Lindsey L.
Scout
ScoutBlack Beach Campground
Great camp ground
Had a wonderful time at this camp ground. Bathrooms always clean, lots of space, friendly staff.
Camping near Tofte, MN
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Camping in the Tofte area of Minnesota encompasses a range of options from established campgrounds to dispersed sites along Lake Superior's North Shore. Superior National Forest provides several camping areas, including Sawbill Lake Campground located about 15 miles northwest of Tofte, which accommodates tents, RVs, and offers cabin rentals. The region includes state parks like Temperance River and Cascade River, providing developed sites with amenities such as showers, drinking water, and electric hookups, while more remote options like Last Creek Kayak Site offer primitive boat-in camping experiences.
Permits and reservations are required for most established campgrounds in the area, with many sites bookable up to six months in advance. The camping season generally runs from May through October, though some campgrounds like Temperance River State Park remain open year-round. Winter camping is available at select locations, including George H. Crosby Manitou State Park. Roads to campgrounds vary from paved highways to rough forest service roads, with some remote sites requiring high-clearance vehicles. Cell phone coverage is limited throughout the region, particularly in backcountry areas. A visitor commented, "Expect a 13 mile gravel road from Tofte. No dump, no water and no electric hookups. There are several clean bathrooms with hand sanitizer and drinking water stations."
Waterfront camping receives consistently high ratings from visitors, with Lake Superior shoreline sites and inland lake access being particularly sought after. Several campgrounds feature hiking trails connecting to the Superior Hiking Trail and Border Route Trail, providing opportunities for day hikes or backpacking trips. Wildlife sightings are common, with visitors reporting moose, fox, and hearing loons at night. Mixed-use campgrounds that accommodate both tent and RV camping are prevalent throughout the area. During peak summer months and fall color season, campgrounds fill quickly. One camper noted, "We fell asleep to the sound of loons every night. This is also black bear country, so it's important to be bear aware; make sure you store food and water properly and bring bear spray while out hiking."
Best Campgrounds near Tofte (177)
1. Temperance River State Park Campground
"Campground Review Temperance River State Park is just off of scenic Highway 61 north of Duluth, Minnesota about 60 miles."
"We LOVE this campground, as it's an awesome place to to call home base for a bit and take day trips around the North Shore."
from $24 - $34 / night
Check Availability2. Cascade River State Park Campground
"This is a great campground in a beautiful state park adjacent to lake Superior on the North Shore."
"Cascade River is one of my favorite Minnesota State Parks. Located between Grand Marais and Duluth in Lutsen, Mn. There is a set of 5 small waterfalls and then Cascade Falls that are spectacular."
from $22 - $50 / night
Check Availability3. Lamb's Resort
"Sites closer to Lake Superior are tight, some are VERY SHORT and tent sites only. Good electric power and water at the site we were at.
Two nice beaches and a river at the campground."
"We stayed at site 49, which was a short walk to the beach. Our boys, age 5 and 3, spent hours throwing rocks in the lake."
4. George H. Crosby Manitou State Park Campground
"This is one of the few state parks in Minnesota where you can winter camp! The trails are absolutely beautiful in the fall, the scenery changes often."
"We stayed a site 22 on the small lake in early June and loved it! There were other campers nearby for only 1 night, and we never much from them."
from $20 / night
Check Availability5. Baptism River Campground — Tettegouche State Park
"This is one of the most beautiful campgrounds in northern Minnesota along the glorious shores of Lake Superior. The campsites are surrounded by plenty of wilderness to allow some privacy. "
"You fill with water near the restroom in the campground next to the bath house across from the dumpsters. From our site you can here the river flowing it’s so peaceful."
from $25 - $35 / night
Check Availability6. Toohey Lake Rustic Campground
"I only stayed one night, but watching the sunset on the lake from my campsite was wonderful! It’s pretty easy to get too."
"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."
7. Ninemile Lake Campground
"The campground is located in the Superior National Forest along County Road 7 North of Finland, Minnesota. There are 20+ campsites available, with about half with direct lake access."
