Ninemile Lake Campground

For Minnesotans who truly cherish the serene beauty and rugged charm of the Northwoods, Ninemile Lake Campground in Finland, MN, presents an ideal escape. Nestled within the vast expanse of the Superior National Forest, this campground is celebrated by locals as a hidden gem, offering a perfect blend of natural tranquility and accessible outdoor adventure. It's a place where the pristine waters of Ninemile Lake meet the whispering boreal forest, creating an unforgettable setting for your next camping trip.

This article is crafted specifically for our Minnesota residents, guiding you through what makes Ninemile Lake Campground a highly sought-after destination. We understand that many of you are looking for those special spots that offer both peace and plenty of recreational opportunities, all while maintaining the rustic appeal of our cherished wilderness. We’ll explore its picturesque location, the essential services and amenities it provides, its defining features and highlights, and crucial contact information for planning your visit.

Ninemile Lake Campground is known for its beautiful lakeside sites, offering direct access to the water for canoes, kayaks, and fishing. Managed by the Superior National Forest, it provides a well-maintained environment where you can truly disconnect and immerse yourself in nature. While the Northwoods are famously "buggy" during summer months, this is a small price to pay for the incredible beauty and recreational abundance found here. Get ready to discover why Ninemile Lake Campground is a quintessential Minnesota camping experience.

Ninemile Lake Campground is situated at County Road 7, Finland, MN 55603, USA, placing it deep within the scenic Superior National Forest in northeastern Minnesota. This region is a beloved playground for Minnesotans, renowned for its extensive forests, numerous pristine lakes, and diverse wildlife.

The campground's location offers a fantastic balance of accessibility and remote wilderness feel. While it provides a sense of seclusion, it is generally easy to reach. From Minnesota Highway 61 (the North Shore Scenic Drive), you can access County Road 7 via various routes. For instance, from Schroeder, you would turn onto County Road 1 (Cramer Rd), follow it for about 10 miles (where it becomes County Road 8), then turn right onto County Road 7 and proceed for about 4 miles until the campground entrance appears on your left. Alternatively, from Finland itself (reached via MN 1 from Silver Bay), you can take County Road 7 to Ninemile Lake, where the campground will be on your left.

The accessibility is a key factor for Minnesotans planning trips from various parts of the state. It's a manageable drive from Duluth and other northern cities, making it ideal for weekend getaways. Even from the Twin Cities, while a longer journey, it’s a popular route for those seeking the wild beauty of the North Shore and Superior National Forest. The campground's gravel roads are generally well-maintained, allowing for easy access with cars, tents, and moderately sized RVs or trailers. Furthermore, its proximity to other state parks and numerous lakes along County Road 7 enhances its appeal as a basecamp for wider regional exploration.

Ninemile Lake Campground, managed by the Superior National Forest's Tofte Ranger District, offers a range of services designed to provide a comfortable yet authentic camping experience in the Northwoods. It balances a natural setting with essential amenities.

• Campsites: The campground features 24 sites in total, with 13 operating on a first-come, first-served basis and 13 reservable through Recreation.gov. Many sites are located directly next to Ninemile Lake, offering picturesque views and easy water access. Sites are described as large and quite private, despite being somewhat close together, due to the presence of numerous trees providing natural screening.
• Tent Pads and Fire Rings: Each campsite is equipped with a designated tent pad and a fire ring, allowing for safe and enjoyable campfires.
• Picnic Tables: Every site includes a picnic table for convenient outdoor meal preparation and dining.
• Water Access: The campground provides potable water via a solar-powered water pump/faucet. Campers are advised to use these for drinking water only, not as wash areas.
• Restrooms: Outhouses (vault style restrooms) are provided and are generally kept clean, as noted by a reviewer praising "clean facilities."
• Trash Collection: Trash receptacles are available for waste disposal, encouraging campers to keep the area clean.
• Boat Launch: A significant amenity is the boat ramp that leads directly to Ninemile Lake, complete with a decent-sized parking lot for trailers. This is ideal for motorized boats, canoes, and kayaks, offering access to the lake's islands and hidden bays.
• Campground Host: The presence of a friendly campground host (though status may vary) contributes to a welcoming environment and can provide assistance.
• Pet-Friendly: Dogs are allowed at campsites and developed recreation areas. They must be on a leash (six-foot or shorter) when outside enclosed vehicles or tents, and owners are responsible for waste disposal and ensuring quiet.

It's important to note that while the campground accommodates RVs, sites are pull-in and not specifically designed for larger RVs; most can handle moderately sized vehicles, but not all are suitable for big rigs, and there are no electric, water, or sewer hook-ups.

Ninemile Lake Campground offers several compelling features and highlights that make it a truly attractive destination for Minnesotans seeking an immersive Northwoods experience.

