Best Dog-Friendly Camping near Tofte, MN

Sawbill Lake Campground welcomes pets throughout its grounds with picnic tables and fire rings at each site. Temperance River State Park Campground accommodates dogs and other pets across both its upper and lower campgrounds, featuring well-spaced, wooded sites that provide privacy for pets and their owners. Leashed pets must be attended at all times in both locations. The sites are generously sized with ample room for pets to rest near tents or RVs without disturbing neighboring campers. Most campgrounds in the Tofte area provide basic pet amenities including nearby trails and access to water, though none offer dedicated dog parks or off-leash areas. Pet owners appreciate the clean facilities and multiple water spigots spread throughout Temperance River State Park, making it convenient to keep pets hydrated during summer stays.

The Superior Hiking Trail offers numerous dog-friendly sections accessible from Tofte area campgrounds, with Temperance River providing direct trail connections for morning dog walks. Lake Superior shorelines near many campsites provide rocky beaches where dogs can explore while on leash, though swimming conditions vary based on weather and water temperatures. Pet owners should prepare for potential wildlife encounters by keeping dogs secured, particularly at dawn and dusk when animal activity increases. The lower campground at Temperance River features pit toilets and water spigots within short walking distance from most sites, allowing convenient access while managing pets. During summer months, the area's mosquito population can be significant, so bringing pet-safe insect repellent is advisable. Campsites at Sawbill Lake Campground in Superior National Forest provide natural buffers between sites, creating a more peaceful experience for reactive dogs needing extra space from other campers.

Best Dog-Friendly Sites Near Tofte, Minnesota (120)

    1. Temperance River State Park Campground

    47 Reviews
    Schroeder, MN
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (218) 626-4300

    "The sites are generously sized, well spaced, wooded and private. short walk to get to Lake Superior shoreline."

    "Campground Review Temperance River State Park is just off of scenic Highway 61 north of Duluth, Minnesota about 60 miles."

    2. Lamb's Resort

    13 Reviews
    Schroeder, MN
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (218) 663-7292

    "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."

    "Our dogs loved running up and down the beach and playing on the shore. We took a day trip and walked North on the Gitchi Gami State Trail and visited Temperance River Falls and Hidden Falls."

    3. Cascade River State Park Campground

    41 Reviews
    Grand Marais, MN
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (218) 626-4300

    "This is a great campground in a beautiful state park adjacent to lake Superior on the North Shore."

    "In fact all the state parks are along the coast of Lake Superior. There are beautiful hiking trails and access to the Superior Hiking Trail."

    4. George H. Crosby Manitou State Park Campground

    23 Reviews
    Finland, MN
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (218) 226-6365

    $20 / night

    "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."

    5. Baptism River Campground — Tettegouche State Park

    53 Reviews
    Illgen City, MN
    24 miles
    Website

    $25 / night

    "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."

    6. Toohey Lake Rustic Campground

    7 Reviews
    Tofte, MN
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (218) 626-4300

    "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

    5 Reviews
    Schroeder, MN
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (218) 663-8063

    $18 / night

    "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."

    8. Grand Marais Campground & Marina

    32 Reviews
    Grand Marais, MN
    26 miles
    Website
    +1 (218) 387-1712

    "I had plenty of space at my site and didn’t mind that the other sites were close by. Bugs weren’t bad, but I used spray, a citronella candle, and a Thermacell for protection."

    "Lots of walking places pet friendly."

    9. Sawbill Lake Campground - Superior National Forest

    13 Reviews
    Lutsen, MN
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (218) 663-7150

    $10 - $20 / night

    "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!"

    10. Eckbeck Finland State Forest

    19 Reviews
    Illgen City, MN
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (218) 353-8800

    $17 / night

    "Baptism river runs along the campground and has limited camping sites near it. First come first serve. There was a group playing music late and a few drunk campers who visited my site unannounced."

    "The sites on the outside are more secluded but the ones in the middle are also nice. There is also a picnic area on the river and trails behind schedule some of the sites that lead to the river."

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 120 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win


Dog-Friendly Camping Reviews near Tofte, MN

776 Reviews of 120 Tofte Campgrounds


  • Christina P.
    Jun. 19, 2021

    Crescent Lake Campground

    Excellent Paddle Boarding

    Mosquitos are outta control at this campsite in June and July! If you don’t have bug spray…. Don’t come these months. We stayed at 15- great for 50’. Picnic table and fire pit. The lake wasn’t great for fishing for us this trip. Others only caught small mouth bass. There is no internet access. You get some cell service at the fishing deck. 3G and LTE with 2-3 bars.

    Very peaceful… the lake was beautiful. 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.

  • W
    Aug. 23, 2023

    Grand Marais Campground & Marina

    Comfortable despite being crowded

    Stayed here on my way to Isle Royale and had a wonderful night. I booked an electric site (#233) to charge and camp in my Tesla, which worked out great. It was crowded on a Thursday night (August 17th) but it got really quiet after dark. I had plenty of space at my site and didn’t mind that the other sites were close by. Bugs weren’t bad, but I used spray, a citronella candle, and a Thermacell for protection. The women’s bathrooms were clean, and firewood was available at the office (I think a bundle was $6). Very pet friendly- my dog was relaxed here. Loved the location next to town, which was a beautiful walk during sunset (and I highly recommend getting coffee at Java Moose in the morning). Night skies are beautiful, especially on the water. A little pricey with all the fees (a $43 site turned into $60). I booked my site over a month in advance and there were only a few spots available, so don’t delay!

