How much does camping cost at Temperance River Campground?

Camping fees at Temperance River Campground range from $20/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Temperance River Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Temperance River Campground accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Temperance River Campground before I book?

Yes! Temperance River Campground has 3 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Temperance River Campground?

Temperance River Campground is open May 8 - October 19. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Temperance River Campground?

Temperance River Campground does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

How many campsites does Temperance River Campground have?

Temperance River Campground has 9 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Temperance River Campground?

Yes, pets are allowed at Temperance River Campground. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Temperance River Campground?

Temperance River Campground offers: Restrooms, Potable Water, Electrical Hookups, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Temperance River Campground?

Popular activities at Temperance River Campground include Fishing, Biking. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Temperance River Campground

4.30

33 reviews

Lake County 2 (Sawbill Trail), 12 miles north of Tofte, MN

Pet Friendly

Featured in:Hidden Gem Campgrounds Minnesota#3 Fishing Camping Minnesota Pet-Friendly Campgrounds Minnesota +2 more

Quick Facts

1,545 ft

Price

$20/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

9 campsites

Season

May 8 - October 19

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Top 2% in state

Electric

Check Availability Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

1,545 ft

Price

$20/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

9 campsites

Season

May 8 - October 19

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Top 2% in state

Electric

Check Availability Official Website

Get Directions

Temperance River Campground

$20.00 - $20.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Single Site with electric hook-up: $20 per night Single Site: $20/night

Standard Site Fee$20.00

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USFS

Provider

218-663-7150

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

Lake County 2 (Sawbill Trail), 12 miles north of Tofte, MN

Temperance River Campground

Lake County 2 (Sawbill Trail), 12 miles north of Tofte, MN

Nearby places

Tofte is approximately 12 miles south of the campground.

Nearby supplies

Supplies, including camping essentials and groceries, are likely available in Tofte, approximately 12 miles south of the campground.

Driving directionsFrom MN 61 at Tofte, turn north on County 2 (Sawbill Trail). Follow Co 2 about 12 miles to the Temperance River Campground. The campground entrance is on the left.

The campground is located on Lake County 2 (Sawbill Trail), which is accessible but unplowed during the winter. Roads are clear during the warmer months. There can be high snowbanks in the winter, and access to individual campsites may require 4-wheel drive.

Weather at Temperance River Campground

Best Time to Camp at Temperance River Campground

The campground operates from May 12 to October 21, though winter camping is possible for those willing to navigate unplowed roads. Summer brings the most reliable conditions, with daytime highs between 60 and 75°F and nighttime lows around 45 to 55°F. Trout fishing peaks during these warmer months when river access is easiest and longer daylight stretches into evening. July and August see the heaviest use, so early reservations help secure a preferred site. Winter transforms the area into snow-covered quiet, but you'll need four-wheel drive and appropriate cold-weather gear. The roads and sites remain unplowed, creating true backcountry conditions.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Summer is most reliable; fishing and cycling highlighted as prime summer activities.

Planning Tips

Operating Season: May 8 - October 19

About Temperance River Campground

Temperance River Campground sits along the Temperance River in Superior National Forest, about 9 miles inland from Tofte. This small campground has 9 sites tucked into a pine-dominated forest at 1,545 feet elevation. Sites cost $20 per night and accommodate tents and small RVs. The river's constant murmur provides a soothing backdrop, though Sawbill Trail runs close enough that traffic noise carries through the trees.

Temperance River Campground offers a mix of camping styles with its 9 sites. Options include tent camping and RV accommodations, though the latter are limited to moderately sized vehicles. Sites are pull-in, and group camping or cabins are not explicitly supported.

Weather and SeasonsThe campground operates from May 12 to October 21, though winter camping is possible for those willing to navigate unplowed roads. Summer brings the most reliable conditions, with daytime highs between 60 and 75°F and nighttime lows around 45 to 55°F. Trout fishing peaks during these warmer months when river access is easiest and longer daylight stretches into evening. July and August see the heaviest use, so early reservations help secure a preferred site. Winter transforms the area into snow-covered quiet, but you'll need four-wheel drive and appropriate cold-weather gear. The roads and sites remain unplowed, creating true backcountry conditions.

Natural Features and SceneryTowering pines create a canopy over the campground, filtering sunlight onto a forest floor typical of Minnesota's boreal transition zone. The Temperance River flows over ancient bedrock, its clear water moving across stones worn smooth by millennia of erosion. The river defines the campground's character: visitors consistently mention falling asleep to its sound and waking to the sight of water catching morning light through the pines. This is classic North Woods terrain, where bedrock outcrops interrupt the soft duff of pine needles and the air smells perpetually of resin.

Geological RegionSet within the vast expanse of Superior National Forest, the campground occupies a special corner of Minnesota's legendary North Woods. This pine-dominated landscape represents millions of years of geological history, where ancient bedrock meets the enduring flow of the Temperance River. The surrounding forest ecosystem showcases the resilient beauty of the boreal transition zone, creating a living classroom where visitors can witness the intricate relationships between water, stone, and forest that define this remarkable region.

Scenic ViewsCampers enjoy views of the pine forest and the nearby river. Some sites are directly adjacent to the Temperance River, offering soothing sounds of flowing water.

