Little Isabella River Campground

Show on map218-663-8063
9620 MN Hwy 1
Isabella, MN 55607

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.

Camp site features

Across 11 camp sites:

  • Pets allowed: all 11 sites
  • Largest party: 9 people

Fees

$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.

Directions

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.

Stay Limit

Check in from 2 PM, check out by 12 PM.

Reviews

7 reviews
5 stars
2
4 stars
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1
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1 stars
1
Hans E
Loop:Little Isabella CG - West Loop
Site:
Reviewed 4 months ago
We always enjoy Little Isabella River, our favorite Superior NF campground. Bugs weren't horrible, but the weather wasn't in our favor so we left a day early. I'll probably be back later in the season.
Allen W
Loop:Little Isabella CG - West Loop
Site:
Reviewed 5 months ago
One of the least maintained I have used.
Debra K
Loop:Little Isabella CG - West Loop
Site:
Reviewed a year ago
Nice campground
Tammy B
Loop:Little Isabella CG - West Loop
Site:
Reviewed 4 years ago
The sites were good but the mosquitoes were horrible. Water and pit toilets fair nothing to brag about. The river behind the camps was more like a creek no trout onky chubs.Nothing close by to do Ely was an hour away. Won't stay here again
Dave H
Loop:Little Isabella CG - West Loop
Site:
Reviewed 4 years ago
Thank you for an excellent camping experience prior to entering the BWCAW.
Arian H
Loop:Little Isabella CG - West Loop
Site:
Reviewed 4 years ago
Nice drive to this Campground...trees everywhere and gravel road=freedom !!! Easy to find thanks to GPS . Arrived at site #7...easy to find due to signage to campsites. Hit the pit toilet first...bear scat was my first view, alongside garbage area...which is where they are located ......but it's the northern wilderness :) Back to set up camp....sites are a good distance from each other. Very private I would say. A couple areas where I could put my single tent. The river ran right behind my site and I could also hear the river...quiet area. Not many campers..site host on site. I saw RV"s no tent campers besides myself....not many campers on my side of the campground. Nice fire pit....the camper before me left firewood. Picnic table also. The only negative were the @#$*):((( bugs as a fire did not help and there was no wind,the temperature was around 80 degrees. They do have water when you first pull into the Isabella Campgrounds. Very clean location and the pit toilet had TP. I would camp here again when it's cold..no bugs. Overall..A++
Availability

See the Camp Sites section below to find detailed booking availability.

Reserve

Season dates

Peak season

May 12, 2027 – Sep 30, 2027

Reservable online

Peak season

May 14, 2028 – Sep 30, 2028

Reservable online

Camp Sites

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