• Beautiful Lakeside Sites: A standout feature is the abundance of sites located directly next to Ninemile Lake. This provides campers with stunning views, direct water access, and the calming ambiance of lakeside living. Reviewers consistently praise the beauty of the location.
• Spacious and Private Setting: Despite some sites being relatively close, the natural tree cover provides a good degree of privacy, creating a "semi-private" feel. The lakeside sites are noted for being "very large and quite private," enhancing the sense of seclusion.
• Direct Water Access for Paddlers: Being right on the lake is "fantastic for canoes and kayaks." This direct access allows for easy launching and exploration of Ninemile Lake's islands and hidden bays, appealing to water sports enthusiasts.
• Excellent Fishing Opportunities: Ninemile Lake, nearly 300 acres in size, is a popular fishing spot known for walleye, northern pike, bass, and panfish (including bluegill and yellow perch). This makes the campground a prime base for anglers looking to reel in a catch.
• On-Site Hiking Trail: A short hiking trail begins directly across the gravel road from the campground entrance. This trail features a 0.5-mile maintained portion, with an additional 4.5 miles of unmaintained trail for more adventurous hikers with advanced wayfinding skills. This offers convenient access to explore the boreal hardwoods.
• Proximity to Superior National Forest Attractions: The campground serves as an excellent basecamp for exploring the wider Superior National Forest, which boasts numerous lake access areas, fishing piers, swimming beaches, picnic areas, and three scenic byways. It's also close to several other state parks and lakes with easy public canoe/kayak access, such as Echo Lake, Goldeneye Lake (via portage), and the Crooked Lake Canoe Route.
• Friendly Atmosphere: The presence of a "friendly host" contributes to a welcoming and pleasant camping environment, a detail often appreciated by visitors.

While the reviews mention "very buggy" conditions in summer, this is a common trait of the Northwoods, and prepared campers (with headnets and bug spray) can easily mitigate this for a rewarding experience.

Ninemile Lake Campground is managed by the Superior National Forest, specifically through the Tofte Ranger District. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, it is best to contact the managing office or utilize the official reservation system.

Address:Count Road 7, Finland, MN 55603, USA (This is the physical address for navigation.)

Primary Contact Phone:(218) 626-4300 (This number is associated with the general campground information, likely connecting to the Superior National Forest or Tofte Ranger District.)

Alternative Phone for Campground Inquiries (Tofte Ranger District):(218) 663-8063 or (218) 663-8060 (These numbers are often listed for specific campground inquiries or the managing district office.)

Mobile Phone (same as primary):+1 218-626-4300

Official Website / Reservation Platform:Some sites are reservable through Recreation.gov. You can typically find Ninemile Lake Campground by searching on their website:

www.recreation.gov

For general information about Superior National Forest facilities, the USDA Forest Service website is also a valuable resource:

www.fs.usda.gov/superior

It is highly recommended for Minnesotans to check Recreation.gov for site availability and to make reservations, especially during peak season (May 9 - September 30). For first-come, first-served sites or for specific questions not answered online, calling the Tofte Ranger District or the primary campground phone number is advisable to confirm current conditions, alerts, and any changes in operations.

Ninemile Lake Campground is an excellent choice and highly suitable for Minnesotans who are looking for a quintessential Northwoods camping experience. It perfectly embodies the natural beauty and recreational opportunities that draw so many to our state's northern regions.

Firstly, its stunning location with "many sites right next to the lake" offers the serene lakeside ambiance that countless Minnesotans seek. The ability to be "right on the lake" is "fantastic for canoes and kayaks," providing direct access to the water for leisurely paddles, exploration of islands, or excellent fishing opportunities for walleye, northern pike, bass, and panfish. For locals, this seamless integration with the aquatic environment is a major draw, fostering deep connections with the natural world.

Secondly, while sites are noted as being "a little close together," the abundance of trees ensures a "semi private" and comfortable setting. Reviewers specifically highlight the "lakeside sites are very large and quite private," demonstrating that the campground offers ample space to relax and enjoy nature without feeling overcrowded. This balance of community and personal space resonates well with typical Minnesota camping preferences.

Furthermore, the provision of essential services like clean facilities, a friendly host, trash collection, and a solar-powered water pump ensures a comfortable stay without detracting from the rustic feel. The on-site hiking trail, even with its unmaintained sections, offers an immediate opportunity for exploration, catering to the adventurous spirit common among Minnesotans. Its proximity to other state parks and numerous lakes for further canoe/kayak access also makes it an ideal basecamp for extended adventures in the region.

While the summer months bring abundant mosquitoes and ticks, this is a well-known aspect of the Northwoods, and prepared Minnesotans (with their headnets and bug spray) understand that these minor inconveniences are a small price for the profound beauty and tranquility offered by places like Ninemile Lake Campground. It’s a place where memories are made around a campfire, fish are caught, and the sounds of loons echo across the water, making it a truly suitable and beloved destination for local residents seeking an authentic Minnesota outdoor escape.

Ninemile Lake Campground

Count Road 7, Finland, MN 55603, USA