Little Isabella River Campground
Campground · Minnesota · 11 bookable sites ·
Managed by the USDA Forest Service
Superior National Forest (NF) · Open Access
- 11
- Bookable sites
- up to 9
- People per site
- 1,824 ft
- Elevation
Overview
Little Isabella River Campground is a small, secluded campground in a grove of red and white pines in the central part of Superior National Forest, just 4.5 miles west of Isabella, Minnesota. This is a great campground for campers seeking a quiet spot in the woods and anglers interested in fishing the Little Isabella River.
The Superior National Forest, located in northeastern Minnesota's arrowhead region, is comprised of three million acres. The Forest spans 150 miles along the United States-Canada border. Visitors can find recreation opportunities year-round, including travel in the famous Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness.
Recreation
The Little Isabella River, a small stream with occasional riffles, is a popular fishing spot for brook trout. The surrounding national forest offers a wide variety of recreational opportunities, including hiking in secluded woodlands, canoeing and hunting.
Facilities
This is a small facility with six first come first served campsites, and five reservable campsites. All sites are private and close to the water. Trash collection and restrooms are provided.
Natural Features
The campground lies among towering red pine trees at an elevation of 1,900 ft. The area is scenic and secluded. The Superior National Forest is known for its boreal forest ecosystem, numerous clean lakes, diversity of plants and animals, and colorful cultural history.
Nearby Attractions
Numerous outdoor recreation opportunities lie within the Superior National Forest's 77 lake access areas, 13 fishing piers, 10 swimming beaches, and 22 picnic areas. The forest is also home to three scenic byways.
Contact Info
For facility specific information, please call (218) 663-8060.Charges & Cancellations
Changes and cancellations are allowed up to 48 hours prior to date of arrival.
The facts
- Season: May 9 – September 30 — USDA Forest Service, Aug 24, 2026
- 11 bookable sites
- Up to 9 people per site
- Loops: Little Isabella CG - East Loop, Little Isabella CG - West Loop
Site types
- 11 Standard Nonelectric
Amenities
- Pets allowed
Not recorded upstream: electric hookups, water hookups, sewer hookups, campfires allowed, fire pits, picnic tables, grills, shade.
11 campsites at Little Isabella River Campground
Check-in 2:00 PM · Check-out 12:00 PM
| Site | Loop | Type | Entry | Surface | Max rig | People | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Little Isabella CG - East Loop | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Gravel | — | 9 | 🐾 |
| 2 | Little Isabella CG - East Loop | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Gravel | — | 9 | 🐾 |
| 3 | Little Isabella CG - East Loop | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Gravel | — | 9 | 🐾 |
| 4 | Little Isabella CG - East Loop | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Gravel | — | 9 | 🐾 |
| 10 | Little Isabella CG - West Loop | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Gravel | — | 9 | 🐾 |
| 11 | Little Isabella CG - West Loop | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Gravel | — | 9 | 🐾 |
| 5 | Little Isabella CG - West Loop | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Gravel | — | 9 | 🐾 |
| 6 | Little Isabella CG - West Loop | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Gravel | — | 9 | 🐾 |
| 7 | Little Isabella CG - West Loop | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Gravel | — | 9 | 🐾 |
| 8 | Little Isabella CG - West Loop | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Gravel | — | 9 | 🐾 |
| 9 | Little Isabella CG - West Loop | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Gravel | — | 9 | 🐾 |
Getting there
Little Isabella River Campground is located 4.5 miles west of Isabella, Minnesota. From MN-61, turn on MN-1 at Illgen City. Continue for 4.5 miles west of Isabella the campground entrance.
47.64833, -91.42611 · 47°38'54.0"N 91°25'34.0"W
Typical weather
Typically 76°F in Jul, down to 16°F in Jan.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 16 | 22 | 34 | 48 | 63 | 71 | 76 | 75 | 65 | 50 | 34 | 22 |
| Low °F | -5 | -3 | 11 | 25 | 39 | 48 | 53 | 51 | 43 | 32 | 19 | 4 |
| Precip in | 0.9 | 0.9 | 1.5 | 2.1 | 3.2 | 4.3 | 4.1 | 3.3 | 3.5 | 3.1 | 1.9 | 1.2 |
1991–2020 averages from the nearest NOAA station, 11.2 mi away — not measured at the facility itself, and elevation can make a real difference over that distance.
Map
Fees and stay limits
$18/night for one vehicle and one trailer. Additional vehicles or trailers on the site require an additional $9.00 fee to be paid. If you make a reservation online, you may pay the fee in advance with your reservation fee. Otherwise, the fee can be paid in the fee tube at the campground. All additional vehicles must be parked on the spur.
From Recreation.gov, which is not always current. The operator's own page is the authority on what you will be charged.
Member photos
Common questions about Little Isabella River Campground
- Can you reserve a site at Little Isabella River Campground?
- Yes, Little Isabella River Campground is reservable through Recreation.gov.
- How many campsites does Little Isabella River Campground have?
- 11 sites.
- Are pets allowed at Little Isabella River Campground?
- Yes, pets are allowed at Little Isabella River Campground.
Also listed by
Little Isabella River Campground also appears in other federal recreation data. Facts below are matched by name and location, not confirmed by Little Isabella River Campground's operator.
USDA Forest Service — data as of Aug 24, 2026
- Single Site: $18/night
- Long Term: $504/season
Restrictions:
- Maximum of nine people per site. There is space for one vehicle and one towed vehicle (such as a boat trailer). Additional vehicles on the site require additional half fee and must park on the spur. No vehicles may park on the grass or where they impede traffic.
Accessibility:
- Accessible pit toilet
Camping near Little Isabella River Campground
- McDougal Lake Campground 5 mi · Campground · we watch it
- Eighteen Lake Rustic Campground 3.8 mi · Campground
- Dragon Lake 5.4 mi · Campground
- Divide Lake Campground & Backcountry Sites 8.3 mi · Campground
- Section 29 Lake Rustic Campground 10.7 mi · Campground
- August Lake 11.4 mi · Campground
- Sand Lake Rustic Campground 12 mi · Campground
- Norway Lake 12.3 mi · Facility
- Greenwood Lake 12.8 mi · Facility
- Hogback Lake Rustic Campground & Backcountry Sites 13.5 mi · Campground
- Silver Island Lk Rustic Campgd & Backcountry Sites 14 mi · Campground
- Harriet Lake Rustic Campground 14.4 mi · Campground
Contact
- Phone 218-663-8063
- Book Recreation.gov
Recreation.gov last updated this record on 2026-04-28.
Facility information and photographs from Recreation.gov (RIDB). SpotOpened is not affiliated with Recreation.gov or any federal agency.
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