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Map showing campground location near Tofte, Minnesota
Camper submitted image from Toohey Lake Rustic CampgroundView 25 Photos
CampingMap showing campground location near Tofte, Minnesota

Toohey Lake Rustic Campground

7 ReviewsAdd Review

Forest Service road 336 winds through dense woods before reaching this seven-site campground on the shores of Toohey Lake. The free camping draws steady traffic during peak season, with campers often circling through looking for available spots. Micky M. notes "it was a constant stream of people driving by looking for a spot" during her September visit.

Site 1 sits directly on the lakeshore with unobstructed water views, while the remaining sites spread through the forested area. Most sites provide lake access, though the shallow water makes kayaking the primary water activity. A single vault toilet serves the campground near the boat launch, and each site includes a fire ring and picnic table. The 21-foot RV length limit keeps larger rigs away, though leveling can prove challenging on the uneven terrain.

Campers pack out all trash from this rustic location within Superior National Forest. Early summer brings heavy mosquito activity and nesting turtles near the restroom area. The nearby Fourmile Lk Rustic Campground & Backcountry Sites offers additional free camping less than a mile away. Competition for sites runs high during weekends and throughout the fall season, when hunters establish longer-term camps in the area.

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Map & DirectionsToohey Lake Rustic Campground is located in Minnesota near Tofte

Detail location of campground
Public Campground

Directions

From MN 61 in Tofte: Take Co 2 (Sawbill Trail) 15 miles north to FR 170 (The Grade). Turn left on FR 170 and drive 5 miles to Toohey Lake. Toohey Lake Rustic Campground is directly off FR 170 on the right.

Coordinates

47.71286861 N
90.953213 W

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Connectivity

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  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    Verizon
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&TLTE
    Some Coverage

Connectivity

Presented byT-MobileT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    Verizon
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&TLTE
    Some Coverage

Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)

Features

For Campers

  • ADA Access
  • Picnic Table
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

For Vehicles

  • Big Rig Friendly

FREE established camping

Enjoy camping on government land. Limited or no services at this camping area.

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Reviews7 Camper Reviews - Toohey Lake Rustic Campground

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4.5

out of 5

7 Reviews

Campers regularly cited this free rustic campground's peaceful forest setting and nice-sized lakefront sites. Some feedback indicated competition for spots and limited privacy between sites, but visitors repeatedly highlighted the natural beauty and quiet atmosphere.

Reviewed Sep. 8, 2022

Great campsite right on lake

We loved our time at Toohey Lake. Site 7 has direct access to the lake and a wooded area that feels private like your own outdoor living room! Next time we for sure will be bringing a kayak. Only thing to note is that there was a group of hunters while we were there who seemed like they have been there.. for a while. Not the campgrounds fault though!

Site7
Month of VisitSeptember
  • Review photo of Toohey Lake Rustic Campground by Megan C., September 8, 2022
  • Review photo of Toohey Lake Rustic Campground by Megan C., September 8, 2022
  • Review photo of Toohey Lake Rustic Campground by Megan C., September 8, 2022
Reviewed Aug. 16, 2021

Beautiful

The most peaceful and quiet camping experience.

Month of VisitAugust
  • Review photo of Toohey Lake Rustic Campground by Ty C., August 16, 2021
  • Review photo of Toohey Lake Rustic Campground by Ty C., August 16, 2021
Reviewed Oct. 27, 2020

Beautiful Lake

We stayed here in mid Sept. 2020. We had taken a spot at Four-Mile Lake but it was not near the lake, so the next day we walked the mile to Toohey, which had been full the day before. Some picnickers were in the site I wanted, but planning to leave soon. I stayed and kept the site occupied while my husband drove back and got our Rialta euro-camper. The bonus was our site at Four-Mile was quite large so we were able to let some folks who had a big family gathering take over our larger site!

Because of the covid virus camping popularity, there was a lot of competition for these free forest service sites. The NFS had also closed about half of their campgrounds. It was a constant stream of people driving by looking for a spot.

I loved our site. It was right on a nice stretch of lake shore, with a fire pit that had a great lake view. It was not level so it was a bit tricky leveling the RV, but that was the only down side. It's the first site you come to, off by itself away from the other 6 sites. Sure the trucks and campers were driving by in front of the site, but that didn't bother me.