  • Stephanie B.
    Sep. 2, 2018

    Temperance River State Park Campground

    great stay

    The sites are generously sized, well spaced, wooded and private. short walk to get to Lake Superior shoreline. Pet friendly. clean showers. tons of water spigots and vault toilets spread throughout the park. Will definitely stay here in the future.

  • T
    May. 31, 2022

    Grand Marais Campground & Marina

    Outstandingly awesome

    Looking out over the bay at two lighthouses right from our RV and open my door to the sound of the babbling brook right on our site. Large sights flat paved. Lots of walking places pet friendly.

  • B
    Jul. 26, 2021

    Boundary Waters Canoe Area, Cherokee Lake Backcountry Camping

    Reluctant to give Good Sam Credit

    In my haste to make the reservation online I forgot to indicate I was a Good Sam member. I thought, no problem, I will say something when I check in to pay the balance.

    The office was very busy at check in and we were in quite a hurry as we had RV service scheduled and technician waiting on us. MY fault only, I forgot to mention it. I went into the office this morning and a clerk told me there was no way to issue a refund in their system. I told the clerk if they would not refund my 10% then I would have to dispute the charge at the bank and then they would have to make an adjustment with their banking service. The clerk said, “Do what you want, but we don’t do any refunds.” I called my bank and they said, “The charges are still pending to your account, so ask them to void the transaction and start over.”

    I returned to the office and suggested that, and the clerk then contacted the manager who agreed to do just that.

    Sorry I made the mistake, but that is not a way to earn a return stay.

    Sometimes you gotta be the squeaky wheel.

    The dog park has old astroturf on it. I found that a bit strange.

    They have a cute little store. Laundry takes debit snd credit cards.

  • Carrie C.
    May. 18, 2021

    Silver Rapids Lodge

    Ely, Mn

    We stayed here last June with our large family. My bf and I stayed 2 nights in a cabin and tent camped 2 nights on a camp site. This area has great access to many lakes including the BWCA along with being close to Ely for anything you may have forgotten. Silver Rapids Lodge itself has a bar/restaurant right by campground along with many other amenities. Many cabins to choose from from 4-6 ppl all the way up to a 24 person cabin!! Good fishing and lots of areas to do so without a boat, if you don’t have a boat and would like to rent one SRL offers boat rentals. Small swimming area and play place for kids. Pet friendly, clean, and nice hosts.

  • PJ F.
    Aug. 6, 2019

    Grand Marais Campground & Marina

    Donuts & the bay.. yes please!!

    Me & hubbs had a weeklong stay here at the marina campground for our anniversary. Upon arrival, we noticed how crammed together the sites were. Yikes! One of our pet peeves . We have 3 dogs, no kids & enjoy a little space & at least the slightest privacy. No such luck. We had a back in site - hook ups on the wrong side!! First annoyance. Kids galore. Everywhere. And Uber noisy & running amok! Second annoyance. Don’t get me wrong- I love kids enjoying the outdoors & just being kids! But holy cow- could’ve done without the non stop wailing & firecrackers day & night. If we had to have stayed at our site any longer I’d never relax. But I digress. We weren’t there to stay at our site. We were the for the surroundings & they did not disappoint!! It is absolutely gorgeous! Adventures abound! Tons of beaches ( water was un-swimmable though , super freezing still!) Clear beautiful water, the scenery was breathtaking! An abundance of dog friendly restaurants & businesses. You could walk nearly everywhere you needed to see & be in town . Incredibly friendly people ! We never felt like silly tourists. Made new friends from Canada, took many hikes to waterfalls, found lots of secret beaches along 61 where the dogs ran leash free & took in allllll the sights ! The weather at the end of August was incredible! 65 degrees , no humidity, no wind or rain & very minimal bugs.

    We spent every early morning drinking fresh local coffee , eating World’s Best Donuts & watching the sun rise on a nearly deserted shoreline in town. It was heaven.

    There is tons to do if you just go exploring. Even with people everywhere, it never felt crowded & anxiety inducing. Somehow it all went perfectly! Reminded me of Tahoe or Bodega. Can’t wait to get back!

    FYI- rv sites are hard to get ! Get a jump on a rez in January. Clarify if it has sewer- ours didn’t . We had site 77 . Not right on the water but a literal 2 min walk. I preferred this site to many others. More privacy for the pups.

