Skip to main content
FacilityCampgroundRecreation.gov

WHITEFACE RESERVOIR

Makinen, Minnesota · St. Louis County · Campground

Overview Whiteface Reservoir Campground offers an ideal getaway for anglers, boaters and families. The provided swim beach, playground and five picnic areas offer hours of entertainment, and the scenery provides a relaxing backdrop for the day's activities.Superior National Forest, located in northeastern Minnesota's a…

Advertisement
47.33278, -92.14389
Open in OpenStreetMap

About WHITEFACE RESERVOIR

Overview Whiteface Reservoir Campground offers an ideal getaway for anglers, boaters and families. The provided swim beach, playground and five picnic areas offer hours of entertainment, and the scenery provides a relaxing backdrop for the day's activities.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 A boat launch located at the campground provides access to the great walleye, panfish and northern fishery in the reservoir. The fish cleaning house next to the boat launch gives anglers the chance to clean their fish in time for lunch at the picnic area. Children will have a great time playing on the playground and on the small, sandy beach. There are also 2.5 miles of hiking trails within the facility.Facilities Whiteface Reservoir Campground provides sites for RV and tent camping, along with a few hike-in sites. The opposite shoreline is dotted with private residences. A few sites overlook the reservoir, and all sites offer shade and privacy. The campground also has some long-term sites that have a yearly fee associated with them. Campground hosts are available on-site to assist visitors.Natural Features Campsites are in a mixed forest including aspen, birch and maple. The reservoir provides 4,980 acres of calm, clean waters. Numerous species of birds and wildlife inhabit the area. Contact Info For facility specific information, please call (218) 453-8650. Nearby Attractions There is a store available on-site that provides firewood, bait, bug spray, snacks and other small items. 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 in

How to Get There

From Eveleth, Minnesota, take Highway 53 south for 7.8 miles, turn east on County Road 16 and travel 18.5 miles. Turn south on County Road 618 and travel 2.5 miles to Whiteface Reservoir.

Driving directions (Google Maps) →

What to Pack for Your Stay

Tuned to the live forecast for this park.

👔 What to Wear

  • 👕
    Moisture-wicking T-shirt
    Light color, breathable.
  • 🩳
    Lightweight shorts or pants
    Quick-dry preferred — sweat dries fast.
  • 🧢
    Brimmed sun hat
    Better than a cap for back-of-neck protection.
  • 🥾
    Trail runners
    Breathable mesh uppers.

🎒 What to Pack

  • 💧
    Water
    Bring at least 1L of water; more in heat.
  • 🍫
    High-energy snacks
    A snack for the trail.
  • 🧴
    Sun protection
    Sunscreen, sunglasses, brimmed 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 WHITEFACE RESERVOIR

Heading to WHITEFACE RESERVOIR? 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 WHITEFACE RESERVOIR?

No central reservation system listed for WHITEFACE RESERVOIR. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/232188) for the latest entry policy and availability.

How do I get to WHITEFACE RESERVOIR?

From Eveleth, Minnesota, take Highway 53 south for 7.8 miles, turn east on County Road 16 and travel 18.5 miles. Turn south on County Road 618 and travel 2.5 miles to Whiteface Reservoir.

How do I contact WHITEFACE RESERVOIR?

You can reach the park at phone: (218)229-8800.