Toohey Lake Rustic Campground
4.186 reviews7355 West Hwy 61 Tofte, MN 55615
Quick Facts
Price
Free
Booking
First-Come
Sites
7 campsites
Season
Open season: May 10 ...
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Allowed
RV Friendly
Get DirectionsQuick Facts
Price
Free
Booking
First-Come
Sites
7 campsites
Season
Open season: May 10 ...
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Allowed
RV Friendly
Get DirectionsToohey Lake Rustic Campground
$0.00 - $0.00 / night
Campsite Fees
No fees are required at Toohey Lake Rustic Campground as it is a rustic site.
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
Provider218-663-8060SM.FS.Superior_NF@usda.gov
What Campers Say
4.18
Satisfactory
Based on 6 reviews
11 Google reviews
Most mentioned
quiet
"User reviews for Toohey Lake Rustic Campground highlight its remoteness, simplicity, and suitability for those who enjoy primitive camping. Positive feedback emphasizes the quiet, rustic experience and opportunities for fishing and hunting, while some complaints focus on the lack of space for large campers and the tolerance for noisy generators."
Fees & Passes at Toohey Lake Rustic Campground
Free
Campsite fees
Standard Site
Basic tent/RV spot
Stay Limit: Maximum of nine people per site.
Cancellation: Not applicable as all sites are free and first-come-first-served.
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 Toohey Lake Rustic Campground
Experience the dramatic beauty of Minnesota's changing seasons at Toohey Lake. Summer brings warm, golden days perfect for swimming and evening campfires, while autumn paints the surrounding forest in brilliant reds and golds. Spring awakens the wilderness with wildflowers and migrating birds, though winter transforms this retreat into an inaccessible wonderland when unplowed roads preserve its solitude under blankets of snow.
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)
Snow activities available. Some facilities may close. Check conditions.
Planning Tips
- Operating Season: Open season: May 10 – October 1.
About Toohey Lake Rustic Campground
Nestled in the heart of Minnesota's wilderness, Toohey Lake Rustic Campground offers an intimate escape with just seven secluded sites. This hidden gem provides everything you need for a perfect lake getaway – from a convenient boat launch and dock to ample trailer parking, all while maintaining the peaceful charm of a truly rustic camping experience.
Toohey Lake Rustic Campground is a small, free-of-charge facility designed primarily for tent camping, with some capacity for RVs. Its rustic nature makes it suitable for those seeking a more remote and low-amenity camping experience.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the dramatic beauty of Minnesota's changing seasons at Toohey Lake. Summer brings warm, golden days perfect for swimming and evening campfires, while autumn paints the surrounding forest in brilliant reds and golds. Spring awakens the wilderness with wildflowers and migrating birds, though winter transforms this retreat into an inaccessible wonderland when unplowed roads preserve its solitude under blankets of snow.
Natural Features and SceneryWake to the gentle lapping of water against the shore and the morning mist rising from Toohey Lake's pristine surface. This tranquil sanctuary, embraced by towering pines and deciduous forest, creates the perfect backdrop for unforgettable fishing adventures and peaceful paddle sessions. The intimate campground setting ensures you're never far from the water's edge, where loons call across the lake and eagles soar overhead.
Geological RegionTucked within the magnificent Superior National Forest, Toohey Lake Campground sits amid one of America's most treasured wilderness areas. The journey here takes you along winding gravel roads through dense boreal forest, where the landscape tells the ancient story of glacial lakes and pristine watersheds. This remarkable ecosystem provides a home to moose, black bears, and countless bird species, offering campers a true immersion in Minnesota's legendary Northwoods.
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Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessibility features are not explicitly detailed for this campground.
Sites SizeThe campground features 7 sites, three of which are longer than 21 feet and may accommodate RVs.
Sites PrivacyPrivacy levels for campsites are not explicitly discussed.
Total Campsites7 campsites
Recommended CampsitesThree of the seven sites can accommodate RVs (length over 21 feet).
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Reserving a campsite
Stay Limit
Maximum of nine people per site.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Maximum nine guests allowed per site.
Groups
There is no information provided about group camping sites.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutSeven individual sites, including pull-in sites for vehicles and trailers.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen season: May 10 – October 1.
Reservation PlatformsNo reservation platforms; sites are first-come-first-served.
