Silver Island Lk Rustic Campgd & Backcountry Sites

4.13

17 reviews

7355 West Hwy 61 Tofte, MN 55615

Summer Destination

Quick Facts

1,660 ft

Price

Free

Booking

First-Come

Sites

8 campsites

Season

Open from May 10 to ...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens Tofte Ranger District site

Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

1,660 ft

Price

Free

Booking

First-Come

Sites

8 campsites

Season

Open from May 10 to ...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens Tofte Ranger District site

Official Website

Get Directions

Silver Island Lk Rustic Campgd & Backcountry Sites

$0.00 - $0.00 / night

Campsite Fees

There is no fee at rustic campgrounds or backcountry campsites.

Standard Site Fee$0.00

Hookup Site Fee$0.00

Premium Site Fee$0.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00

Group Site Fee$0.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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USFS

Provider

(218) 663-8060SM.FS.Superior_NF@usda.gov

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What Campers Say

4.13

Satisfactory

Based on 17 reviews

14 Google reviews

Most mentioned

spacioussites

Some mention

noise

"User reviews are mixed, with some campers praising the beauty and spaciousness of the sites while others highlight challenges such as mosquitoes, wind, and noise enforcement issues."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

7355 West Hwy 61 Tofte, MN 55615

Silver Island Lk Rustic Campgd & Backcountry Sites

7355 West Hwy 61 Tofte, MN 55615

Driving directionsFrom Tofte on MN 61: At Temperance River State Park, just south of the river, take FR 343 (Temperance River Rd) inland. Drive 4.5 miles to a T intersection with FR 166 (The '600' Road). Turn left on FR 166 and drive 5 miles to Co 7. Turn right on Co 7, then follow Co 7 through several intersections about 9 miles to FR 369. Turn left on FR 369. Drive 2.5 miles to FR 921, the Silver Island Access Rd. The campground is 1.5 miles further at the end of FR 921. You can also reach Co 7 from MN 1 at Finland, or via FR 172 (Wanless Rd) from Isabella.

The road is not plowed during the winter. Seasonal access may be limited due to snow and ice. FR roads are unpaved and may require high-clearance vehicles during wet conditions.

Nearby places

Tofte: approximately 35 miles, Finland: approximately 50 miles, Isabella: approximately 40 miles.

Nearby supplies

Groceries and supplies available in Tofte, approximately 35 miles away. Closest fuel stations are also in Tofte.

Best Time to Camp at Silver Island Lk Rustic Campgd & Backcountry Sites

Summer transforms Silver Island Lake into a vibrant outdoor playground, with June through August bringing warm days perfect for paddling and hiking. Be prepared for nature's full experience – afternoon thunderstorms can roll through with dramatic flair, while July welcomes clouds of mosquitoes and black flies that remind visitors they're truly in the wild. As winter approaches, the landscape becomes a frozen wonderland buried beneath heavy snowfall, with plummeting temperatures that close access roads and create a pristine, untouched sanctuary until spring's return.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

3.0 / 5

Summer good for paddling and lakeside use but heavy mosquitoes reported in July.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

3.5 / 5

Fall likely has fewer bugs and good colors; may be windier but quieter before Oct 1 closure.

Spring(Mar-May)

2.5 / 5

Opens May 10; early spring access limited and conditions can be cool/windy.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

Not recommended

Campground closed Oct 1–May 10; winter use not supported.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 10 to October 1. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open from May 10 to October 1.

About Silver Island Lk Rustic Campgd & Backcountry Sites

Escape to Silver Island Lake Rustic Campground, where eight intimate campsites and three secluded backcountry spots await adventurers seeking an authentic wilderness experience. Nestled along pristine lake shores, this hidden gem invites you to disconnect from the modern world and reconnect with nature's rhythms. Without the distractions of electricity or running water, you'll find yourself immersed in the simple pleasures of campfire conversations, starlit skies, and the gentle lapping of waves against the shore.

Silver Island Lake Campground offers rustic camping with both drive-in and backcountry options. The main campground includes eight sites, while three additional backcountry sites are accessible via a boat launch.

Weather and SeasonsSummer transforms Silver Island Lake into a vibrant outdoor playground, with June through August bringing warm days perfect for paddling and hiking. Be prepared for nature's full experience – afternoon thunderstorms can roll through with dramatic flair, while July welcomes clouds of mosquitoes and black flies that remind visitors they're truly in the wild. As winter approaches, the landscape becomes a frozen wonderland buried beneath heavy snowfall, with plummeting temperatures that close access roads and create a pristine, untouched sanctuary until spring's return.