"The sites were all a good size and surrounded by trees. I could barely see any of our neighbors, they were far away and kept from view. Bathrooms are clean and management is really kind and helpful."
from $18 / night
Check Availability8. Grand Marais Campground & Marina
"Tucked up in the woods is a small tent area that is nice and quiet but a little far from the bathrooms so be prepared to walk."
"Most folks are here with RVs, but there are three separate sections for tent camping only: one right on the lakeshore, one right on the bike path, and one tucked into the woods up the hill to the south"
9. East Lake Agnes Campsites
"This place was so perfect for our last night on the trail. It's a sweet little rock peninsula jutting out into a clean, clear Lake Agnes."
"Steep but short hike in to the lake via superior hiking trail. Quiet campsite right on the lake, with great views."
10. Sawbill Lake Campground - Superior National Forest
"The biffy was clean and there were multiple clean water pumps located around the campground."
"Beautiful campsite, gorgeous location, and the canoe outfitters is within walking distance in case you want to shower, buy some food, supplies, or head into the BWCA!"
from $10 - $20 / night
Check Availability
Drive Time
- 1 hr 28 min from Duluth, MN
- 3 hrs 48 min from St. Cloud, MN
- 4 hrs 6 min from Eau Claire, WI
- 5 hrs 17 min from Wausau, WI
Recent Camping Photos near Tofte, MN
370 Photos of 177 Tofte Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Temperance River State Park Campground
Lamb's Resort
East Rollins Creek, Superior Hiking Trail
Crystal Creek Camp
Temperance River Campground (Superior NF)
Toohey Lake Rustic CampgroundM
Ninemile Lake Campground
East Lake Agnes Campsites
George H. Crosby Manitou State Park CampgroundE
Harriet Lake Rustic Campground
Clara Lake Rustic Campground
Hogback Lake Rustic Campground & Backcountry Sites
Recent Reviews near Tofte, MN
828 Reviews of 177 Tofte Campgrounds
Tyler H.
TravelerLake Superior Overlook at Northshore Park
A place to park, with a view
I stopped here for a night while exploring the North Shore. It has three different lots: one for bigger RVs at the bottom and two smaller lots up top. I stayed in the top lot, and it is not very level. There was quite a bit of noise from the mining plant across the street. The best part about this spot, besides it being free, is the lake view down the short path. It is definitely worth catching the sunrise there.
- Tyler H.Traveler
Crescent Lake Campground
Awesome little campground!
I only spent one night here but will more than likely return on my next trip to NE MN. It's an amazing little campground with great lakefront sites.
- DDaniel R.
GuideBirch Lake Campground & Backcountry Sites
Great for families and friends
We stayed Labor Day weekend 2026. The camp sites are huge. Site 29 has room for 3 hammock set ups. I did a tent with plenty of room to set up perfectly with a 2 person tent. Access to the water was tricky straight from the site but doable. Spent 4 hours on the water kayaking. The views are incredible.
Ryan C.
RangerCascade River Rustic Campground
Quiet, simple, popular
I’ve been coming to this campsite for a decade and it’s never empty. Until today. That was so strange for a Friday in the summer.
Four sites, small ones. A car and a tent are about all you’ll get in there but the space cannot be beat.
Josiah S.TravelerEast Lake Agnes Campsites
Amazing location!!
We hiked in around 2pm on a Saturday and got this spot for the night, it was so beautiful! A few hikers came by but otherwise very quiet and secluded! I would come back here anytime! About a mile hike from the caribou trailhead parking.
- Ryan C.Ranger
Ball Club Lake
Quiet, remote, cozy
Once I have a bigger battery this is a site for me. You can get three tent or cars in here easily. Single Stauber for your business — but it was missing its lid when I last checked.
- KKen B.Traveler
Buffalo Bay Campground
Buffalo bay
This campground is located behind a casino but the views of Lake Superior are great from many of the sites. The modern bathrooms/showers are inside a side entrance in the casino. The sites are pretty tight and the utilities on some sites are shared meaning they may not be on the correct side for your camper. It is close to Bayfield. Call to make reservations.
