Windy Lake Rustic Campground and Backcountry Sites
Windy Lake is an easily accessed, but remote, 456-acre lake near T, Silver Island, and Whitefish Lakes. All provide camping and fishing opportunities.
There is an unmaintained trail from Windy Lake to Co 7, connected to a portage from Co 7 to T Lake. From T Lake, there is a 300 yard portage to Silver Island Lake. There are campsites both at T Lake and Silver Island Lake.
General Information
Dispersed Campground
Windy Lake Rustic Campground offers 1 site accessible by car. On the shore of the lake are an additional 3 backcountry campsites accessible by boat. Each site has a latrine and fire grate.
Winter camping is allowed, but roads are not plowed out, and outhouses may be locked or inaccessible due to snow.
Open 24 hours/day
When visiting, please remember
- Only use facilities that are provided for fires, tents, and waste.
- Do not make additional fire rings, tent pads, or cat holes.
- You will need to pack out your garbage.
- Nine people per site limit, group sites are available at some sites.
No fees are required for this site
Boating
When boating with your dog, follow all Minnesota State boating laws.
- Use care when getting your dog in and out of the boat to ensure their safety.
- Consider both you and your dog wearing a life jacket.
- Provide shade for your pet.
- Remember to bring their food and water as it may be unsafe for them to drink lake water.
Camping
- Keep dogs on a six-foot, or shorter, leash when they are not inside a tent.
- Store dog food in bear-resistant containers and feed your pet away from the campsite.
- Pick up and bag your dog’s waste. Place it in a provided trash receptacle or pack it out.
- Do not leave your dog unattended at any time.
- Keep your dog in your tent at night.
- Ensure that there is ample water available for your pet.
Trail Use
Dogs are allowed on hiking trails, as long as they are kept on a leash. Unleashed dogs can pose a danger to your pet, the natural resources of the area, and other forest visitors.
Wildlife
- Do not allow them to interact with wildlife
Address: 7355 West Hwy 61 Tofte, MN 55615
Phone: (218) 663-8060
Hours: April 28 – September 30, Wednesday - Sunday, 8:00 am to 4:30 pm, providing full services, open federal holidays when they land on a Wednesday through Sunday. Closed for all other federal holidays.
Office Email: SM.FS.Superior_NF@usda.gov
Getting There
Latitude / Longitude
Latitude: 47.74325233
Longitude: -91.08698542
Directions
From Tofte on MN 61:
- At Temperance River State Park, just south of the river, take FR 343 (Temperance River Rd) inland.
- Drive 4.5 miles to a T intersection with FR 166 (The '600' Road).
- Turn left on FR 166 and drive 5 miles to Co 7.
- Turn right on Co 7 then follow Co 7 through several intersections about 9 miles to the intersection with FR 369 (Sawbill Landing Rd). While FR 369 goes straight, you will follow Co 7 to the right. At this point, Co 7 acquires the name Windy Lake Road.
- Stay on Co 7 about 3 more miles to Windy Lake Rustic Campground down a short access road to the right.
Parking
There is parking for 8 vehicles.
Facility and Amenity Information
Restrooms
Restrooms are available at this site.