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.
