Superior National Forest Campsite #2169

- Tofte Township, MN 55615

Introduction / Overview

For Minnesotans seeking the authentic, stripped-down experience of the Northwoods without the complexity of a Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) permit, Superior National Forest Campsite #2169 offers a perfect solution. This site is not a bustling, developed campground, but rather a designated, primitive 'backcountry' campsite. These sites are the National Forest’s way of offering a near-wilderness experience, situated on beautiful lakes in the greater Tofte Ranger District area, but outside of the official BWCAW boundaries. Campsite #2169 is a single-party site, meaning you will have the entire setting to yourself, fostering a deep sense of solitude and connection with the natural world.

The site is managed by the Superior National Forest and adheres to strict Leave No Trace principles, ensuring that the natural environment remains pristine. It requires a commitment to self-sufficiency—you pack in everything you need, and you pack out absolutely everything you bring. Campsite #2169 serves as an excellent base for a few nights of quiet relaxation, fishing, paddling, or simply enjoying the star-filled, unpolluted dark skies that are a hallmark of the Minnesota North Shore region. Its primitive nature appeals to experienced local campers who prefer basic, well-maintained wilderness facilities over modern amenities.

Location and Accessibility

Superior National Forest Campsite #2169 is located within the vast Tofte Ranger District of the Superior National Forest. While the administrative address is Tofte Township, MN 55615, USA, the campsite itself is remote and typically accessed via forest roads and a paddle-in route, reflecting its backcountry designation. Based on the common numbering and location of backcountry sites in this district, Campsite #2169 is generally situated on a lake within the network of the Timber-Frear Canoe Route or a nearby connected waterway system in the forests north of Lake Superior.

Accessibility to the site is primarily by paddle or hike-in, ensuring a quiet environment. This site is often reached by driving inland from Highway 61 onto one of the main forest roads, such as the Sawbill Trail (County Highway 2) or the Temperance River Road, and then connecting to smaller, unpaved Forest Roads. Access typically involves a carry-down boat launch (like those on Whitefish or Finger Lakes) and a subsequent paddle/portage. Unlike sites in the BWCAW, motorboats may be permitted on the primary lake, depending on the specific regulations of the lake where Campsite #2169 is situated, though the campsite is still remote enough to offer a genuine wilderness feel. Visitors should always consult a current Superior National Forest map and the Tofte Ranger District for precise, up-to-date directions and the specific lake name associated with the #2169 designation.

Services Offered

The concept of a Superior National Forest backcountry campsite is one of minimal development to maximize the wilderness feel. Campsite #2169 provides essential amenities for contained, low-impact camping. Visitors should note that there are no staffed services, trash collection, or modern conveniences.

• Primitive Wilderness Latrine: A simple, established 'thunderbox' or wilderness latrine is provided a discreet distance from the campsite and water source to ensure proper human waste disposal.

• Steel Fire Grate: A permanent, metal fire ring with a cooking grate is installed to contain campfires safely. Campfires must be confined to this grate.

• Picnic Table: A basic wooden picnic table is typically provided for food preparation and communal dining, offering an unexpected convenience in a backcountry setting.

• Flat Tent Pad Area: The site includes a cleared, relatively flat space specifically designated for pitching tents, designed to minimize impact on the surrounding vegetation.

• Group Size Limits: Adherence to the Superior National Forest backcountry regulation of a maximum of nine people and a limited number of vehicles (if vehicle-accessible) is strictly enforced to preserve the tranquility of the area.

• No Potable Water: Water is not provided. All water collected from the lake or streams must be treated, filtered, or boiled to be considered safe for drinking.

Features / Highlights

Campsite #2169, like all Superior National Forest backcountry sites, provides a unique set of features that make it highly desirable for the self-reliant camper looking for solitude near the North Shore.

• True Backcountry Solitude: Being a single-party, non-reservable, paddle-in/hike-in site, it offers a high degree of privacy, allowing campers to fully immerse themselves in the quiet of the boreal forest.

• Fishing Opportunities: Given its likely location on one of the countless clear lakes in the Tofte District (known for species like Walleye, Northern Pike, and smallmouth bass), the site is an excellent spot for anglers.

• Gateway to Forest Trails: This location often provides access to nearby unmarked or primitive hiking and portage trails, perfect for day trips and exploration of the surrounding forest ecosystem.

• Scenic Lake Access: The site is situated right on the water’s edge, often with a dedicated carry-down access point for a canoe or kayak, providing beautiful waterfront views and direct access to paddling routes.

• Rustic Convenience: The inclusion of a picnic table and fire grate—amenities not guaranteed in true dispersed camping—offers a small but significant comfort level while maintaining a primitive atmosphere.

Contact Information

Campsite #2169 is an unstaffed site with no direct line of communication. All administrative, informational, and safety resources are managed by the local U.S. Forest Service office.

Address (Administrative Office for the region, not the Campsite):

Tofte Ranger District Office

7355 West Hwy 61

Tofte, MN 55615

Phone:

Tofte Ranger District Information and General Inquiries: (218) 663-8060

For Emergency Use: Dial 911 (Be aware that cell service is unreliable in remote forest locations.)

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

Campsite #2169 in the Superior National Forest is perfectly suited for local Minnesotans, offering an accessible route to genuine Northwoods isolation. For residents, this site represents the cherished opportunity to bypass the lengthy, competitive process of securing BWCAW permits, yet still enjoy a comparable level of wilderness solitude. Its location, close to Tofte, makes it a manageable drive for many state residents who frequent the North Shore, allowing for shorter, weekend getaways that feel worlds away from city life.

Locals appreciate the "first-come, first-served" nature of these backcountry sites, which rewards spontaneous planning and local knowledge of when to find an open spot. The primitive nature of Campsite #2169 hones the self-reliance skills often valued by Minnesotans—the ability to safely manage a campfire, properly store food against bears, and purify water from the lake. It is a place to practice stewardship of the state's forests and to fully appreciate the unique natural history of the glacial lakes and boreal landscape, without the crowds found in state parks. Ultimately, Campsite #2169 offers a reliable, low-impact, and uniquely Minnesota way to connect with the wild heart of the state.

Superior National Forest Campsite #2169

Tofte Township, MN 55615, USA