Walk-in AvailabilityAll sites are first-come-first-served.
Cancellation PolicyNot applicable as all sites are free and first-come-first-served.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Activities you can enjoy
The campground offers opportunities for traditional outdoor activities such as fishing, swimming, and motorized boating. Grouse hunting is also available in the surrounding area, providing recreational options for visitors. The rustic setup is ideal for those looking for a quiet and remote getaway.
Fishing
Fishing is a popular activity, with reviews mentioning it as one of the highlights of the area. "Great spot to fish," noted a user.Swimming
Swimming is listed as an available activity, but detailed descriptions about designated areas or safety measures are not included.Boating
The campground includes a boat launch, dock, and trailer parking, facilitating motorized boating on Toohey Lake.Winter Activities
Winter activities are not feasible at this campground as the road is not plowed during the winter, making access impossible.Water Sports
While motorized boating is available, specific mention of non-motorized water sports is absent.Advertisement
Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires are permitted in designated fire rings.
- Quiet hours are 10:00 PM – 6:00 AM
Hazards
General hazardsPotential hazards include lack of potable water (lake water must be treated/boiled/filtered) and wildlife disturbances if food is not secured properly.
Weather at Toohey Lake Rustic Campground
3
°F
Dec 7
Sunday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 67%
Moderately humid conditions
Wind: 9.7 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
Clear sky
Weather History
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Emergency Services
Tofte Ranger District (Address: 7355 West Hwy 61 Tofte, MN 55615, Phone: (218) 663-8060)
Good to know
Trash and recyclingTrash pick-up is not provided, and all visitors must pack out their garbage, including fish remains.
Proximity to water featuresThe campground is located next to Toohey Lake, with direct access via a boat launch and dock.
Common complaintsSome users have expressed concerns about campers running generators at night and the sheriff allowing this practice under medical exemptions.
Campground Map
7355 West Hwy 61 Tofte, MN 55615
Driving directionsFrom MN 61 in Tofte: Take Co 2 (Sawbill Trail) 15 miles north to FR 170 (The Grade). Turn left on FR 170 and drive 5 miles to Toohey Lake. Toohey Lake Rustic Campground is directly off FR 170 on the right.
The campground is accessible via a well-maintained gravel road that follows the grade of an old railroad. However, the road is not plowed during the winter.Nearby places
Tofte (approximately 20 miles, 30 minutes drive)
Nearby supplies
Supplies can be found in Tofte (approximately 20 miles away). Specific establishments are not mentioned.
Reviews from booking and map sources
4.2
6 reviews
Toohey Lake Rustic Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews for Toohey Lake Rustic Campground highlight its remoteness, simplicity, and suitability for those who enjoy primitive camping. Positive feedback emphasizes the quiet, rustic experience and opportunities for fishing and hunting, while some complaints focus on the lack of space for large campers and the tolerance for noisy generators.
Review Summaries
Based on 6 reviews
What Campers Love
Users appreciated the campground's rustic charm and quiet environment. Many highlighted the availability of fishing and hunting opportunities. One reviewer stated, "One of the best rustic campgrounds...
Based on 6 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Complaints included the limited space for larger campers and issues with noisy generators. One user noted, "Do not attempt to bring a large camper here… No space." Another mentioned, "Have a...
Based on 6 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Campers are advised to bring their own water treatment methods since potable water is not available. Additionally, they should be prepared to pack out all trash, including fish remains.
Based on 6 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Summer appears to be the most favorable time for camping at this site, as winter access is limited due to unplowed roads. Positive reviews often highlight the site’s quiet and remote nature during...
Based on 6 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
"Great place to camp!!! Come here every year!!!! The best and only way to camp!!" - Robert Helgeson. "Get out into the wilderness without the people and without the attractive accommodations that...
Based on 6 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Three of the seven sites are longer than 21 feet, making them suitable for RVs, while the other sites are more tailored for tent camping. Specific site reviews are not detailed in user feedback.
Based on 6 reviewsAccessibility Features
Accessibility features are not mentioned in the reviews.
Based on 6 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No specific reviews address pet-related experiences, but the campground does allow dogs provided they are leashed and attended.
Based on 6 reviewsCamper Reviews by Outdoorithm campers
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Last updated November 17, 2025
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