- Ryan C.Ranger
Two Island Lake Campground
Hands down, best campsite in Cook County
I've been here many times. Sometimes as little as 72 hours, usually two weeks.
When I was first shopping for a campground in 2016 for my return to the region after a 15-year absence I struggled to find a good campsite in the listings online and, eventually, found my way here.
And I lucked out on the very first night that the campsite I picked was open - vacated just the day before, and it is truly the best site in the entire group.
There's a rock dock when the water is low for your canoe, there's a pathway to the lake from the site and the latrine is 20 feet away.
I come here in the fall for my trips up north so I can't speak for the summer or spring activity here but I love it.
In the past it was a free over-winter campground and they installed gates during COVID to, presumably, keep regular, committed, and rule-abiding riff-raff like yours truly out. That really struck a nerve that had made me feel unwelcome in the area for that time of year but it feels like this is the new normal for the USFS and Minnesota DNR - you cannot have free or nice things anymore.
Will I go back? hell ya. This campsite rocks. Good open canopy, beautiful east-west lake, Aurora reflects incredibly off the water... it's truly a slice of eden in the heaven that is Grand Marais and Cook County.
Guide to Tofte
Camping sites near Tofte, Minnesota range from established sites to primitive locations across Superior National Forest's 3.9 million acres. The area experiences significant seasonal temperature variations, with winter lows often dropping below zero and summer highs reaching the 70s. Woodland campsites typically sit on rocky, glaciated terrain between 1,600-2,300 feet elevation, with most campgrounds accessible from May through October.
What to do
Paddle the lakes: Sawbill Lake Campground serves as an entry point to Boundary Waters Canoe Area. "Perfect little campground (and outfitters) right in the lake. Great for those who still want a few amenities... Canoe rentals too. Campground is right in sawbill lake. Lord of portages nearby," notes Tracy O.
Explore waterfalls: Cascade River State Park Campground offers waterfall hikes. "The park itself are beautiful and lead you right down to the shore of Lake Superior. The Superior Hiking Trail travels through this park. Lookout Mountain is my favorite hike on the North Shore by far!" reports Andrea S.
Winter camp: For cold-weather enthusiasts, George Crosby Manitou State Park remains open year-round. "This is one of the few state parks in Minnesota where you can winter camp! The trails are absolutely beautiful in the fall, the scenery changes often. It seems that there are different types of forest that you hike through to get to different camp sites," says Hayley G.
Rock climbing: Access rock climbing areas from Baptism River Campground. "Great access to trails from campground," writes Terri L., while another camper noted they "went up top to scenic overlook where lots of rock climbers were climbing!"
What campers like
Lakeside tent sites: Lamb's Resort features waterfront camping. "We had a wonderful time at Lamb's Resort... The owners were available for questions and our site was perfect! We stayed at site 49, which was a short walk to the beach. Our boys, age 5 and 3, spent hours throwing rocks in the lake," shares Sara P.
Secluded spots: Toohey Lake Rustic Campground offers quiet camping. "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," explains Mel G.
Free camping options: Finland State Forest Eckbeck Campground provides budget-friendly sites. "Excellent litle primitive campground. First come, no reservations, cash or cheque for payment only. Every spot for camping had a very sound fire ring and flat area for tents," says Arctic D.
Hiking trail access: Several campers praise the trail connections. "Most of the sites are pretty wooded, you won't get a lot of sunlight," explains Ryan G. about George Crosby Manitou State Park, adding "There was mention of a bear pole for hanging food but we didn't see anything of the sort. There was plenty of deadfall in the area for firewood."
What you should know
Campsite reservations: Grand Marais Campground & Marina fills quickly. "RV sites are hard to get! Get a jump on a rez in January. Clarify if it has sewer- ours didn't," advises PJ F.
Bathroom facilities: Facilities vary widely between campgrounds. At Baptism River Campground, "Dated shower house, but very clean!" reports Jamie M. Meanwhile, at Ninemile Lake, "The bathroom facilities were all redone in 2017 and are great!"