The day we left, there was still a parade of campground seekers. A nice couple asked us if we were leaving that day and we told them to hang around for an hour or so, and they pulled right in when we left.

Site#1
Month of VisitSeptember
  • Review photo of Toohey Lake Rustic Campground by Micky M., October 27, 2020
  • Review photo of Toohey Lake Rustic Campground by Micky M., October 27, 2020
  • Review photo of Toohey Lake Rustic Campground by Micky M., October 27, 2020
  • (4) View All
Reviewed Sep. 13, 2020

Off the beaten path

This rustic campground is deep in the Superior National Forest. It is free, quiet, and for those looking to get away from crowds.

  • Review photo of Toohey Lake Rustic Campground by Will H., September 13, 2020
  • Review photo of Toohey Lake Rustic Campground by Will H., September 13, 2020
Reviewed Aug. 7, 2020

Exploring the North

Cute rustic campground on Lake Toohey, near many more lakes and campgrounds in the Superior National Forest. Nice sized sites, about half have lake access, nearly all of them have direct views of the other sites in the campground- that’s a bummer in my book. There’s a single pit toilet near the entrance and dock, every site has a fire ring and picnic table. There’s no garbage pickup so pack out what you pack in! Also there was quite a lot of traffic while we were in the area for a couple weeks, but who could we blame for driving out to the forest like us? We just expected more quiet for how far in the middle of nowhere this place is. Definitely will be spending more time in the area, it’s beautiful up here.

  • Review photo of Toohey Lake Rustic Campground by Katie L., August 7, 2020
  • Review photo of Toohey Lake Rustic Campground by Katie L., August 7, 2020
  • Review photo of Toohey Lake Rustic Campground by Katie L., August 7, 2020
Reviewed Jun. 22, 2020

Quiet little oasis

This rustic campground within the Superior National Forest is one of the many great options available in the area. There are 7 sites available, vault toilet and a boat launch. All the sites have a pull in area a tent pad spot an picnic table. I only stayed one night, but watching the sunset on the lake from my campsite was wonderful! It’s pretty easy to get too. I use Avenza Maps to keep track of my location in the North woods for piece of mind. It’s quiet campsites let you get lost inalienable the natural beauty around you.

Be careful in early summer, there were 4-5 turtles laying their eggs near the bathrooms. The mosquitos were crazy too. But, that’s Minnesota.

  • Review photo of Toohey Lake Rustic Campground by Mel G., June 22, 2020
  • Review photo of Toohey Lake Rustic Campground by Mel G., June 22, 2020
  • Review photo of Toohey Lake Rustic Campground by Mel G., June 22, 2020
  • (4) View All
Showing results 1-7 of 7 reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

What amenities are available at Toohey Lake Rustic Campground?

Toohey Lake Rustic Campground offers basic amenities consistent with its rustic designation. The campground features 7 sites, each equipped with a pull-in area, tent pad, and picnic table. There is a single vault toilet located near the entrance to serve all campers. The campground provides a boat launch for water access, with some sites offering direct lake access. The setting within Superior National Forest offers peaceful surroundings and beautiful sunset views over the lake. As a rustic facility, visitors should expect minimal amenities and come prepared with all necessary supplies.

How do I access Toohey Lake Campground and is there boat access to the lake?

Toohey Lake Rustic Campground is located deep within Superior National Forest, about a mile from Four-Mile Lake Campground. The campground can be accessed by vehicle, though specific road conditions may vary seasonally. For water enthusiasts, the campground provides a boat launch for accessing the lake. While the lake is described as relatively shallow, it is suitable for kayaking. About half the sites offer direct lake access, with Site 7 specifically noted for its direct water access and private wooded area.

What are the camping fees and reservation requirements for Toohey Lake Rustic Campground?

Toohey Lake Rustic Campground is free to use, making it an excellent option for budget-conscious campers exploring the Superior National Forest. The campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis with no reservation system in place. Given its small size (only 7 sites) and popularity, arriving early is recommended, especially during peak seasons and weekends. The free, non-reservable nature of this campground makes it ideal for flexible travel plans, though visitors should have backup options ready during busy periods.

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