McFarland Lake Campground

Are you a Minnesotan yearning for a genuine North Shore outdoor experience that balances accessibility with a true sense of the wild? McFarland Lake Campground in Hovland, MN, presents itself as an excellent choice for those seeking to immerse themselves in our state's stunning wilderness. Unlike highly developed parks, McFarland Lake offers a primitive yet incredibly strategic base for some of Minnesota's most iconic adventures. It's a place where the sounds of the forest and the lapping of lake waters replace urban noise, inviting you to connect deeply with nature, whether you're embarking on a challenging long-distance hike or a serene paddling trip.

McFarland Lake Campground is celebrated by many seasoned campers as a "great little campground" and a prime "jump-off" point into the vast Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) and along the rugged Border Route Trail. Situated within the Grand Portage State Forest, this campground provides a taste of Minnesota's northern wild, characterized by its quiet atmosphere and direct access to major recreational opportunities. While it offers a more rustic experience with limited amenities, its unique features and prime location make it an appealing destination for locals. This article will provide you, a fellow Minnesotan, with a comprehensive overview of McFarland Lake Campground, detailing its key location and accessibility, the services it provides, its standout features, and ultimately, why it is perfectly suited for your next authentic outdoor adventure.

McFarland Lake Campground is nestled in the scenic wilderness near Hovland, MN 55606, USA. Its exact location is conveniently off the Arrowhead Trail (County Road 16), approximately 18 miles inland from Highway 61, the iconic North Shore Scenic Drive. This positioning makes it relatively accessible for Minnesotans traveling from Grand Marais (about 34 miles away) or even larger cities like Duluth (around 3 hours 15 minutes drive). The campground serves as a vital gateway, specifically noted for its direct access to several entry points for the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW), including those for Pine Lake (#68), John Lake (#69), and North Fowl Lake (#70). Moreover, it boasts immediate access to the Border Route Trail (BRT), a challenging long-distance hiking trail that traverses some of Minnesota's most remote and rugged landscapes. The campground itself is located right on the shores of McFarland Lake. Its straightforward access from a county road, combined with its immediate proximity to premier wilderness entry points and trailheads, makes McFarland Lake Campground an exceptionally convenient staging area for serious adventurers and those simply looking for a quiet lakeside retreat.

McFarland Lake Campground is a primitive campground, designed to provide basic necessities for campers while maintaining a natural and less developed feel. It's important for visitors to arrive prepared, understanding the amenities are designed for a rustic experience. Based on available public information and reviews, the services offered typically include:

• Campsites: The campground offers 5 primitive campsites. These are generally described as cleared areas, suitable for both tent camping and smaller RVs (though larger rigs might find maneuvering challenging). Each site typically includes a picnic table and a fire ring.
• Vault Toilets: A rustic outhouse (vault toilet) is available on-site for sanitation needs. It's important to note that, typical of primitive campgrounds, these facilities do not have running water.
• No Running Water: As explicitly stated in reviews, there is "No running water." Campers must bring their own potable water or be prepared to filter and treat water from McFarland Lake for consumption.
• No Potable Water Provided: While some sources indicate "drinking water" being available, recent reviews specifically mention "no running water," suggesting campers should plan accordingly with their own water supply.
• Garbage Facilities: Information on garbage facilities is mixed; some sources indicate garbage cans, while others state "garbage facilities are not provided. Please pack out all trash." It is always best practice in primitive areas to pack out everything you pack in.
• Picnic Shelters: The campground may include two picnic shelters, offering communal covered areas for gatherings or protection from the elements.
• Boat Ramp: A boat launch is available for easy access to McFarland Lake, which allows motorized boats.
• First-Come, First-Served: Campsites at McFarland Lake Campground are generally available on a first-come, first-served basis, meaning reservations are not typically taken. It's advisable to arrive early, especially during peak seasons, to secure a spot.
• Permits Required for BWCA/Border Route Trail: While camping at McFarland Lake Campground itself doesn't require a BWCA permit, if you intend to "jump off" into the Boundary Waters or hike portions of the Border Route Trail within the BWCA, you will need the appropriate permits, which are self-issued at nearby stations.

