Clara Lake Rustic Campground

- Clara Public Landing Rd, Lutsen, MN 55612

For Minnesotans seeking a genuine escape from the hustle of developed recreation areas, the Clara Lake Rustic Campground offers a pristine, primitive camping experience deep in the Superior National Forest. Located inland from the scenic North Shore, near the charming town of Lutsen, this small, federal campground is the definition of "off the beaten path." It provides the essential infrastructure for car camping while requiring the self-reliance and "pack-in, pack-out" ethos of true wilderness adventure.

Clara Lake is not a typical crowded RV park; it’s designed for simplicity and solitude. With just three small, first-come, first-served campsites, visitors here are virtually guaranteed a quiet, secluded experience. The atmosphere is calm and respectful, appealing to those who cherish the quiet hours of the Northwoods. The sites are nestled in a stand of towering pines near the shore of Clara Lake, making it an ideal basecamp for fishing, canoeing, or simply relaxing by a campfire and reconnecting with nature. As a rustic site managed by the U.S. Forest Service, all campers should arrive fully prepared, as modern amenities like potable water, electricity, and garbage services are not provided.

Clara Lake Rustic Campground is situated deep within the Superior National Forest, near Lutsen, Minnesota. The official address is Clara Public Landing Rd, Lutsen, MN 55612, USA. While the drive is manageable, it requires navigating forest roads, making it feel wonderfully remote—a feature locals often appreciate for the resulting peace and quiet.

The most reliable route to the campground is to travel north from Highway 61 in Lutsen onto County Road 4 (known locally as the Caribou Trail). Visitors should travel approximately 8 miles north on the Caribou Trail until they reach Forest Road 340 (FR 340, sometimes called Clara Lake Road). A crucial piece of advice from experienced travelers is to approach from the Caribou Trail (East) side and avoid navigating complex, less-maintained dirt roads that may be listed by some GPS systems from the west. Once on FR 340, drive about 3.5 to 4 miles, and the campground entrance road will be on the right. The final approach is down a rougher entrance road that leads to the public access point and the campsites. While most vehicles can make the trip in good weather, the gravel roads require careful driving, and higher clearance is always a bonus, especially after heavy rain. This location strikes a perfect balance: remote enough for solitude, yet still only a short, scenic drive (roughly 30 minutes) from the amenities and attractions of Grand Marais.

The core philosophy of a rustic campground is to provide minimal, essential infrastructure to protect the land while allowing public access. Clara Lake Rustic Campground is notable for being a non-fee site, meaning camping is free of charge, but this comes with a greater responsibility for self-sufficiency and resource protection.

• Three Designated Campsites: Only three small, defined campsites are available, ensuring a highly intimate and low-impact camping environment. Sites are first-come, first-served.
• Vault Toilet: A clean, well-maintained vault-style outhouse is centrally located to serve the three campsites and the public access area. This is the only restroom facility provided.
• Picnic Tables: Each of the three campsites is equipped with a sturdy wooden picnic table for food preparation and dining.
• Steel Fire Rings: A permanent metal fire ring is provided at each site for safe and contained campfires, subject to any prevailing forest fire restrictions.
• Public Access and Launch: The campground provides walking access to the public landing on Clara Lake, which includes a boat launch and a barrier-free fishing pier. This allows for easy water access for canoes, kayaks, and small motorized boats.

*Note on Self-Sufficiency: There is no drinking water available at the campground. All water must be packed in, or water drawn from Clara Lake must be treated (boiled, filtered, or chemically purified) before consumption. Additionally, there are no garbage cans; all trash, including food scraps and fish remains, must be packed out by the user.

Clara Lake Rustic Campground is highly valued by its visitors for specific attributes that separate it from more commercial options along the North Shore:

• Unparalleled Solitude: With only three campsites, the campground frequently allows visitors to have the entire area to themselves, especially outside of peak summer weekends, delivering a sense of privacy rarely found in developed campgrounds.
• Direct Lake Access and Fishing Pier: The proximity to the public landing and the availability of a fishing pier make Clara Lake a great spot for both anglers and paddlers. The lake is beautiful and offers excellent opportunities for a relaxing day on the water.
• Tent and Small Camper Friendly: The sites are generally small but well-conditioned, accommodating tents comfortably. At least one of the three sites has a longer parking spur suitable for a small camper or short RV (under 21 feet), though the setting is primarily primitive.
• Proximity to Tait River: The Tait River flows nearby and, in the right conditions, can be heard from the campsites. The proximity to this waterway adds to the rich Northwoods ambiance and provides another area for exploration.
• First-Come, First-Served Advantage: The lack of a reservation system means that local campers can take advantage of spontaneous weekend trips, provided they are willing to take a chance on site availability. This flexibility is a huge draw for local, casual adventurers.

Since Clara Lake Rustic Campground is a U.S. Forest Service site, all official inquiries regarding status, restrictions, and general information are handled by the local Ranger District.

Administrative Office (Tofte Ranger District):

Tofte Ranger District (Superior National Forest)
Address: 7355 West Hwy 61, Tofte, MN 55615 (This is the administrative address, not the campground location)

Phone for Administrative Inquiry (Tofte Ranger District):

Phone: (218) 663-0012

*Note: The campground itself is located on Clara Public Landing Rd, Lutsen, MN 55612. It is advised to call the Ranger District for current conditions, especially regarding road accessibility in the early spring or late fall, and to check for any fire restrictions.

Clara Lake Rustic Campground is perfectly suited for Minnesota locals who hold a deep appreciation for the state’s tradition of simple, honest outdoor life. It offers a free-of-charge, uncrowded alternative to the more heavily developed campgrounds along Lake Superior. For residents who already understand the etiquette of "pack-in, pack-out" camping and the necessity of filtering lake water, this location provides all the rewards of a remote wilderness site—solitude, pristine nature, and excellent lake access—without the need for long, gear-intensive portages. Its setting, close to but refreshingly removed from the tourist hubs of Lutsen and Grand Marais, allows locals to easily access the North Shore’s stunning scenery and trails while retreating to a private, quiet haven at the end of the day. The journey down the Caribou Trail to this secluded spot is part of the adventure, symbolizing a true break from the everyday. Choosing Clara Lake means choosing a true Northwoods experience, preserving a small piece of Minnesota’s wild heart for yourself and your fellow local campers.

Clara Lake Rustic Campground

Clara Public Landing Rd, Lutsen, MN 55612, USA