About PFEIFFER LAKE
Overview Pfeiffer Lake Campground, located adjacent to it's namesake lake, is a small, peaceful and scenic facility in the Superior National Forest of Minnesota. The lake's healthy population of fish make it a favorite spot for anglers, and the swim beach, playground and picnic area provide fun for the whole family. Superior National Forest, located in northeastern Minnesota's arrowhead region, is comprised of 3 million acres. The forest spans 150 miles along the United States-Canada border. Visitors can find recreation opportunities year-round, including travel in the famous Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness.Recreation Pfeiffer Lake has many activities, fishing being one of the most popular. Panfish, bass, perch and walleye can be caught from the fishing dock or offshore, accessible via the facility's boat ramp. Canoeing and kayaking are also a favorite pastime. The picnic area is next to a grassy swimming beach and 3-mile hiking trail. Facilities The campground has 16 total campsites 8 reservable and 8 first-come, first-served campsites, some of which can accommodate RVs. The campground provides fire rings, tables, drinking water, vault toilets and a centrally located playground that offers children a great place to run off the day's energy.A campground host is on site to answer questions. Natural Features The campground sits in a forest of mixed hardwoods and pine and new pine and cedar have been planted.The lake is 57 acres and has an irregular shoreline great for exploring by canoe or kayak. The lake area is also a nesting place for loons and a habitat for other birds and wildlife. Nearby Attractions Numerous outdoor recreation opportunities lie within Superior National Forest's 77 lake accesses, 13 fishing piers, 10 swimming beaches and 22 picnic areas. The forest is also home to three scenic byways.Additional sites of interest
How to Get There
From Virginia, Minnesota, take Highway 53 north for 21 miles to County Road 22. Turn onto County Road 22 and travel east for 10 miles. Turn south on Forest Road 256 and travel 1.2 miles to Pfeiffer Lake Campground.
Driving directions (Google Maps) →What to Pack for Your Stay
Tuned to the live forecast for this park.
👔 What to Wear
- 👕
UPF sun shirt (long sleeve)
Cooler than direct sun on bare skin.
- 🩳
Light shorts/skirt
Loose-fit, breathable.
- 🧢
Wide-brimmed sun hat
Plus a buff/bandana you can wet for cooling.
- 🕶
Polarized sunglasses
Critical for glare from sun + sand/water.
🎒 What to Pack
- 💧
Water
Bring at least 1L of water; more in heat.
- 🍫
High-energy snacks
A snack for the trail.
- 🧴
Sun protection (UV 7)
SPF 50+ sunscreen, lip balm w/ SPF, sunglasses, sun hat.
- 🩹
First-aid kit
Blister patches, ibuprofen, tape, antiseptic wipes.
- 🗺
Offline map
Download your route in advance via Gaia, Caltopo, or OSM-based apps.
Recommendations adapt to the current forecast + trail stats. Use them as a starting point — local conditions, your experience, and the time of day you start all matter.
Plan Your Visit to PFEIFFER LAKE
Heading to PFEIFFER LAKE? A few things to know before you go:
- Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
- Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
- Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
- Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
- Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation for PFEIFFER LAKE?
No central reservation system listed for PFEIFFER LAKE. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/232134) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to PFEIFFER LAKE?
From Virginia, Minnesota, take Highway 53 north for 21 miles to County Road 22. Turn onto County Road 22 and travel east for 10 miles. Turn south on Forest Road 256 and travel 1.2 miles to Pfeiffer Lake Campground.
References & Official Resources