ElevationPerched between 1,300 and 1,400 feet above sea level, the campground sits at the perfect elevation to experience the Superior National Forest's distinctive northern character. This gentle height provides cooler summer temperatures and crisp, pine-scented air that refreshes weary travelers.

Natural Features and SceneryAncient boreal forests embrace the campground, their towering pines and paper birches creating a living cathedral around each campsite. Dramatic rocky outcrops punctuate the landscape, offering natural viewpoints over Silver Island Lake's mirror-like waters. These glacial-carved surroundings serve as home to a remarkable cast of wildlife – from soaring eagles and diving loons to curious otters playing along the shoreline. Each dawn and dusk brings new opportunities to witness nature's theater unfold.

Geological RegionSilver Island Lake Campground rests within the majestic Superior National Forest, a landscape sculpted by ancient glaciers that left behind a stunning mosaic of interconnected lakes and rugged terrain. The rocky foundations tell stories millions of years old, while glacial deposits create the perfect conditions for diverse ecosystems to thrive. This remarkable geological tapestry makes every hiking trail an adventure through time, where boreal forests flourish among granite formations and pristine waters.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Maximum of nine people per site at both campground and backcountry sites.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Maximum of nine people per site.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutConsists of 8 rustic sites and access to 3 backcountry sites.

Walk-in AvailabilityAvailable on a first-come, first-served basis. No reservations accepted.

AccessibilityThere is no specific mention of accessibility features in official sources or user reviews.

Site SizeAll eight sites at the campground are longer than 21 feet, making them potentially suitable for RVs.

PrivacyPrivacy levels of campsites are not explicitly mentioned in official sources or user reviews.

Total Campsites8 campsites

Recommended SitesSites are spacious and better suited for tent camping. Some sites offer lakeside views.

Amenities available

Fire rings

Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

The campground offers limited recreational opportunities, with a primary focus on fishing, boating, and backcountry camping. There are no designated hiking or biking trails mentioned.

FishingFishing is permitted, and the lake offers opportunities for anglers. However, one user review mentioned that fishing success on Silver Island Lake itself was not great.

BoatingBoating is a key activity at Silver Island Lake. The campground features a boat launch with a dock and overnight parking for those using the backcountry sites.

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsMosquitoes and black flies can be particularly bothersome, especially in peak summer months. Bears may be present, requiring secure food storage.

No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Fire PolicyCampfires allowed in designated fire rings. Follow all fire safety guidelines.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are from 10:00 p.m. until 6:00 a.m.

Emergency ServicesTofte Ranger District (7355 West Hwy 61 Tofte, MN 55615, Phone: (218) 663-8060) for forest-related emergencies. Closest hospital: Cook County North Shore Hospital in Grand Marais (approximately 40 miles).

Trash & RecyclingNo trash or recycling facilities are available. Campers must pack out all waste, including fish remains.

Water FeaturesLocated directly on Silver Island Lake. Access to nearby Windy Lake through trails and portages.

Weather at Silver Island Lk Rustic Campgd & Backcountry Sites

Reviews

4.1

17 reviews

Satisfactory

Silver Island Lk Rustic Campgd & Backcountry Sites is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews are mixed, with some campers praising the beauty and spaciousness of the sites while others highlight challenges such as mosquitoes, wind, and noise enforcement issues.

Review Summaries

Based on 17 reviews

What Campers Love

Several users noted the beauty of the campground and spaciousness of the sites. For example, one review states, 'The campground and the campsites are beautiful and spacious if you pitch a tent.'...

Based on 17 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints include lack of noise enforcement during quiet hours, issues with mosquitoes and flies, and the absence of trash pickup leading to some campers leaving garbage. One user stated,...

Based on 17 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers recommend bringing water as there is no potable water on-site and emphasize the importance of leaving no trace. Bringing mosquito repellents and tarps to deal with weather conditions is also...

Based on 17 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer months seem to have the highest mosquito activity, with a user stating that bugs were particularly bad in late July 2022. Fall might offer fewer insects but may be windier based on user input.

Based on 17 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'The campground and the campsites are beautiful and spacious if you pitch a tent.' 2. 'Rustic camping can mean ignoring noise after 10:00.' 3. 'Some forest rangers even said the mozzies, brown...

Based on 17 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

There are no detailed reviews discussing specific campsite numbers or areas within the campground.

Based on 17 reviews

Accessibility Features

No reviews specifically address accessibility features or experiences from users with disabilities.

Based on 17 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Dogs are allowed but must be kept on a leash and under control. No specific user experiences involving pets were mentioned in the reviews.

Based on 17 reviews

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Last updated January 5, 2026

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Silver Island Lk Rustic Campgd & Backcountry Sites