Lodging & AccommodationsThere are no hotel-style lodging accommodations mentioned in the provided sources.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are mentioned.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

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Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Maximum stay of 9 people per site is allowed.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Maximum of 9 people per site.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Walk-in AvailabilitySome sites may be reservable, and additional first-come, first-served sites may be available.

Site SizeMost sites are standard-sized with some being large enough for multiple tents or small vans. For instance, "#1...is a very big area and would hold many tents or small van with extra room.

PrivacyThe sites provide moderate privacy. One review mentions, "Sites are far enough apart" but also notes that "you will hear your neighbor every time they open a car door or laugh.

Total Campsites9 campsites

Recommended SitesSite #1 is noted for its spaciousness and ability to accommodate multiple tents or small campers. Sites near the river are preferred for their views and proximity to the water.

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When to Book

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Amenities available

The Temperance River Campground is a small, pine-shaded campground with 9 campsites located near the Temperance River. It offers basic amenities including restrooms, potable water, fire rings, and picnic tables, as well as access to recreational activities like trout fishing and biking. "Restrooms are available at this site," and a "solar-powered faucet" provides potable water. Many reviews highlight the campground's rustic charm and minimalistic style. However, some users note issues with noise due to its close proximity to Sawbill Trail. One reviewer stated, "Small with only 8 or 9 sites... One outhouse. Sites are not super close together, but you will hear your neighbor every time they open a car door or laugh."

Potable water

Electricity hookups

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

The Temperance River Campground offers a mix of outdoor activities, from trout fishing in the adjacent Temperance River to road cycling on nearby forest service roads. Many visitors enjoy the peaceful setting by the river and the sounds of running water. "Fishing is great," said one reviewer, while others noted the area's suitability for biking and hiking.

Fishing

Biking

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsBear warnings are in place, and precautions include storing food in vehicles and covering coolers. Wildlife such as wolves has been reported by campers.

No Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not available. The campground provides a pit toilet (vault toilet) instead.

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

Emergency ServicesThe nearest emergency services are at the Tofte Ranger District office, located at 7355 West Hwy 61 Tofte, MN 55615. The office is open Wednesday through Sunday from April 28 to September 30.

Trash & RecyclingTrash receptacles are provided for waste disposal, and visitors are instructed to use these for personal garbage as well as dog waste.

Water FeaturesThe campground is located directly adjacent to the Temperance River, making it ideal for fishing and enjoying the flowing water.

Cell CoverageThere are no specific mentions of cell phone service availability or quality in the provided sources.

Trip Planning Tools

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Questions & answers

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Tips from campers

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Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.3

33 reviews

Satisfactory

Temperance River Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

Overall, Temperance River Campground receives positive reviews for its natural beauty and tranquil setting by the river. Common praises include its peaceful atmosphere, trout fishing opportunities, and pine-shaded sites. However, some users note noise from the adjacent Sawbill Trail and limited privacy between campsites.

Review Summaries

Based on 33 reviews

What Campers Love

Visitors frequently compliment the campground's proximity to the river and the soothing sounds of running water. The natural setting, fishing opportunities, and cleanliness of facilities are also...

Based on 33 reviews

Common Concerns

Some complaints include noise from Sawbill Trail, limited privacy, and occasional disturbances from other campers. One user mentioned, "If you want real privacy and peace and quiet, this spot may...

Based on 33 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site #1 is described as spacious, capable of accommodating multiple tents or a small van with extra room: "#1...is a very big area and would hold many tents or small van with extra room."

Based on 33 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring your own toilet paper, as one user noted the vault toilet lacked it during their stay. Winter campers should use four-wheel drive to navigate the snowy conditions. Early arrival is recommended...

Based on 33 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The campground is popular in both summer and winter seasons. Summer visitors enjoy the fishing and cycling opportunities, while winter visitors appreciate the plowed main road, though access to...

Based on 33 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Fell asleep to the Temperance running next to us." - Seth Johnson; "Off the beaten path, this was the perfect 'roughing it' campground." - Alexander F Holmes III; "Small with only 8 or 9 sites... No...

Based on 33 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are welcome, but must be kept on a leash and their waste disposed of responsibly. One user appreciated the opportunity to camp with their dog: "My dog and I had a great time."

Based on 33 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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Go if

River-sound sleepers and trout anglers will be most at home here. Site #1 has the most room if you're bringing extra gear or a small van. The wolf and chipmunk sightings are a bonus, not a fluke.

Skip if

Sawbill Trail traffic carries right into camp, and privacy is thin enough that you'll hear neighbors opening car doors after dark. Campers chasing genuine quiet or seclusion will likely leave disappointed.

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Campgrounds

Superior National Forest

Temperance River Campground

From the U.S. Forest Service

Reference information about Temperance River Campground sourced from official USFS records and forestcamping.com. View official recreation.gov page →

Overview

<p>The Temperance River Campground is a small campground easily reached from the Sawbill Trail (Cook County 2).  It provides pine-shaded campsites nestled in a bend of the Temperance River and offers access to trout fishing in the Temperance and mountain biking a large network of Forest Service roads.  The roads shown in the <a href="http://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/stelprdb5302409.pdf">map</a> vary in condition and levels of vehicle travel.  Bikers should obtain a current Superior National Forest map before setting out.</p><p><a href="http://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/stelprdb5302409.pdf">Downloadable information and map.</a></p>

Open Season: May 12 – October 21