Big Rice Lake

Big Rice Lake is a large, shallow lake- 1870 acres, maximum depth 5 feet. For 2000 years and continuing today, wild rice has been harvested from the lake. The area offers a drive-in rustic campground with 3 campsites, duck hunting, a boat launch for small boats and some fishing.

Boat launch suitable only for small fishing boats or canoes.

General Information

Dispersed Camping

Near the boat launch there is a small rustic campground with 3 campsites. Sites are suitable for small RVs and tents. The campground has 1 vault outhouse.

Please use facilities provided such as fire rings, tent pads, and latrines and pack out garbage.

Quiet hours are 10:00 p.m. until 6:00 a.m.

When visiting, please remember

Maximum of nine people per site.
There is space for one vehicle and one towed vehicle (such as a boat trailer).
Additional vehicles on the site must park on the spur.
No vehicles may park on the grass or where they impede traffic.

No Fees are required for this site.

Dogs are allowed at campsites and developed recreation areas; however, they should not be allowed to run loose in recreation areas where they will disturb other forest visitors. Be mindful of the impact a barking dog can have on other forest visitors.

Keep dogs on a six-foot, or shorter, leash when they are not inside an enclosed vehicle or tent.
Store dog food in bear-resistant containers and feed your pet away from the campsite.
Pick up and bag your dog’s waste. Place it in a provided trash receptacle or pack it out.
Do not leave your dog unattended at any time.
Do not leave your dog in the vehicle on a hot day.
Keep your dog in your tent or vehicle at night.
Ensure that there is ample water available for your pet.

Address: 318 Forestry Road Aurora, MN 55705
Phone: (218) 453-8650
Hours: April 28 – September 30, Monday - Friday, 8:00 am - 4:30 pm, closed weekends, providing full services. (Closed on federal holidays)
Office Email: SM.FS.Superior_NF@usda.gov

Getting There

Latitude / Longitude

Latitude: 47.70352918

Longitude: -92.49837381

Directions

Big Rice Lake is located 14 miles north of Virginia, MN.

From Virginia, take Highway 53 north for 8 miles to County Road 131.
Turn right on County Road 131 for 1 mile.
Turn left on County Road 68 for 0.3 mile.
Go straight on Pelton Road County 405 (County 405 becomes UT8116) for 2 miles.
Turn right on F.R. 256. This is a one-lane gravel road. Continue on for 6 miles.
Turn right on F.R. 247. One mile to Big Rice Lake.