Road conditions: Expect gravel roads to remote sites. "Good dirt roads going on, only a couple pot holes. Has good lake access for boats/pups, and nice shading in the trees," shares Truly W. about Ninemile Lake Campground.
Bear awareness: Several campgrounds require food storage precautions. "There was not a bear locker and I had to hang my bag," notes Sara A. about George Crosby Manitou State Park.
Tips for camping with families
Beach access: Ninemile Lake Campground offers kid-friendly swimming. "Huge site with many trees for our hammocks. The mosquitoes were ravenous but we had a screen tent. The toilets were really clean. It was a delight to have a beach right at our site," says Kay K.
Playground options: Some campgrounds provide play areas. "The playground had enough equipment to keep our children busy with plenty to do while we prepared meals," notes Sheri F. about Lamb's Resort.
Easy hikes: Look for trails suitable for young hikers. "Good for younger kids - well-maintained trails and fun facts about the foam created in the river and the rock formations evident in the park!" recommends Maria P. about Cascade River State Park.
Wildlife viewing: Kids often enjoy animal sightings. "We saw moose tracks," reports Hayley G. about winter camping at Sawbill Lake Campground.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: At Temperance River State Park Campground, location matters. "I camped in the Lower Campground #45. Small campground must serve as overflow for the Upper Campground. Pit toilets. However, the shower house and modern facilities are just a short jaunt over in the Upper CG," advises Charyle C.
Electrical hookups: Some sites offer limited services. "Site #20e was perfect for our 5th wheel camper, and had easy access to both the high falls and two step falls," reports Jamie M. about Baptism River Campground.
Dump stations: Plan for waste disposal. "You fill with water near the restroom in the campground next to the bath house across from the dumpsters. The only downfall is no dump station yet there is a dump station up the road in Silver Bay for a donation," explains B M.
Leveling challenges: Some sites require equipment for leveling. "It was not level so it was a bit tricky leveling the RV, but that was the only down side," notes Micky M. about Toohey Lake.
Frequently Asked Questions
What services does the Tofte Ranger District offer for campers?
What services does the Tofte Ranger District offer for campers?
The Tofte Ranger District, which manages camping areas in Superior National Forest, provides several essential services for campers. They issue wilderness permits for the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, accessible from campgrounds like East Bearskin Lake Campground, which features camper cabins ideal for wilderness exploration. The district maintains hiking trails, including access to the Border Route Trail which follows the international border with Canada. Rangers provide updated information on trail conditions, fire restrictions, and wildlife activity. The district office can assist with campsite reservations for developed campgrounds, offer maps of dispersed camping areas, and provide educational materials about local ecology, safety, and Leave No Trace principles.
What are the best seasons for camping in Tofte, Minnesota?
What are the best seasons for camping in Tofte, Minnesota?
Late summer through early fall offers ideal camping conditions near Tofte. September-October provides spectacular fall colors with fewer insects, as noted at Superior National Forest Fall Lake Campground where campers enjoy peak foliage with minimal bugs. Baptism River Campground at Tettegouche State Park is particularly beautiful during this season. While summer brings warmer temperatures ideal for swimming in Lake Superior, June and July campers should prepare for intense mosquitoes, especially at places like Crescent Lake Campground. Spring camping (May) can offer solitude but may include muddy trails at some locations like Hogback Lake. Winter camping is possible for experienced adventurers, with some sites remaining accessible for cold-weather exploration of the frozen wilderness landscape.
Where can I find campgrounds near Tofte, Minnesota?
Where can I find campgrounds near Tofte, Minnesota?
Tofte offers excellent camping options along Minnesota's North Shore. Temperance River Campground (Superior NF) provides beautiful sites above the river with connecting trails, and is just a short drive from Tofte. For those seeking a lakeside experience, Sawbill Lake Campground offers drive-in and walk-in sites with amenities including toilets and water access. Other nearby options include Cascade River State Park Campground with hiking trails along waterfalls and Lake Superior access, and Crescent Lake Campground, which accommodates larger RVs up to 50 feet. The area also features numerous backcountry campsites for those seeking more remote experiences, particularly along the Border Route Trail and in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness.
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