Silver Island Lk Rustic Campgd & Backcountry Sites
4.076 reviews7355 West Hwy 61 Tofte, MN 55615
Quick Facts
Price
Free
Booking
First-Come
Sites
8 campsites
Season
Open from May 10 to ...
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Allowed
RV Friendly
Get DirectionsQuick Facts
Price
Free
Booking
First-Come
Sites
8 campsites
Season
Open from May 10 to ...
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Allowed
RV Friendly
Get DirectionsSilver 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
Total Campsite Fees$0.00
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USFS
Provider(218) 663-8060SM.FS.Superior_NF@usda.gov
What Campers Say
4.07
Satisfactory
Based on 6 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."
Fees & Passes at Silver Island Lk Rustic Campgd & Backcountry Sites
Free
Campsite fees
Standard Site
Basic tent/RV spot
Stay Limit: Maximum of nine people per site at both campground and backcountry sites.
Prices verified November 17, 2025
Prices may vary by season and site type. Always confirm current rates on the official Tofte Ranger District website.
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.
Spring (Mar-May)
Wildflowers bloom, mild temperatures, fewer crowds. Great for hiking and photography.
Best
Summer (Jun-Aug)
Peak season with warm weather, perfect for water activities. Book early.
Fall (Sep-Nov)
Beautiful fall colors, cooler temps, quieter campgrounds. Ideal for peaceful trips.
Winter (Dec-Feb)
Off-season, limited services. Check for closures before visiting.
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.
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Campsite details
AccessibilityThere is no specific mention of accessibility features in official sources or user reviews.
Sites SizeAll eight sites at the campground are longer than 21 feet, making them potentially suitable for RVs.
Sites PrivacyPrivacy levels of campsites are not explicitly mentioned in official sources or user reviews.
Total Campsites8 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSites are spacious and better suited for tent camping. Some sites offer lakeside views.
Best Campsites
Curated by campers, for campers
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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 are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutConsists of 8 rustic sites and access to 3 backcountry sites.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen from May 10 to October 1.
Walk-in AvailabilityAvailable on a first-come, first-served basis. No reservations accepted.
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.
Fishing
Fishing 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.Boating
Boating 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.Advertisement
Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires allowed in designated fire rings. Follow all fire safety guidelines.
- Quiet hours are from 10:00 p.m. until 6:00 a.m.
Hazards
General hazardsMosquitoes and black flies can be particularly bothersome, especially in peak summer months. Bears may be present, requiring secure food storage.
Weather at Silver Island Lk Rustic Campgd & Backcountry Sites
3
°F
Dec 7
Sunday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 65%
Moderately humid conditions
Wind: 8.5 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
Clear sky
Weather History
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Detailed 7-Day Forecast
Powered by AI weather analysis
Reveal forecast
Emergency Services
Tofte 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).
Good to know
Peak season datesMay 10 to October 1
Trash and recyclingNo trash or recycling facilities are available. Campers must pack out all waste, including fish remains.
Proximity to water featuresLocated directly on Silver Island Lake. Access to nearby Windy Lake through trails and portages.
Common complaintsSome reviews complain about high mosquito activity during summer months and noise violations after quiet hours.
Campground Map
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.
Reviews from booking and map sources
4.1
6 reviews
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 6 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 6 reviewsShow more
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 6 reviewsShow more
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 6 reviewsShow more
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 6 reviewsCamper 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 6 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
There are no detailed reviews discussing specific campsite numbers or areas within the campground.
Based on 6 reviewsAccessibility Features
No reviews specifically address accessibility features or experiences from users with disabilities.
Based on 6 reviewsPet-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 6 reviewsCamper Reviews by Outdoorithm campers
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Last updated November 17, 2025
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