Fourmile Lk Rustic Campground & Backcountry Sites

- The Grade, Tofte, MN 55615

Introduction / Overview

Fourmile Lake Rustic Campground & Backcountry Sites, nestled deep within the magnificent Superior National Forest near Tofte, Minnesota, offers a true Northwoods experience that appeals to anglers, rustic camping enthusiasts, and those looking to disconnect from the frantic pace of modern life. Unlike large, developed campgrounds, Fourmile Lake embraces a minimalist, "rustic" style of camping, featuring limited amenities and a highly secluded atmosphere. The location, set on the shores of the 593-acre Fourmile Lake, is a well-known local secret, particularly for its fantastic fishing opportunities.

Managed by the US Forest Service (USFS), this location is categorized as a rustic campground, meaning it typically consists of fewer than ten sites and operates on a first-come, first-served basis, with a nominal fee or often free for primitive forest access, though payment of the necessary forest use fees is required. The appeal lies in its intentional lack of modern hookups—you won't find electricity, treated water, or shower houses here. Instead, campers are rewarded with a beautiful, bog-stained lake setting, mature pines, and direct access to a premier fishing destination. It is a genuine drive-in forest camp that offers both traditional shoreline sites and more secluded boat-in backcountry sites, catering to a range of wilderness preferences.

While the campsite’s rustic nature is a draw for many, its small size and the close proximity of the individual sites mean that adherence to general campground etiquette, particularly quiet hours, is paramount. Visitors should be fully prepared to embrace the "pack-in, pack-out" ethos and to manage their expectations regarding noise levels and service availability in a remote, unsupervised setting.

Location and Accessibility

Fourmile Lake Rustic Campground & Backcountry Sites is located in the Tofte Ranger District of the Superior National Forest, far from major highways, providing an immediate sense of deep-woods immersion.

The access road address is: The Grade, Tofte, MN 55615, USA.

Accessibility is relatively straightforward via forest roads, though the final approach, often referred to as "The Grade," is unpaved and requires careful driving. The remote nature of the location means that the roads can be rough, muddy, or unplowed seasonally. From Tofte, a typical route involves navigating inland onto Forest Road 170 (off the Sawbill Trail), which leads directly to the lake access point. The sites at the campground are considered "drive-in" and are generally suitable for tents and small recreational vehicles (RVs) or trailers, though large rigs may find maneuvering difficult. The lake features a concrete boat ramp and dock, making it highly accessible for trailered fishing boats, a significant advantage for local anglers.

Travelers should note that cell phone service in this remote area is often limited or non-existent, making navigation reliant on printed maps and a charged GPS device. The isolation contributes to the tranquility, but requires careful trip planning and self-sufficiency.

Services Offered

As a rustic US Forest Service campground, the focus is on providing only the most essential facilities to maintain a minimal impact on the environment.

• Campsites: The location features a limited number of car-accessible sites (typically four) and an additional two boat-in backcountry sites situated on the lake's shore. All sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
• Vault Toilets: Pit toilets (outhouses) are provided near the drive-in sites and at the boat access area for sanitation.
• Picnic Tables and Fire Rings: Each designated campsite is equipped with a picnic table and a metal fire ring with a cooking grate for open-flame cooking.
• Boat Launch and Dock: A concrete ramp and a dock are provided for easy motorboat access to the lake, which is a major draw for local fishermen.
• Water Source: No potable (drinking) water is provided. Campers must bring their own water supply or filter/treat water collected from Fourmile Lake.
• Waste Disposal: There is no trash pickup or garbage disposal. Campers must adhere strictly to the "Pack In, Pack Out" principle, meaning all refuse must be carried out with the camper upon departure.

Features / Highlights

The primary attraction of Fourmile Lake Rustic Campground is its unique combination of seclusion and recreational quality, especially for fishing.

• Exceptional Fishing Destination: Fourmile Lake is renowned in the local area for its outstanding fishing. The lake, which is 593 acres and has a maximum depth of 19.5 feet, boasts a high abundance of Walleye, with 'eaters' (averaging 14–15 inches) commonly caught. It is also known for a self-sustaining Black Crappie population, offering 10–12 inchers during good years, and decent-sized Yellow Perch.
• Rich Lake Structure: The "dirty water" (bog-stained) lake is full of structure, including "boulders, reefs, and fallen trees," which provide excellent habitat for fish and a rewarding challenge for skilled anglers using jigs.
• True Rustic Atmosphere: The campground offers a genuine, no-frills wilderness experience. The small number of sites and remote location contribute to the feeling of solitude, appealing directly to those who find developed parks too commercial or crowded.
• Boat-In Backcountry Options: For an even more intense wilderness immersion, two dedicated backcountry campsites are accessible only by boat, offering maximum seclusion and privacy on the lake's shoreline.
• Wild Rice Bay: The presence of a healthy stand of wild rice in the southwest bay attracts waterfowl in the fall, offering unique viewing opportunities for nature lovers.

Contact Information

As part of the Superior National Forest, this rustic campground is managed by the local US Forest Service Ranger District. Since the camp does not have on-site staff, all inquiries should be directed to the Tofte Ranger District office.

Address:

The Grade, Tofte, MN 55615, USA (Campground Location)

Tofte Ranger District (Office)

7355 West Hwy 61

Tofte, MN 55615

Phone:

(218) 663-8060 (Tofte Ranger District Office)

Mobile Phone:

+1 218-663-8060 (Tofte Ranger District Office)

Note on Rules: While the USFS does enforce general quiet hours and generator restrictions (typically 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. in developed USFS campgrounds), campers should be aware of the occasional enforcement challenges in remote locations, as noted in customer reviews. Visitors are encouraged to maintain a respectful, 'Minnesota Nice' neighborly demeanor and to report disturbances to the Tofte Ranger District office or local law enforcement (Lake County Sheriff) if necessary.

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

Fourmile Lake Rustic Campground & Backcountry Sites is an exceptional destination for Minnesotans because it delivers the quintessential "Up North" experience without the long waits or high fees associated with more commercialized parks. For locals who are already proficient in wilderness camping and possess the necessary self-sufficiency, this site is a perfect, low-barrier-to-entry access point to the vast beauty of the Superior National Forest. The key suitability factors are simple: fantastic, reliable fishing for Walleye and Crappie; the opportunity to enjoy true, quiet solitude in a small, remote camp; and the ability to choose between easily accessible drive-in sites or more adventurous boat-in backcountry seclusion.

It offers an honest trade-off: in exchange for giving up modern conveniences like electricity and treated water, you gain the quiet, the darkness, and the abundant wildlife of a place that truly feels removed from the world. For the local angler or the dedicated rustic camper, Fourmile Lake is a genuine piece of Minnesota wilderness waiting to be explored, where the reward of a fresh walleye dinner is well worth the mindful preparation required.

Fourmile Lk Rustic Campground & Backcountry Sites

The Grade, Tofte, MN 55615, USA