Shoepack Lake
00 review7355 West Hwy 61 Tofte, MN 55615
Quick Facts
Price
Free
Booking
First-Come
Sites
1 campsites
Season
Open from April 15 a...
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Allowed
Quick Facts
Price
Free
Booking
First-Come
Sites
1 campsites
Season
Open from April 15 a...
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Allowed
Shoepack Lake
$0.00 - $0.00 / night
Campsite Fees
No fees are explicitly mentioned for accessing the 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
Provider(218) 663-8060SM.FS.Superior_NF@usda.gov
What Campers Say
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Fees & Passes at Shoepack Lake
Free
Campsite fees
Stay Limit: Nine people per site limit.
Cancellation: No explicit reservation or cancellation policy exists as this is a first-come, first-served backcoun...
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 Shoepack Lake
Opening its gates on April 15th each year, Shoe Pack Lake transforms with the seasons. Late spring brings wildflowers and migrating birds, while summer offers warm days perfect for swimming and stargazing. Early fall paints the surrounding forest in brilliant golds and crimsons, creating a photographer's paradise. As winter approaches, the site becomes inaccessible to all but the most experienced cold-weather adventurers, with harsh conditions making camping inadvisable during the frozen months.
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: Peak season is likely summer when Minnesota weather is most favorable for backcountry camping.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
- Operating Season: Open from April 15 annually.
About Shoepack Lake
Nestled deep within the forest, Shoe Pack Lake is a hidden gem spanning 41.77 acres of pristine waters. This intimate backcountry retreat features a single, secluded campsite that promises true wilderness immersion. With 1.42 miles of undeveloped shoreline and depths reaching 22 feet, the lake offers excellent opportunities for paddling and fishing in complete solitude. Your adventure begins with a journey by foot or boat to reach this remote sanctuary, where only essential amenities—a fire grate and latrine—await, ensuring an authentic back-to-nature experience.
Shoe Pack Lake offers a single dispersed camping site suitable for tent camping. There are no group, RV, cabin, or glamping options.
Weather and SeasonsOpening its gates on April 15th each year, Shoe Pack Lake transforms with the seasons. Late spring brings wildflowers and migrating birds, while summer offers warm days perfect for swimming and stargazing. Early fall paints the surrounding forest in brilliant golds and crimsons, creating a photographer's paradise. As winter approaches, the site becomes inaccessible to all but the most experienced cold-weather adventurers, with harsh conditions making camping inadvisable during the frozen months.
ElevationSet within the gently rolling forest terrain characteristic of this region, the campground sits at a comfortable elevation that provides easy access to the water's edge while maintaining scenic views through the towering pines and hardwoods that define this northern landscape.
Natural Features and SceneryShoe Pack Lake epitomizes untouched wilderness, where ancient forests press close to crystal-clear waters and wildlife roams freely. This near-wilderness designation means you're likely to spot deer at dawn, hear loons calling across the water, and perhaps glimpse a moose feeding in the shallows. The heavily wooded surroundings create a natural amphitheater of sound and solitude, while the pristine environment serves as a living reminder of the importance of Leave No Trace principles in preserving these wild spaces for future generations.
Geological RegionLocated within the magnificent Superior National Forest, Shoe Pack Lake showcases the dramatic landscape of northeastern Minnesota. This ancient terrain, sculpted by glaciers and time, features a stunning mosaic of interconnected lakes, exposed granite outcroppings, and dense boreal forests. The rocky shores and clear waters tell the geological story of the Canadian Shield, creating a rugged yet beautiful backdrop for your wilderness adventure.
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Campsite details
AccessibilityThe site is accessible by foot or boat, but specific accessibility features for individuals with disabilities are not mentioned.
Sites SizeThe site is a single-party, near-wilderness site, but specific size details are not provided.
Sites PrivacyThe site is dispersed and single-party, ensuring a high level of privacy for campers.
Total Campsites1 campsites
Recommended CampsitesVisitors may wish to plan trips during favorable weather seasons and ensure all supplies, including water and firewood, are packed in.
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Reserving a campsite
Check-in
- None specified
- first-come, first-served.
Check-out
- None specified
- first-come, first-served.
Stay Limit
Nine people per site limit.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Nine people per site limit.
Groups
Group sites are not available at this dispersed camping location.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutThe site is dispersed camping with minimal facilities. Visitors access via boat or hiking trails.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen from April 15 annually.
Reservation PlatformsNo reservations required; the site is first-come, first-served.
Walk-in AvailabilityThe site is listed as first-come, first-served, available year-round during the open season.
Cancellation PolicyNo explicit reservation or cancellation policy exists as this is a first-come, first-served backcountry site.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
The campground offers activities such as fishing, non-motorized boating, and viewing scenery. It is suitable for campers looking for solitude and wilderness experiences.
Hiking
Dogs are allowed on hiking trails as long as they are leashed. Specific trail details are not provided.Fishing
Fishing is available in the lake, which hosts species such as black crappie, bluegill, brown bullhead, northern pike, pumpkinseed, yellow perch, and white sucker.Boating
Non-motorized boating is supported, with a gravel/dirt boat ramp available for access.Wildlife viewing
The near-wilderness location makes the site ideal for observing wildlife, but no specific species or viewing tips are mentioned.Advertisement
Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires are allowed only in the provided grate; additional fire rings are prohibited.
Hazards
General hazardsPotential hazards include interaction with wildlife, drinking untreated lake water, and risks associated with boating.
Weather at Shoepack Lake
3
°F
Dec 7
Sunday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 68%
Moderately humid conditions
Wind: 9.3 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
Clear sky
Weather History
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Emergency Services
Tofte Ranger District Office during April 28 – September 30, Wednesday - Sunday, 8:00 am to 4:30 pm for assistance. Nearby hospitals and more emergency services details are null.
Good to know
Peak season datesPeak season is likely summer when Minnesota weather is most favorable for backcountry camping.
Trash and recyclingCampers are required to pack out all garbage as no trash or recycling facilities are provided.
Proximity to water featuresLocated directly on Shoe Pack Lake, which is 41.77 acres in size with a maximum depth of 22 feet.
Common complaintsGuests must pack all garbage out, and potable water is unavailable, which could be inconvenient for some visitors.
HostRanger services are available at the Tofte Ranger District office during open hours.
Campground Map
7355 West Hwy 61 Tofte, MN 55615
Driving directionsFrom Sturgeon, head south on MN-73 South for 10 miles, then turn right onto Forest Route 279 for 3.7 miles.
Road access quality is limited as the site is accessible only by foot or boat. These forest roads may be challenging, and visitors should plan accordingly.Nearby places
Tofte, MN - approximately 90 miles
Nearby supplies
Closest supplies are null
users must pack in all essentials including water and food.
Reviews from booking and map sources
0.0
0 reviews
Shoepack Lake has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
There are no user reviews available for this site.
Review Summaries
What Campers Love
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Common Concerns
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Pro Tips & Recommendations
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Seasonal Insights
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Camper Quotes
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Site-Specific Reviews
No user reviews provide insights into specific site experiences.
Accessibility Features
No user reviews address accessibility experiences.
Pet-Friendly Features
No user reviews provide information related to pet policies and experiences.
Camper Reviews by Outdoorithm campers
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Last updated November 17, 2025
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