“We have to go there sometime,” I enthusiastically told my husband over the phone as I crossed back into cellular service after a long weekend of camping at Lake Jeanette Campground in the Superior National Forest. “The lake is so gorgeous and in the middle of nowhere. There was no one else around except on the weekend,” I continued. “And the hiking trails were super cool. You would love the diversity of plants. I have pictures I’ll show you when I get back.”
Sadly, we have yet to return to Lake Jeanette. There never seems to be enough time to do it all during our short Minnesota Summers. And the list of things we want to see and do in Minnesota’s Arrowhead region somehow keeps growing. Even as we cross more and more things off our list each consecutive year. But as I write this, I’m dreaming of a sunny September day, relaxing and paddling Lake Jeanette with my spouse. Maybe this year.
Where to find Lake Jeanette
Lake Jeanette is located in the LaCroix Ranger District of the three-million-acre Superior National Forest in northeast Minnesota. The Superior National Forest is the largest national forest east of the Mississippi River. Established in 1909, the forest is located on the southern edge of the boreal forest. These enchanted wild lands are home to thousands of pristine lakes, rocky landscapes, and unique flora and fauna. If you’re new to the Superior National Forest, you’ll want to get acquainted with an excellent beginner’s guide here and here.
Lake Jeanette is toward the western end of the wild and remote Echo Trail. The drive from Ely, Minnesota, is less than 40 miles. But plan for the drive to take you one to one and a half hours so you can safely enjoy the scenery along the curvy, hilly, and mostly unpaved road, which truly is part of the allure. To the west, Orr, Minnesota is another thirty-some miles, but the road is mostly paved and less curvy. If you’re coming from Duluth, the drive should take you two and a half to three hours, without traffic. And four and a half to five hours from the Twin Cities.
What you should know
Lake Jeanette is a small campground with only 12 campsites. Half of these are first-come first first-served. And of the 12 sites, a few are walk-in only. There is a maximum of nine people per campsite in the Superior National Forest, and typically, space for two vehicles, with a towed camper counting as one of the two. At the time of publication, campsites here are $18 per night with a stay limit of 14 nights. Reservations for the six reservable campsites can be made at Recreation.gov here.
If you don’t have a reservation, which I didn’t during my visit, I recommend having a backup plan. The Echo Lake Campground is just 12 miles west. As my brokerage firm loves to remind me, past performance does not guarantee future results, so take this with a grain of salt. But we spent a night at Echo Lake last summer during a holiday weekend, and there were plenty of open campsites available. The Wooden Frog Campground in the Kabetogama State Forest is about 70 miles from Lake Jeanette. Wakemup Bay, also in the Kabetogama State Forest, is about 55 miles away. Fenske Lake is 25 miles or 50 minutes back toward Ely, but has limited first-come, first-served sites. There are several private campgrounds and RV parks in the area if worse comes to worst. But I do a lot of winging and have never had a problem finding a place to stay. That said, I wouldn’t recommend showing up at 8 p.m. on a Saturday expecting to find an epic place to stay.
Why you should camp at Lake Jeanette
Lake Jeanette is unbelievably quiet and remote for being just 40 miles outside of Ely. If you hit it at the right time—during the week or shoulder season—you might also be rewarded with remarkable quiet and solitude.
The area is visually stunning. From the rocky lake, the boreal forest, the bogs, and wildflowers, you’re sure to be awed. Then there are the sunsets. Did you know that summer sunsets in northern Minnesota last forever? Okay, maybe not forever, but it sure feels that way. Especially if there’s the perfect amount of cloud cover. The show seems to go on and on and on. And once it gets dark, look up at the dark skies and watch for the northern lights.
For the size of the campground, the recreation is phenomenal. The water offers opportunities for swimming, paddling, and fishing. One of my favorite features is the Astrid Trail that you can access right from the campground. The trail offers more than seven miles of hiking and connects four smaller but equally gorgeous lakes. The trails are best when it’s dry, typically later in the season. Whenever you go, pack footwear you don’t mind getting wet, and be sure to stay on the trail to prevent damage to the precious ecosystem.
Not far away, or as we say in our household—“up north close”—you’ll find the aforementioned Echo Lake with a small beach, play area, and more walking trails. A little further “up north close,” just 30 minutes away in Crane Lake, you’ll find one of my favorite hikes along the Vermilion Gorge.
Know before you go
It’s always a good idea to check the Superior National Forest Alerts page before you go. From fire bans to road washouts, there’s plenty that can happen in these remote areas that you’ll want to be aware of. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned outdoors person, it’s also a good idea to understand the rules, regulations, and best practices before you hit the trail. The Forest Service has a great resource page you can find here. And always be sure that everyone in your party practices the seven principles of Leave No Trace. You can brush up on these principles, as well as bear safety and tick bite prevention, here.
While the campground provides water, trash, and vault toilets, the amenities stop there. Be prepared to be without cell service and bring everything you might need, including firewood. If you harvest wood from the forest, remember the four D’s: Dead, Down, Dinky, and Distant. Only collect wood from dead and down trees. Using small pieces of wood (dinky) decreases the need for sharp tools like axes, thus lessening the chance of injury. And always collect wood a good distance from designated campsites to prevent campsite sprawl. Finally, help protect Minnesota’s forests and never move firewood.
If you’re looking to get away and enjoy quiet solitude in one of Minnesota’s most stunning campgrounds, Lake Jeanette should not be missed. By following these tips, you’ll enjoy a summer trip that will make you feel like you’ve gone back in time. And I guarantee you’ll want to return again.
Learn more:
Superior National Forest’s Lake Jeanette information page
Recreation.gov’s reservation page
Minnesota Lake Finder data for Lake Jeanette
Superior National Forest’s Echo Lake information page
Superior National Forest Visitor Alerts
U.S. Forest Service Know Before You Go
Superior National Forest Safety and Outdoor Ethics