Big Island Lake

Big Island Lake is a 243-acre lake in Itasca County near Marcell, Minnesota, offering a public boat ramp for kayakers, canoeists, and motorboaters. The lake reaches a maximum depth of 42 feet and provides good fishing opportunities for bluegill, largemouth bass, northern pike, smallmouth bass, walleye, and yellow perch. This is a straightforward flatwater paddling destination suitable for various skill levels.

To reach the access site, travel north of Marcell on County Road 45 for approximately five miles east, then turn north on Forest Road 2181 for three miles. The nearby Clubhouse Lake Campground (located on Clubhouse Lake) offers reservable campsites at $16 per night for those looking to extend their visit, though note that cell service in the area is limited. For more information about the access site or current conditions, contact the Chippewa National Forest at 218-246-2123.

Overview
Clubhouse Lake Campground is located on its peaceful namesake in the beautiful Chippewa National Forest. Visitors enjoy the area for its fishing and canoeing opportunities in a scenic natural setting. Clubhouse Lake has limited cell phone service, giving it a remote feeling and offering a tranquil retreat from a connected world. The campground lies off 31 miles north of Grand Rapids, MN...

Overview
Clubhouse Lake Campground is located on its peaceful namesake in the beautiful Chippewa National Forest. Visitors enjoy the area for its fishing and canoeing opportunities in a scenic natural setting. Clubhouse Lake has limited cell phone service, giving it a remote feeling and offering a tranquil retreat from a connected world. The campground lies off 31 miles north of Grand Rapids, MN and just over 8 miles east of Marcell, MN off of MN State Highway 38 - the nation's first National Scenic Byway, known as "The Edge of the Wilderness." 
Recreation
Clubhouse Lake has excellent water quality and is about 90 feet deep, providing great fishing opportunities for northern pike, bass and panfish. Swimming, canoeing and kayaking are very popular activities on the lake. The Rice River Canoe Route starts its journey to the Big Fork River from waters that flow into Clubhouse Lake.A sandy swimming beach, an accessible fishing pier, and a day use area with horshoe pits are located within the campground at the water's edge.
Facilities
The campground offers 28 reservable sites and 19 first-come, first-served, single-unit campsites. Each site is equipped with a picnic table and campfire ring. Two vault toilets and two hand pumps for drinking water are provided. The campground is patrolled regularly by Forest Service personnel and Itasca County law enforcement officers.
Natural Features
A beautiful stand of 200-year-old red and white pine trees cover the campground on the western shore of Clubhouse Lake.

Nearby Attractions
The Edge of the Wilderness Discovery Center is located a half-mile north of Marcell. It is a must-see for anyone camping in the area. The brand new facility offers many excellent displays, a gift shop, and several weekly naturalist programs.

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