Glamping near Tofte, Minnesota offers outdoor accommodations in the Superior National Forest region where elevations range from 600-1400 feet above sea level. The area experiences significant seasonal temperature variations with summer highs averaging 75°F and winter lows reaching -30°F. Most glamping sites operate seasonally from late spring through fall due to harsh North Shore winters.
What to do
Hiking on Superior Hiking Trail: Access trailheads directly from East Lake Agnes Campsites, where visitors enjoy pristine lake views. "Steep but short hike in to the lake via superior hiking trail. Quiet campsite right on the lake, with great views. Sites are in the middle of a spruce forest and are quite rooted, so make sure you have a good pad," notes Soren A.
ATV adventures: Wildhurst Lodge and Campground connects directly to regional ATV trails. "There is more open camping near the office, but if you follow the road back past the office/bar there are about 10 more private, individual spots. The only downside is that the grounds seem to be primarily used for ATV folks, as there is a trail connected at the back of the grounds," explains Lindsey H.
Lake exploration: Bring watercraft to fully experience the area lakes. "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. Two things I wished I'd done differently at this campsite. One, stayed longer. Two, brought my kayak," shares Steph H. from East Lake Agnes Campsites.
What campers like
Beach activities: Lamb's Resort offers Lake Superior shoreline for family enjoyment. "We had a wonderful time at Lamb's Resort on our way back from Thunder Bay! 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," reports Sara P.
Private camping spots: Many glamping locations prioritize seclusion between sites. "Wildhurst campgrpund has an awesome price point for the privacy of their campsites and the amenities they offer. The owners are friendly enough and really won't bother you unless you do something wrong," explains Baylyn W.
Rustic lake access: Devil Track Lake Campground provides direct water views. "Many sites have private lake access. You can't see other sites from your own. Bathrooms are between sites, so you'll want to take a flashlight and your phone just in case," advises Maria P.
What you should know
Reservation challenges: Securing glamping accommodations requires planning. "Lamb's Resort books up extremely fast and it's easy to see why! Book as early as possible with this one!" recommends Andrea S. For last-minute trips, try less popular locations further from main attractions.
Campsite location variations: Grand Marais Campground & Marina offers diverse site options. "We were tent camping and although most of the campground is geared towards RVs, they do have sites for tents only. We chose to stay in a tent site in the RV area since it was close to Lake Superior. There was also a nice secluded tent only area on a wooded hill which would be a good choice if you prefer less hustle bustle," notes Raak V.
Amenity differences: Facilities vary widely from primitive to semi-developed. "There is potable water, showers, and an outhouse. Ice, firewood, and limited camping supplies are available for purchase at the bar," explains Evan G. about Wildhurst Campgrounds.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Some glamping facilities include child-friendly features. "The playground had enough equipment to keep our children busy with plenty to do while we prepared meals," shares Sheri F. about her experience at Lamb's Resort.
Beach safety: Harriet Lake Rustic Campground offers family-friendly shorelines. "My sister and I spent two nights tent camping here at a site right on the water. Plenty of options depending on the size of your party and rigs. Plenty of room for dogs and kiddos to run around," advises Kelly E.
Multiple day itineraries: Plan activities across different locations. "Activities: walked along the rocky shore to the mouth of the Cross River stargazing at night while laying on the beach Schroeder Baking Company just outside the entrance for rolls or pizza when the weather was not good for cooking. Rented a canoe from Sawtooth Outfitters and took up to Fourmile lake for fishing," recommends Sara P.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Devil Track Lake Campground offers rustic sites for smaller RVs. "Nice campground that is out of the way from the other busier campgrounds. Very rustic but had some water spigots to get water from which was nice. Facilities were clean. Fairly private campsites so you are not bugged by your neighbors noise too much," explains Scott M.
Utility limitations: Most glamping locations have basic services. "Wildhurst has potential. Cabins were smallish, but comparable to a state park camper cabin, they need updates, paint, roofing, and leveling the floors," reports Hans E. from Wildhurst Lodge and Campground.
Access considerations: Reach some sites requires careful navigation. "Gravel road in is rough so go slow. Did not try bath house or public facilities," warns Sandra at Wildhurst Lodge and Campground.
