching watercraft onto Ninemile Lake.
• Site Amenities: Each site includes a picnic table and a fire ring with a cooking grate.
• Fee: $18.00 per night (for one vehicle and one trailer), payable via reservation or on-site fee tube.

Note: There are no electrical or sewer hookups, and showers are not available. Most sites can accommodate moderately sized vehicles and trailers, but large RVs should verify site specifications (some sites have 30-foot driveway limits).

Ninemile Lake Campground is known for its distinct features that create a truly memorable Minnesota outdoor experience:

• Lakeside Sites: A significant number of sites are located directly on the lake, providing easy, immediate access for canoes and kayaks, and offering beautiful views and quiet water lapping sounds.
• Dual Reservation System: The mix of reservable (via Recreation.gov) and first-come, first-served sites accommodates all styles of trip planning, making it less stressful to secure a spot.
• Fantastic Paddling Lake: Ninemile Lake spans close to 300 acres and is known for its islands and hidden bays, perfect for a day of non-motorized exploration or finding a secluded fishing spot.
• Fishing Hotspot: The lake is a popular destination for anglers, known for thriving populations of Walleye, Northern Pike, Bass, and Panfish.
• On-Site Hiking Trail: A 0.5-mile maintained hiking trail begins across the gravel road from the campground entrance, leading to a 4.5-mile unmaintained loop for the more adventurous backpacker (advanced navigation skills required).
• Friendly Host & Cleanliness: Customer reviews consistently mention a friendly host and clean facilities, contributing to an overall positive camping atmosphere.
• Proximity to Wilderness Access: The campground is a short drive from access points to other lakes like Echo Lake and the portage access to Goldeneye Lake, connecting campers to broader canoe routes.

Ninemile Lake Campground is managed by the Tofte Ranger District of the Superior National Forest.

• Address: County Road 7, Finland, MN 55603, USA
• Forest Service General Phone: (218) 626-4300 / +1 218-626-4300 (Supervisor’s Office)
• Tofte Ranger District Phone (Facility Specific Info): (218) 663-8060 (Recommended for checking current conditions or fees)
• Reservations: Sites are reservable through Recreation.gov.

Ninemile Lake Campground is worth choosing because it delivers a quintessential Minnesota Northwoods experience with just enough infrastructure to make the trip comfortable and accessible. It skillfully avoids the crowded feel of coastal parks while providing crucial amenities like clean restrooms and collected drinking water (via the solar pump), saving the camper from having to completely "rough it."

For the local user, its primary draw is the combination of privacy and prime waterfront location. The large, wooded, lakeside sites are ideal for canoes and kayaks and offer immediate access to fantastic fishing and paddling on a lake that feels far removed from civilization. Its function as a gateway to both the Superior Hiking Trail and less-traveled canoe routes ensures that both day-trippers and dedicated wilderness explorers will find value here. While the Northwoods mosquitoes are a reality in summer (a fact of life for any Minnesota summer trip!), the reward—waking up to the tranquility of Ninemile Lake and spending the day exploring its hidden islands—makes it an indispensable destination for any Minnesotan seeking adventure on the North Shore frontier.