Devilfish Lake Campground: The Ultimate Secluded North Shore Retreat in Minnesota

For Minnesotans who believe the best camping is the kind you have to truly earn, the Devilfish Lake Campground presents an ideal destination. Tucked deep within the magnificent Grand Portage State Forest on the state’s far North Shore, this rustic gem offers a level of solitude and natural immersion that is increasingly difficult to find. Forget crowded sites and noisy neighbors; Devilfish Lake is where you go to reconnect with the quiet beauty of the Minnesota wilderness.

Managed by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR), this is a genuine primitive campground experience, designed to provide only the basic necessities and encourage a low-impact visit. It is a place where the stars shine brighter, the air smells cleaner, and the pace of life slows to the rhythm of the lake. Visitors often remark on the sheer beauty and seclusion, describing it as "nice and secluded" and "very beautiful lake," which is high praise for any North Shore retreat.

This destination is perfectly suited for experienced campers, anglers, and nature photographers who prioritize privacy and quiet enjoyment over modern amenities. With a mere handful of sites, the campground limits its environmental footprint and guarantees a deeply personal connection with the surrounding forest and the pristine 404-acre lake. If capturing the Milky Way or landing a challenging smallmouth bass is on your Minnesota bucket list, then the drive to Devilfish Lake will be worth every mile.

It is important to note that the Devilfish Lake Campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis and does not accept reservations. This is part of what maintains its secluded charm, but it means dedicated campers should plan their arrival strategically, especially during peak summer weekends. Prepare to be self-sufficient, pack out all of your waste, and embrace the authentic rustic environment.

Location and Accessibility

Devilfish Lake Campground is located in the ruggedly beautiful Cook County, Minnesota, near the unincorporated community of Hovland. It is set within the vast expanse of the Grand Portage State Forest, a region known for its dense woods, pristine lakes, and proximity to the Canadian border.

Address:

Access Camp, 951 Esther Lake Rd, Hovland, MN 55606, USA

The approach to the campground reinforces its secluded nature. To reach the lake, travelers must follow the Arrowhead Trail (County Road 16) north from Hovland off of Highway 61 for approximately 11.5 miles. A left turn onto Esther Lake Road, followed by a drive of about 5-7 miles on a dirt and gravel road, leads to the campground access. As one customer mentioned, "The drive in the dirt road was fun and again the scenery was nice." However, this means visitors should ensure their vehicle is suitable for traveling on potentially rough, unpaved forest roads. The journey itself is a scenic introduction to the deep North Woods.

The campground sits directly on Devilfish Lake, which is a 404-acre body of water with a maximum depth of 40 feet and nearly eight miles of shoreline, providing ample space for water activities and fishing.

Services Offered

Devilfish Lake is categorized as a "rustic" or "primitive" campground, offering a minimalist setup that focuses on providing a secure place to camp while protecting the natural environment. Campers should expect to bring everything they need for a self-contained wilderness trip.

Total Number of Sites: Only five secluded, primitive campsites are available, ensuring minimal crowding.
Campsite Furnishings: Each cleared campsite area includes a picnic table and a dedicated fire ring for cooking and campfires.
Toilet Facilities: Vault toilets (outhouses) are available for proper disposal of human waste.
Water Access: Non-motorized boat access and a concrete boat ramp are provided for lake entry, along with a small landing.
Campfire Allowance: Campfires are permitted within the designated fire rings, but campers must adhere to all current DNR fire restrictions and burn only approved firewood.
Pet Policy: Pets are permitted in the campsites, provided they are kept on a leash and all pet waste is managed responsibly.

Please note: The campground does not offer potable (drinking) water, showers, sewage hookups, or electrical hookups. All sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis and are paid for on-site.

Features / Highlights

The compelling features of Devilfish Lake Campground center on its isolation, natural setting, and the quality of the outdoor experiences it provides.

Unrivaled Stargazing: The deep, remote location away from major light pollution provides exceptionally dark skies, making it a prime spot for amateur astronomers and night sky photographers. A customer review highlighted this, noting, "Being able to see and photograph the Milkyway was a real special experience."
Secluded Campsites: With only five sites, each one is designed to be small and heavily wooded, offering significant privacy. Campers consistently praise the "small secluded campsites" that make the experience feel truly remote.
Excellent Fishing Opportunities: The 404-acre Devilfish Lake is actively managed for Walleye, and it is known for its abundant Smallmouth Bass population. While one customer reported catching only small bass, they affirmed the lake’s quality: "a large lake for fishing were right on the money!" Anglers are encouraged to keep their limit of smallmouth bass to help manage the population. Brook Trout and Lake Trout are also present.
Boat Launch Access: The site includes a landing for boats and a concrete ramp, making it easy to launch watercraft for fishing, kayaking, canoeing, and swimming in the clear, refreshing lake waters.
Proximity to Wilderness: The Grand Portage State Forest provides access to miles of hiking, including nearby trails that connect to the broader North Shore trail system, offering exploration of forests, cliffs, and waterfalls.

Contact Information

For the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding fees, current conditions, and rules, it is best to contact the DNR directly, as the campground itself is unstaffed. This campground is often managed through the local Minnesota State Park offices.

Address:

Access Camp, 951 Esther Lake Rd, Hovland, MN 55606, USA (In Grand Portage State Forest)

Phone (Minnesota DNR State Forest):

(218) 387-3039 (General Inquiry Line)

Mobile Phone:

+1 218-387-3039

Conclusion: Why Devilfish Lake is Suitable for Minnesota Locals

Devilfish Lake Campground is a destination perfectly tailored for the adventurous, self-reliant Minnesotan. It serves as a necessary antidote to the heavily trafficked tourist spots along the North Shore, offering a precious commodity: authentic, uninterrupted wilderness. This location is not for those seeking glamping or full-service RV resorts; it is for those who seek the rewarding challenge of primitive camping and the deep peace that comes with it.

For local anglers, the lake's reputation for walleye, smallmouth bass, and trout provides a serious draw, with the low number of campsites ensuring a quieter day on the water. For photographers and nature lovers, the dark skies are a spectacular natural feature that rivals some of the region's best viewing spots. Most importantly, the first-come, first-served, five-site limitation means that any Minnesotan who makes the trek out to this location is guaranteed a truly secluded, personal experience in the Cook County wilderness. It is an opportunity to slow down, build a campfire under the Milky Way, and remember why we love the North Woods.