• Direct BWCA Access: McFarland Lake Campground serves as an unparalleled "jump-off point" into the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. It provides easy access to BWCA entry points such as Pine Lake (#68) and John Lake (#69), making it a strategic base for multi-day canoe trips.
• Border Route Trail Access: The campground offers direct and easy access to the Border Route Trail (BRT), a premier long-distance hiking trail. This is a significant highlight for backpackers and day hikers looking to explore the rugged wilderness of the Minnesota-Canada border.
• Lakeside Camping on McFarland Lake: Campers are right on the shores of McFarland Lake. This relatively shallow lake is noted for its "warm waters in the summer," making it pleasant for swimming.
• Motorized Boat Access: Unlike many lakes in the BWCA, McFarland Lake allows motorized boats, providing more options for fishing and exploring the lake's waters.
• Good Fishing Opportunities: McFarland Lake is known for good fishing, particularly for northern pike, offering campers a chance to catch their dinner right from the lake.
• Quiet and Remote Atmosphere: Despite its accessibility, the campground maintains a peaceful and relatively remote feel, appealing to those seeking tranquility away from more crowded areas.
• Historic and Scenic Area: Situated in the Grand Portage State Forest, the area is rich in natural beauty and historical significance, offering scenic drives and opportunities for exploration.
• YouTube Video Showcase: As noted in customer reviews, there are "full video representation" and "full video showcase" available on YouTube (searching "McFarland Lake Campground") that provide a visual tour of the campground and its surroundings, helping prospective campers know what to expect.
• Accessible from Arrowhead Trail: Its location directly off the Arrowhead Trail (County Road 16) means straightforward driving access, even for those with trailers.

Address: McFarland Lake Campground, Hovland, MN 55606, USA

Phone: (218) 387-3039

Mobile Phone: +1 218-387-3039

For more detailed information or to confirm current conditions and regulations, it is advisable to contact the U.S. Forest Service office responsible for the Grand Portage State Forest or the local DNR office. While reservations are generally not taken (first-come, first-served), these contacts can provide valuable up-to-date information for your trip planning.

For Minnesotans with a passion for rugged outdoor adventure, McFarland Lake Campground in Hovland is an exceptionally well-suited destination. Its primary appeal for locals lies in its unique position as a literal "jump-off" point into some of our state's most cherished wilderness areas. If you're planning a multi-day Boundary Waters canoe trip or aiming to tackle sections of the challenging Border Route Trail, this campground offers an unparalleled staging ground. Its convenience, directly off the Arrowhead Trail, means less time spent on complicated logistics and more time immersing yourself in the wild beauty of the North Shore.

While McFarland Lake Campground provides a primitive experience with limited amenities, this simplicity is precisely what many Minnesotans appreciate. It encourages self-reliance and a deeper connection to nature, stripping away distractions and allowing for true rejuvenation. The ability to launch a motorized boat directly onto McFarland Lake, a relatively warm and shallow lake perfect for summer swimming and fishing for northern pike, adds a versatile dimension to your stay. For those who relish the quiet solitude of lakeside camping without the full commitment of a BWCA permit for every night, this campground offers a perfect balance.

Ultimately, McFarland Lake Campground is more than just a place to pitch a tent; it's a gateway to authentic Minnesota wilderness experiences. It offers a tangible connection to our state's vast natural heritage, providing an ideal base for adventures that range from serene lakeside relaxation to demanding backcountry explorations. For locals, it represents an accessible yet wild escape, promising memorable moments against the stunning backdrop of the North Shore and the vast expanse of the Boundary Waters.

McFarland Lake Campground

Hovland, MN 55606, USA