McFarland Lake Campground

- Hovland, MN 55606

The Minnesota North Shore, a jewel of the Midwest, holds countless secluded spots for the truly dedicated outdoor enthusiast. McFarland Lake Campground, nestled deep within the Grand Portage State Forest near Hovland, stands out as a prime destination for those seeking a primitive, authentic wilderness experience. Often described by locals as a "no frills" campsite, its very lack of extensive amenities is its greatest appeal. It is not designed for the RVer seeking full hookups; rather, it is strategically positioned for the canoeist, the hiker, and the Minnesota resident who values seclusion and immediate access to the state's most revered wilderness areas. This small, rustic campground serves as a vital launching point for adventures into the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) and the rugged pathways of the Border Route Trail.

Located at the very end of the Arrowhead Trail, McFarland Lake Campground is a foundational piece of the local outdoor infrastructure, providing one of the final accessible staging areas before visitors commit to the solitude of the BWCA. It is a place where self-reliance is the standard and the sounds of loons replace the buzz of electricity. This article is your professional guide to understanding the unique character, accessibility, and critical location of McFarland Lake Campground from a local Minnesotan's perspective.

Introduction / Overview

McFarland Lake Campground is a rustic camping area managed by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) within the Grand Portage State Forest. It is a small, first-come, first-served site, typically offering a very limited number of designated campsites—often cited as only five—which contributes to its secluded and intimate atmosphere. The campground’s setting on McFarland Lake makes it an exceptionally valuable hub for multi-sport adventuring. Importantly, McFarland Lake is one of the few lakes in the immediate area that permits motorized boats, serving as a critical access point for three BWCA entry points: Pine Lake (#68), John Lake (#69), and North Fowl Lake (#70). Beyond canoeing, the campground is a key trailhead for the renowned Border Route Trail (BRT), a challenging long-distance hiking trail that follows the historic fur trade routes along the Minnesota-Canada border. Its primitive status means campers should expect only the most basic facilities, fostering a traditional Northwoods camping style. Local visitors consistently highlight its function not just as a campsite, but as a critical staging area for deeper wilderness excursions.

Location and Accessibility

McFarland Lake Campground is located near the community of Hovland, MN 55606, deep in Cook County, along the famed North Shore region of Lake Superior.

The campground’s remote location is reached by following the Arrowhead Trail (County Road 16) north from Highway 61, a route that eventually leads directly to the lake. This final stretch of road can be rugged, but it ensures a tranquil destination. Its position is strategically important as it sits on the Crocodile River system, which connects Pine Lake and Little John Lake. The physical address, Hovland, MN 55606, places it far up the North Shore, requiring a significant drive for most Minnesota residents, but this journey is rewarded with minimal crowds and unparalleled access to protected lands. All campsites here are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis, meaning early arrival is crucial, particularly during peak summer canoeing season, as the number of sites is very limited. The campground is also well-known locally as a major parking area for BWCA permit holders who need to launch into the border lakes.

Services Offered

McFarland Lake Campground is defined by its rustic and primitive offerings, which are meticulously maintained to support wilderness users. The focus is on providing necessary basic facilities without encroaching on the natural setting.

• Campsites: Approximately five designated, cleared areas, some offering open canopies and others more secluded settings. Each site is designed for tent camping and low-impact vehicle camping (e.g., small trailers or vans), though it should be noted that the facility is not geared toward large RVs.
• Vault Toilets: Simple, non-flush, pit latrines (often referred to locally as 'vault toilets' or 'outhouses') are available to ensure sanitary waste disposal.
• Fire Rings and Picnic Tables: Every designated campsite includes a steel fire ring for contained campfires and a picnic table for meal preparation and dining.
• Water Access: A crucial distinction of this rustic site is the lack of pressurized, potable drinking water. Campers must bring their own water supply or plan to filter/treat water drawn from McFarland Lake.
• Garbage Disposal: In line with other primitive areas, on-site garbage cans are typically not provided, reinforcing the 'Pack It Out' wilderness ethic.

Features / Highlights

The campground’s key features are centered on its unparalleled access to vast recreational opportunities, making it a highly desirable location for experienced Minnesotan adventurers.

• Premier BWCA Gateway: McFarland Lake is a primary launch site for groups accessing the eastern Boundary Waters. It provides easy paddle access to John Lake (via Little John Lake) and Pine Lake, making it an ideal staging point for multi-day canoe expeditions.
• Border Route Trail (BRT) Access: The campground area serves as a direct trailhead for the rugged Border Route Trail, one of Minnesota’s most challenging and scenic hiking paths, popular among local backpackers.
• Motorized Lake Access: Unlike the adjacent BWCA lakes, McFarland Lake permits motorized boats, allowing for quick, convenient transport of gear and canoes to the BWCA entry points before switching to paddle power. A public boat ramp is available.
• Warm Water Swimming and Fishing: McFarland Lake is relatively shallow, which means its waters warm up nicely in the summer months, offering pleasant swimming opportunities. Local knowledge notes the lake is suitable for fishing, commonly yielding Northern Pike.
• Authentic Primitive Camping: Its "no frills" nature appeals specifically to locals who prefer seclusion and quiet over packed, amenity-rich campgrounds. The sites are well-spaced, enhancing privacy.

Contact Information

McFarland Lake Campground is part of the Grand Portage State Forest, and as such, inquiries are handled through the local Minnesota DNR office that manages this region.

Physical Address (General Area): Arrowhead Trail, Hovland, MN 55606, USA

Phone (Grand Portage State Forest/Local DNR Office): (218) 387-3039

Mobile Phone: +1 218-387-3039 (This number is for the Grand Marais Ranger Station/Area Office, serving the region)

Reservations: McFarland Lake Campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis only. Reservations are not accepted for these specific rustic sites. All overnight BWCA trips launching from here require a quota permit reserved via Recreation.gov.

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

For Minnesota residents, McFarland Lake Campground is more than just a place to pitch a tent—it is a launchpad into the state's most cherished wilderness. Its suitability lies in its perfect functional role: it provides essential, reliable, drive-in access right at the edge of the true wilderness. This makes it ideal for local adventurers planning a serious, multi-day BWCA canoe trip or a rugged backpacking journey on the Border Route Trail. The fact that it is first-come, first-served and primitive ensures that it largely attracts a dedicated, self-sufficient crowd, mirroring the spirit of the Northwoods. Locals appreciate the trade-off: rugged facilities in exchange for immediate immersion into a stunning, secluded environment, minimizing the hassle of a deep-bush portage on the first day. This quiet, strategic location near Hovland truly embodies the adventurous spirit of Minnesota camping, offering a mandatory stepping stone for anyone ready to embrace the solitude of the border lakes.

McFarland Lake Campground

Hovland, MN 55606, USA