  • Kari K.
    Nov. 8, 2019

    Bean and Bear Lakes Hike-In — Tettegouche State Park

    Tettegouche Camp at Tettegouche State Park

    Amazing hike in only campground. 1.7 mile hike into Tettegouche camp. It has 4 cabins for rent and a main lodge available for use. Has a one room cabin for 2 people with a queen bed, small refrigerator, an electric cook top, dishes and a table with 2 chairs. Heated by a wood stove and has back up furnace if temperature goes below 50 degrees. Very cute, cozy, romantic cabin! There are also three 2 bedroom cabins that sleep 4-6 people. NO RUNNING WATER OR BATHROOM IN THE CABINS but there is a very clean, very nice bathroom house with electricity on site. Your cabin rental includes a canoe to use on beautiful Mic Mac Lake. There is no WiFi and this is not a pet friendly campground. It is very peaceful and quiet. We saw deer and rabbits roaming about. Amazing hiking trails near by and very near the shore of Lake Superior. The cabins are reservable and hard to secure as they are in high demand. I gave this campground 5 out of 5 stars because it is amazing!

  • Cherie J.
    Mar. 16, 2022

    Temperance River Campground (Superior NF)

    Back in the woods

    Beautiful area up above the river with a few trails going down. I stayed at the Sawbill trail, Tofte, mn not the the campground by lake Superior just wanted to clarify, best decision ever!


Guide to Tofte

Tofte camping sites span across Superior National Forest, located along the rocky North Shore of Lake Superior at approximately 700-800 feet elevation. The area typically experiences cooler summer temperatures averaging 75°F during July and August, making it a popular destination for campers seeking relief from summer heat. Heavy winter snowfall transforms the camping landscape from late November through April.

What to do

Waterfall exploration: 1-mile hike from Cascade River State Park Campground: Follow well-marked trails with multiple viewing platforms. "Take one side of the trail down the falls and the other back up! 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," notes Maria P.

Island paddling: Canoe/kayak at Ninemile Lake Campground: Reach three small islands within a short paddle from shore. "There are 3 islands on the lake which I like to explore after a short kayak ride. One of the islands has some large boulders that offer a nice view of the sunset," shares Sean C.

Winter camping: Dog-friendly sites remain open year-round: Sawbill and Crosby Manitou campgrounds accommodate winter camping with proper gear. "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," reports Hayley G.

What campers like

Private riverside campsites: George H. Crosby Manitou State Park Campground: Backcountry sites require hiking but offer river access. "Site BP4 is beautiful set right on the river, and had access to a few big rocks in the river to sit on and enjoy the views. The site is relatively big and level, with a few different spots available to pitch your tent or have multiple tents," describes Mike O.

Lake swimming access: Small beaches at several dog-friendly campgrounds: Allows dogs to cool off during summer months. "Huge site with many trees for our hammocks... It was a delight to have a beach right at our site. This campground is off the beaten path so was extra dark and quiet," reports Kay K. about Ninemile Lake.

Seclusion from crowds: Rustic forest service sites provide quieter options: Smaller campgrounds offer greater privacy for dogs needing space. "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. about Toohey Lake Rustic Campground.

What you should know

Bring insect protection: Peak mosquito season runs June-August: Dog-safe repellents recommended for both pets and people. "We were here in late June and the mosquitos weren't bad on the first two days; the third day we were eaten alive. Bring appropriate clothing to protect from mosquitos and ticks as well as repellant," advises B D P.

Limited cell service: Coverage gaps common outside towns: Most campgrounds have no reliable signal. "Note - there is no cell service in the park. You do get it when you get out to the park entrance on county road 7," reports Jeremy B.

Uneven terrain at many sites: Bring leveling blocks for RVs: Baptism River Campground requires preparation. "The sites are not level so come prepared. The only downfall is no dump station yet there is a dump station up the road in Silver Bay for a donation," notes B M.

Tips for camping with families

Choose river-adjacent sites: Natural water feature keeps kids engaged: Dog-friendly campgrounds along rivers provide entertainment. "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," explains Sara P.

Kid-friendly hiking options: Look for shorter loop trails: Several campgrounds feature trails manageable for young children. "Bensen Lake trail that is a wooden boardwalk that rings Bensen Lake. This trail connects to the picnic grounds that is a great place for a day outing. You can drive almost right up to it and there is a vault toilet," recommends Jeremy B.

Book early for prime lake sites: Waterfront spots fill 6+ months ahead: Sites with natural swimming areas are most popular for families with dogs. "The smooth pebble beach is fantastic. Our dogs loved running up and down the beach and playing on the shore," says Jason S.

Tips from RVers

Dump station locations: Silver Bay offers donation-based dumping: Important for longer stays since many campgrounds lack facilities. "When you leave the park you go left on 61 to the first light & go right at that light. Past the sheriff station on the left is the dump station," advises B M.

Water fill points: Locate spigots before setting up: Sawbill Lake Campground provides water access points. "It's a dry campground. Water at the outfitters. Vault toilets (clean and nice!) throughout. Water spigots in the campground. Dump station next to the outfitters," notes Tracy O.

Electric site selection: Check amperage before booking: Some dog-friendly campgrounds offer limited electrical options. "We stayed at 26E which has 30amp and 50amp. The state park website says only 50amp but it had both. Lots of space," explains Jordan S.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Tofte, MN?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Tofte, MN is Temperance River State Park Campground with a 4.7-star rating from 47 reviews.

What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Tofte, MN?

TheDyrt.com has all 120 dog-friendly camping locations near Tofte, MN, with real photos and reviews from campers.