Pfeiffer Lake

Campground · Minnesota · 16 bookable sites ·

Managed by the USDA Forest Service

Superior National Forest (NF) · Open Access

16
Bookable sites
45 ft
Max rig length
up to 8
People per site
1,460 ft
Elevation
Pfeiffer Lake
Photo: USFS · Recreation.gov

Overview

Pfeiffer Lake Campground, located adjacent to it's namesake lake, is a small, peaceful and scenic facility in the Superior National Forest of Minnesota. The lake's healthy population of fish make it a favorite spot for anglers, and the swim beach, playground and picnic area provide fun for the whole family.

Superior National Forest, located in northeastern Minnesota's arrowhead region, is comprised of 3 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

Pfeiffer Lake has many activities, fishing being one of the most popular. Panfish, bass, perch and walleye can be caught from the fishing dock or offshore, accessible via the facility's boat ramp.

Canoeing and kayaking are also a favorite pastime.

The picnic area is next to a grassy swimming beach and 3-mile hiking trail.

Facilities

The campground has 16 total campsites 8 reservable and 8 first-come, first-served campsites, some of which can accommodate RVs. The campground provides fire rings, tables, drinking water, vault toilets and a centrally located playground that offers children a great place to run off the day's energy.

A campground host is on site to answer questions.

Natural Features

The campground sits in a forest of mixed hardwoods and pine and new pine and cedar have been planted.

The lake is 57 acres and has an irregular shoreline great for exploring by canoe or kayak. The lake area is also a nesting place for loons and a habitat for other birds and wildlife.

Nearby Attractions

Numerous outdoor recreation opportunities lie within Superior National Forest's 77 lake accesses, 13 fishing piers, 10 swimming beaches and 22 picnic areas. The forest is also home to three scenic byways.

Additional sites of interest

The facts

  • Season: May 9 – September 30 — USDA Forest Service, Aug 24, 2026
  • 16 bookable sites
  • 17 sites in total, including non-bookable
  • Vehicles up to 45 ft
  • Up to 8 people per site
  • Loops: PFEI, Pfei

Site types

  • 16 Standard Nonelectric
  • 1 Management

Amenities

  • Campfires allowed
  • Pets allowed

Not recorded upstream: electric hookups, water hookups, sewer hookups, fire pits, picnic tables, grills, shade.

Book on Recreation.gov

17 campsites at Pfeiffer Lake

SiteLoopTypeEntrySurfaceMax rigPeople
001PFEIStandard NonelectricBack InGravel—8 🐾
002PFEIStandard NonelectricBack InGravel32 ft8 🐾
003PFEIStandard NonelectricBack InGravel—8 🐾
004PFEIStandard NonelectricBack InGravel—8 🐾
005PFEIStandard NonelectricBack InGravel—8 🐾
006PFEIStandard NonelectricBack InGravel—8 🐾
007PFEIStandard NonelectricBack InGravel—8 🐾
008PFEIStandard NonelectricBack InGravel—8 🐾
009PFEIStandard NonelectricBack InGravel—8 🐾
010PFEIStandard NonelectricParallelGravel14 ft8 🐾
011PFEIStandard NonelectricBack InGravel—8 🐾
012PFEIStandard NonelectricBack InGravel40 ft8 🐾
013PFEIStandard NonelectricBack InGravel—8 🐾
014PFEIStandard NonelectricBack InGravel45 ft8 🐾
015PFEIStandard NonelectricBack InGravel—8 🐾
016PFEIStandard NonelectricBack InGravel—8 🐾
S&P StandardPfeiManagementBack In——0

Getting there

From Virginia, Minnesota, take Highway 53 north for 21 miles to County Road 22. Turn onto County Road 22 and travel east for 10 miles. Turn south on Forest Road 256 and travel 1.2 miles to Pfeiffer Lake Campground.

47.75306, -92.47222 · 47°45'11.0"N 92°28'20.0"W

Directions (Google Maps) · Directions (Apple Maps)

Typical weather

Typically 77°F in Jul, down to 17°F in Jan.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F172336506373777667513522
Low °F-7-5924364751484231183
Precip in0.80.80.91.93.04.04.33.53.92.81.60.9

1991–2020 averages from the nearest NOAA station, 9.2 mi away — not measured at the facility itself, and elevation can make a real difference over that distance.

Map

More photos

Member photos

Common questions about Pfeiffer Lake

Can you reserve a site at Pfeiffer Lake?
Yes, Pfeiffer Lake is reservable through Recreation.gov.
How many campsites does Pfeiffer Lake have?
17 sites in total, of which 16 can be booked.
What is the maximum RV length at Pfeiffer Lake?
45 ft. That is the longest vehicle the sites here are recorded as taking; individual sites may be shorter.
Are pets allowed at Pfeiffer Lake?
Yes, pets are allowed at Pfeiffer Lake.
Are campfires allowed at Pfeiffer Lake?
Campfires are allowed at Pfeiffer Lake. Check for a current fire restriction before you go.

Also listed by

Pfeiffer Lake also appears in other federal recreation data. Facts below are matched by name and location, not confirmed by Pfeiffer Lake's operator.

USDA Forest Service — data as of Aug 24, 2026

  • Single Site: $18/night

Restrictions:

  • Maximum of 9 people per site. There is space for 1 vehicle and 1 towed vehicle (such as a boat trailer). Additional vehicles at the site require additional half fee and must park on the spur. No vehicles may park on the grass or where they impede traffic. ATVs are not allowed.

USDA Forest Service's own page

Camping near Pfeiffer Lake

Comments

Contact

Recreation.gov last updated this record on 2026-05-02.

Facility information and photographs from Recreation.gov (RIDB). SpotOpened is not affiliated with Recreation.gov or any federal agency.