Temperance River Campground

- Sawbill Trail, Tofte, MN 55615

Introduction / Overview: Your Rustic Northwoods Basecamp

For Minnesotans seeking the authentic, quiet isolation of the Northwoods, the Temperance River Campground is a well-kept secret nestled deep within the Superior National Forest (SNF). It is crucial for local users to note that this particular campground, the one located on the Sawbill Trail, is distinct from the more developed Temperance River State Park Campground found directly on Highway 61 near Lake Superior. The Sawbill Trail location offers a more primitive, forest-immersed experience, serving as a peaceful staging area for trips into the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) or as a secluded getaway for tent and RV campers. It embodies the rustic, back-to-nature camping experience that defines the arrowhead region, situated along the scenic bend of the Temperance River itself. This site is managed by the USDA Forest Service in conjunction with a local concessionaire, ensuring a clean, well-maintained, and quiet atmosphere that campers consistently appreciate.

Location and Accessibility: Deep in the Superior National Forest

The Temperance River Campground is strategically positioned approximately 12 miles inland from the Lake Superior shoreline, accessed directly via a scenic route known as the Sawbill Trail (Cook County Highway 2).

Address: Sawbill Trail, Tofte, MN 55615, USA

This location places it far enough from the heavily trafficked Highway 61 to offer genuine solitude, yet it remains conveniently accessible via a generally well-maintained gravel road.

• Route to Site: From the town of Tofte on Highway 61, you turn north onto the Sawbill Trail. The campground entrance is found about 12 miles up the trail on the left-hand side, clearly marked within the national forest boundary.
• Access for Vehicles: The sites are primarily pull-in and can accommodate moderately sized RVs and trailers, although they are not specifically designed for the largest motorhomes. The road is accessible by standard vehicles, though caution should be exercised on the gravel surface.
• Proximity to Outfitters: The campground is positioned near the midway point between Tofte and the famous Sawbill Canoe Outfitters (located 11 miles further north), making it an ideal first or last stop for those entering or exiting the BWCAW.

The remote location ensures that you are truly surrounded by the pine, spruce, and cedar forest, providing the quintessential Minnesota backcountry feel.

Services Offered

The campground operates as a rustic, first-come, first-served facility, designed to provide essential comforts without over-developing the natural setting. It focuses on a simple, clean, and self-sufficient camping experience.

• Campsites: There are a small number of designated campsites (reported as 9 in some data) available. All sites are first-come, first-served, and include a picnic table and fire grate.
• Sanitation: Clean and well-maintained outhouses (vault toilets) are available on-site, a point frequently highlighted positively by past visitors.
• Water Access: Potable water is accessible via water pumps scattered throughout the campground, suitable for drinking and cooking.
• Waste Disposal: Designated dumpsters are provided for trash disposal, which is critical for maintaining a clean environment and managing wildlife.
• Nearby Convenience (Sawbill Outfitters): Although the campground itself is rustic, essential services like showers, laundry, a small grocery store, and convenience items are available for purchase 11 miles further up the Sawbill Trail at the Sawbill Canoe Outfitters.
• Fees: The camping fee is economical, reported to be around $18–$20 per night, reflecting the rustic nature of the site.

Features / Highlights

The true value of the Temperance River Campground lies in its peaceful setting and the unparalleled recreational opportunities afforded by its location within the Superior National Forest.

• Quiet and Clean Ambiance: Customer reviews consistently point to the campground's quiet nature and the cleanliness of the facilities, offering a peaceful retreat away from highway noise. Quiet hours are strictly enforced from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m.
• Bear Country Experience: This is genuine Northwoods bear country. The campground actively provides warnings and guidance on bear safety, requiring food and scented items (including coolers) to be securely stored in a hard-sided vehicle or camper. This is a crucial feature for the safety of both visitors and wildlife.
• Temperance River Access: The campground is located directly on a bend of the Temperance River, which is a designated trout stream. This provides excellent access for anglers interested in fly fishing for Brook, Brown, and Rainbow Trout.
• Gateway to the BWCAW and Trails: Its proximity to the BWCAW entry points and its location on the Sawbill Trail mean it’s perfectly situated for day trips into the wilderness, mountain biking on nearby Forest Service roads, or access to sections of the renowned Superior Hiking Trail (SHT).
• Wildlife Sightings: The secluded forest setting is ideal for watching local wildlife, from the persistent, "cute" chipmunks mentioned by reviewers to various bird species and other forest creatures.

Contact Information

Temperance River Campground is managed by the Superior National Forest in conjunction with a concessionaire. For general inquiries, the Superior National Forest Supervisor's Office is the primary contact.

Address: Sawbill Trail, Tofte, MN 55615, USA (Approximate campground location)

Phone: (218) 626-4300 (Superior National Forest Supervisor's Office, Duluth)

Mobile Phone: +1 218-663-8060 (Tofte Ranger District Office, for more localized inquiries)

Conclusion: Why This Place is Suitable for Locals

For local Minnesotans, the Temperance River Campground on the Sawbill Trail represents the best of the state's federally protected land camping experience. It strikes a perfect balance: offering deep wilderness immersion while remaining easily accessible by vehicle. For those planning a canoeing or kayaking trip, it serves as an indispensable and affordable first-night or last-night stop, minimizing stress before an early start on the BWCAW permits. Crucially, the simple, inexpensive, first-come, first-served nature makes it ideal for spontaneous local adventurers looking to escape the often fully-booked State Parks. Its quiet, river-side setting, combined with necessary rustic amenities and a strong emphasis on bear safety and clean camping, provides a quintessential, low-cost North Shore experience that honors the wild spirit of the Superior National Forest. It's a true, unspoiled retreat for those who cherish the quiet solitude of the Minnesota Arrowhead.

Temperance River Campground

Sawbill Trail, Tofte, MN 55615, USA