Superior National Forest Sawmill Lake Dispersed Area

Sawmill Lake sits deep in Superior National Forest backcountry, accessed by a network of rough two-track roads that’ll test your suspension. The dispersed sites ring the lake’s north shore — no facilities, just fire rings left by previous campers and decent tent spots on pine needle duff. Expect 8-12 informal sites with room for maybe 20 rigs total during busy weekends, though most weekdays you’ll have it to yourself. Fire restrictions kick in during dry spells.

The final 3 miles are washboard gravel with some rocky sections — high-clearance recommended but not mandatory. Best accessed via Forest Road 166 north of Isabella. No cell service and the nearest supplies are 45 minutes out, so come prepared. Lake freezes by November, making this an April through October proposition.

Remote lakeside dispersed camping in Superior backcountry.